Visible Discrete Elements In Cast Material Patents (Class 52/315)
  • Patent number: 11306487
    Abstract: A rigid polymeric modular flooring plank can be one continuous piece having a top surface, a bottom surface and multiple sides defining the edges of said rigid polymeric modular flooring plank. The rigid polymeric modular flooring plank can include the appearance of multiple tiles or one tile as part of the top surface, with each of the multiple tiles having multiple simulated sides and a decorative surface, and each tile is completely surrounded by simulated grout lines that have a depth and either have a full width W or a half width ½W. Any simulated grout line that is located at any of said multiple sides has the half width and all other simulated grout lines have the full width. The rigid polymeric modular flooring plank has at least a polymeric base layer, a decorative layer, and a wear layer located above the decorative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kuritz, Joseph J. Delarso, Jr., Terry Marchetta, James Michael Tuley
  • Patent number: 11285538
    Abstract: A tooling assembly and method of aligning a plurality of components for a repair process in an additive manufacturing machine includes positioning the plurality of components such that a repair surface of each of the plurality of components contacts an alignment plate, e.g., under the force of gravity or using biasing members. The method further includes surrounding the alignment plate with containment walls to define a reservoir around the plurality of components and dispensing a fill material, such as wax or a potting material, into the reservoir which is configured for fixing a relative position of the plurality of components when the fill material is solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jinjie Shi, Richard Roy Worthing, Jr., Joseph Edward Hampshire
  • Patent number: 11149440
    Abstract: A prefabricated tile strip includes a backing board, a tile region having plural tiles and grout. The grout can be composed of a resin/polymer-based grout that allows for superior water resistance, stain resistance, crack resistance and is transportable without breaking. The strip includes an edge region or flange on either side of the tiles to allow for simple screw in and glue on assembly, not even a wall is necessary, the strip can be attached directly to the studs. A step over/under water resistant edges can go directly onto a bathtub or shower ledge or onto the wet area of a tile floor (not separate ledge), allowing it to go straight down to the bottom of a shower floor, or It can step right over a thin plastic flange on a tub or shower base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: New Age Surfaces, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Domanico
  • Patent number: 11028598
    Abstract: Described are dry cast lightweight veneer blocks and a system and method of installing lightweight veneer blocks. The courses can be assembled without mortar between the courses. As an example, sides of the veneer blocks have areas that recede from an imaginary plane between adjacent veneer blocks to give a deep texturing and a shadow effect between veneer blocks. The installation system and method include a substrate, an air barrier applied to the substrate, a plurality of veneer blocks, and an adhesive applied between the plurality of veneer blocks and the air barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems Limited
    Inventors: Leonard Browning, David Rice
  • Patent number: 9963885
    Abstract: A wall panel may have a veneer layer, a middle layer made from magnesium oxide and an insulation layer made from a two-part rigid urethane pour foam. The insulation layer maybe chemically bonded to the middle layer. The veneer layer may include a poured substrate made from polyurethane or plastic. The veneer layer may further include aesthetic elements embedded in and bonded to the poured substrate. The aesthetic elements may include one or more of brick, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone, engineered stone, wood, ceramic, plastic, or vinyl. A finished surface of the aesthetic elements may extend above a top surface of the poured substrate. The poured substrate may include sand causing the top surface of the poured substrate to have an appearance of mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: MAX LIFE, LLC
    Inventors: Charles David Taylor, Jr., Paul Addison Brown, Berhold Mueller, Randal Hoffner, Stewart Adams
  • Patent number: 9957722
    Abstract: The invention is an insulated wall panel system having structural elements that may be used as an exterior façade to a building. The insulated wall panel system provides a finished exterior surface, a structural component, and an insulation factor. The wall panel system may be used in new construction or in existing buildings. The wall panel system has an insulation layer, a middle cement layer, and an outer veneer layer. The outer veneer layer may include brick, stone, tile, or other material as a finished surface. The insulated wall panels may be attached directly to the studs or other structural element of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MAX LIFE, LLC
    Inventors: Charles David Taylor, Jr., Paul Addison Brown, Berthold Mueller, Randal Scott Hoffner, Stewart McIntyre Adams
  • Patent number: 9169652
    Abstract: A manufactured panel includes a body having a front, back, top, bottom and side walls, the side walls extend between the front and back, and an interior volume located between the front, back, top, bottom and side walls. An insert having an interior portion is embedded within the interior volume of the body, and an exterior portion extends from the interior portion to an exterior of the body. The exterior portion includes stand-offs protruding from the body, such that at least some of the stand-offs are connected to each other inside the interior volume of the body. At least some of the stand-offs are independent and detached from each other on the exterior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, David J. Stucky, Andrew C. Brandt, Robert D. Shaw, Nikki J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9011126
    Abstract: A machine for continuous casting of pre-mortared masonry panels includes a rotatable continuous mold for continuously forming pre-mortared masonry panels and an application system for applying polymeric material to the continuous mold as the continuous mold rotates. The machine also includes a brick setter system for setting bricks onto the polymeric material as the continuous mold rotates. The machine further includes a cutting device for cutting the bricks and polymeric material into panels to form the pre-mortared masonry panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Frank Grassi
  • Patent number: 8966844
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8833024
    Abstract: A unique, three-dimensional wall or ceiling panel system has finished panels with randomly placed blocks protruding from the base board of each panel. These blocks are arranged in horizontal rows. Each block has the same thickness to form uniform rows but the lengths and heights of each block vary to form a random pattern on the base board. The ends of several rows of each finished panel are left open. When the finished panels are laid end to end, these open spaces may be filled with connecting blocks to create a seamless effect for the wall or ceiling system. Outside or inside corners are also provided for continuing the system around corners. The corners have one beveled edge to create a 90 degree corner. The other end of the corner connects to the finished pieces in the usual construction manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Adams
  • Patent number: 8793964
    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: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Brailsford, Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8769897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative remaining formwork formed by combining a plurality of single frame plates defined by 3 or more edges comprising one edge arranged horizontally and at least one inclined edge inclined with respect to the horizontal edge; arranging the single frame plates so as to form a predetermined gap in a joint-shape between respective edges of the single frame plates adjacent each other; and having a back plate on a concrete casting surface, the back plate covering the predetermined gap in a longitudinal direction, and being fixed to the single frame plate to connect the single frame plates adjacent each other, and a cross-sectional shape in a width direction of the back plate being formed into a shape enlarged from a contact surface with respect to the single frame plate toward an opposed surface with respect to the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: WPC Corporation, Kengo Kuma and Associates
    Inventors: Takeyasu Kikuchi, Seiichi Fukawa, Kengo Kuma
  • Patent number: 8683765
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wall structure of a building, including a first plate-shaped support body made of a solid foam material, the surface of which to be directed toward the inside of the building adjoins an insulation layer, a first wavelike metal wire grille, which is foamed at least partially into a surface of the first support body to be directed toward the outside of the building, and first fastening elements, which penetrate both the first metal wire grille and the first support body in order to fasten support elements, between which the insulation layer is accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Stone Treuhand AG
    Inventor: Guillaume Eugène Hillers
  • Patent number: 8621801
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8590238
    Abstract: A simulative brick or other block covering for a wall is provided with grooves cut sufficiently deep into the coating to substantially separate all simulated structured sections from each other with respect to drying and coating on the outside with a waterproof acrylic coloring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas L. Polak
  • Patent number: 8316616
    Abstract: A method for forming a brick façade positioning assembly includes positioning a plurality of bricks in a specified wall pattern. A film is placed over the bricks, and the film is molded over the bricks to form a custom brick film tray. The custom brick film tray includes brick shaped tray recesses in the specified wall pattern. The plurality of bricks are positioned within the brick shaped tray recesses. Optionally, a liquid setting material is poured on the custom brick film tray and the plurality of bricks to form a brick façade wall. The brick façade wall includes the bricks in the specified wall pattern provided by the custom brick film tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: VAST Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Steven George Smith, Troy Achterkirch, Steven John Thorkelson
  • Patent number: 8246269
    Abstract: An improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete and method of making the improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete is disclosed. Small particulate is sprayed over the upper surface of the concrete. The particulate may be sprayed using a material sprayer. The particulate may be uniformly sprayed to distances exceeding twenty feet. The particulate is mixed into a cement paste derived from the concrete mixture using floats. A surface retarder is then applied to cover the concrete surface. Subsequently, any surface film is washed from the surface of the concrete and the concrete is cured. The result is a surface seeded particulate with an exposed surface that is flat and is suitable for high traffic areas. The resultant surface may resemble stone, granite or marble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8117800
    Abstract: A facade is formed on an upright supporting surface using a plurality of facade elements formed of plastic material having a flat rear side and a decorative front side protruding from the rear side. The flat rear side of the elements can be abutted directly against the upright supporting surface with the elements in spaced relation with one another and secured thereon using nails from an air driven nailer. Grouting in the form of mortar repair or caulking can be used to fill the gaps between adjacent elements on the supporting surface to complete the appearance of a natural stone facade on a building wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Lobson
  • 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: 8042309
    Abstract: A cast veneer wall panel includes a backing panel having a rear face and a front face. The front face includes a boundary wall and a continuous abutment extending around a perimeter of a casting field. The cast veneer wall panel further includes a facing panel formed from a cast material that is received and held within the casting field. The facing panel includes at least one design element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Boral Stone Products LLC
    Inventors: David H. Wolf, Harold C Attebery, II, Jeffrey E. Klotz, James J. Dottavio, David C Hines, Joy M. Stickel, Joshua Broehl, Jamison Float
  • Patent number: 7992360
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: EZ Set Tile, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Driscoll
  • Patent number: 7993074
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ez Set Tile, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Driscoll
  • Publication number: 20110131892
    Abstract: A wall molding system using two (2) prefabricated panels, with finished exterior surfaces placed parallel to each other and held from the inside by separators-anchors. The panels may also use exterior fasteners to hold the weight and pressure of the concrete. Insulating material and structural reinforcements may also be placed inside the mold. Concrete would be used to fill the spaces between the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Pedro Del Pino
  • Patent number: 7955024
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of two-piece fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a threaded shank for extending through the panel and which has an anchor member threadably secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: EZ Set Tile, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Driscoll, Dan H. Gernstein
  • Patent number: 7892624
    Abstract: A molded coarse particle product adapted for use as housewares, furniture or architectural components or the like preferentially made from coarse wood particles, flakes or chips, or any other suitable castable particulate materials such as glass, dried grass, plastic, shell particles or a combination thereof admixed and bonded together with an adhesive binder and lightly pressed into a mold preferably manually, together with a reinforcing means. The resulting surface texture of the cast product has the natural or original characteristics of the preferred particles comprising thereof such that it looks as natural as the said particles when viewed collectively together in plurality, and the quality and degree of roughness being defined by the natural features of said particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Pedro Herrera Delantar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7836651
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tile panel unit having a tile cap composed of at least one layer of crushed stone mixed with a resin and a catalyst and at least one layer of fiberglass strands mixed with a resin, and a base plate at least partially embedded in at least one layer of the tile cap material. The base plate provides a structure for supporting the tile cap, the structure having a matrix of supporting shapes and other reinforcing elements arranged within a peripheral support structure. The base plate further provides mounting features for securing the tile panel unit to an underlying support structure, and interlocking features for aligning and securing adjacent tile panel units in a wall and floor covering tile assembly system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: William N. Krupnick
  • Patent number: 7757454
    Abstract: A composite panel and method of fabricating is provided which includes a frame having a plurality of spaced apart frame members, and a concrete slab made of aerated concrete having a density of 400 to 1760 kg/m3 (25 to 110 pcf) pounds per cubic foot. Fastened to the frame members is a reinforcing layer. The concrete slab, having a front face and a rear face, embeds the reinforcing layer and a portion of the frame such that the frame protrudes from the rear face of the slab. At least one tab and one tab opening is disposed on an embedded portion of the frame, and the concrete slab extends through the tab opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolite International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Smith
  • Publication number: 20100088989
    Abstract: A multi-layered veneer panel that includes a foamed core, a concrete surface layer, and a mounting device. The concrete surface layer forms a front surface and an edge perimeter region of the veneer panel. The front surface approximates a desired topography of a simulated wall. The foamed core forms a back surface of the veneer panel and is disposed adjacent the concrete surface layer. The mounting device is cast into at least one of the concrete surface layer and the foamed core and extends from the edge perimeter region. A method of making a multi-layered veneer panel is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Paul C. Nasvik
  • Patent number: 7614820
    Abstract: A non-slick surface-seeded exposed aggregate concrete product and method of making the same enhances the coefficient of friction of an exposed surface thereof to reduce undesirable slipping and sliding. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. After curing, the exposed surface is then ground and acid-etched to define fissures, cracks, and/or sharp edges of the aggregate. Subsequently finishing steps are performed to produce the non-slick concrete product which may be used for high traffic pedestrian areas where foot gripping and traction are important, such as on stairs, ramps, walkways, courtyards, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Shaw, Lee A. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20090126301
    Abstract: A manufactured stone block for use in building a structure having a front surface with a simulated natural stone appearance. A portion of an upper surface of the block includes a recessed mortar joint for a user to place mortar therein to secure the manufactured stone block to an adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Dustin A. Brown, Robert Brown
  • 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: 20080263914
    Abstract: A system for enclosing different ornamental material into an acrylic or ether transparent case for mounting into a cut tile is provided. In particular, ornamental materials, such as beads, crystals, gem stones, pearls, metals, etc. are arranged into some type of pattern or design in order to define a 3-dimensional ornamental element. The ornamental element is then encased within the transparent case. The purpose of the case is to protect the ornamental element encases therein from environmental conditions. The ornamental element is fully visible from within the transparent case. In use, the transparent case housing the ornamental element is directly mounted into a cut tile already fixed on a wall surface. The transparent case is preferably installed so that its top surface is flush with the surface of the tile, facilitating tile cleaning. The tile insert may be used along the wall or ceiling of a room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Naomi ROSENBACH
  • Publication number: 20080141603
    Abstract: A floating floor tile installation and method of manufacturing the tile installation are provided. The floating floor tile installation contains tiles bonded together with a polymeric grout on an underlayment. The tile installation provides for a fast and economic method of installing a floating tile floor over an existing floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Raymond S. Harvey, Thomas M. Moy, Timothy A. Tufts, Cynthia E. MacLellan, Amy J. Gran
  • Publication number: 20080110116
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing stones for use in construction such that the manufactured stones may be easily used in conjunction and alongside compressed earth blocks. The manufactured stones have a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least one of the surfaces includes a simulated-stone appearance and a length and/or height which are determined based on dimension equations derived at least in part from compatibility factors, which may be based on the dimensions of a compressed earth block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Dustin Brown, Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 7121051
    Abstract: A thin brick panel system and method of forming a thin brick wall includes an expanded polystyrene foam panel having a plurality of laterally extending channels formed therein for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded to the channels in the foam panel and the seams between adjacent bricks are filled with a mortar that bonds to the foam panel. The foam panel may be attached to a substrate with an adhesive as well as fasteners. Strips of a mesh fabric may span several panels to bind the panels together to form a structurally sound thin brick wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Garrick Hunsaker
  • Patent number: 7033658
    Abstract: Articles comprising simulated stone block walls and artist's canvases may be formed by providing a burlap or canvas substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of gypsum wallboard finishing compound or similar plaster-like composition, and folding or otherwise manipulating the substrate when a predetermined set or hardening of the composition has occurred to create cracks, crevices and chipped corners of the article, for example, to simulate a broken stone block or an aged artist's work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Gregory J. Ringness
  • Patent number: 6990779
    Abstract: A roofing system having a multiplicity of courses of roofing shingles and interply material having at least one course of interply material overlapping at least about ten percent of a first course of shingles and a second course of shingles overlapping at least a portion of the interply material and the first course of shingles. More than about 40% of the first course of shingles is exposed after installation. The roofing system has a class A fire resistant rating. Roofing shingles having particular utility in the roofing system of the present invention are also disclosed. In preferred embodiments the shingles have an exposure width of at least about 60% of the shingle, more preferably at least about 64% of the width of the shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Elk Premium Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matti Kiik, Allen Mclintock, Michael Bryson, Kevin L. Beattie
  • Patent number: 6951679
    Abstract: A coated bathroom or kitchen component product includes a transparent polymerized resin and inserts of gravel of marble and/or other stones embedded substantially uniformly in the transparent polymerized resin. The inserts have a coplanar leveled surface at a surface of the component. The inserts are surrounded by a surface of the polymerized resin defining surface depressions having a lowest depression surface in a region between inserts and the surface of the polymerized resin rising form the lowest depression surface to the level of the surface of the component adjacent to the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Silena Gaggini
  • Patent number: 6936329
    Abstract: A fastener-free composite roofing product comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material, wherein the interply material includes an adhesive coating on one side. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The adhesive is effective to secure the roofing product to the roof without the use of nails or other fasteners. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing, and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ElkCorp.
    Inventors: Matti Kiik, Michael Bryson, Micheal Allen McLintock, Kevin L. Beattie
  • Patent number: 6883286
    Abstract: A flooring display sample is disclosed having a durable and attractive information label attached thereon. The flooring display sample includes a panel comprising at least one flooring material and having an outer face. A label is adhered to the outer face of the display panel. The label includes a substantially transparent polymeric film having a front face and a back face. Indicia are reverse printed on the back face of the substantially transparent polymeric film. A backing film is adhered on the back face of the substantially transparent polymeric film and the printed indicia thereon. The reverse-printed indicia are visible through the front face of the substantially transparent polymeric film. The label may further include a protective coating on the back face of the substantially transparent polymeric film and the printed indicia thereon, and the backing film may substantially cover the protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Wright of Thomasville, Inc.
    Inventor: William Donald Wright, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6866914
    Abstract: A novel artificial stone which contains an inorganic aggregate and a resin and has an uneven surface wherein the inorganic aggregate is exposed, wherein the average depth of concave grooves of the surface is in the range of 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm and the volume percentage of the inorganic aggregate is 25% to 75%. The artificial stone has an elaborate structure, exhibits transparent and deep sense, has excellent massive feeling and color like a marble, has a high surface hardness, exhibits good formability, and exhibits excellent non-slop performance even when it is contacted by bare feet or by hard soles of shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Doppel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yamanashi, Mieko Sakai, Kenichiro Saito
  • Patent number: 6810632
    Abstract: Articles comprising simulated stone block walls and artist's canvases may be formed by providing a burlap or canvas substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of gypsum wallboard finishing compound or similar plaster-like composition, and folding or otherwise manipulating the substrate when a predetermined set or hardening of the composition has occurred to create cracks, crevices and chipped corners of the article, for example, to simulate a broken stone block or an aged artist's work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory J. Ringness
  • Patent number: 6811357
    Abstract: A retaining wall assembly for providing a decorative barrier for flowerbeds and along driveways and sidewalks. The retaining wall assembly includes a base assembly including elongate base members being adapted to be disposed in a ground; and also includes elongate support members being spacedly attached to the elongate base members and extending upwardly therefrom; and further includes wall support members being disposed between the elongate support members; and also includes wall structures being mounted upon the base assembly and to the elongate support members and about the wall support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Konrad Haug
  • Publication number: 20040187418
    Abstract: A decorative floating island is provided for a water garden, decorative pond or the like. The island includes a buoyant base for floating on a surface of a body of water. The base has a bottom side in floating engagement with the water and a top side exposed above the water. Landscaping structure covers substantially the entire top side of the buoyant base to substantially hide the base and give the appearance that the decorative floating island is a natural island.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Luther B. Day, Chester F. Robards
  • Publication number: 20040182026
    Abstract: A constructional panel 1 has a facing 3 which is brick or stone-like with mortar joints 4 therebetween and a backing 2 of cementitious material. The panel is cast using a mould mat 20 and a mask 30. The mat 20 is formed from a built panel and the mask 30 is formed from the 20. The mask 30 is used to provide realistic mortar joints between the facing elements 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Cameron J.R. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6718714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable and replaceable flooring matrix capable of providing various environmental cues for the safety of disabled persons. The flooring matrix may be installed and de-installed in sections, called sectionals, that are securely attached to the ground or an anchor box by two-part fasteners. In operation, one part of the two-part fastener, or ground anchor, engages an anchor box or the ground, while the other part of the two-part fastener, or matrix anchor, engages the flooring matrix sectional. Sectionals are interchangeable in part due to beveled edges, which create discernible pathways at the perimeter of each sectional for providing a pathway for the wheels of wheelchairs and the like. Flooring matrix sectionals may display a variety of detectable warnings or other environmental cues to alert disabled persons of conditions or hazards, or assist in their transgress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Phil Montgomery, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20040040239
    Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall panel is described which may have a bottom foundation section, when adapted to be mounted at least partly underground, and a top wall section. The wall panel has an outer concrete panel section and an inner concrete panel section spaced from one another by an insulating foam material adhered to an interior surface of the panel sections. The wall panel has opposed flat parallel side walls and top and bottom end walls. The outer concrete panel section has an exterior finished surface. The concrete wall panel also has connecting pins of predetermined equal length projecting from the bottom end wall to provide for support engagement in holes of predetermined depth formed in a top wall of a footing, a floor or a wall, and which provides automatic leveling and alignment of the panel. A method of fabricating a wall structure using the prefabricated wall panel is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Baillargeon
  • Patent number: 6699415
    Abstract: A process for the production of a manufactured article for coatings, for components of sanitary ware, kitchen fittings, etc., in polymerized transparent resin in which marble and other stones are embedded. The surface of the product is worked by brushing with abrasives, so as to obtain depressions corresponding to the resin, and slight projections with substantially uniform distribution corresponding to the inserts; advantageously, the inserts are “decapitated” to give smoothed surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Silena Gaggini
  • Publication number: 20040035063
    Abstract: A window well shield contains a substrate that is laminated to a molded material bearing a decorative design, such as a sculpture or an artificial rock face. The decorative design may be molded to contain functional features, such as egress steps. A waterfall may be provided to cascade down the artificial rock face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: David L. Bryant, Brent Flot