Patents by Inventor Robert J. Race

Robert J. Race 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).

  • Publication number: 20120279163
    Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 7987646
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wall and surface veneering products and systems that provide a replica image of a natural surface, such as stone, brick or wood, and is easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and securement design. The present invention further includes systems for attachment of the veneering product to walls or other surfaces and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing arrangements and complete wall coverage. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture, which ensures the natural appearance of stone or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or wood, and preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: New Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Race, Paul J. Forsberg, Edward Alan Knudson, John Fitzgerald Dolan, Daryl Pilarski, Joel Forsberg
  • Publication number: 20110182674
    Abstract: The present invention relates to environment resistant landscaping products, such as retaining wall and earth retention products, edgers, paving stones and the like, that provide a natural earthen appearance, such as rock, stone, sand, soil, clay, wood, trees and foliage, water, or any other natural earthen appearance. The present invention also includes a mass confinement cell that may be used in retaining walls and earth retention systems that has a natural earthen appearance and is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment. The mass confinement cells are generally light-weight and include a continuous chamber that at least partially aligns with confinement cells positioned above and below, thereby allowing the intermingling of fill material between adjacent cells. The mass confinement cells are capable of accepting and retaining any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such mass confinement cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: NEW TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward Alan Knudson, John F. Dolan, Robert J. Race, Vishal N. Lokhande, Daniel Darst, Lee Gordon Macklem, Eric Jason Krause
  • Publication number: 20110146175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to landscaping products (e.g. retaining wall building materials, landscaping stones/boulders, pavers . . . ) and wall veneering products that provide a replica image of a natural stone, rock, brick or wood surface. Such landscaping and veneering products are easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and engagable design. The present invention further includes methods of use for such landscaping and veneering products and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing landscaping and wall veneering arrangements. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture of these imaged stone products, which ensures the natural appearance of stone, rock, brick or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or a rock, preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface and applying a coating to the surface of the replica to provide the appearance and texture of the natural stone or rock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Paul J. FORSBERG, Robert J. RACE, John F. DOLAN, Craig S. WYLER, GARRY GEHRKE
  • Publication number: 20110150579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mass confinement cells that may be used in retaining walls and earth retention systems that has a natural earthen appearance or other aesthetic design and is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment. The mass confinement cells are generally light-weight and include a continuous chamber that at least partially aligns with confinement cells positioned above and below, thereby allowing the intermingling of fill material between adjacent cells. The mass confinement cells are capable of accepting and retaining any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such mass confinement cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: NEW TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward Alan Knudson, John F. Dolan, Robert J. Race, Timothy Paul Bendell, Vishal Nanasaheb Lokhande, Daniel Darst, Eric Jason Krause
  • Publication number: 20110107707
    Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 7871223
    Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion to into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 7866923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mass confinement cells that may be used in retaining walls and earth retention systems that has a natural earthen appearance or other aesthetic design and is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment. The mass confinement cells are generally light-weight and include a continuous chamber that at least partially aligns with confinement cells positioned above and below, thereby allowing the intermingling of fill material between adjacent cells. The mass confinement cells are capable of accepting and retaining any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such mass confinement cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: New Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Alan Knudson, John Fitzgerald Dolan, Robert J Race, Timothy Paul Bendell, Vishal Nanasaheb Lokhande, Daniel Darst, Eric Jason Krause
  • Patent number: 7854573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to environment resistant landscaping products, such as retaining wall and earth retention products, edgers, paving stones and the like, that provide a natural earthen appearance, such as rock, stone, sand, soil, clay, wood, trees and foliage, water, or any other natural earthen appearance. The present invention also includes a mass confinement cell that may be used in retaining walls and earth retention systems that has a natural earthen appearance and is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment. The mass confinement cells are generally light-weight and include a continuous chamber that at least partially aligns with confinement cells positioned above and below, thereby allowing the intermingling of fill material between adjacent cells. The mass confinement cells are capable of accepting and retaining any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such mass confinement cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: New Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Alan Knudson, John Fitzgerald Dolan, Robert J Race, Lee Gordon Macklem, Vishal Nanasaheb Lokhande, Daniel Darst, Eric Jason Krause
  • Publication number: 20100095632
    Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion to into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 7654776
    Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Publication number: 20090068406
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wall and surface veneering products and systems that provide a replica image of a natural surface, such as stone, brick or wood, and is easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and securement design. The present invention further includes systems for attachment of the veneering product to walls or other surfaces and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing arrangements and complete wall coverage. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture, which ensures the natural appearance of stone or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or wood, and preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: NEW TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Race, Paul J. Forsberg, Edward Alan Knudson, John F. Dolan, Daryl Pilarski, Joel Forsberg
  • Patent number: 7448830
    Abstract: A retaining wall block (1) has parallel top and bottom faces (2, 3), a front face (4), a rear face (5), first and second side wall faces (6, 7) and a vertical plane of symmetry (S) extending between the front and rear faces (4, 5). The block (1) is formed as a body portion (8) including the front face (4), a head portion (9) including the rear face (5) and a neck portion (10) connecting the body portion (8) and the head portion (9). The body, head and neck portions (8, 9, 10) each extend between the top and bottom faces (2, 3) and between the first and second side wall faces (6, 7). An opening (13)? extends through the neck portion (10) from the top face (2) to the bottom face (3), dividing the neck portion (10) into first and second neck wall members (14, 15) extending rearwardly from the body portion (8) to the head portion (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Publication number: 20080190057
    Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 7168892
    Abstract: A retaining wall block (1) has parallel top and bottom faces (2, 3), a front face (4), a rear face (5), first and second side wall faces (6, 7) and a vertical plane of symmetry (S) extending between the front and rear faces (4, 5). The block (1) is formed as a body portion (8) including the front face (4), a head portion (9) including the rear face (5) and a neck portion (10) connecting the body portion (8) and the head portion (9). The body, head and neck portions (8, 9, 10) each extend between the top and bottom faces (2, 3) and between the first and second side wall faces (6, 7). An opening (13)? extends through the neck portion (10) from the top face (2) to the bottom face (3), dividing the neck portion (10) into first and second neck wall members (14, 15) extending rearwardly from the body portion (8) to the head portion (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 6912823
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. A side connection system is particularly useful for stabilizing free-standing walls. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 6854231
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 6709201
    Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 6615561
    Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided with a core, pin receiving cavities, and pin holes. The pin receiving cavities and pin holes are arranged on the block symmetrically on the block and substantially outside of block corner segments, thus resulting in a stronger block and permitting optimal alignment of the wall block cores when constructing a retaining wall. Retaining walls made using the block have increased strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Publication number: 20030118410
    Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Race