Elements Interfit Or Abut To Create Design Patents (Class 52/311.2)
  • Publication number: 20040172903
    Abstract: In a method of decorating a flat element, said decorating comprises transferring a decoration from a support member to a laminar member of said flat element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Giancarlo Fenzi
  • Patent number: 6751915
    Abstract: A kit releasably attachable to a wall includes a plurality of elongated members, and at least one hook-and-loop fastener. The plurality of members are releasably attachable to the wall with the at least one hook-and-loop fastener to define at least one frame. For example, the kit may be elongated members for framing a door or a window. The kit may also include at least one panel to be framed such as a raised panel, a cork board, a chalkboard, and a presentation board. At least one resilient shim may be positionable between the wall and a rear portion of the at least one panel. In another embodiment, the kit includes an upper rail, a bottom rail, a plurality of stiles, a plurality of raised panels, and at least one hook-and-loop fastener for releasably attaching the rails to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: New England Classic Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6725614
    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: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20040045240
    Abstract: A laminate floor with custom images and a method for making the same are disclosed. The individual planks that make up the laminate floor each contain a base layer, a backing layer, an impact layer, a design layer, and a protective layer, which are laminated together, and have tongues and corresponding grooves in the sides of each plank. The design layer of each individual plank is made of a paper substrate and has a distinct section of an image printed on it. The laminate floor is then created by assembling the planks in a predetermined order and alignment to recreate the image on the floor. To create the laminate floor, an image is selected and digitized. The digitized image is then formatted to the dimensions of the flooring area desired, enhanced to a desired quality level, and segmented into distinct sections so that each section will fit on a plank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce L. McIlvaine
  • Patent number: 6694682
    Abstract: A plastics floor covering (1) comprises a plurality of discrete plastics components (2, 3, 4) each having an upper surface and a lower surface (lower surface shown). The discrete components (2, 3, 4) are assembled together to form a predetermined design and are held in the assembled position to form a unitary floor covering (1) by at least one portion of a joining film (14) secured to the lower surface of each discrete component (2, 3, 4). The joining film (14) spans at least the edges of neighboring discrete components (2, 3, 4) and is coated with a thermally labile polymeric coupling agent. The joining film (14) is perforated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: The Amtico Company Limited
    Inventor: Luigi Fanti
  • Patent number: 6684589
    Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Wanda Plager
  • Publication number: 20030200713
    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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: BuffaloStone, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. McStay
  • Patent number: 6615558
    Abstract: Signature entryway units combine common non-circular elements to form an entryway unit that suggests a circle. The entryway unit can include a door and one or more sidelight panels. The non-circular elements can include glazing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: James Brian Libby, Casey L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6612091
    Abstract: An architectural building panel comprises a sealed glazing unit having at least two spaced apart parallel glazing sheets which define a cavity closed by a peripheral seal. Opaque strip elements on the building panel provide the appearance of window frames surrounding transparent glass areas, with regions of the panel outside these frames being provided with surface area patterns that simulate the appearance of conventional building materials such as brick or the like. The building panel can be used in any convenient size, and may be of a size to extend between structural floors of a building so that a curtain wall for the building can be composed of exteriors of such building panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Glover, Stephen Field
  • Publication number: 20030136069
    Abstract: The invention relates to sets of structural elements representing equilateral irregular pentagonal structures with angles of 36°, 108°, 108°, 36° and 252°, which enable a plurality of patterns that can cover a plane periodically or non-periodically. Modified structural elements in which each side of the equilateral, irregular pentagon is replaced by point-symmetrical lines also cover the plane. Sets of said structural elements can be used for tile applications, tile games such as puzzles, intarsia products, jewelry and the production of fabrics and wallpaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Bernhard Geissler
  • Patent number: 6588163
    Abstract: A type of relief engraved doorplate, comprising an inside plate that is composed of a first Bakelite layer and a second Bakelite layer, said first Bakelite layer and second Bakelite layer being composed of coarse wood dust and fine wood powder respectively, the second Bakelite layer enveloping the exterior of the first Bakelite layer before they are subjected to heated compression molding to obtain the relief engraved pattern on the top and bottom panels of the inside plate; and, at least one pair of outside decorative plates, including at least a layer of thin wood plate and a layer of water-resistant paper, the water-resistant paper being glued onto the thin wood plate and put in a compression mold with a pattern that is opposite to that of the inside plate, to obtain a depressed pattern on one side of the outside decorative plate, which is opposite to the relief engraved pattern on the inside plate, and then it is fitted to the top and bottom panels of the inside plate and subjected to compression molding
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Wang, Chi-Sui Wang, Jui-Shih Lin, Tzu Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 6584743
    Abstract: A molded skirting board, crown molding, or other decorative moldings simulating natural wood millwork, and a method of molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, skirting boards without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The molded articles are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press to produce multiple, interconnected parts in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture. A corrugated or L-shaped, hidden stiffening/positioning member spaces the article from a wall or ceiling to simulate thick, heavier, natural wood millwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: David Paxton, Steven K. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20030101667
    Abstract: A trim connector block, a trim kit and method of assembly of the same are provided. The trim connector block is adapted to engage a trim member that has a front face formed with a profile. The connector block has a front face, a rear face, an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces. At least one cavity is formed in one of the upper, lower and side surfaces of the connector block. The cavity is complimentarily shaped to the profile of front face of the trim member. One end of the trim member is inserted into the cavity of the connector block to the extent required. The trim kit has a number of trim members and connector blocks. During assembly of the trim kit, a connector block is positioned and then secured to a wall. One end of a trim member is inserted into a cavity of the secured connector block. The position of the trim member relative to the opening is adjusted and the trim member is secured to the wall. Additional connector blocks and trim members may be added as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Noah L. Yoder
  • Patent number: 6564524
    Abstract: A modular construction system for reducing costs and improving the long term structural integrity of buildings. The modular construction system includes a plurality of lateral members which are stackable and couplable end-to-end with other lateral members, a plurality of anchor members which are couplable to a foundation of a building and include an eye portion, a plurality of anchor segments which include a hook portion for engaging the eye portion of the anchor member and are positionable through a bore of the lateral members for securing the lateral members to the foundation, and a plurality of fastener members which are each couplable to an associated one of the anchor segments to prevent the lateral members from being lifted away from the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Christian Gruita
  • Publication number: 20030061774
    Abstract: A floor assembly includes a plurality of floor units and each of the floor units has four sides. Four recesses are defined in four corners of each of the floor units and the floor units are connected with each other side by side. A plurality of fixed members are fixed on the ground and engaged with the recesses of the floor units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Meng-Chieh Lin
  • Publication number: 20030029110
    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 substantial attachment to a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Publication number: 20030005656
    Abstract: A decorative cover assembly for a substantially vertical surface is disclosed. The vertical surface is in the form of at least one panel having a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges. The cover assembly includes a mounting bracket removably attachable to the panel top edge with attachment elements being disposed on the bracket. A plurality of first connecting members are positioned along the panel front surface at spaced intervals proximate the panel side edges. A plurality of decorative sheets are then provided and adapted to align with each other to form a coherent piece of art. The sheets are sized for placement adjacent each other and include second connecting members releasably attachable to the first connecting members to position the sheets over the outer surface of the panel to display the coherent piece of art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Tom B. Kim, Larry Russell Craycraft
  • Publication number: 20020189183
    Abstract: A polymeric floor tile of elongated shape having a top surface molded to simulate a section of wood flooring with a plurality of staggered boards. The tile is adhesive-free, made possible by novel mating interlocks formed so as to lie below the linear edges defining the top tile surface. A decorative layer of wood grain may be applied to the top surface during or after molding to enhance simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Ricciardelli
  • Publication number: 20020166303
    Abstract: A kit releasably attachable to a wall includes a plurality of elongated members, and at least one hook-and-loop fastener. The plurality of members are releasably attachable to the wall with the at least one hook-and-loop fastener to define at least one frame. For example, the kit may be elongated members for framing a door or a window. The kit may also include at least one panel to be framed such as a raised panel, a cork board, a chalkboard, and a presentation board. At least one resilient shim may be positionable between the wall and a rear portion of the at least one panel. In another embodiment, the kit includes an upper rail, a bottom rail, a plurality of stiles, a plurality of raised panels, and at least one hook-and-loop fastener for releasably attaching the rails to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: John S. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6470643
    Abstract: A molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. A first set of elongated members lies in one plane, with each of the members having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces each have central regions that are intermediate the edges. The central regions of the upper and lower surfaces are separated by a distance less than the thickness of the edges such that each of the members have a bowtie shaped cross-section. A second set of elongated members lies in a second plane, with the second set of members intersecting and interconnecting the first set at junction regions. Each of the members in the second set also has a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting upper and lower surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Richard W. Cantley
  • Patent number: 6467235
    Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of preselected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Kermit E. Stahl, Joseph Quaranta
  • Patent number: 6463707
    Abstract: A surround molding assembly for a doorway or window of a structure such as a residential home or a commercial building. In one embodiment, first and second pilaster bases receive first and second cover plates in recesses, wherein the recesses have a lip along at least two sides and the cover plates are mounted flush with the pilaster bases and covering the lips. Further, a mantle base having a central portion comprising regularly repeating reinforced sectional structural receives a mantle cover thereover such that the mantle base in generally obscured from view. The pilaster and mantle bases each include decorative ends integrally formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, J. Richard Logan, Richard J. MacLeod, Aundrea Nurenberg, Michael C. Clark, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Patent number: 6460303
    Abstract: This application discloses an anchor sheet and method of installation comprising a laminate with an upper layer of relatively thin, flexible rigid sheet material having on its upper layer a plurality of hooks and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material attached to the upper layer, the laminate having sufficient rigidity, thickness, and mass that when combined with an overlying decorative covering, it is stable against buckling. The bottom layer is dimensioned such that there is an overlap area of lower layer along two adjacent edges of the lower layer for detachable attachment of an overlapping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Patent number: 6455113
    Abstract: An artificial snow tile system made up of one or more artificial snow tiles, which are optionally backlightable and wind-resistant, for affixing to a surface; an artificial snow tile having a rough surface having a dull white luster to resemble one or more layers of fallen snow, and at least two edges that are opposite each other and mirror images of each other, such that an edge may be lined up with a respective opposite edge of another tile so as to create a smooth continuous snow drift appearance without visible gaps between the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Emile Bilodeau
  • Publication number: 20020129572
    Abstract: A corner unit for a siding system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the unit has a plurality of pairs of integral receivers for receiving and covering the ends of adjacent first and second siding strips terminating adjacent to the corner of a dwelling or other stable support structure. The unit also includes a plurality of pairs of outwardly projecting portions that simulate the appearance of overlapping structural members at the corners. Each adjacent receiver and outwardly projecting portion in a different horizontal plane may also have an integral connector portion that simulates the appearance of grout or chinking. When used with siding strips having a similar portion simulating grout or chinking, the realism of the overall simulation at the corner of the dwelling and along the adjacent walls is enhanced. The unit may also be formed of a single piece of material, such as injection molded plastic, to facilitate installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Erik K. Jurvis, Rochelle G. Jurvis
  • Patent number: 6449916
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a decorative window insert, and from the insert a decorative window, comprises the steps of producing a plurality of planar glass units each adapted by size and shape, for assembly together as a decorative insert master by assembling the planar glass units into a planar assembly wherein the planar glass units are joined by a came, producing a mold from the decorative insert master, the mold replicating the decorative insert master with a came mold portion and a planar glass units mold portion, filling the came mold portion of the mold with a dyed catalyzed resin and curing the resin as a simulated came portion of the insert, filling a planar glass units mold portion of the mold with a non-dyed catalyzed resin and curing it as a simulated glass portion of the insert followed by a post-curing of the simulated came portion and the simulated glass portion to produce the decorative window insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: George E. Waters
  • Patent number: 6446695
    Abstract: A roll-up door has a plurality of horizontally extended panels hinged together to permit the door to be moved between a vertical-orientation and a horizontal orientation relative to a doorway. A frame has border side members, a center member, and a top member secured to the outside to the panels exposes portions of the front walls of the panels. The exposed portions of the panels have door facades whereby the garage door has the appearance of two or more doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kent H. Forsland
  • Publication number: 20020112423
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20020088190
    Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination with other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Rocco Pacione
  • Publication number: 20020078647
    Abstract: A decorative strip for automotive bodies, and more particularly, for steering wheel rings is formed of a thin vinyl substrate with an adhesive coating on one surface and a decorative design on the other. The surface with the decorative design is covered with a coat made of a clear resin. The strip has a generally arcuate shape so that it fits easily on the steering wheel ring thereby improving its esthetic look. Moreover the strip is elastic so that it can be bent as at is applied to the steering wheel thereby conforming naturally to its radius of curvature and forming a smooth and continuous cover without any ridges or other irregularities. In some instances the strip is formed of several parallel sections to allow the strip to adapt better to the curvature of the wheel ring. The sections may have linear lateral edges or the edges may be serrated to form interlocking profiles as the sections are abutted against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Yzhak Faigenblat
  • Publication number: 20020066250
    Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Wanda Plager
  • Patent number: 6397540
    Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 6385929
    Abstract: A building system comprising interlocking log-like construction members to be used with or without screw-like fasteners. Various real-sized structures such as cabins, play-houses and tool sheds may be formed by perpendicular arrangement of recessed surfaces formed in the log-like members. A fastening system allows semi-permanent attachment of adjacent log-like members using a flanged fastener having an axial threaded recess and an axial threaded extension. When two fasteners are axially aligned, the axial threaded extension of one fastener may be engaged in the axial threaded recess of the other. The fasteners extend through holes in the recessed surfaces of the log-like members and thereby secure adjacent log-like members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Richard J. Englehart
  • Patent number: 6385926
    Abstract: A decorative window-mounting apparatus for providing easy-to-setup decorations about the interior and exterior of a house. The decorative window-mounting apparatus includes a window molding having a first pair of vertically-disposed elongate members being adapted to fasten to a window frame about a window, and further having a horizontally-disposed upper cross member securely attached to the window frame above the window, and also having a horizontally-disposed lower cross member securely attached to the window frame below the window; and also includes a frame having a second pair of vertically-disposed elongate members removably attached to the first pair of vertically-disposed elongate members, and also having a second pair of horizontally-disposed cross members being removably mounted to the upper and lower cross members of the window molding; and further includes a plurality of holiday decorative members securely attached to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jessie L. Kizar
  • Patent number: 6374560
    Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Dean Douglas Dennis
  • Patent number: 6367218
    Abstract: A removable tile wall covering includes a number of ceramic tiles held on the wall surface with disengageable-reengageable VELCRO fasteners. The wall covering is simple and inexpensive to install, and the tiles are easily removed for cleaning or redecoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jamie A. Lombardo
  • Patent number: 6341460
    Abstract: A class of undulated building structures constructed from sheets of suitable material and composed of sinuous curved faces meeting at constant angle at sinuous curved edges. The curved faces ensure a deformation-free (and hence a strain-free) surface, a critical feature for large-scale architectural constructions from sheet materials. The structures can be constructed by scoring a single sheet and folding the entire structure or from parts which are scored and folded. A variety of 2-dimensional scoring designs and a morphological technique for their derivation is disclosed. The technique enables the generation of symmetric and asymmetric 3-dimensional developable structures with combinations of convex and concave angle folds. The technique also provides the enabling feature for forming by various manufacturing methods. The structures can also be constructed from cast materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Haresh Lalvani
  • Patent number: 6341461
    Abstract: A wood panel system that includes an upper rail, a lower rail and a stile is provided. The upper rail and lower rails are in rigid communication with a wall, while the stile may float between the upper and lower rails. In certain embodiments, the upper rail and the stile are joined by a noncoped groove. The outer edges of the upper rail and the stile may be disposed within different planes that are each parallel to the wall. The upper rail may have a lip that extends over a portion of the stile. Preferably, the stile is formed of a wood veneer coated core material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: New England Classic Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Crowley, Edward H. Lameyer, John MacDiarmid
  • Publication number: 20010049918
    Abstract: Siding panels and intermediate articles of their manufacture are provided. The siding panels include a central portion including an aesthetic pattern and a pair of lateral edge portions which are molded while the polymeric material is still hot or molten. One exemplary aesthetic pattern provided is a cedar shake siding pattern. Adjacent cedar shake shingle impressions have substantially the same lengths, but a plurality of bottom edges of the individual shingle impressions are beveled to give the appearance of shingles having different lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Gilbert, Kenneth David Bosler, Steven Craig Booz
  • Patent number: 6309716
    Abstract: Sets of tessellatable elements are disclosed, in which a relatively low number of different elements may be combined together to provide very attractive tessellating patterns. The elements may be in the form of tiles, for paving or for covering flooring or walls, for example, game pieces, including television and computer games, pieces for use in maze construction and for many other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventors: Adrian Fisher, Edward Taylor Pegg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6308487
    Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Richard W. Cantley
  • Publication number: 20010032423
    Abstract: A surround molding assembly for a doorway or window of a structure such as a residential home or a commercial building. In one embodiment, a decorative molding strip includes a base strip and a decorative strip interconnected by a living hinge. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide internally located fasteners. In an embodiment, an extension cap is interconnected between a corner member and a decorative molding strip without external fasteners. In another preferred embodiment, a door surround molding assembly is provided which includes a pair of vertical molding members releasably secured via independent hanger strips along vertical sides of a doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, J. Richard Logan, Richard J. MacLeod, Aundrea Nurenberg, Michael C. Clark, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20010032432
    Abstract: A molded skirting board, crown molding, or other decorative moldings simulating natural wood millwork, and a method of molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, skirting boards without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The molded articles are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press to produce multiple, interconnected parts in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture. A corrugated or L-shaped, hidden stiffening/positioning member spaces the article from a wall or ceiling to simulate thick, heavier, natural wood millwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: David Paxton, Steven K. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6306477
    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: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Patent number: 6298624
    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 substantial attachment to a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Publication number: 20010022056
    Abstract: A simple and cost-efficient decorative post covering. The decorative post covering has two L-shaped members that are sized and shaped to fit around a post. The decorative post cover includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second members together and around the post. The attachment mechanism is formed integral to the L-shaped members. The attachment mechanism includes a lip end and a receiving end on each of the first and second members. The lip end of the first member is connected to the receiving end of the second member and the lip end of the second member is connected to the receiving end of the first member. The first and second members are identical and therefore interchangeable. The first and second members have longitudinal scalloped grooves molded therein to increased the rigidity of members and give the appearance of a pillar or column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Gifford
  • Patent number: 6286284
    Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Richard W. Cantley
  • Patent number: 6279280
    Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Wanda Plager
  • Patent number: 6253512
    Abstract: A method of applying tiles to a roof, the tiles being of at least two different appearances, includes establishing a collection of pattern units, each pattern unit representing an arrangement of a plurality of tiles formed into a specific pattern, the specific pattern of each pattern unit being different from the specific pattern of every other pattern unit in the collection of pattern units. Each pattern unit includes representations of tiles of at least two different appearances, such as different colors. Tiles are applied according to a first one of the pattern units, to a first portion of the roof. Tiles are applied according to one of the pattern units, to a second portion of the roof that abuts the first portion of the roof. Additional tiles are applied to additional portions of the roof, the tiles being applied to each additional portion of the roof according to one of the pattern units, with each additional portion of the roof abutting a previously applied portion of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Thompson, Frank A. Wilgus, Jr., Frank R. Wilgus, Sr., Norman L. Gansmiller, Robert T. Fell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6240685
    Abstract: A decorative building unit simulating a multi-pane, window or door. The decorative building unit is comprised of a glass support frame and a single glass panel having an outer surface mounted on or in the glass support frame. The glass panel has at least one simulated joint comprising at least two shallow spaced apart parallel grooves formed in the outer surface of the glass panel and a platform formed between the two spaced grooves. The size and spacing of glass support frame simulated muntins and platforms is such that, when mounted together, the simulated muntins and platforms align with each other to simulate a multi-pane beveled glass window or door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Eichhorn