Internal Fastener Larger Than Groove Or Channel Fabric Exit Patents (Class 160/392)
  • Patent number: 11859444
    Abstract: A header assembly and method for installing built-in retractable screens. A header assembly is installed after the structure's framing is completed but before the wall finishes are applied. The header assembly includes opposing end boxes and a header board. The side tracks from the screen unit are installed so that the upper ends open into the bottom of the end boxes. This defines a cavity customized to the selected screen unit. With the header assembly and side tracks in place, the wall surfaces can be applied around them. After the wall surfaces are completed, the screen unit is placed inside the header assembly through an access opening, which is then covered with a cover panel. Thus, the present invention eliminates the need to apply wall finishes around an undefined space, which requires multiple measurements and often results in expensive mistakes in the finished cavity dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: MDM ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. McSparrin
  • Patent number: 11421398
    Abstract: A padding machine for moving along a side of a ditch, scooping up excavated material from the side of the ditch, and sifting the excavated material into padding material for falling in the ditch comprises a frame comprising side frame members and frame rails spaced apart from the side frame members. A screening belt is driven around pulleys supported by the frame. The screening belt comprises a screen for collecting and conveying the excavated material upwardly. The screen comprises apertures for sifting the excavated material into padding material by permitting the padding material to fall through the apertures of the screen. The screen runs over the frame rails which support the screen. A discharge conveyor is mounted to the frame beneath an upper run of the screening belt. The discharge conveyor receives the padding material passing through the screen and discharges the padding material into the ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ESI PIPELINE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Dunstan, Chris Argue, David Jakus, Larry Owens, Rob Khaler, Matthew Walz, Reece Grywul
  • Patent number: 11197550
    Abstract: A connector comprises a body, a first connection part, and a second connection part. The first connection part and the second connection part are respectively disposed at two adjacent side surfaces of the body of the connector. The first connection part and a horizontal rod are engaged, the second connection part and a vertical rod are engaged, to form a detachable connection between the horizontal rod and the vertical rod with the connector. Without dealing with an over edging operation of a boundary and a corner of the frame, the rattan pieces are directly connected to the horizontal rod or the vertical rod, to perform the weaving of the chair back, which greatly reduces the difficulty of weaving. The first side surface is a step shaped surface, which reduces the difficulty of the engaged connection between the first connection part and the horizontal rod. The connector is a one-piece structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Zhejiang Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Zheng, Jianqiang Xie
  • Patent number: 11180951
    Abstract: An improved bottom rail for an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The bottom rail includes one or more channels. In use, a first channel may receive a bottom edge of the covering while a weight channel receives a weighted, longitudinal rod therein. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the bottom rail may include pucks for retaining the weighted, longitudinal rod within the weight channel. In use, the pucks are rotatable from a first unlocked position to a second locked position. In the first position, the pucks are slidably positionable along an outer surface of the longitudinal rod. In the second position, the pucks contact the longitudinal rod to thereby exert an additional downward force onto the longitudinal rod so that the longitudinal rod is retained within the weight channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: David B. McNeill, Nicholas E. Vanderkolk
  • Patent number: 11008805
    Abstract: A screen panel is provided. The screen panel can have a screen frame and a screen mesh positioned over the frame. The screen mesh can be attached to the frame with hooks that can be selectively insertable and removable from the frame. The screen mesh can be attached to a portion of the frame and rolled around itself for shipping, and unrolled and attached to the remainder of the frame for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: PGT Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth John Vander Bent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10843454
    Abstract: A fabric mesh panel having a print area and a perimeter mesh area, the perimeter mesh area having folded-back edge portions which are adhesively attached to a remainder of the perimeter mesh area. The folded-back edge portions have stress relieving cuts extending from a termination edge back toward edge pockets defined by the mesh edge portions. Continuous adhesive strips extend around the fabric mesh panel on the top and bottom surfaces of the mesh panel, overlapping the termination edge of the folded back edge portion on the top surface of the mesh panel and in approximate registry therewith on the bottom surface of the mesh panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: JSMD Key Products, LLC
    Inventor: James D. Larson
  • Patent number: 10689858
    Abstract: A device for attaching at least one cloth for producing a tensioned-cloth false partition, comprising a first profiled member forming a profiled rail comprising at least one reception groove, the reception groove being delimited by at least two lateral walls, and at least one second profiled member able to be fitted removably in the reception groove of the first profiled member, having a cross section in the form of a U or V, one of the arms of the U or V shape comprising at least one deformable longitudinal projection arranged so as to come into abutment against a wall disposed opposite the arm carrying the deformable projection when the second profiled member is in place in the reception groove of the first profiled member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Scherrer, Mark Pinchot
  • Patent number: 10562460
    Abstract: This disclosure details accessory rail systems for securing various accessory devices to vehicles that are equipped with either standard roofs or roofs with one or more roof openings. An exemplary accessory rail system includes an accessory rail that is configured to simultaneously mount one or more interior accessories and/or one or more exterior accessories relative to the vehicle. A trim piece may be secured to the accessory rail, and an airbag curtain may be secured to either the accessory rail, the trim piece, or a roof frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Alan Forgette, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, Robert Ralph Armitage, Anna Miller Hill, Michael Timothy Feiten
  • Patent number: 10260280
    Abstract: A shade channel system and method of use to provide interchangeability of use with a zippered shade and a regular or blackout shade, together with improved efficiency of installation. A guide channel accepts a shade and is configured with a tensioning mechanism to allow the guide channel to be retained at varying depths within a base channel. The system is suitable for providing polished, uniform looks throughout a room and allowing for use of standard-sized shades by allowing the guide channel to be placed at an adjustable depth within a base channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Xi Ming Liarno, Eugene Miroshnichenko
  • Patent number: 10260279
    Abstract: Included are: a screen member 33: a fitter member 35 attached to a side end 33a of the screen member 33; a rail member 91 having a first chamber 91a and a first slit 91b joining the first chamber 91a, the first chamber 91a accommodating the side end 33a of the screen member 33 and the fitter member 35 passing through the first slit 91b to thereby allow the rail member 91 to hold the screen member 33 movably in a longitudinal direction of the first slit 91b; and a retainer 93 for retaining the rail member 91. The rail member 91 is compressively deformed in the width direction of the first slit 91b by the retainer 93, and the width of the first slit of the compressively deformed rail member 91 is narrower than the thickness T1 of the fitter member 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: HAYASHIGUCHI MFG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakae, Norio Hayashiguchi
  • Patent number: 10253563
    Abstract: A shade channel system and method provide interchangeability of use with a zippered shade and a regular or blackout shade, together with improved efficiency of installation. A guide channel accepts a shade and is configured with a tensioning mechanism to allow the guide channel to be retained at varying depths within a base channel. The system is suitable for providing polished, uniform looks throughout a room and allowing for use of standard-sized shades by allowing the guide channel to be placed at an adjustable depth within a base channel. Existing channels may be utilized, or new base channels may be coupled to existing mullions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Xi Ming Liarno, Eugene Miroshnichenko
  • Patent number: 10056016
    Abstract: A transportable sign for temporary advertising is provided comprising a display portion configured to carry a flexible display medium (10) to display an image, wherein the display portion comprises a frame (9) at least partly surrounding the display portion and having sets of adjacent first and second grooves (35, 37) around the display portion, the second groove (37) being outward from the first groove (35) relative to the display portion, the first groove having opposing first groove walls (35A, 35B). The sign further comprises a clamp (39) having a clamp body (41) to be received in the first groove (35) and having a flange (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: TROTTER PROPERTIES B.V.
    Inventor: Michaël Truijen
  • Patent number: 9932765
    Abstract: Compound fenestration assembly mull joints, compound fenestration assemblies using those mull joints, and methods of making and using the same are described herein. The mull joints in compound fenestration assemblies as described herein use universal joining strips to form both sides of a mull joint, as well as other universal components such as, e.g., corner gussets, locator plates, end plugs, seal members, etc. that may be used as needed to form mull joints as required in a compound fenestration assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ANDERSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kelley, Duane Fier, Jeremiah Boe, Jon Dekko
  • Patent number: 9715842
    Abstract: A media frame assembly for displaying a sheet of media against a mounting surface comprising a base plate and a cover plate. The base plate has multiple features so as to minimize contact with the mounting surface, space for rivet nuts, adhesive strip to secure media prior to mating with cover plate, and a channel and groove to mate with legs and protrusion from cover plate. The cover plate has multiple features so as to mate with base plate, simplify installation, and legs and protrusion to mate with channel and groove located in the base plate. The channel and groove located in the base plate operate in conjunction with legs and protrusion in cover plate to provide some tensioning of the media when the cover plate is mated to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Bret Mileski
  • Patent number: 9631957
    Abstract: A movement system includes a drive having a drive shaft, a mechanism that converts an alteration to a rotational angle of the drive shaft into an alteration to an object position, and a rotational angle sensor for detecting the alteration to the rotational angle. The movement system includes a reference sensor for emitting a reference signal when the object enters a predetermined reference volume, and a controller communicating with the rotational angle sensor and the reference sensor. The controller is configured for determining a total rotational angle from alterations to the rotational angle detected according to the reference signal and for activating the drive for rotating the drive shaft by a reference rotational angle determined as a function of a predetermined reference positional value and the total rotational angle. The movement system also includes a calibration sensor for emitting a calibration signal when the object enters a predetermined calibration volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Matthias Müller
  • Patent number: 9427952
    Abstract: A predimensioned rectangular screen for silk screening having the edges folded back on the main body, forming pockets along each edge for receiving tensioning rods to secure the screen to the frame. The edges are secured to the main body with a bonding material which also forms a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: James D Larson
  • Patent number: 9370247
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, methods of providing web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, web-strapped furniture, and methods of web-strapping furniture. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an exemplary strap assembly of material for furniture upholstery comprising at least one fastener fastened into each end of the strap such that a tail end of each fastener is secured from extraction from the strap. In one exemplary strap assembly embodiment, fasteners would be fastened in each corner of each end of a strap so that a tail end of each fastener would be secured from extraction from the strap. Other exemplary embodiments would provide an exemplary article of furniture and methods of making an exemplary article of furniture, comprising said strap assemblies installed to span a space between opposing chair rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: John W. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9157271
    Abstract: A dual composition spline for screen framing adds a stabilizing top plate to a round spline body for improved ease of installation using a wide flat roller. The plate is generally rectangular and is made of a relatively high Durometer material, which makes it much harder than the usual material used in screening splines. The holding portion (body) is more like a typical round spline with a relatively low Durometer material which is resilient to hold the screen in a frame channel. The plate and body are connected lengthwise to make a unitary spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Burton, Fastener Distributing LLC
    Inventor: Lance Burton
  • Publication number: 20140209258
    Abstract: A system for tightening panels between two fixed structural members. The system includes a mechanism which can selectively loosen or tighten the panels between the structural members. The system can also include flaps to conceal any gaps between the panels as well as conceal certain structural elements. A series of these systems can be used to create a covering for a frame made of a plurality of fixed structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Hawkeye Steel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Reed WENSTRAND
  • Patent number: 8550565
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, methods of providing web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, web-strapped furniture, and methods of web-strapping furniture. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an exemplary strap assembly of material for furniture upholstery comprising at least one fastener fastened into each end of the strap such that a tail end of each fastener is secured from extraction from the strap. In one exemplary strap assembly embodiment, fasteners would be fastened in each corner of each end of a strap so that a tail end of each fastener would be secured from extraction from the strap. Other exemplary embodiments would provide an exemplary article of furniture and methods of making an exemplary article of furniture, comprising said strap assemblies installed to span a space between opposing chair rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: John W. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8490672
    Abstract: A device for fastening an awning fabric to a winding roller with a welt rail comprises two claw elements swingable against each other, which are transferable into a beyond-dead-center position for the fastening device to snap into and become jammed in the welt rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schmitz-Werke GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Dieckmann
  • Patent number: 8365805
    Abstract: A spline apparatus is provided which includes a spline section and a spline channel cover section. The spline apparatus includes an intermediate section that is intermediate and joined to the spline section and a spline channel cover section. A frame member is also provided that can be used with the aforesaid spline apparatus. A center divider is also provided which can be used with the aforesaid frame member and spline apparatus to form a complete main frame assembly that can retain a screen insert and/or glazed insert. An “R” channel member is also provided for use with the aforesaid frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Caruso
  • Publication number: 20120132378
    Abstract: A spline apparatus is provided which includes a spline section and a spline channel cover section. The spline apparatus includes an intermediate section that is intermediate and joined to the spline section and a spline channel cover section. A frame member is also provided that can be used with the aforesaid spline apparatus. A center divider is also provided which can be used with the aforesaid frame member and spline apparatus to form a complete main frame assembly that can retain a screen insert and/or glazed insert. An “R” channel member is also provided for use with the aforesaid frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Caruso
  • Patent number: 8146647
    Abstract: A frame has a circumferential slot and a circumferential chamber. Each of a plurality of similarly configured clips has a base and a leg. A screen has an attachment region through the slot and within the chamber. The leg of each clip is in contact with the attachment region of the screen. An elongated flexible spline is located within the chamber in contact with the attachment region of the screen. The clip is adapted to hold the screen in position with respect to the frame until the spline is inserted into the chamber in contact with the attachment region of the screen for securement purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Brian G. Hughes, Brian E. Jones
  • Patent number: 8056602
    Abstract: A retainer strip assembly for securing screening and screen covering and the like to a framing member comprises a base strip, cover strip and cap strip fastened to the framing member, the cap strip covering the base strip and holding in place the screening and screen covering, and the cover strip contained within the base strip for avoiding the tearing or fraying of screen covers when the cap strip is placed on or removed from the base strip while installing or removing screen covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Marhaygue, LLC
    Inventor: Guerry E. Green
  • Patent number: 7938163
    Abstract: A spline apparatus is provided which includes a spline section and a spline channel cover section. The spline apparatus includes an intermediate section that is intermediate and joined to the spline section and a spline channel cover section. A frame member is also provided that can be used with the aforesaid spline apparatus. A center divider is also provided which can be used with the aforesaid frame member and spline apparatus to form a complete main frame assembly that can retain a screen insert and/or glazed insert. An “R” channel member is also provided for use with the aforesaid frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Caruso
  • Patent number: 7644749
    Abstract: A system is provided for the holding of a membrane in tension, that system having: a frame; a plurality of frame members with longitudinal anchoring channels, the channels having first and second channel flanges. Also provided is a retention strip disposed upon at least a part of the periphery of the membrane, wherein the retention strip engages the first and second channel flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew Rawdon, Jeffrey G Willis
  • Patent number: 7614439
    Abstract: A roller tube has a tubular wall and a longitudinal axis. A channel runs longitudinally in an exterior surface of the tubular wall and is configured to receive an attachment insert for sheet material such as a solar shade, movie screen, decorative shade or the like. The channel has first and second side walls that extend from an interior portion of the tubular wall toward the exterior surface. The second side wall extends further away from the longitudinal axis of the roller tube than the first side wall. This creates a lip in the exterior surface of the roller tube, enabling the attachment insert to be mounted flush with the exterior surface of the roller tube and avoiding any bumps from being formed in the sheet material as it is wound around the tube. The tube wall varies in thickness and has a relatively thick section to accommodate the channel being formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen Lukos
  • Patent number: 7607268
    Abstract: A false wall includes a stretched piece of fabric held on the periphery thereof by an edge attachable to ribbands fixed to the ceiling or walls of a building. The ribbands include a holding arrangement having two interspaced parallel wings, namely a first external large wing and a second, lower, internal wing that ends in a shoulder extending towards the first wing and ending at a distance there from that enables the edge to be guided through, to rest on the shoulder. The ribband includes a base and two holding arrangements provided with inclined wings that converge towards each other and the space between the ends thereof is such that the distance between the end of a large wing and the plane of the large wing of the holding arrangement opposite is equal to the distance separating the shoulder of the holding arrangement from the large wing associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Scherrer, Jean-Paul Scherrer
  • Patent number: 7481495
    Abstract: A method and system for mounting wicker fibers onto furniture frame members; the system involves a flexible securing rod and at least one frame member with a channel configured to retain the securing rod. The frame member provides at least one channel access point along the channel that enables the securing rod to be inserted fully into the channel and further to enable a portion of the securing rod to be manipulated to expose a portion of the securing rod so that a wicker fiber can be looped around the securing rod. The exposed portion of the flexible securing rod may then be re-inserted into the channel. Thus, in application a frame member may be incorporated into a furniture frame in a complementary configuration permitting the wicker fibers to be woven. The wicker may be looped about securing rods located in complementary frame members so as to create a sling mounted wicker panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Agio International Company, Limited
    Inventor: Oliver Wang
  • Patent number: 7438115
    Abstract: A system for attaching a shade material to a roller having recesses in its surface includes inserting portions of the shade material into an associated elongated recess and retaining the material in the recess with an attachment member having peaks and valleys along its length for intermittent engagement with the material within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Jörg Bohlen
  • Patent number: 7251917
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing fabric relative to a framework comprising a framework, a groove in the framework, and a locking spline for being received into the groove in the framework whereby a fabric panel can be retained relative to the framework by an insertion of the locking spline into the groove with a portion of the fabric panel disposed between the locking spline and the groove. The framework can have an obverse side, a peripheral edge, and a reverse side and the groove can be disposed to the reverse side of the framework whereby the fabric panel can be applied to the framework with a portion of the fabric panel retained within the groove and with the fabric panel reversing over the peripheral edge of the framework and traversing at least a portion of the framework. A secondary groove can enable a retention of a secondary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Patent number: 7111662
    Abstract: A roller tube including a body having a tube wall that defines an interior and an exterior. The body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A surface feature is formed in the tube wall proximate the exterior. The surface feature is configured to receive a sheet material and is configured to deformably fix the sheet material to the tube wall. The surface feature maintains a circular profile in the tube wall proximate the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen Lukos
  • Patent number: 7063124
    Abstract: An insert having a peripheral contact surface is received by a roller tube channel to engage a shade fabric. The insert is adjustable to compress the shade fabric within the channel. The insert may include a body having opposite side edges and at least one elongated slot. The insert member may include pivotable prongs or deflectable slot walls adjacent the slots. Pivoting of the prongs or deflection of the slot walls urges the body toward a channel side wall to compress the shade fabric. The insert may, alternatively, include a body having diametrically opposite portions respectively defining a curved outer periphery and a planar outer periphery, the body being wider between the curved portions. The insert is pivotable about an axis to grip the shade fabric between a channel side wall and one of the curved portions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Walker, Michael S. Kokolus
  • Patent number: 6959518
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rail section for false stretched fabric partitions, said section (3) comprising at least a groove (10) defined by two lateral walls (5, 7) and a base wall (6), said groove (10) being designed to contain at least an edge of the stretched fabric (1) after it has been mounted into the rail (3), said section being in one single piece and comprising a joint (12) for retaining the edge of the stretched fabric (1) in said groove (10), said joint (12) being made of a material having a flexibility different from that of the material constituting the walls (5, 6, 7) of said groove (10). The invention also concerns false stretched fabric partitions, such as false ceilings or false walls, said fabrics being stretched in a frame obtained by assembling such sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Newmat S.A.
    Inventor: Etienne Cousin
  • Patent number: 6880297
    Abstract: A modular system for assembling a storage unit is provided which includes a plurality of panels and different connectors. The system allows for subdividing spaces which may feature walls, floors, ceilings, etc. at varying angles or in areas having irregular contours. Additionally, the connectors are simple recesses and protrusions which allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Robert M. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6802357
    Abstract: This invention in one aspect relates to a security screen assembly 30 including a frame assembly including a plurality of frame members 32 which are assembled in such a manner that they define an opening which is closed by a sheet of a mesh like material a sheet 14. The assembly 30 further includes two opposing gripping members adapted to grip an edge portion of the sheet of mesh like material 14 and wherein at least one of the frame members 32 includes a channel shaped recess which is adapted to receive the two opposing gripping members, the channel shaped recess having an opening which does not permit the two opposing gripping members to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Security Inventions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Syme Taylor, Andrew Craig Edlin
  • Patent number: 6755004
    Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: American Pre-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas Power, Jr., Carol Power
  • Patent number: 6701586
    Abstract: A sheet gripping assembly comprises an elongate member having a side defining inwardly extending wall portions defining confronting channels, and a gripping member of generally zigzag configuration manually manipulable to engage into said confronting channels to secure sheet material between the elongate members and the gripping member. The elongate member may have an elongated slot for positioning therealong a threaded fastener to secure the elongate member to a second structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: John L. Conley, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Conley, Howard L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6385941
    Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: America Pre-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas Power, Jr., Carol Power
  • Patent number: 6314684
    Abstract: The present invention provides the incorporation of a sheet locking device, a small gutter, and a mesh attachment device in a single unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a device for active multi-locking of sheets and surfaces made of plastic, nylon, paper, similar sheets, or thin surfaces is provided. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a right angled shape serves as an angle for the frame of the structure to which the device is attached. Further, the present invention also incorporates the use of a small gutter that can collect and drain water vapor that may accumulate on the roof of a hothouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Itzik Aviram
  • Patent number: 6148488
    Abstract: A clip for the purpose of fastening plastic, tarpaulins, fabric or other flexible-sheet goods to any kind of structure, appurtenance to a structure or vehicle or other construct or object, where the framing of such structure, appurtenance, or object consists of pipe, rod, or other tubular component which is most commonly round in cross-section and of metal or plastic, but other configurations and compositions are also possible. The clip allows a firm and solid connection of the flexible-sheet goods to the tubular components, in a manner which does not damage the flexible-sheet goods, and is removable and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Rick Alan Gristock
  • Patent number: 6098692
    Abstract: In an awning, such as a joint-arm awning or winter-garden awning, including an awning fabric to be furled which is fixed in at least one piping groove on a drop-out pipe with a view to obtaining balanced stretching and avoiding the lateral seams from sagging, a deflection arrangement is disposed in vicinity to where the awning fabric is fixed, increasing or reducing the free length of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Schmitz-Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Martin Dieckmann
  • Patent number: 6003282
    Abstract: A movable safety barrier for use in constructing a roof structure having purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The barrier extends laterally across a plurality of the purlins. The barrier is mounted for movement along the length of the purlins as the roof structure is constructed. The barrier includes a plurality of runner portions positioned above the purlins. The barrier further includes a plurality of support portions extending between adjacent runner portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inx.
    Inventors: Robert J. Alderman, James E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5953875
    Abstract: A slide-in building insulation system wherein a plurality of slide tracks are secured in spaced parallel relation to a plurality of secondary structural members which are extended longitudinally between oppositely situated primary structural members of the building roof structure and/or walls. An elongated suspension sheet, including a flexible fabric extended between thicker guide strips along each edge thereof, is slide-fit into place with the guide strips being received within and advanced through the slide tracks so that the suspension sheet covers the space between adjacent slide tracks. An edge suspension sheet covers the space between a primary structural member and an adjacent slide track, each edge suspension sheet having a guide strip along only one side edge thereof and an opposite side edge adapted to be secured to the primary structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel J. Harkins
  • Patent number: 5944085
    Abstract: A retractable awning is provided with a multiple position pivot support adapted for mounting the awning in different installations. A flange of a mounting bracket fits in one of several slots in the support according to a wall and awning rail structure. A roller is provided with a notch into which is wedged a rope in a hem pocket of the awning. The notch retains the rope and holds the awning taut. Rafter arms a pivotably attached to slides held in slideways on external faces of support arms. A stop and latch mechanism hold the rafter in an extended position so that pivoting of the support arms does not change tension of the awning. An improved roller lock uses a pair of pawls engaging a gear. A spring biases the lock to either of two engaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale G. Malott
  • Patent number: 5906062
    Abstract: A needlepoint fabric mount includes two fabric support bars and two parallel side rails for supporting the bars in spaced position to hold the sheet of fabric in taut condition between the bars. Each bar holds the fabric by an elongate longitudinal slot with an elongate rigid locking bar inserted into the slot and for locating the strip therein. The bar and the slot are shaped such that the bar can be loosely inserted into the slot through the open mouth on top of the strip and such that tension in the fabric from one side of the transverse member pulls one side of the bar member into engagement with an adjacent slot side to pinch the fabric between the bar and the slot side. The bar is triangular in cross-section and the slot side is inclined from the surface of the transverse member at an angle greater than ninety degrees. The side rails and the bars are rectangular in cross-section defining a side containing the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Frederick A. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5906078
    Abstract: A clean environment enclosure assembly (10) fabricated of a framework comprising a plurality of struts (18, 118, 218) with a plastic sheet (20) suspended between the struts (18, 118, 218) to define an enclosed space (12). A cap (22, 122, 222) is secured to and extends longitudinally along each of the struts (18, 118, 218), the cap (22, 122, 222) presenting a generally planar outer surface (24, 124, 224) and a groove (26, 126, 226) extending longitudinally there along. The sheet (20) is disposed in the groove (26, 126, 226) and overlays the planar surface (24, 124, 224) of the cap (22, 122, 222). A retainer strip (28, 128, 228) is retained in the groove (26, 126, 226) to sandwich the sheet (20) in the groove (26, 126, 226).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation
    Inventor: George O. Cramer
  • Patent number: 5855235
    Abstract: A retractable window covering panel including spaced apart parallel sheets of flexible fabric with vanes adhesively secured therebetween. The covering includes a roller or head rail with a wrinkle and buckle compensating structure such as longitudinal lobes or ribs to prevent creasing, wrinkling, or buckling of the window covering when rolled up. The head rail has means for attaching the window covering to insure proper alignment of the window covering. A bottom rail is secured to one or both sheets. An anti-skew device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Terry Lee Akins
  • Patent number: 5836655
    Abstract: The strap retainer assembly comprises an anchor and insert wherein in the anchor is permanently secured to the frame of the furniture. The anchor has an opening large enough to accept the insert, yet be positioned such that when the insert is pulled laterally, it is retained by the anchor. The insert comprises a strap having opposed ends; each end is looped and secured by a clip. The clip is the portion of the insert placed into the opening of the anchor hereinabove mentioned. On furniture, the frame is fitted with opposing anchors. The insert is heated resulting in a pliable strap. Each clip of the insert is placed in the opposing anchors. When the strap medium cools, it shrinks causing a taught horizontal fit, thus bridging the furniture frame. The number of inserts placed within the anchors on furniture is dependent upon the sizing (width) of the inserts and the overall length of the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Miami Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Laufer