Clip-type Tie Patents (Class 52/285.3)
  • Patent number: 11962268
    Abstract: In an example, a clamp assembly for a glass on glass solar module for a tracker is included. The assembly has a lower clamp structure characterized by a top-hat shaped rail structure having a length extending from a first end to a second end. In an example, the assembly has an upper clamp structure configured to sandwich a pair of edges of a pair of solar modules with a portion of the lower clamp structure. In an example, the assembly has a locking spacer configured to the pair of edges of the pair of solar modules. In an example, the pair of edges comprises substantially glass material. In an example, the assembly has a pair of key structures configured with the locking spacer. Each of the key structures is affixed to each of the solar modules to physically lock each of the solar modules to the upper clamp structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER LLC
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 11788276
    Abstract: An attachment member is provided herein that includes a base portion configured to be positioned between a first panel and a second panel. A first side portion and a second side portion are respectively positioned on opposing sides of the base portion, the first side portion defining first and second arms and the second side portion defining third and fourth arms, wherein each of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm define a non-linear boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Randy Gordon
  • Patent number: 11773600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wall paneling system that is completely mechanical and does not require the use of adhesives in attaching panels to the walls. The system comprises wall panels having a core with a decorative surface attached to one side and profiled edges that connect to each other by push click, panel connector clips (PCCs) that further connect and secure the interconnecting panels to the walls; and corner moldings for use in paneling adjoining walls meeting at a corner via tongue and groove. The PCCs and corner moldings attach to the walls by mechanical fastening and provide an air space between the walls and the wall panels. Since the wall panels are not directly connected or adhered to the wall, the system allows the panels to be easily replaced by removing and inserting from the PCCs and corner moldings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Bath Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Micciantuono
  • Patent number: 11674539
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for connecting a first furniture part (10) to a second furniture part (20), wherein the first furniture part (10) comprises: a dowel (11) and one or more abutment surfaces (13) extending circumferentially (C) around or being distributed circumferentially (C) around the dowel (11), wherein the second furniture part (20) comprises: a through-going opening (22) extending through a wall (21) and one or more abutment surfaces (23) extending circumferentially (C) around or being distributed circumferentially (C) around the through-going opening (22), wherein the connection arrangement further comprises a connection member (30) having a recess (31), the recess (31) having a locking portion (31b) being configured to receive the dowel (11) by a relative motion between the connection member (30) and the first furniture part (10) in a direction transverse (T) to the longitudinal direction (L) and being configured to interact with the neck portion (11b) of the dowel (11) to counteract removal of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: IKEA SUPPLY AG
    Inventor: Stefan Brendel
  • Patent number: 11661748
    Abstract: A method for producing a facing includes at least one first panel and one second panel that are each delimited by a front face and a rear face connected by a lateral edge, the method including a) a first panel is fitted, b) a first part of a connector is fastened to the first panel such that a second part of the connector projects beyond said first panel, c) a second panel is fitted next to the first panel and fastened to the second part of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN ISOVER
    Inventors: Manel Ben Saad, Patrice Freslon, Jérôme Goudard
  • Patent number: 11342733
    Abstract: A bracket system for securing an electrical box and other components to a ceiling structure can include a support structure and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can include a first support member and a second support member that define a support channel for slidably receiving the ceiling member. The mounting bracket can further include a first contact member and a second contact member that extend from the second support member and define a contact channel to slidably receive the attachment end of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hung-Sun Oh
  • Patent number: 10349759
    Abstract: A multi-position mounting system is provided for securing a wall panel or hanging to a vertical wall, the wall panel or hanging having a front surface facing away from the wall, a back surface opposite the front, and one or more side surfaces connecting the front and back surfaces. In one embodiment, the multi-position mounting system includes a notch disposed in the back surface of the wall panel, the notch having at least three edges, each edge defining a separate sidewall surface. The notch is configured to secure to a bracket affixed to the vertical wall, the bracket configured to separately mate with each sidewall surface of the notch, wherein mating the bracket with an adjacent sidewall surface of the notch slightly rotates the wall panel with respect to the vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Ellis Art & Design
    Inventor: Robert E Wiggins
  • Patent number: 10280617
    Abstract: A structural connector for fastening structural components together includes a floor. Two spaced sidewalls extend from respective sides of the floor, the floor and the sidewalls defining a channel in which a first of the structural components can be received. The sidewalls are configured so that the sidewalls can be fastened to the first structural component. A positioning arrangement is operatively arranged with respect to the floor so that the floor can be positioned on the second structural component for fastening to the second structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: BURMON HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Stephen Monty, Michael Burchell
  • Patent number: 10077552
    Abstract: Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
    Inventors: Vincent B. Thomas, Rochelle Bradford, Christopher J. Sanders, Yi-Hsien Harry Teng
  • Patent number: 9574347
    Abstract: A building comprising strong thermal insulation, at least some walls of which consist of panels made of a low-density thermally insulating material, wherein the panels have edge surfaces which are uniformly planar over an entire thickness thereof and are assembled to one another by interleaving boards in joint areas between two adjacent panels, the boards being connected in contact with the panels over an entire length and width of edge surfaces in said joint areas, so that a junction of the boards with the panels prevents by itself alone deformation of the boards in bending transversally to their plane and in twisting and that the panels ensure wind bracing of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Popup-House
    Inventor: Corentin Thiercelin
  • Patent number: 9476201
    Abstract: A saddle connector, having an inverted channel, engages a bulb of a beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The channel has hardened teeth staggered along the opposing walls of the channel. The teeth are forced into the bulb of the beam, one at a time, by the full force exerted by hand operated pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: Brett W. Sareyka
  • Patent number: 8590249
    Abstract: A clip for coupling and mounting courses, such clip comprising a longitudinally extending upper support member coterminous with a longitudinally extending lower support member. The clip further comprises a longitudinally extending cavity formed between a front side and a rear side of the lower support member, wherein a top edge of a second course is secured within the cavity. The clip further comprises a longitudinally extending tongue member coterminous with a front side of the upper support member and separated therefrom by a groove. At least a portion of the tongue member fits within a groove of a first course. Additionally, a tongue member of the first course fits within the groove of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jain (Americas) Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Loper, David Bilodeau
  • Patent number: 8534017
    Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing baseboard tilt associated with fastening a baseboard to a wall panel having a recessed edge. A baseboard support includes a corner bracket having first and second upright base members and having one or more flaps extending from an upright edge a base member. Each flap forms a flap angle with an adjacent portion of the bracket. Each flap is attached to the bracket at a resilient flap corner, or flap hinge. The baseboard support can be positioned in a corner in an upright position. A first baseboard can be positioned so that the baseboard end engages the first upright base member. A second baseboard can be positioned to engage the second upright base member, forming a mitered joint between the two baseboards. The baseboard support provides a stop that prevents each baseboard from tilting away from its corresponding wall panel and creating an unsightly gap. The flap or flaps allow the baseboard support to stand freely in the interior corner prior to baseboard positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Lloyd Schroeter
  • Patent number: 8458973
    Abstract: Tie beam formation apparatus includes parallel opposed sidewalls defining a channel constructed to receive concrete for the formation of a tie beam. The sidewalls are disposed to become a fixed part of the tie beam. The apparatus further includes mounting structure attached to the sidewalls for holding the sidewalls in the channel defining position. The mounting structure is designed to hold the sidewalls on an upper surface of a block wall and to engage the sidewalls with the block wall at regular intervals. The mounting structure is further designed to allow a flow of concrete into openings in the block wall at spaced apart regular intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: John Powers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120317908
    Abstract: Described is a building connecting apparatus for receiving structural members including frames and panels. The apparatus includes a main body having a central opening for receiving an extension member attached to a slot plate. Receiving plates can be coupled to the apparatus for receiving the structural members with the extension member capable of guiding and aligning the structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph M. Mogar, Todd N. Miller
  • Patent number: 8209917
    Abstract: A temporary, non-load bearing wall panel that when joined together with other like panels, is used as a barrier (also known as a barricade wall) that keeps a construction area, vacant store, or any other undesirable element out of the reach and view of pedestrians. If required by the end user, the panels could be laminated with a visual graphic for reasons of aesthetic enhancement, advertisement of service, announcement of future business expectations, etc. A door and/or window display, dust curtains, etc. may be added to the panels as dictated by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: DeZaio Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DeZaio
  • Patent number: 8104587
    Abstract: An elevator car consists of a floor, side walls, a back wall and a roof which are each constructed in a modular manner from a plurality of panels and which can be held together by means of connecting elements. The floor is formed from, in total, eight floor panels. The threshold is connected with the floor panels. The side walls each consist of ten wall panels. The back wall consists of eight wall panels and the roof consists of six roof panels. On site, the elevator car can be constructed in a short assembly time by means of plug connections and with a few screw connections. The panel mode of construction enables a low-volume transport of the elevator car to the construction site directly from the punching and changing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Raffaele Starace
  • Publication number: 20100242386
    Abstract: A drywall or sheet rock edge clip device that can hold joints of drywall together at the apex of vaulted ceilings or at any other drywall seam at any angle. The device can include tabs and a head or cross member coupled by a stem that fits through the seam or joint and pulls and holds it together. A wire-tie version of the invention can have serrations along the stem and pull up and tighten like a wire-tie. The unused tail section can be broken off by bending it from side to side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: STRUCTUS BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, INC
    Inventors: Douglass Wambaugh, Timothy Smythe, Michael Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 7784232
    Abstract: A lightweight ballistic shelter comprising mutually connectable modular panels of two sizes only (8, 7, 6). Each panel (8, 7, 6) of the shelter structure is connectable to any other panel of the shelter system thus allowing protective structures of different sizes and shapes to be assembled therefrom. The shelter is assembled from planar panels of which at least one (6) has the shape of an equilateral triangle and at least another one (7) has a square shape. The shelter system also includes coupler means (4, 5) for connecting the modular panels (6, 7, 8) with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: FY-Composites Oy
    Inventors: Kari Nygren, Pertti Siirilä, Raimo Tihula
  • Patent number: 7762033
    Abstract: A wall construction system includes a footer attached to a floor or footer; vertical reinforcing bars attached to the footer; horizontal reinforcing bars attached to vertical reinforcing bars at predetermined heights above the footer; blocks attached onto the footer, each layer including a row of blocks, each block including a pair of flat major surfaces and four contoured minor surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves parallel to the major surfaces and incorporated into the edges of the minor surfaces; a plurality of joining strips, the strips placed end to end and pressed into each longitudinal groove, with about half their width protruding from the longitudinal grooves; a plurality of lateral clips attached to pairs of joining strips across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves; and a quantity of concrete in horizontal and vertical air gaps between adjacent blocks enveloping horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Scott, Jason E. Scott
  • Patent number: 7726083
    Abstract: A curtain-type facade structure is described, comprising a fixedly supported substructure of vertical or horizontal basic profiled supports and crossing horizontal or vertical profiled supports mounted thereon, panel holders which are fastened to the supporting profiles, and facade panels which are retained by means of the panel holders. The panel holder is composed of separate components, one of the components being designed as a basic holder and another of the components being designed as an elastic clip. The elastic clip latches with the basic holder and forms a seat for the facade panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Moeding Keramikfassaden GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100050548
    Abstract: A modular wall system (10) includes a number of decorative panels that are received in an extruded panel frame (22). The panel frames (22) are positioned by connecting them to a wall rail (16) that is attached to the building. The wall rail (16) and the panel frame (22) each have a groove (52, 62) that accepts a fastener or clip (18) by interference or snap fit to attach the panel frame (22) to the wall rail (16). The grooves (52, 62) have a dove-tail shape that permits a snap fit to secure the panels (12) yet permit the panels to be easily removed or reconfigured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: MARLITE, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Krieger
  • Patent number: 7631467
    Abstract: A magnet retention clip for assembling modular wall panels includes a magnet holder, prongs insertable into the wall panel and stabilizers outwardly of the magnet holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Henry David Clarke
  • Patent number: 7621095
    Abstract: A retaining wall is formed of a series of courses of blocks, each of which includes a core. Engagement members are interposed between the blocks in adjacent courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks in adjacent courses. Each engagement member is mountable to the rear web of a lower block, and includes an upstanding projecting portion that engages the rear web of an upper block for preventing forward movement of the upper blocks relative to the lower blocks. The upstanding projecting portion engages the rear web of the upper block so that the front face of the upper block is located rearwardly of the front web of the lower block, to expose an upwardly open forward portion of the core of the lower block. The exposed portion of the lower block core may receive planting media, to enable plants to be planted in the exposed core of the lower block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dean Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Dean, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090260306
    Abstract: A building construction system for setting up and casting a stem wall foundation. The system comprises a plurality of forms, a plurality of code clips configured to fix the forms; and a plurality of code spacers having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body and having a top receiving channel and a bottom receiving channel snapping the form in a vertical position. One of the code spacers is snapped onto a reinforcement bar and another of the spacers is distanced adjacently such that the elongated neck structure of code spacers facing opposite to each other, and the reinforcement bar is accommodated on the clasps of both the code spacers laterally and perpendicularly and two reinforcement bars accommodated at a junction of the body and the elongated neck structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Desmond A. Ebanks
  • Publication number: 20090151282
    Abstract: It is a constructive system that improves, facilitates and reduces costs in the construction of houses and buildings of one or more stories, through a new type of electro-welded steel structures pile up; through a new type of smart concrete blocks, that assembles one to each other with mortars, (mortars are blind view), because it always place to the interior of the blocks, which are linked to pillars through steel clips, whose role is make perpendicular and align; through a new type galvanized steel profiles to build roofs, which are joined to each other through connectors that allow them to easily take any degree of slope, and, through a new type of structural aluminum molds, which are used to build pillars, beams and slabs of reinforced concrete. Its main advantages are: 1. Reduces 43.22% the direct cost of construction (materials and workmanship direct) from each house basic (foundation, structure, concrete floor, metallic structure of the roof, and walls) 2. Increases 50% worker productivity 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Miguel E. Loayza
  • Patent number: 7543420
    Abstract: A clip for securing metal plates in walls constructed using masonry blocks. The clip includes a plate portion and a block portion. The block portion has members that form an opening that fits over a member of a masonry block. The plate portion also has members that form an opening that receives and secures a metal plate. When the block portion is placed on the member of a masonry block, the clip holds a metal plate in a fixed position relative to the masonry block. The clip can include notches on an edge of one of the members to more securely hold the clip on the masonry block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Trico Masonry Products, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Ray Holt
  • Publication number: 20090044477
    Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly in which a male sidelap extends from one side edge of a panel and a female sidelap extends from the opposing side edge. The female sidelap, supporting a sealant bead, is shaped fit over the male sidelap. A clip member has a clip tab shaped to be seamed with the male and female sidelaps to connect the standing seam assembly in the assembled mode. The clip tab, having a clip inclined portion with at least one sealant flow hole, with the male and female sidelaps forms lower and upper sealant chambers along a clip tab, the sealant flow hole communicating between the upper sealant chamber and the lower sealant chamber to spread sealant to encapsulate the clip tab. The clip has a clip body slidably connected to a clip base having protruding bearing feet to penetrate and compress insulation when mounted to support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Harold Simpson, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold G. Simpson, Leo E. Neyer
  • Patent number: 7444792
    Abstract: An H-shaped clip is used to connect two pieces of building material such as plywood, roofing sheath, wafer board or other materials quickly, easily and securely. The H clip includes two tapered arms connected by a spacing bar, where each arm ends in a ski-shaped lead-in having a contoured face and a living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: M&O Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Matson
  • Publication number: 20080216426
    Abstract: According to the invention, a structure is disclosed. The structure may include a dual channel joint member and a plurality of panels. The dual channel joint member may define two channels, each channel possibly being configured to receive an edge of a panel thereby coupling two panels. The plurality of panels may include a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel or the second panel may define a cavity. The other of the first panel or the second panel may include a hooked tab. The hooked tab may engage the cavity and couples the first panel with the second panel. The dual channel joint member may couple the second panel with the third panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Tuff Shed, Inc.
    Inventor: Owen Woodruff Bunker
  • Publication number: 20080184639
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved metal roofing and siding systems. In one aspect of the invention, a roofing or siding system configured to be positioned against a structure is provided. The roofing or siding system includes a first panel including a female locking element opening away from the structure when positioned thereon; a second panel including a male locking element directed toward the structure when positioned thereon; and an anchor bar configured to be attached to the structure, wherein the anchor bar defines an channel directed away from the structure which is configured to engage the male locking element and defines a flange directed towards the structure that is configured to engage the female locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: DONALD PATRICK COTTER
  • Patent number: 7406804
    Abstract: A system consists of blocks (1) provided with grooves (19, 21) as well as joining elements (23) which are situated in the grooves for positioning the blocks with respect to each other. The block (1) has two joining sides (3, 5) for joining the blocks situated above and/or below it. Starting with a rough, undressed block, a layer of the rough block is removed from both joining sides over the whole surface, so that the joining sides (3, 5) become bearing surfaces (15, 17), which form the contact surfaces with the blocks above and below them. When dressing the rough block one makes sure that the distance (18) between the bearing surfaces (15, 17) lies within narrow tolerances of a desired value. Because of this, the blocks in a course lie precisely in a horizontal plane. The grooves (19, 21) and joining elements (23) make sure that the blocks lie precisely in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gert J. Den Daas
  • Publication number: 20080148660
    Abstract: A drywall or sheet rock edge clip device that can hold joints of drywall together at the apex of vaulted ceilings or at any other drywall seam at any angle. The device can include tabs and a head or cross member coupled by a stem that fits through the seam or joint and pulls and holds it together. A wire-tie version of the invention can have serrations along the stem and pull up and tighten like a wire-tie. The unused tail section can be broken off by bending it from side to side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Douglass Wambaugh, Timothy Smythe, Michael Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 7389618
    Abstract: The invention is a building panel and clip system, in which the building panel members are quickly and reversibly attached to other similar building panel members with clip members to form a temporary structure that provides shelter from the elements. Alternatively, the building panel members are erected interior an existing structure to provide partitioning of the space therein. The building panel members are used to form both vertical walls and the roof for such an exterior structure. The building panel members may incorporate a door or a window for added versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shawn Herkstroeter, Nathan A. Mielke, Jerome E. Johnson, Jr., Andy Schieber
  • Patent number: 7299597
    Abstract: A clip for securing metal plates in walls constructed using masonry blocks. The clip includes a plate portion and a block portion. The block portion has members that form an opening that fits over a member of a masonry block. The plate portion also has members that form an opening that receives and secures a metal plate. When the block portion is placed on the member of a masonry block, the clip holds a metal plate in a fixed position relative to the masonry block. One member of the block portion can be angled. The block portion may also include a gripping portion that is used to secure the clip to a masonry block. The plate portion may include a spacer to secure the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Ray Holt
  • Patent number: 7178298
    Abstract: A building construction system and method which includes an attachment or fastener device and a tool element for applying the device to a lower reinforcing rod. The reinforcing rod is part of a building section which includes a wood or lumber section and a lower concrete layer. The attachment device is utilized to securely retain a lumber section to a lower concrete area. The overall design is such that construction and labor time is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Albert Ebeling, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6912819
    Abstract: A fastening element for operatively connecting masonry units together in a fixed relation. The fastening element comprises a body with a web having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The projections are spaced apart from each other and configured to engage portions of masonry units therebetween in a constrained relation. The fastening element permits two, three, or four masonry units to be operatively connected together in variety of configurations without the use of mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Alliance Concrete Concepts Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Price, Christopher E. Price
  • 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: 6796090
    Abstract: Stair elements installed on sloped ground starting bottom up and using a riser reversibly secured with a clamping mechanism. Each riser is attached to a corresponding tread at the time of installation. The manner of fixing the riser to the tread permits the relationship between the two to be adjusted for angle and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Goro Kambara
  • Publication number: 20040068946
    Abstract: The box-assembly device (100) includes a first locking part (10) and a second locking part (20). The first locking part (10) is open at two faces thereof, thus being fitted over an edge of a panel (P) around a comer of a box. The second locking part (20) is integrated with an end of the first locking part (10) into a single body, and is open at two faces thereof, thus being fitted over an edge of another panel (P) around the comer of the box. The first and second locking parts (10, 20) are open in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jae-Chul Byun
  • Publication number: 20020043037
    Abstract: A fastening system for attaching an expandable building panel or surface covering system to a substrate is provided. The fastening system includes at least one slip clip which, when utilized, allows for longitudinal movement of the building panel, while substantially preventing transverse movement. Typically, a spring clip will be used in combination with the slip clip to apply pressure to the panel, thereby allowing expansion and contraction of the panel in a longitudinal direction while eliminating gaps between the adjacent end-to-end panels. A method of installing building panels using the described fastening system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: William C. Dorsey, Kartik A. Patel, Darryl C. Bodine
  • Patent number: 6308466
    Abstract: The invention provides a temporary portable shelter for an individual or individuals from the severe effects of a tornado or hurricane. The Enclosure consists of an case, having six sides, which is constructed of polycarbonate thermoplastic of extremely high quality and of superior strength and endurance. The Enclosure has a hinged door with door latch assemblies that may be operated from the inside. It has ventilation padding to protect the individual from injury while within the Enclosure. It may be bolted to the floor. Light may enter the Enclosure and a person inside may see out of the Enclosure. The Enclosure may also be outfitted with reflective tape detailing or a battery operated strobe light to help emergency staff quickly locate victims of severe weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Moriarty
  • Patent number: 6185878
    Abstract: A utility shed is disclosed comprising modular side panels (30) which are connected together by corner connectors (26) and in-line connectors (28) to form sidewalls. The connectors (26, 28) have an I-beam cross section and comprise U-shaped ends (106, 80) which engage relatively wide channels (62, 64) to securely hold the wall panels together. A door assembly is provided for engaging the corner connectors (26) and include pivot pin members (202) which attached to the vertical channel (114) of corner connectors (26) and allow pivotal door panels (164) to be suspended therefrom. Floor panels (116, 118) and lid panels (154) are provided compatible with the I-beam edge configuration of the side panels (30) such that the lid, floor and sidewalls mutually interlock with high structural integrity. The modularity of the side panels (30) allow for enclosures of larger or smaller size to be created using the same panel componentry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Hoke V. Bullard, III, William F. Croft, Gregory S. Floyd, Jonathan N. Mandell