Perforate Structure Having Twisted Element Or Particular Surface Patents (Class 52/180)
  • Patent number: 11912247
    Abstract: A block includes a first block portion, a second block portion, a third block portion and a fourth block portion. The first block portion has a first upper surface, a second upper surface, and a lower surface. The second block portion is over the first block portion and has a third upper surface. The third block portion is over the first block portion and has a fourth upper surface. The fourth block portion is over the first block portion, has a fifth upper surface, and is positioned between the second block portion and the third block portion. A first recessed region is between the second block portion and the fourth block portion. A second recessed region is between the third block portion and the fourth block portion. The first upper surface is exposed in the first recessed region and the second upper surface is exposed in the second recessed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: RUBBERFORM RECYCLED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Robbins
  • Patent number: 11873646
    Abstract: A modular floor tile has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side has a first male locking structure with a male locking end. The second side has a female locking structure with a locking receptacle, which has a receiving groove, a locking notch vertically adjacent the receiving groove, and a female locking end adjacent the locking notch, such that the male locking end of a first one of the floor tile is insertable into the receiving groove of a second one of the floor tile, and vertically movable from the receiving groove into the locking notch to engage with the female locking end of the second one of the floor tile, thereby engaging the first male locking structure of the first one of the floor tile with the female locking structure of the second one of the floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Gordon A. Osbak
  • Patent number: 11725400
    Abstract: A modular step composed of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. The modular step has a body and two flanges and is configured in size and shape to be detachably affixed to a window well. The modular step mates to the window using a friction fit, mechanical fasteners or tabs/slots. Multiple modular steps can be attached to a single window well. The modular step can be used to facilitate egress through a window well and improves the visual aesthetics of a window well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ROCKWELL LLC
    Inventors: Vaughn Allen Cook, David Wayne Hoagland, Rodney William Slade
  • Patent number: 11725395
    Abstract: A method of assembling resilient floorboards is disclosed that includes the step of bending an edge of a floorboard during the assembling. The bending reduces the force required for connection of the edge to another edge of a juxtaposed floorboard. The floorboards may be provided with a mechanical locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of two adjacent floorboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Välinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Mats Nilsson, Per Nygren
  • Patent number: 11719004
    Abstract: A deck tile assembly is disclosed. The deck tile assembly comprises a frame having at least four sides. The deck tile assembly further comprises a plurality of bars for providing a support structure to the frame. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two parallel sleepers permanently attached between two opposite sides of the frame and mounted on the plurality of bars. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two step clip fastening devices, wherein each of the step clip fastening device is mounted on one of the at least two parallel sleepers. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two supporting members for attaching the frame with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: BARRETTE OUTDOOR LIVING, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Schneider, Simon Rafael Marin, Patrick Joseph Bertke
  • Patent number: 11533904
    Abstract: A hunting stand includes a step configured for engagement to a support structure. The step includes two step legs configured to engage the support structure, and a crossbar extending between the two step legs. A platform is installed to the step. The platform is configured to at least partially support a person at a top surface of the platform. The platform includes a first engagement feature engaged to the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: WILD EDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Walter, Matthew A. Garis
  • Patent number: 10697130
    Abstract: Modular floor tiles include a first surface configured to receive weight. The first surface is supported by primary walls interior to and extending the full height of the tiles, and which may be intersecting to form a grid. Secondary walls of a lesser height support the primary walls, may be non-linear such as circular, and may support either side of vertices of intersecting primary walls. Joining members and corresponding receivers in the sides of tiles are dimensioned to engage one another from adjacent tiles to join the tiles and restrict lateral movement. Fastener(s) in each tile are associated with slots and may be selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to restrict vertical movement. Some embodiments include cable channels with corresponding cover plates, and inclined portions providing ramps. Any number and combination of tiles may be connected to one another to form a modular flooring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Signature Systems Group LLC
    Inventors: Chad H Jones, Marcos Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9359775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substructure unit (1) for a flooring system (10), said substructure unit (1) comprising a first series (2) of panels (3) arranged in parallel and being fixed under a second series (4) of panels (3) arranged in parallel, said first series and second series (2 and 4) of panels (3) being arranged in a criss-cross manner to form a diagonal lattice, said panels (3) of said first and second series (2, 4) having bevelled cut ends (5, 6) extending outwardly from said lattice to form coupling means to interconnect at least two substructure units (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Tarkett GDL S.A.
    Inventor: William Thorton
  • Patent number: 9328521
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an interlocking modular mat or tile and method of use. The mat comprises a severable core structure with a ramp around its periphery and a connected outer structure. The outer structure surrounding the inner core structure is partitioned into side and corner panels also having ramps internally disposed therein. The novel features of the mat allows it to be cut along several locations to expose the internal ramp structure within each panel, providing a assembled mat system with a secure border around the entire mat. A method of constructing an array of the novel mat panel members involving cutting to expose the internal ramped structure is also disclosed to provide a flooring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: WEARWELL
    Inventor: Philip C. Huss
  • Patent number: 9273471
    Abstract: Disclosed are surface sections for creating a non-slip or minimal slippage surface. The surface section includes a plate, a plurality of plate apertures, at least one elevator, a plurality of pegs, and a plurality of couplers to couple the pegs to the plate. Each of the plurality of pegs is at least partially located within, and aligned with, one of the plate apertures. Each coupler couples one of the plurality of pegs to the plate in a normal, extended state in which at least a portion of the peg is extended above the upwardly facing surface of the plate. Each coupler allows each of the plurality of pegs to move within its respective plate aperture to a non-extended state upon application of pressure to the peg. When the pressure is removed, the coupler moves the peg back to its normal, extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: George L. Fischer
  • Patent number: 9061337
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing rectangular or square wall elements from flat sheet metal, including determining a length and width of a wall element, providing a flat sheet metal piece incising two longitudinal edge portions to form two incisions to form two tabs for each longitudinal edge portion separated by a respective incision from the remaining longitudinal edge portion, right-angled folding of a respective strip, formed by the incisions, right-angled folding of the tabs parallel to the longitudinal edge at the level of the base of the associated incision, right-angled folding of the longitudinal edge portions along the longitudinal edge, right-angled folding of the transverse edge portions parallel to the transverse edge to form a strip having a width corresponding to the transverse dimension of the tabs, and right-angled folding of the transverse edge portions along the transverse edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: C E S CONTROL ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Igor Harry Schaaf, Paul Mazura, Walter Nicolai, Simon Jocham
  • Patent number: 8756882
    Abstract: The tile includes a monolithic support grid structure having a rectangular configuration with four peripheral edges. The support grid structure includes a lattice framework of elongated rib members crisscrossing at right angle on the underside of the support grid structure and defining a network of cells. The support grid structure also includes a plurality of support members, each downwardly projecting from a corresponding intersection between the crisscrossing elongated rib members and having a ground-engaging distal end with a tip that is coincident with a common bottom plane. The tile includes a plurality of tile edge connectors that are positioned on the underside and made integral with the support grid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Le Groupe DSD Inc.
    Inventor: Leandre Vachon
  • Patent number: 8640403
    Abstract: A modular plastic floor tile has a body of a first polymer compound and features overmolded onto the body from a second polymer compound. The compounds may be different from each other in hardness and/or color. The features may include skins on support member cores disposed below the tile lower surface. The skins adhere to the bottom and at least a portion of the sidewall of the support member core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr., Thomas Malewig, David S. Iverson, Allan R. Thom
  • Patent number: 8544222
    Abstract: An embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface in a pedestrian walkway. The tile includes a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern, and the projections have reinforcing ridges to protect the projections from lateral forces such as those applied by snow plows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 8528278
    Abstract: An embedment tile with a replaceable upper plate and a lower plate joined by fasteners in a manner that permits replacement of the upper plate when desired. The embedment tile upper plate comprises a plate having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 8448392
    Abstract: A disk shaped modular floor tile includes three sets of a first projection, a second projection, and a third projection wherein the second and third projections of the same set are arranged oppositely to each other; and notches each formed between any adjacent first projection and second projection, any adjacent second projection and third projection, or any adjacent third projection and first projection. The first projection has a convex edge between two adjacent notches. The notch has a concave edge formed continuously with the convex edge. Each of the second projection and the third projection comprises a convex edge formed continuously with the concave edge, a first straight edge formed continuously with the convex edge, and a second straight edge formed continuously between the first straight edge and the concave edge. The second straight edge is at an obtuse angle with respect to the first straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jen-Tsu Kuo
  • Patent number: 8424257
    Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
  • Patent number: 8407951
    Abstract: A modular synthetic floor tile comprising: (a) an upper contact surface; (b) a plurality of openings formed in the upper contact surface, each of the openings having a geometry defined by structural members configured to intersect with one another at various intersection points to form at least one acute angle as measured between imaginary axes extending through the intersection points, the structural members having a smooth, planar top surface forming the contact surface, and a face oriented transverse to the top surface; (c) a transition surface extending between the top surface and the face of the structural members configured to provide a blunt edge between the top surface and the face, and to reduce abrasiveness of the floor tile; and (d) means for coupling the floor tile to at least one other floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLC
    Inventors: Thayne Haney, Mark Jenkins, Cheryl Forster, Jeremiah Shapiro, Dana Hedquist
  • Patent number: 8397466
    Abstract: A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster
  • Patent number: 8337694
    Abstract: A drain screen assembly for protecting a drainage hole or line in an entranceway of a building featuring a generally flat base panel; a plurality of pores disposed in the base panel, the pores allow liquid to pass through the base panel while retaining debris; at least one handle disposed on the base panel; one or more adjustable legs extending downwardly form the bottom surface of the base panel, wherein the adjustable legs can be adjusted in height, wherein at least one side edge of the base panel is free of adjustable legs; and a set of reinforcing ribs disposed under the base panel, the reinforcing ribs help provide structural strength to the base for when an individual walks on the drain screen assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Tyrone W. Sykes, William A. Sykes
  • Patent number: 8146302
    Abstract: Disclosed is an embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface in a moldable material and method for using same. The tile comprises a tile member having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern, and a cross beam joined to the lower surface of the tile member. The cross beam defines a hollow chamber and apertures to allow for the release of air and inflow of moldable material to secure the embedment tile when the moldable material hardens. The cross beam can define a lower open portion at a cross beam end portion that eases installation by permitting a more direct flow path into the chamber for moldable material. The embedment tile can also include a reinforcing member joined to the lower surface of the tile member and/or a transverse reinforcing member joined to a lower surface of the tile member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 7950191
    Abstract: A surface support structure is provided with at least one cell having a plurality of upright walls. A first wall of the plurality of upright walls has a recessed portion forming at least a portion to allow extension and contraction in multiple directions of the at least one cell. The plurality of upright walls of the at least one cell define a perimeter such that the recessed portion extends towards a second wall of the plurality of upright walls and is within the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Conwed Plastics LLC
    Inventor: Henricus Brouwers
  • Patent number: 7849642
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a tile configured to form a modular floor covering including an array of substantially identical tiles. The tile includes a top surface, bottom side, front and rear sides and first and second lateral sides. The top surface includes an elongated shape and the bottom side includes a support grid. The front and rear sides are defined along a longitudinal length of the elongated shape. The front side includes at least one first hinge member and the rear side includes at least one complementary second hinge member configured to be engageable with the at least one first hinge member of an adjacently positioned tile. The first and second lateral sides define a width of the elongated shape with the first and second lateral sides including a respective tab and slot coupling portion each having a coupling length at least one-third the width of the elongated shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Forster, Mark Jenkins, Tyler Laitinen
  • Patent number: 7845122
    Abstract: Disclosed is an embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface in a moldable material and method for using same. The tile comprises a tile member substantially planar in form, having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern and two or more cross beams on the lower surface of the tile member, the cross beams having hollow chambers defined by a sidewall, end openings and optional apertures to allow for the release of air and moldable material from the exterior into the hollow chambers of the cross beams as the tile is embedded in the material, thus easing and speeding installation of the tile in the moldable material. The embedment tile may further consist of support members that function to support and further interlock the embedment tile to the moldable material once set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane Frederick Sippola
  • Publication number: 20100115861
    Abstract: This patent pertains to a platform device upon which a person, equipment or both are supported above a ground surface in which the build-up of debris and moisture is impeded. The sanitary platform system is comprised of two or more main rails having square cross-sections that are on diamond and are side-by-side with a space between the main rails; one or more standard web brackets comprised of a plate, two or more tabs and a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a main rail on diamond which are mounted in spaced-apart relation along the length of each of the main rails; two or more vertical legs supporting each of the main rails above the ground surface, and one or more deck plates welded to the tabs of the standard web bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel P. Karpy
  • Patent number: 7617641
    Abstract: An Attic Floor Joist Grid System for Weight Bearing Storage called an Attic Grid System. This system features low profile, flat, open and high strength grid panels that are supported by a joist system. The panels install directly onto the ceiling joists in an attic or storage area for residential and commercial applications. The panels are nominal widths that extend essentially to the center points of supporting joists. The system provides a simple and strong support surfaces which only requires simple, easy to use tools for installation. The panels are easily trimmed to size for non-standard operations and for encircling mechanical and electrical objects. The system is “see-through” and permits full air movement. Hence it does not contribute to moisture entrapment, mold and mildew. The materials are fire resistant and do not collapse or emit toxic fumes in the presence of a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Arlan H. Landey
  • Patent number: 7607265
    Abstract: A large-area protective covering system for installation in a staggered or grid configuration is provided comprised of a plurality of essentially identical large-area panels with honeycomb internal structures which have locking systems on the sides and ends for locking the panels in place. The panels, once locked together, have little movement along their x, y or z axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Covermaster Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Curry, Ken Curry
  • Publication number: 20090049768
    Abstract: Disclosed is a grating, and more particularly a grating capable of easily and firmly fixing a second partition member to a frame member and a first partition member. This grating includes fixing projections formed at regular intervals along a longitudinal direction of the first partition members on both sides of the first partition member and on inner sides of the frame member that face a side of the first partition member; and second partition members installed between the first partition members and between the first partition member and the frame member respectively, the second partition members having insertion slots into which the fixing projections are inserted, the insertion slots being bent to subsequently contact with the first partition members facing each other or the first partition member and the frame member facing each other so that the fixing projections are inserted into the insertion slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Sang-don Kim
  • Patent number: 7398626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module for building platforms, stages, or flooring, which is particularly suitable for use outside. The module comprises a ladder-type frame, supporting devices, connecting means and, preferably, covering elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Hubertus Greschbach
  • Patent number: 7341401
    Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart support members projecting therefrom. The support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a lower end of the support members at two rounded corners. The support members are spaced so that the support members are nestable between the support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are arranged in an inverted relationship with respect to one another. The drain structure panel may be placed on an impermeable liner having an upper surface with a plurality of ridges defining troughs therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Airfield Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Charles R. Blackwood
  • Patent number: 7331147
    Abstract: A hexagonal paving panel, the sides of which are alternately provided with upper and lower connecting elements in the form of tab or overlap elements (102, 103) and fixing pins. The panel (100) is provided with a central aperture (109) and with a downwardly extending collar (101) on its periphery. The central aperture serves as a drain hole, stabilizes the panel on a ground and improves storage of the panels in a stack. The bottom surface (114) of the panel is provided with recesses (20) having small depth and large obtuse angle, while the top surface is anti-slip. Upper overlap elements (103) alternately protrude from sides of the panel beyond the collar (101) while lower overlap elements (103) are formed by reduction of thickness of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Jerzy Kalisiak
    Inventors: Jerzy Kalisiak, Jerzy Szulc
  • Patent number: 7322773
    Abstract: A post mounting assembly includes a rod has an upper end, a lower end and a peripheral surface extending between the upper and lower ends. The rod has an upper portion and a lower portion relative to a central area of the rod. The upper portion includes the upper end. The peripheral surface of the upper portion has a first threading and the peripheral surface of the lower portion has a second threading. The upper end is extended into an aperture extending into a bottom end of a fence post and threadably coupled to the fence post. The lower end is extended into a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Gary A. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7299592
    Abstract: An improved support system for an injection molded floor tile is provided by vertically aligning the support system below the main floor panel with a surface structure above the main floor panel. The surface structure is at least one vertical structure or protuberance that rises above the top surface of the main floor panel. The support system maintains the structural integrity and rigidity necessary to support various loads on top of the floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snap Lock Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorgen J Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7288308
    Abstract: A floor covering of an elastomer material having a textured surface having a plurality of unevenly distributed reliefs, which partially overlap one another and are of a rectangular or square shape having rounded corners and extents of between 1.2 and 6 mm, the height of the reliefs being between 0.01 mm and 0.1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Graab, Alfons Butscher, Peter Spissinger
  • Publication number: 20070199257
    Abstract: An interlocking tile system comprises tiles that has a body, interlocking cap structure with a first surface and a second surface; a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; and a stem supporting the cap structure. The cap is a mushroom-like shape. Such configuration of the connector aids in installation by lessening instances of binding and align and guide the caps into their corresponding receiving areas. The tiles are preferably square, and are connected along all four sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: THE PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, John Grimm
  • Patent number: 7201538
    Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members projecting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Airfield Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles R. Blackwood, James M. Courter
  • Patent number: 7162839
    Abstract: The invention provides a slip stopper which achieves a great slip stopping effect, and can be used for a location where a problem occurs if a through hole is opened therein. In a protruding portion that protrudes from the upper surface of a steel plate in the plate thickness direction, a concave portion and drain channels, that lead to the steel plate upper surface from the concave portion, are formed. The inner surface of the concave portion and the groove side surfaces of drain channels are formed by shear planes which extend substantially perpendicular to the steel plate upper surface, and are obtained by half blanking that does not open a through hole in the steel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Ohno, Kazumichi Iwasa, Norio Nakajima, Masanori Tsuji, Tsuyoshi Doi, Yoshihisa Kouzu, Yoshihiro Agarihama, Shinya Ura, Hideyuki Miyake
  • Patent number: 7108454
    Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface including a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart support members projecting therefrom. The support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a lower end of the support members at two rounded corners. The support members are spaced so that the support members are nestable between the support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are arranged in an inverted relationship with respect to one another. The drain structure panel may be placed on an impermeable liner having an upper surface with a plurality of ridges defining troughs therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Airfield Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Charles R. Blackwood
  • Patent number: 6968665
    Abstract: A grate for a swimming pool structure is constructed by placing a multiple of grate bars in an elevated position above the gutter which is parallel to the pools edge including any curvatures. The grate bars follow the curvatures of the pool's edge. When in the elevated position, the multiple of parallel grate bars are clamped together and a hole is drilled through all of the parallel grate bars. A retaining bolt is placed through all of the grate bars including the curvatures of the pools'edge and the bolts are fastened therein. There after, the assembled unit of grate bars is lowered into the gutter to be even with the surface of the deck and the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Robert B. Lawson
  • Patent number: 6878430
    Abstract: A floor covering (1) made of an elastically moldable material, in particular from a synthetic rubber, which is provided with a regular arrangement consisting of first projections (3) on the upper side (1a) and with a regular arrangement of second projections (5) on the underside (1b), the projections of the first projections and of the second projections not exhibiting any overlapping area on the plane of the covering and that, on the underside within the projections of the first projections, third projections (7) are provided in each case which have a smaller height vis-à-vis the second projections such that the floor covering only touches a floor with the second projections when it is in an unloaded state, however, when a preset load is exceeded locally, the third projections come in contact with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Wolfgang Milewski, Simon Hafenecker
  • Patent number: 6810834
    Abstract: An agricultural floor panel and system having a design for improved strength and cleaning is described. The floor panel is designed for support on at least two cross beams. The floor panel has two opposing edges, each edge having a plurality of flanges for supporting engagement on the cross beams and the plurality of flanges defining a plurality of recesses between adjacent flange. The flanges and recesses are adapted for interlocking engagement with corresponding flanges and recesses of an adjacent panel and also include a locking and spacing system for locking adjacent panels together while substantively maintaining a gap between the opposing edges of two adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Agra Flooring International Ltd.
    Inventors: Warren W. Hutchings, Thomas Christie, Warren J. Blatz
  • Publication number: 20040093810
    Abstract: Floor covering (I) for an animal house for beef animals and dairy animals comprises an elastomeric mat (2) which can be fixed to a floor or floor slat by screws (8). Rigid strips (6) are located at the base (7) of mat (2) for securing the screws (8) which are coverable by the mat when it is fixed to the slat. Mat (2) is designed for cleanliness and enhanced protection and comfort for animals. Flap valve (3) forms an openable flap valve along one longitudinal edge of the mat (2) to seal a gap between adjacent slats of a slatted floor to reduce the emission of gases and fumes emanating from a tank beneath the floor. The flap valve (3) allows waste material to pass through the slatted floor to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Roy Mooney
  • Patent number: 6634145
    Abstract: A modular stone stair system using a plurality of modules in the form of stringers, risers, treads and landings in standardized thicknesses and widths. The risers, landings (if any) and treads have different widths dependent upon the width of the stairs desired, with the treads and landing (if any) being of the full width of the stair, and the risers being a modular width such that each tread or landing is underlain by a plurality of risers. Each level of the stair has a plurality of stringers, abutting the back of the tread and riser and running to the back of the stair. The stringers vary in depth depending upon how many steps are to be present, such that each level, except the bottom, overlaps the tread and riser of the next lower level by a fixed amount. The system can easily be assembled by two people, using a shovel, a level, and a ruler, giving the homeowner or contractor the option of choosing threshold heights, widths, and landings with varying depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Ormsby Dolph
  • Patent number: 6622440
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular floor including a plurality of floor tiles having two sides with different functional characteristics so that one side has a regular checkered surface with protrusions of equal maximum height and on the same plane, comprising areas with open grids and blind areas, while on the other side are some areas with through openings and some with regularly spaced blind openings with protrusions of equal maximum height, all of which coincide with the counterpart of the first side, which are combined with flat sunken areas with respect to the maximum height of this side, which constitute grooves for the insertion of interlocking members and present a surface formed by the closed backs of the blind areas of the first face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products
    Inventor: Enrique Canela Mercade
  • Patent number: 6539681
    Abstract: A spacer plate for use in making a hollow floor has a plurality of truncated cone-shaped spacer elements extending from one side of the plate, and distributed in a row wise and column wise arrangement, for supporting the spacer plate from an underfloor, and also formed in the spacer plate are grooves formed in the same side of the plate as the spacer elements for holding a pipe conducting a heating or cooling medium, with the grooves surrounding at least a half of the circumference of the pipe to securely hold the pipe in place on the plate, so that the heating or cooling medium conducted through the pipe can come into heat exchange relationship not only with an upper floor laid on top of the spacer plate but also with air conducted through space existing between the spacer plate and the underfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Helmut Siegmund
  • Patent number: 6537642
    Abstract: The present perforated floor mat holder is for securing perforated rubber floor mats on a wet and slippery floor. It is comprised of an elongated strip with studs arranged at regular intervals that match the spacing of the holes on the floor mat. The strip is fastened to a floor with screws inserted through mounting holes arranged along the strip. The floor mat is positioned on the strip with the hole around the studs. The stress applied to the rims of the holes by the studs are spread among a relatively large number of holes, so that the rims resist being torn by the studs. Transverse grooves arranged several studs apart on the strip enable the strip to be broken into shorter sections of a predetermined minimum length. In a first embodiment, one mounting hole is arranged between each pair of adjacent studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacquet
  • Publication number: 20020148177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading dock door seal for sealing the space between a loading dock door opening and a vehicle backing up to the opening and an elongated longitudinal pad member for use in the loading dock door seal. The elongated longitudinal pad member comprises a mounting face for mounting said pad member to a surface; a sealing face for sealingly engaging the rear edge of a vehicle which backs up to and abuts against the pad member; whereby the pad member is formed of a first compressible resilient material, having a first predetermined degree of flexibility and having at least one flexing zone therein, the at least one flexing zone permitting the forced movement of the sealing face relative to the mounting face and thus the surface, to accommodate the movement of a vehicle in abutting and sealing engagement with the pad member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph J. DiBiase
  • Patent number: 6428870
    Abstract: Tubular segments may be nestably interconnected, with the lower end of one tubular segment compressively inserted into the upper end of another tubular segment. A mat formed of such tubular members, and a fluid storage system formed of a plurality of such vertically stacked mats, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Bohnhoff
  • Publication number: 20020062607
    Abstract: A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) module that interlocks with other similarly designed modules. Specifically, each FRP module has a female, receiver, end and a male, inserter, end such that the inserter of a first FRP module interlocks with, or “snaps into” or “slids into,” a receiver of an adjacent second FRP module. Once interlocked, the two connected FRP modules are further secured by either adhesive and/or thermal connections. An FRP module is made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the module. An overlay may be placed over the top face of one or more FRP modules joined together to provide a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: GangaRao V.S. Hota, Siva Ram V. Hota
  • Publication number: 20020056238
    Abstract: A deck plank (12) readily attaches to an engagement clip (46) when force is applied over the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying joists in parallel with the joists, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clip perpendicular to the joist and pushed down over clips, a secure deck structure is provided. Each clip has a pair of horizontal flanges (52 and 54), which snap over a plurality of ledges (42 and 44) in a channel under each plank. The deck planks (12) are embossed (14) so as to form a slip resistant surface to be walked upon. The plastic extruded deck plank (12) resists rot, deterioration and insect infection found in current wood products. The deck plank assembly is simple enough so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install or alter it with minimal effort and direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Alan Leines