With Separate Interlocking Member Patents (Class 404/40)
  • Patent number: 7364383
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ground flooring device, system and method which includes connectable slats or panels having connection means which allow a series of slats to be quickly assembled, rolled up for storage or transport, and unrolled for deployment. The connection means can comprise specially adapted hinge members provided on the edges of the panels for flexible, yet secure attachment. The slats can be secured in a series, and a series of slats can be secured in multiple rows to create a solid, manipulable floor readily deployable on ground areas of virtually any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ground Floor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward W. Bindon
  • Patent number: 7303800
    Abstract: An mat system with each mat having sloping lips which overlap with an adjacent mat's sloping lips and are secured by interlocking joints in the mats' lips and/or by captive locking pins to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface. In use, opposing ledges forms a slot within holes in the top overlapping lips to receive a captive locking pin. The pin is captive by mid body prongs which fix underneath the ledges in a mat's upper lip's holes, and the pin locks and unlocks with rotary turning of the pin resulting in the pin's keeper feet fixing underneath the similar ledges in the holes of the lower lip of an adjacent mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: D. Scott Rogers
  • Patent number: 7001101
    Abstract: Interlocking paver system for the use of constructing sidewalks, pathways and decks being formed from a light weight material for easy handling. Joined together by a plastic spline with gripping teeth, which when placed in spline receiver slots on sides of paver, which has a protruding upper edge that surrounds the entire perimeter allowing the pavers to tilt up or down, which allows the pavers to be placed on uneven or unlevel surfaces and prevents pavers from separating and from moving side to side, back and forth, and from settling downward and lifting upward which establishes a stable walking surface that is easy to install or assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Phillip DeRose
  • Patent number: 6962462
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6899489
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated warped pavement slab and a forming system for making the slabs. The forming system includes a plurality of forming sections which can be adjusted so as to form a warped-plane pavement slab. Also disclosed are methods for making the pavement slab and forming system. Also disclosed is a method for installing the warped pavement slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fort Miller Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6739797
    Abstract: A block (11) formed with a mold (10) integral thereto. The mold (10) is constructed as a mold top half (12) and a mold bottom half (14) and filled in situ with cement (16). The mold halves (12,14) are constructed with respective socket and channel structures (24, 20) to capture an enlarged end (38) of a connector (34) for interlocking one block to a neighboring block. The resulting block (11) constitutes a one-piece block that can be formed at the installation site using the two-part mold (10). The interlocked blocks are prevented from removal when moved in either lateral direction, or in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6718588
    Abstract: For facilitating the passage of wheelchair users over door thresholds it is known to lay out ramp elements across the threshold, this however being an expensive solution even implying that the door cannot be closed. The invention provides for a ramp set suited to be laid out at both sides of the threshold so as to leave the top side thereof uncovered, whereby the door can still be opened and closed. The ramp construction is modular based on the use of light, joinable plastic tile elements of ordinary shape and wedge shape, respectively, and this makes it possible to build up non-costly, tailored ramp constructions in more general, with an associated possibility of reusing the tile elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Excellent Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ole Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 6709192
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6688808
    Abstract: A prefabricated cement concrete slab for road pavement by which rapid and convenient construction and repair and maintenance can be achieved and which is durable and cost effective. Prefabricated cement concrete slab units each being a size adapted to the width of a roadway can be easily transported to a construction site by means of a lifting equipment installed on each slab unit. Also, a connection equipment is installed for fixedly connecting the respective slab units without being moved with respect to each other or the ground. Watertight members for preventing infiltration of water into the ground are installed between neighboring slab units connected continuously. Therefore, the road pavement using the cement concrete slab units can be easily repaired and maintained in a cost-effective way. Also, the appearance of the road can be improved and an even road surface can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Hee Jang Lee
  • Patent number: 6663315
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6662508
    Abstract: A cover assembly for temporarily covering areas such as an ice rink, to support people or other items thereon. The assembly comprises a number of components (10) which can be engaged with other such components (10) placed adjacent thereto-on the surface to be covered. The components include upper and lower parts (12, 16) with a gap (20) being provided between such parts to provide insulation from the underlying area. Adjacent components (10) are retained together by locking means (22) which are provided on two adjacent sides of each component (10). and are selectively engageable in recesses (32) on adjacent components (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Terraplas PLC.
    Inventor: Robert Arthur Else
  • Patent number: 6652184
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide a temporary road way with minimal damage to the ground surface beneath the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent sections held together by a retainer. Each section comprises a front and back face. The front face of a section mates with the back face of an adjacent section to form an interface at a non-perpendicular angle to the direction of travel. An interlock is also provided whereby each section provides vertical support to each adjacent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Knafelc, Lloyd Knafelc
  • Patent number: 6640513
    Abstract: A combination floor structure includes multiple main boards, and multiple connecting boards. Each of the main boards is a rectangular plate, and has four corners each formed with a recessed portion which has a central position protruded with a locking lug which has a center formed with a locking recess. Each of the connecting boards has an outer periphery formed with multiple connecting recesses each of which may allow insertion of the locking lug of the main board, so as to lock and position the locking lug of the main board. Each of the connecting recesses has a center protruded with a connecting lug that may be inserted into and locked in the locking recess of the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Chung Ku
  • Patent number: 6607329
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6579038
    Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth L. McAllister, Kenny W. McCoy, Derek W. Dice
  • Publication number: 20030108388
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated warped pavement slab and a forming system for making the slabs. The forming system includes a plurality of forming sections which can be adjusted so as to form a warped-plane pavement slab. Also disclosed are methods for making the pavement slab and forming system. Also disclosed is a method for installing the warped pavement slab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6457912
    Abstract: A foundation and a method for constructing the foundation are provided using recycled automotive tires. A portion of the respective side walls of the tires are formed into flat annular members. The annular members are laid out on the ground in an overlapping arrangement to form a continuous substrate layer. The substrate layer is covered with an aggregate material for forming the foundation. The substrate layer prevents the aggregate material from penetrating into the soil while permitting drainage therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ashley Leibl
  • Publication number: 20010033770
    Abstract: The invention relates to pavement material for traffic areas which consists of artificial stone material. Said pavement material is characterized in that it comprises normal pavement elements and symbol-carrying pavement elements. It is furthermore characterized in that when a spatially coherent group of symbol pavement elements is viewed the symbol pavement elements of said group are arranged so as to have the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20010018006
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: The Fort Miller Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6250845
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in erosion control comprising a primary member and a secondary member pivotally connectable to the primary member to form a unit. The unit can be connected to another like unit to form a protective network of such units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Gary Deaton, Brian T. Baumgartner, Frank Baker
  • Patent number: 6115983
    Abstract: A block assembly and wall system wherein a block of masonry, or other material is provided with a vertical through opening having an enlarged and offset lower portion and a smaller upper portion. An interlock element has an enlarged offset upper portion and a smaller lower portion to provide for insertion of the latter into the upper portion of a block opening. The upper portion of the element is entered into the lower portion of an adjacent block placed atop the first block. The blocks are thus secured in position horizontally and, alternatively, the blocks may be secured vertically or in a "battered" wall construction. That is, with the connecting elements in a first attitude, a conventional vertical wall is provided whereas a 180.degree. (one hundred eighty degrees) rotation of the elements about their vertical axis results in a "battered" wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: E. P. Henry Corporation
    Inventor: John Poignard
  • Patent number: 6071041
    Abstract: A block for use in a revetment system comprising a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. The block has a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second opposed side surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces, and third and fourth opposed side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces and the first and second side surfaces. The first and second opposing side surfaces have a mating recess and projection, such that a recess on a first side surface mates with a projection on a second side surface of an adjacent block in a revetment system. On each of the third and fourth sides is a channel and two interlocking tips disposed on either side of the channel. The interlocking tips of a third or fourth side of one block are adapted to fit into the channel of the third or fourth side of another block. The channel is configured so that there is the possibility of lateral movement when the blocks are configured into a mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Petratech, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Knight
  • Patent number: 5993107
    Abstract: A paver block edging system is described for positioning a row of edge blocks over a support surface. The edging system includes an elongated channel including a floor formed to receive and support a paver block. A connector is provided on the channel to be releasably received over a bendable member that is not part of the system. The connector releasably secures the channel to the bendable member and angularly orients the channel relative to the bendable member. The bendable member may thus be used to determine a line along which a number of the channels are oriented to receive paver blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Kirk W. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5988942
    Abstract: The erosion control system includes a plurality of erosion control blocks connected to one another by connectors to form an interconnected network of erosion control blocks conforming to the underlying terrain for erosion prevention. Each erosion control block includes a plurality of apertures therethrough each forming a side wall. The connector includes a pair of projecting legs for insertion into adjacent erosion control blocks. Each leg attachingly engages the side wall of the aperture of an erosion control block for connecting that erosion control block to an adjacent block. The legs include tapered extensions which frictionally engage the side wall, and in one embodiment of the erosion control block, the side wall includes a shoulder which engages the terminal end of the tapered extension. The erosion control block may have one end with convex arcuate surface and another end with a concave arcuate surface for providing an articulating joint between adjacent erosion control blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Stewart Trustees Limited
    Inventor: Frank S. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 5971655
    Abstract: Deckings include an upward hook and a receptacle. The upward hook is inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle has an opening immediately below a sidewall upper end portion that is continuous with the upper surface of the decking. The space between the deckings is restrained by engaging a tip of the upward hook behind the sidewall upper end. A fixture is mounted on the connection of the deckings. A base plate of the fixture extends from the portion of the deckings below the upward hook to the portion of the deckings below the receptacle. The base plate is fixed to the decking by a male screw, whereby downward movement of the upward hook is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Miyagawa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuya Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 5921710
    Abstract: The revetment mat comprises at least two webs joined together at aligned perimeter edges. Each web comprises a plurality of (a) interior blocks disposed side-by-side in rows and (b) a plurality of edge blocks defining a pair of perimeter edge rows of the web. The interior and edge blocks are interlinked together by threading a revetment cable through tunnels defined in the blocks. Each of the edge blocks defines a recess in one end thereof and further defines a pair of coaxial bores which extend from a first side to an interior face in the recess and from an opposing face in the recess to a second side of the edge block. An elongated rod is received in the bores and thereby extends across a gap in the recess between the opposing interior faces. A plurality of couplers are used to join a first web to a second web, which webs are positioned side-by-side. Each coupler is disposed within one of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: John M. Scales
  • Patent number: 5846021
    Abstract: A matrix for aggregate containment and drainage system for road-base construction, or reconstruction--provides by reuse of vehicle tires. Each tire (unit) has one sidewall removed and drain holes provided in the remaining sidewall. A plurality of these units are positioned and fastened together to form a matrix. Each unit open side up, lying flat then receives aggregate construction material. The matrix configuration provides an excellent base for construction, minimizing aggregate loss due to sinking, wash out or lateral movement. A major ecological advantage is the beneficial use of otherwise problem used tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Denzil C. Bailey, Janet A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5816738
    Abstract: Floor coverings of composite tiles having a polygonal ground plan and having elastic properties. A recess which is formed of a hollow space in the composite tiles can include a cylindrical support molded on the underside of the tiles. The walls of each composite tile can be stabilized by a supporting component which is connected to the vertical edges of the composite tiles and preferably extends to the lower edge of the tiles. Laying plates which include an arrangement designed to co-operate with the supports of the composite tiles can be used. The laying plates form a laying system which permits the laying of the composite tiles even on difficult substrates and provide for the laid composite tiles to be easily be lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: ABO System-Elemente GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Harnapp
  • Patent number: 5702208
    Abstract: Concrete blocks are formed with intersecting grooves in the underside thereof which assume aligned condition when the blocks are assembled into side by side relationship to form panels. Polymer or welded wire grids are received within the aligned grooves to hold the blocks in the panel configuration. The grids are held in elevated seated condition within the grooves during assembly of the blocks into the panel configuration. Stands or wire connectors may be provided for the latter purpose. In the preferred embodiment the blocks are L-shaped and formed with passages extending therethrough and the grooves intersect these passages. Grout or fill may be placed within the passages of the assembled panels. In certain embodiments, the blocks may be disposed in side-by-side relationship and stacked to form retaining walls for earthen formations, with rods received within the grooves of the blocks to hold the blocks in alignment and the grids extending from the blocks to serve as soil reinforcements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: William K. Hilfiker, Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5685666
    Abstract: A device for connecting pavers (11, 12) together to form roads comprises a base plate (17) from which extend tubular projections (18). The tubular projections can extend into bores (13, 14) formed in the pavers and a fastener (20) is provided which can lock the paver to a respective projection. Typically, the device has four projections to allow four pavers to be locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignees: Viscount Plastics Pty. Ltd., Pioneer Building Products (Qld) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald James Marshall, Robert Francis Charlton
  • Patent number: 5640821
    Abstract: A modular platform floor system for advantageous use at trade shows and conventions includes a plurality of interconnectable floor modules, wherein each module includes a supporting rectangular frame and a panel supported thereon, the platform having cutout, notched corners defining openings between two or more adjacently located floor modules, and plastic plugs which seat within these openings to interconnect the adjacently located modular units via downwardly depending prongs which engage the supporting frames of the modular units. Carpet pieces are secured separately to the top surfaces of the panels and to the plugs, to provide an aesthetic and comfortable surface for the floor. The plug is integrally formed, preferably of injection molded thermoplastic, to provide a unitary one piece plug for interconnecting the adjacently located floor modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Charles P. Koch
  • Patent number: 5626289
    Abstract: Precast concrete panels are laid end to end on the field sides and between the rails of a track to form a grade crossing. In one embodiment, the panels are screwed to wooden rails upon which they rest. In another embodiment, straps are used to bolt the ends of adjacent panels together to form an integrated unit of large size and mass which is resistant to movement. In making the panel, the top surface of the precast concrete panel is cast against the bottom surface of a mold having an insert therein which forms recesses on the top and end surfaces of each panel into which the strap is received to bolt the panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Albert P. Demers, Jr., David Brandt
  • Patent number: 5622449
    Abstract: A structure that prevents beach erosion and that builds-up the existing beach and shoreline is disclosed. The structure has a plurality of blocks that are configured into a matrix configuration. Each block has a pair of longitudinal rods extending from the block sides. The longitudinal rods have a hook at a first end and a loop at a second end. The blocks cooperate with each other so that the blocks become flexibly connected by placing the rod hook from a first block into the rod loop of a second and adjacent block. The process is repeated until a matrix is in place covering the area desired. Anchors are attached to the matrix assembly and buried in the sand to keep the matrix configuration in place at the assembly site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Albert J. Essay, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5484230
    Abstract: A system of concrete blocks is provided for use as a revetment for preventing soil erosion in which individual blocks are sized and shaped to be cable interconnected to form a matrix or mats. The matrix or mat or blocks overlies and holds in place a layer of porous and permeable geo-textile overlying the protected soil area. The shape of the individual blocks is such as to permit growth of vegetation therethrough and to channel water flowing over the surface of the blocks to increase the downward pressure on the geo-textile layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Terry R. Rudloff
  • Patent number: 5467493
    Abstract: A support plate for bridges and ramps having a roadway or a walkway has two longitudinal supports defining lateral sides of the support plate in the longitudinal direction of the support plate. A plurality of transverse members having acting surfaces constituting the roadway or walkway and having a first and a second free end is connected with the first and the second free ends to the longitudinal supports so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to one another. Each of the acting surfaces is slanted relative to the longitudinal direction and displaced by an increment of displacement with respect to neighboring ones of the acting surfaces in a stepwise manner over the height of the lateral sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Kurt Alten
  • Patent number: 5457837
    Abstract: A portable track device for a wheelchair includes at least two track sections which can be coupled removably to each other, and each track section has a bottom channel between a right sidewall and a left sidewall, with a reinforcement rod in each sidewall and with transverse supports located in the bottom channel. Each track section is equal to, or greater than, the length of the wheelchair. The occupant of the wheelchair can travel safely across difficult terrain, such as a sandy beach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Pamelia Zuckerbrod
  • Patent number: 5403637
    Abstract: A theft and vandalism resistant resilient surfacing system having resilient mats molded with recesses in their upper sides extending part way through the mats adjacent the edges and corners. Connector plates extend beneath the juxtaposed edges of adjacent mats and have posts extending upwardly through narrow openings in the bottom portions of the recesses. Means are provided for abutting on the upper sides of the bottom portions and retaining the upper ends of the posts. Preferably, the posts have stiffly resiliently deformable arrowhead formations on their upper ends which snap couple with the openings in the bottom portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: National Rubber Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Pickard, Janusz W. Mirowski, Anna Pietrasz, Michael D. Burgoyne, James R. Jury
  • Patent number: 5288165
    Abstract: A re-usable road surface, consisting of soil-repression-bodies to be placed on the provisional ground surface with a certain mutual distance and link-elements between the bodies, whereby each body is formed as a plate-shaped part with circular or multi-angular shape and therebelow a rigid repression part, the plate-shaped part being provided with means for arranging the flexible link-elements, whereby the bodies are arranged in mutually staggered rows and each body is connected with adjacent bodies in other longitudinal or transversal rows by said link-elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno
    Inventor: Dirk M. Douwes Dekker
  • Mat
    Patent number: 5215802
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mat comprising a plurality of elongated rails arranged parallel to one another and each having a receiving portion adapted to receive a tread member. The rails are coupled by way of first and second connecting elements, preferably consisting of T-shaped members and U-shaped members, by insertion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Koninklijke Tufton B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes C. Kaars Sijpesteijn
  • Patent number: 5201467
    Abstract: A railroad grade crossing comprising a plurality of elastomeric panels that are interconnected to provide integral multiple panel crossing units. Each panel has a plurality of elongate tapered cylindrical passageways extending through it that are parallel with the tracks being crossed. Pins are partially inserted into aligned passageways in adjacent panels to interconnect adjacent panels to one another. Because the passageways are tapered, and thus create larger openings at one end of the panels and smaller openings at the other ends, the pins are divided into larger ends, which fit into the larger openings, and smaller ends, which fit into the smaller openings. If it is desired to interconnect the panels into integrated crossing units prior to installation, the pins can be attached to the passageways and the ends of adjacent panels can be attached to one another with an adhesive. This permits the combined crossing units to be transported and installed as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Riedel Omni Rubber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Kennel, John A. Perry
  • Patent number: 5102256
    Abstract: A system for containing paving material, such as brick, wherein a plurality of interlocked prefabricated concrete sections are arranged in a predetermined pattern, the paving material being placed within the area formed by the containment system. The elongated sections, in one embodiment, have male elements formed at their ends and at least two sections are adapted to engage a selected one of a plurality of coupler devices having female elements thereon to form a portion of the desired contaiment system. The coupler devices each comprise at least one recess, or female element, to receive the male element formed on the section ends and a pedestal portion extending into the containment area, fill material overlying the surface of the pedestal portion to further enhance the ability of the interlocked concrete sections to resist separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Glenn D. Gosnell
  • Patent number: 5096117
    Abstract: A plurality of timbers connected to ties at a railroad grade crossing. Hooks are connected to some of the ties. When the timbers are disposed on the ties, the hooks are inserted into the timbers. Pins are disposed through the ties and through portions of the hooks for connecting the timbers to some of the ties. The timbers are connected in groups of two or three timbers to form field deck panels and gauge deck panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: S. Hudson Owen
  • Patent number: 5006011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame for installing wooden bricks in which plural sections for holding the wooden bricks are arranged so as to correspond to the finished arrangement of the wooden bricks, a pederal for fixing the wooden bricks is prepared in each holding section, and a piece of elastic protrusion is protruded from a section wall of each holding section into an oblique downward direction in the section,or a frame for installing wooden bricks in which, in addition to the above, on a wide joint means between each holding section, plural elastic projections having the same level to the upper surface of the wooden bricks the upper end of which is held in the holding section are prepared,by holding the wooden bricks which have corresponding size and shape to the holding sections and by installing the wooden bricks on sidewalks and the like, the pavement of wooden bricks having smooth road may be very easily obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Isao Hiyashi
  • Patent number: 4958964
    Abstract: A semirigid floating pavement formed out of masses of reinforced concrete molded pieces, disposed side by side to form as wide a surface as needed. Each piece has a regular polygon plane with a flat top surface and an inner recess connected with the surface by means of a perforation and opening at its base. This base has the surface inclined toward the geometric center. Pieces are bedded onto a layer of sand. The inner recess is occupied with a mass of sand injected through the perforation which connects with the upper part, which perforation is closed up with an elastic cap or stopper. A channel is disposed around each piece in which is housed a joint acting as union and support between adjacent pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventors: Javier B. Soto, Domingo F. Llamas
  • Patent number: 4892249
    Abstract: A railroad crossing is provided in which transverse and end panels are joined by means of splines fitted into indentations on side surfaces of said panels whereby pairs of panels are joined together with a spline fitting partly into each side or end of adjoining panels; and lateral anchor members for fixing the panels adjacent to said rails, the end panels and the outer field panels whereby the need is obviated for affixing the panels to the ties by means of surface spikes. In one embodiment an anchor is used which has vertical wall sections which project upwardly and have inwardly projecting horizontal lips and a spline retaining plate positioned beneath the lips. The spline rests on and is positioned transversely across said lips, and removable means are provided to fix the spline to the retaining plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Koppers Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Hudson Owen
  • Patent number: 4848058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a recreation surface which consists of a plurality of resilient tiles, each of which has through bores for receiving elongated tie rods and side slots for receiving tie bars which have apertures therein. The through bores are intersected by the side slots such that when the tie bars are inserted into confronting slots in adjacent tiles the apertures in the tie bars are aligned with the through bores and are fixed against relative movement when the tie rods are inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Carlisle Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Mullen
  • Patent number: 4746243
    Abstract: A bomb crater repair mat is secured to intact pavement surrounding a crater with a novel anchor which secures the mat without piercing it and provides a tapered threshold which reduces jarring of aircraft and prevents the mat from being snagged by aircraft tail hooks or uplifted by jet blast. A slot is cut in the runway adjacent and parallel to the leading and trailing edges of the mat. An extruded member having a T-shaped cross-section is pressed into the slot to secure the mat. The member is retained within the slot by strips projecting from its vertically depending projection and optionally, by also injecting a hardenable filler into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Perry
  • Patent number: 4732320
    Abstract: A railroad crossing is provided in which gage, transverse end, and outer field panels are joined by means of splines fitted into indentations on side surfaces of the panels whereby pairs of panels are joined together with a spline fitting partly into each side or end of adjoining panels; and lateral anchor members for fixing the panels adjacent to said rails, the end panels and the outer field panels whereby the need is obviated for affixing the panels to the ties by means of surface spikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Hudson Owen
  • Patent number: 4716694
    Abstract: The invention provides for a wear resistant panel of a resiliently deformable material such as polyurethane having protrusions in the vicinity of the peripheral region of the panel by means of which the panel can be removably secured to a support structure, the panel being provided with at least one recess in the peripheral region of the panel into which recess a release tool can be forced to facilitate the removal of the panel from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Screenex Wire Weaving Manufactures (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Manfred F. A. Freissle
  • Patent number: RE32663
    Abstract: An articulated erosion control system provides a flexing articulated mat comprising a plurality of blocks which interlock in a three dimensional fashion allowing a mat formed of the blocks to conform to changes in terrain. In the preferred embodiment there is provided at least one "lock block" (FIG. 1) having a plurality of open ended sockets spaced about the periphery thereof and at least one "key block" (FIG. 2) being connectable during operation to the lock block; the key block providing a plurality of locking arms spaced about and integrally formed with a central portion of the key block. Connection of the lock block and the key block can be achieved by relative vertical movement of the key block towards the lock block when the key block locking arm is superimposed over the open ended socket of the lock block--the connection being completed when a portion of the locking arm occupies at least in part the space within the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Francis S. Atkinson