Elements Interfit Or Abut To Create Design Patents (Class 52/311.2)
  • Patent number: 8220215
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R. Ismay, Richard C. Perrior
  • Patent number: 8205404
    Abstract: A panel for use in an assembly of panels is attached to each other to form a covering. The panel comprises an upper surface and a lower surface each extending within a different main plane, and at least an edge between these surfaces comprising a coupling to couple the panel to a coupling of another panel. The upper surface includes a lowered part at said edge and the cross-section of the lowered part, perpendicular to the edge of the panel, varies along the edge. Such a panel provides a good imitation of a panel made of natural materials. The invention also provides an appropriate method to make such a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Spanolux N.V.-Div. Balterio
    Inventors: Bruno Paul Louis Vermeulen, Jan Eddy De Rick
  • Patent number: 8181408
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel wooden wall or ceiling paneling or flooring manufactured from wine or whiskey cask staves having a desirable patina that emits a scent having a bouquet resembling the wine or whiskey that was aged in the cask, as well as a method to manufacture the wooden paneling or flooring that includes the steps of first straightening the curved cask staves, and then milling the non-stained surface layer of the straightened wine cask staves to a predetermined thickness and hand scrapping or shaving a portion of the stained surface layer of the wine cask stave to remove any splintering that may have occurred during the stave straightening process. The straightened, milled and hand scraped or shaved stave is affixed to a wall or predetermined sub flooring surface with the stained, hand scraped surface layer remaining exposed for viewing or foot traffic and to permit the release of the wine, whiskey or other spirit bouquet into the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph P. Triglia
  • Patent number: 8181407
    Abstract: Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. Adjacent planks substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual planks within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture (i.e., pattern) that is complementary with a pattern of a neighboring partial sub-panel or plank. Each plank may include edge patterns adjacent a portion of an edge of the plank and at least one bulk pattern adjacent the edge patterns. Edge patterns within a plank and of planks within a flooring system are substantially identical to each other. Bulk patterns form a substantially continuous pattern within an individual plank when adjacent a plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Faus Group
    Inventors: Eugenio Cruz Garcia, Vicente Sabater
  • Publication number: 20120096794
    Abstract: A floor or surface covering comprising a single article of a material or multiple pieces of a material joined together that form a single article, in which the floor or surface covering surrounds a moveable or fixed article of furniture, in which the floor or surface covering surrounds the movable or fixed article of furniture on two or three sides of the furniture, and in which the floor or surface covering is positioned in a location that is adjacent to the two or three sides of the furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Andreia Kelley
  • Publication number: 20120096793
    Abstract: An irregularly-shaped building unit includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite of the front surface, and an outer contour surface that extends generally perpendicularly from the front surface to the rear surface. The outer contour surface is irregularly shaped. A plurality of mating sides are disposed on the outer contour surface, where at least two mating sides intersect with a major axis, and at least two mating sides intersect with a minor axis. The major axis and the minor axis are generally perpendicular to each other. Each mating side is a centered rotation about the respective axis that the mating side intersects with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas S. Riccobene
  • Patent number: 8124210
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal mosaic tile used as the interior finishing material on the wall of a building. The tile includes a metallic board and a metallic cover. Convex parts are provided on the front of the metallic board at regular intervals and concave parts are provided on the back of the metallic board at regular intervals. The metallic cover includes a bent side plate, a top plate and an opening for accommodating at least one of the convex parts of the metallic board, and the upper surface of each convex part adheres to the top plate. The tile has high fire resistance, effectively prevents condensation from occurring, mitigates vibration or noise, has high joining strength and high attaching strength against an object to which the tile is attached, and permits the mass production of metal mosaic tile at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daejin DSP Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8099919
    Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Faus Group
    Inventor: Eugenio Cruz Garcia
  • Patent number: 8091305
    Abstract: A decorative structure comprises a frame completely surrounding a space and a front and rear barrier material applied to front and rear surfaces of the frame enclosing the space to form a three dimensional structure. The space located between the front and rear barrier material and the frame, is filled with pieces of waste glass, or other recycled material, which has been processed to have smoothened surfaces and provide a decorative appearance. At least the front barrier material has sufficient transparency so that the decorative appearance of the waste material held behind the barrier is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jane A. Skeeter
  • Patent number: 8056290
    Abstract: The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Patent number: 8028481
    Abstract: A caisson system having an attachment plate fastened to ceiling joists; compressible spacers to allow for the attachment plate to be perfectly straight; caisson frames consisting of a combination of a pair of length planks and a pair of width planks to create a generally rectangular structure; length cover planks and width cover planks, along with tiles to finish the caisson frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Herman Deschenes
  • Patent number: 8011152
    Abstract: A block suitable for use in an arrangement of blocks that are interlocked. The block may comprise: a first side surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, the first side surface being irregular and having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a second side surface extending between the second edge and a third edge, the second side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a third side surface extending between the first edge and a fourth edge, the third side surface being congruent with a first portion of the first side surface; a fourth side surface extending between the third edge and a fifth edge, the fourth side surface being congruent with a second portion of the first side surface such that the first portion and the second portion of the first side surface constitute the first side surface; and a fifth side surface extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge, the fifth side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Transpave Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Thomassen
  • Patent number: 7997035
    Abstract: Improvements in a window screen are disclosed. The improvements include the use of a woven pattered window screen. The window screen design includes a woven non-geometric pattern to create a more visually appealing image when looking at and through the window screen. The woven screen material is held onto a base frame with an elastomeric bead. The screen can also be retained in a retractable roll where it can be withdrawn to cover a door, or as an awning. The woven image can include a variety of patterns and pattern variations including flowers, leaves, pictures, images and seasonal patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Lori Weaver
  • Patent number: 7997043
    Abstract: A molding system for use in interior spaces for use either with new construction or finished spaces, and in addition can be used with either a suspended ceiling or conventional ceiling, whereby the molding is incorporated with the wall and ceiling surfaces in such a manner that the joints with the ceiling and wall are plumb and being mounted such that the decorative molding surface of the molding can be installed in a finished form that does not require further finishing after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Robert MacMillan, Jeremy P. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7987648
    Abstract: A decorative, modular wall panel system is disclosed that allows easy installation and that is adaptable to a variety of wall lengths by allowing the decorative panels to float on an easily installed frame assembly. A skeletal, hidden frame structure is attached to the preexisting wall over which the modular wall panel system is to be installed, and is configured to hold the decorative panel system in place without penetrating the decorative members with fasteners such as nails or screws, thus eliminating the need for wood fillers, plugs, caulking, paints, or stains and touch-up kits to fix blemishes on the decorative panels that would otherwise be caused by attaching them to a wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ryan
  • Patent number: 7975447
    Abstract: A decorative trim assembly is provided for decorating a building exterior. The assembly includes a plurality of trim modules that may be assembled together to form various trim subassemblies. Each trim module includes a decorative portion and at least one rail portion coupled to the decorative portion. The rail portions have end portions and define channels having heights and widths that permit other rail portions to be inserted and retained therein. Some of the rail portions may be cut to facilitate joining with other rail portions, and screw blocks, angle adapters, and end caps are provided to further facilitate the assembly of various trim modules to one another and to the building's exterior. Additionally, customizable trim modules permit the insertion and removal of various emblems, characters, symbols, or the like from the trim modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: P-tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalvin K. Vanden Bosch, Brian R. Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20110126483
    Abstract: A decorative tile kit having at least a set of two tiles, each tile being identical, but for the fact that the elevation or color defined within each tile is inverted. The kit is used by fixedly placing tiles on a surface so that geometric figures are defined on the surface in accordance to the user's preference. The kit of the present invention creates shapes which depict waves, flowers, fans, tears, or other designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: JOSE IGNACIO GARCIA DORADO
  • Patent number: 7836649
    Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Faus Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugenio Cruz Garcia
  • Patent number: 7832161
    Abstract: A corner joint element for bevel-edge tiles, comprising a first in-view surface (2) and a second in-view surface (8) which are incident to one another and reciprocally inclined by a predetermined angle, in which the first in-view surface (2) exhibits a first corner (3), defined by a union of two consecutive edges (5, 6), and a second corner (4), defined by a union of two consecutive edges (6, 7). Each corner exhibits at least a tract (5a, 6a, 6b, 7a), arranged in proximity of a respective corner (3, 4) of the corners, which is downwards-inclined with respect to the first in-view surface (2) on a perpendicular plane to the first in-view surface (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Etruria Design S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Ligabue
  • Patent number: 7829176
    Abstract: Surface structured decorative boards (1) having a first and a second opposite edge (1I and 1II respectively). The board (1) include an upper side decorative surface (2) an upper side surface structure and a base layer. The structure is comprised by at least two surface grades (10) forming a decorative surface pattern on said upper side, said pattern being applied in predetermined fixed positions (P) on the first and the second edges (1I and 1II respectively). The first edge pattern positions (PL) and the second edge pattern positions (PR) are matched so that the pattern continues over the first and second edges (1I and 1II respectively) of adjacent boards (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pergo AG
    Inventor: Ake Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 7823358
    Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: BuffaloStone, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. McStay
  • Patent number: 7748179
    Abstract: The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20100162648
    Abstract: A block suitable for use in an arrangement of blocks that are interlocked. The block may comprise: a first side surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, the first side surface being irregular and having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a second side surface extending between the second edge and a third edge, the second side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a third side surface extending between the first edge and a fourth edge, the third side surface being congruent with a first portion of the first side surface; a fourth side surface extending between the third edge and a fifth edge, the fourth side surface being congruent with a second portion of the first side surface such that the first portion and the second portion of the first side surface constitute the first side surface; and a fifth side surface extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge, the fifth side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Marcel Thomassen
  • Patent number: 7743564
    Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Patent number: 7721502
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that โ€œfloatsโ€ on the underlying floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray, Craig Cochran
  • Publication number: 20100058692
    Abstract: A caisson system having an attachment plate fastened to ceiling joists; compressible spacers to allow for the attachment plate to be perfectly straight; caisson frames consisting of a combination of a pair of length planks and a pair of width planks to create a generally rectangular structure; length cover planks and width cover planks, along with tiles to finish the caisson frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Herman Deschenes
  • Patent number: 7674067
    Abstract: An irregular, tessellated building unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle that is divided evenly into 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, spacers are provided on the sides of each unit. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other. A surface covering comprises a multiplicity of units assembled to form a continuous surface without overlap between units and without substantial gaps between units. A structure, such as a wall or column can be formed of building units of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Riccobene Designs LLC
    Inventor: Thomas S. Riccobene
  • 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: 7621076
    Abstract: The invention comprises a compact barber shop structure having the exterior shape of a barber pole of sufficient height and size allow adults to enter and move about standing up and has a barber chair in its interior with barbering accessories to enable a barber groom a person's hair while seated in the barber chair. The structure has a door to allow persons to enter the structure for the grooming. The structure has a cylindrical exterior and has spiral stripes applied to the cylindrical exterior of the color common to a barber pole. A large globe is located on top of the cylindrical exterior of type common to a globe of a barber pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Everette Blaisdell
  • Publication number: 20090223157
    Abstract: A mate line closure and aesthetic structural embellishment for structures, included modular buildings. A pair of elongated modular elements, forming part of a modular unit, are provided, having junction ends proximate one another when assembled as the modular unit. A key joins the modular elements at the junction ends, the key forming a finished union with opposite side plates and a bottom plate. The modular unit is installed in portions in a building, such as at a mate line, and is preferably secured to an under support installed before the elements of the modular unit are then installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: R. Douglas Sapen
  • Patent number: 7501173
    Abstract: A multiple component decorative medallion includes a decorative annular base plate adapted to receive decorative rings which are held in place by releasable detents. The base plate and the rings can be used individually as decorative medallions or selectively combined to produce a variety of ornamental images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: RWL Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Robert C. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 7493732
    Abstract: A mosaic concrete product, methods of creating the same, and methods of fabricating a module for use in creating the mosaic are provided. The methods of installing the mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface utilize the module. The module may be fabricated by mapping out tile in a design corresponding to the mosaic; adhering the tile to a template utilizing an adhesive, the tile being positioned thereon corresponding to the design; and allowing the adhesive to set. The module may define upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including the tile adhered thereto. The methods of installing the mosaic comprises: positioning the module upon the uncured concrete surface; embedding the tile into the concrete surface; massaging the tile into the concrete surface to interpose a quantity of cement/fines paste between the adjacent tiles; and finishing the concrete surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Brailsford, Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20090044472
    Abstract: An application for wallpaper with match marks includes a continuous sheet of wallpaper having a front surface, a back surface, a left edge and a right edge and a decorative pattern printed on the front surface. A plurality of erasable left match marks are spaced along the left edge of the front surface and a plurality of erasable right match marks spaced along the right edge of the front surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: SCHOONER PRINTS, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Bluett
  • Patent number: 7464510
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that โ€œfloatsโ€ on the under lying floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Publication number: 20080222983
    Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulated architectural element that protects its content from atmospheric pressure and temperature, water, humidity and other contaminants. Furthermore, all the components composing the element being encapsulated, thus the element are disposed directly on the floor or other surface and installed in only one step. It is possible to have openings through the encapsulated element, reducing the weight of the element. These openings may be used to refrigerate/heat the floor or other surfaces by the passage of air, gas, fluids or to pass materials or equipment in the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Lalonde
  • Patent number: 7412806
    Abstract: Structures are described that create spaces while installing anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors, but which allow for the expansion and contraction of anchor sheets after installation. The structures may be used on either the attachment pieces, anchor sheets or both. In one embodiment, the structure is a deformable margin; in another embodiment, the structure is a pull-away strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Rocco Pacione, John Pacione
  • Publication number: 20070289236
    Abstract: A finishing panel using marble including a marble panel to be disposed at a front surface and a back body panel joined with a rear surface of the marble panel, wherein the back body panel comprises a supporting panel formed in the same size with the marble panel and attached to the marble panel, and a coupling panel positioned at a rear surface of the supporting panel and having both sides facing each other in complementary shape, and wherein one of the sides is formed with a groove part behind the supporting panel, and the other side is formed with a protrusion part, so that the groove part and the protrusion part of the coupling panel are engaged with a protrusion part and a groove part of adjacent coupling panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Yong Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 7288310
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for manufacturing resilient floor and wall tiles and the products obtained thereby. More particularly, the invention relates to resilient tiles which have been individually cut, routed and mechanically embossed on two adjacent edges to give the appearance that each individual tile has grout lines on two adjacent edges. When a series of these tiles are installed on a floor or wall, the seams between the individual tiles are less visible than when using resilient tiles of the prior art having grout lines on all edges of the tile. This is because the seams between the tiles of the present invention are not in the grout lines themselves but rather adjacent to the grout lines. This creates a more realistic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Domco Tarkett, Inc.
    Inventor: James N. Hardwick
  • Patent number: 7287357
    Abstract: A molding profile assembly has a first and second molding profile. The first molding profile, whose upper surface is to form the upper surface of the molding profile assembly, has a groove formed into an under-surface of a first arm and a groove formed into a foot perpendicular to the arm. The second molding profile has first and second tabs which fit snugly into the first and second grooves of the first molding profile, respectively, interlocking the first and second molding profiles together. The molding profiles do not require scraping, stripping or other permanent alteration in order to be assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Faus Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Francisco Gรณmez Insa
  • Patent number: 7243469
    Abstract: A decorated floor panel having a core with a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; a decorative layer coupled to the top surface of the core, the decorative layer having a desired aesthetic appearance; and a wear layer coupled to and substantially covering the decorative layer for protecting the decorative layer. The wear layer has an exposed wear surface with depressions therein of a variable depth below the wear surface, the depressions being arranged to display a desired texture pattern. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. ยง 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Miller, David M. Brownlee
  • Patent number: 7228663
    Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Patent number: 7185465
    Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Patent number: 7134249
    Abstract: A panel, for installation on a ceiling as a component of a matrix grid of similar panels, with the ceiling panels capable of being installed directly on sheetrock ceilings without the otherwise need for affixing a wooden structure to the sheetrock ceiling before affixing the ceiling panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: American Metal Ceiling Panel Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Shapiro, Scott Merry, Jeffrey Bauman
  • Patent number: 7111434
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a panel substantially stretched on a frame stretched homogeneously in all directions. The panel (1) is obtained from a sheet cut out in web of soft textile material produced from knitted synthetic textile yams forming deformable stitches in all directions. The textile web is coated with a coating mixture comprising an elastomeric polymerized polymer and a covering coloring substance. The peripheral edges of the sheet are engaged in retaining profiled sections (2) forming a closed frame (2) fixed on a support (3). Said sheet is stretched by local heating in at least a zone causing it to be heat-shrunk and stretched on the frame (2). The invention is applicable to false ceilings, advertising boards, and all types of wall decorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: CLIPSO Swiss AG
    Inventors: Bernard Geis, Alexandre Katz
  • Patent number: 7021015
    Abstract: A reverse molded, plant-on decorative panel component comprises a panel portion lying on a first plane, a skirt portion, and a contoured portion. The skirt portion has a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a planar surface. The contoured portion extends outwardly from and surrounds the panel portion and interconnects and is integral with the panel portion and the skirt portion. The skirt portion extends peripherally about the contoured portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Dale E. Schafernak, Karine Luetgert, Bei-Hong Liang, Lee Braddock
  • Patent number: 6962737
    Abstract: A simulated stained glass modular electroluminescent article is comprised of electroluminescent modules. Each module is comprised of electroluminophores arranged in a predetermined decorative pattern, a pair of electroconductive walls trapping these electroluminophores, and a plurality of lead-simulating strips coinciding with the boundaries of the electroluminophores. Under the application of electrical current, the flat panels or tree-dimensional articles constructed from the electroluminescent modules, emit light which is visually consistent with sunlight passing through a stained glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Boris Volfson
  • Patent number: 6945006
    Abstract: A countertop assembly comprising a horizontal deck having an upper and a lower surface and an elongated vertical edge surface and an elongated molded strip superimposed on the vertical surface. A pattern formed from either ridges or recesses or a combination of ridges and recesses may be molded into the front side of the elongated molded strip. A method of manufacturing this countertop assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: American Marble Industries
    Inventor: John F. Stoffer
  • Patent number: 6881463
    Abstract: A surface covering unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Each primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle of 60, 90, 120 or 180 degrees, and each side is substantially a rotational image of the other side. The sum of the plural vertices angles is 180, 240, 270, 300 or 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, one or more edges of each unit are marked with indicia to facilitate matching mating sides of adjacent units. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Riccobene Designs LLC
    Inventor: Thomas S. Riccobene
  • Patent number: 6820383
    Abstract: An improved decorative brick having a display face with a network of deep interconnected grooves to produce a mosaic-like appearance, and patios made with such brick. A manufacturing method for such decorative brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Terrance D. Vos
  • Patent number: 6797353
    Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione