Adhesively Secured Patents (Class 52/366)
  • Patent number: 8863457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction element (1) for use in interior decoration of a building construction (5), comprising a body (2) having a functional, non planar shape by which the construction element is adapted for fulfilling an additional function with respect to wall plastering (6) and which is provided to remain uncovered by wall plastering. The construction element (1) comprises joining elements (4) at one or more peripheral edges (3) of the body (2), adapted for being covered with wall plastering (6) which is applied around the peripheral edges (3) for covering part of the building construction (5). The body (2) and the joining elements (4) are constructed in a reinforced wall plastering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Under-Cover
    Inventors: Alex Rottiers, Tom Weyers, Stephan Mees
  • Patent number: 8623158
    Abstract: A system and method to attach an object to a support structure, the system including a fastener having an anti-rotational member, a mounting plate having a raised portion adapted to receive the fastener, and an elastic membrane. The fastener is sandwiched between the mounting plate and the elastic membrane. The raised portion forms a cavity having an inner surface. The inner surface abuts against the surfaces of the fastener, which in turn restricts movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Joel A. Stanley
  • Patent number: 8608884
    Abstract: A mounting plate utilized to attach an object to a mounting system. The mounting plate includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base is bonded to a membrane of the mounting system. A housing is raised from the top surface of the base, the housing creates a contact surface area to support the object. A first member is raised from the top surface; the first member has a surface at a height flush with the contact surface area of the housing. A hole extends through the thickness of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Joel A. Stanley
  • Patent number: 8602764
    Abstract: A sealant mold for sealing a dome element particularly at a lower region about an interface with a substrate such as an aircraft fuel tank wall. The sealant mold is formed from a lightweight plastic material, and includes an outer cap portion having an opening formed therein, in combination with an integral outer skirt to define a gap or trough for receiving and supporting a metered quantity of a curable sealant material. The mold is slidably fitted onto a dome element with outer skirt displaced downwardly to extrude the sealant material about the lower region of the dome element. The sealant material is allowed to cure, after which the sealant mold can be stripped from the cured sealant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Physical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Hutter, III
  • Patent number: 7863358
    Abstract: There is provided a 2-cyanoacrylate composition useful as cyanoacrylate adhesives that maintain a high speed of adhesion to poorly adherent materials and porous materials and have an improved light stability. The 2-cyanoacrylate composition contains a 2-cyanoacrylate, (1) a hindered phenol compound having a specific structure and (2) a compound having a clathrating ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Toagosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Muneaki Kanou, Yoshiharu Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7827758
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Bauer
  • Patent number: 7730691
    Abstract: Building panel repair apparatus generally includes a substantially planar backplate for insertion through a hole in a building panel to be repaired. A front face of the backplate is provided with adhesive for mounting the backplate to the rear side of a building panel. At least one flap is defined in the backplate such that the at least one flap is movable between an open position providing an operative with backplate positioning means to facilitate mounting of the backplate to a building panel, and a closed position providing a substrate surface for hole repair material. Other aspects of the invention include methods of repairing building panels using a building panel repair apparatus, and methods of manufacturing building repair apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Alan John Patrick
  • Publication number: 20090139168
    Abstract: An interior trim system comprising two-piece baseboards, baseboard end caps, window and door casings, crown moldings and window sill caps, the baseboards and crown molding formed with pre-mitered inside and outside corner pieces. The baseboards, end caps, casings and window sill caps can be installed over existing baseboards, casings and window sills without removing the original trim, and are glued into place with instant-hold glue. A template for accurately cutting the window sill cap is included in the system along with a miter guide provided for accurately cutting lengths of baseboards, casings, and crown molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Lenny Grissom, Richard Eckaus
  • Publication number: 20090084046
    Abstract: A floor tile for a raised floor. The floor tile is defined by a shallow upwardly-opening metal pan defining a shallow compartment in which a main preformed one-piece concrete block is secured. The main concrete block is preferably formed from a plurality of one-piece preformed concrete sub-blocks which are adhesively adhered in sideward abutting relationship to define a plan profile corresponding to the main concrete block. The main concrete block is then adhesively secured within the compartment of the metal pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony McConnell, Ronald H. Brown, Bryan R. Gingrich, Robert L. Tuttle, Randolph Woellper, X. Shawn Yu
  • Publication number: 20080256886
    Abstract: The present invention is a wallboard tape that simplifies the covering of elongated wallboard joints formed by the abutting of adjacent wallboards. The wallboard tape includes a fibrous paper tape having a resin-impregnated body and a water-soluble, water-activated adhesive layer applied to a surface of the body. The resin impregnated body remains relatively non-moisture absorbent during wetting of the adhesive layer thereby allowing the adhesive layer to dry several minutes after installation of the tape over a wall joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Dura-Tape International
    Inventor: Lee Goldman
  • Patent number: 7210274
    Abstract: A door stile structure utilizing a pair of skins. An elongated member extends between at least a portion of the pair of skins. The elongated member includes an outer surface having a pair of ridges with a recessed portion therebetween. The ridges lie in a plane which intersects the edge of the door. The elongated member may lie flush with the edges of the skins forming the door or be imbedded within the skins to lock the elongated member into the door structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Ballantyne, Douglas Smith, Grant Bennett
  • Patent number: 6854215
    Abstract: A hollow metal door having a foam retained tapping structure includes a hollow metal door, at least one tapping structure, and a quantity of foam injected into the hollow metal door. The hollow metal door includes a pan member and a lid member which is attached to the pan member to form the hollow metal door. The tapping structure preferably includes a fastening tube and an attachment pedestal extending from the fastening tube. A bottom of the pedestal is attached to an inside perimeter wall of the pan member adjacent where a door component is to be attached. The tapping structure is preferably attached to the inside perimeter wall of the pan member with double sided tape, but other fastening methods may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Plyco Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6820379
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Krinner, Guenther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Patent number: 6796095
    Abstract: An elongate tile mounting strip that includes a center body with two extension edges, the extension edges being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another and positioned at opposite corners of the body. A first of the extension edges and a substantially perpendicular mud face of the body define a first ledge, and a second of the extension edges and a substantially perpendicular tile face of the body define a second ledge. The tile face is a reference surface for positioning a layer of adherent material along the first ledge in a predetermined thickness, the thickness being equal to a width of the mud face, and an inner surface of the second extension edge is a locating surface for aligning a plurality of tiles longitudinally therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Sammy Azar, Joseph Albo
  • Patent number: 6451409
    Abstract: A composite roofing material includes a final condition underlayment material having bonded thereto appropriate rows of nail tabs preferably made of thermoplastic-based material, such as low density polyethylene material, and of a contrasting color to the underlayment material. A process is used to make the nail tabs by conveying the saturated underlayment material in a continuous process past appropriate sets of nozzles that are coordinated with the speed of conveyance to deposit the tabs while in a liquid state and to form tabs of appropriate size and appropriately patterned across the underlayment surface. Each nozzle can include multiple orifices to control the width and thickness of the formed tabs. A similar process is disclosed for making other building cover materials having rows of nail tabs coinciding with standard stud spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Robert F. Lassiter
  • Patent number: 6374561
    Abstract: An external wall panel construction includes a furring member which is held on a rear surface of an external wall panel via a fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided on the rear surface of the external wall panel and is fixed to the external wall panel via a set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuo Ishiko
  • Patent number: 6347496
    Abstract: A wall repair system for repairing holes in drywall panels without furring strips or screws. The wall repair system includes a patch assembly adapted for fitting through a small hole in a dry wall panel, the patch assembly having a front surface with a perimeter edge, the front surface being adapted for coupling to a back surface of a drywall panel after the patch member is fitted through the hole, and a handle member which is couplable to a central portion of the patch assembly for facilitating insertion of the patch assembly through the hole in the drywall panel and subsequent coupling of the perimeter edge of the front surface of the patch assembly to the back surface of the drywall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Robert H. Pinkins
  • Patent number: 6148585
    Abstract: An architectural assembly comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of hooking members. The hooking members are in locked engagement with longitudinal edges of the panels, and fixedly couple together these panels. The panels may be semi-circular in shape, and, when coupled together, collectively form a circular structure that may be used to surround a structural column. In another embodiment of the invention, a panel attachment assembly is provided, comprising a plurality of supporting members mounted to a fixed structure, at least one panel, and the hooking members. The hooking members are lockingly engaged with the panel and the supporting members, for fixedly securing the panel to the supporting members. The hooking members preferably comprise a U-shaped portion having a base portion and two projecting portions extending from opposite sides of the base portion. The hooking members also comprise head and tail portions extending from upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Metal Products Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Baker
  • Patent number: 6126358
    Abstract: A furniture panel stabilizer, having a first lifting member moveably interlocked with a second lifting member, for preventing relative vertical movement between two adjoining furniture panels forming a corner. The first lifting member has a first end, an opposite second end, a top end, an opposite bottom end, and a first longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The second lifting member has a forward end, an opposite back end, an upper end, an opposite lower end, and a second longitudinal axis extending between the forward end and the back end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Shaw Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Bryson Waits
  • Patent number: 6102407
    Abstract: A joint seal is designed to maintain its proper position in the joint groove opening port to create an effective seal between the inner walls of the joint groove and to resist peeling or damage, even in an event, such as an earthquake, during which the adjacent outer wall materials shift; and to have a joint base material 2, a sealing material 3 and a heart wood 8. The joint base material 2 has at least two seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b projecting from the outer face of side plates 5, 5. A number of small openings 8 to allow sealing material to be pressed out at the insertion of heart wood 8 is punched between the seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b, and release mold sheets 18a and 18b are attached to joint base material 2 as a cap member covering the small openings 8 and the opening ports of side plates 5, 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Seiki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Moriya, Kenichi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6098358
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition including a panel frame having a central portion. At least one cover panel covers at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removable of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts each having an upper end, a lower end and opposite faces with at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the same adjacent the connection ports. Movable lock members having a flexible extension are positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports, and are movably mounted thereon for shifting between an unlocked position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
  • Patent number: 6079173
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael Robert Shields, Brian Joseph Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6076308
    Abstract: A partition panel system including a partition frame with vertically spaced horizontal frame members defining first discrete attachment locations, a pair of horizontally spaced blades adjustably attached to selected ones of the first discrete attachment locations, the blades including opposing inner surfaces defining vertically spaced second discrete attachment locations, and shelves adjustably attached to selected ones of the second discrete attachment locations. This allows the shelves to be horizontally and vertically adjustably supported on the partition frame in a selected one of a variety of positions. At least one shelf has a front portion with edges that extend partially around in front of the blades, thus providing increased surface area. The shelves are supported on the blades by shelf supports. Connectors on the ends of the shelves are movable between engaged and disengaged positions for securely engaging the shelf supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: LaDene S. Lyon, Joylene M. Battey, Kurt P. Dammerman, Michelle L. Lindale, Anthony A. Stachowiak
  • Patent number: 6073399
    Abstract: A combination overhead support system and accessory board includes at least one freestanding post disposed in a substantially vertical position. The post includes at least one longitudinally-extending connector portion. At least one beam is supported at least in part by the post in a substantially horizontal, overhead position. An accessory board having at least one side face configured to removably support articles thereon and opposite first and second marginal side edges is normally disposed in a generally vertical orientation. The first side is detachably connected to the connector portion of the post to support the accessory board on the post in a cantilevered fashion. The second side edge is substantially free, and unsupported by the overhead support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Paul D. Hurley, Robert C. Coon
  • Patent number: 6009676
    Abstract: A partition system includes a first partition having a face and a horizontal row of slots accessible through the face, and a second partition having an abutting end adapted to be positioned adjacent the face. The first partition includes a frame and covers on the frame that define a horizontally extending gap for accessing the slots. A connector for interconnecting the abutting end to the face includes a one-piece U-shaped clip having a pair of legs forming a first end with opposing hooks configured to securely horizontally engage the slots in the face, and having an intermediate section forming a second end configured to securely engage the abutting end. The intermediate section is resilient such that the legs can be flexed together to an install position for insertion into a selected slot and can be flexed apart to a retaining position where the hooks are positioned to securely engage the selected slot in the first partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Developement Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Stephen J. Feldpausch, William K. Hofman
  • Patent number: 6009675
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly without tools. The framework includes at least two vertical posts with at least two beam connection ports on opposite side faces adjacent upper and lower portions of the posts. Each beam connection port has a window through the side face of the post, and first and second horizontally aligned fastener apertures in front and rear faces of the post adjacent opposite sides of the window. At least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnect the vertical posts at the upper and lower portions thereof. Each end of each of the structural beams is shaped for close reception in an associated post window, and includes a vertically oriented, transverse notch through a lower portion of the beam in which a lower edge of the post window is closely received to longitudinally lock each beam in its associated post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher
  • Patent number: 6000179
    Abstract: A partition construction is provided for subdividing a building workspace wherein a first panel has a first frame with a horizontal top frame member and a vertical first side frame member, a second panel has a second frame with a horizontal bottom frame member and a vertical second side frame member, and a connection system for connecting the first and second panels in a stacked arrangement to form a first partition stack. The connection system includes at least one stacking connector which has fastener apertures proximate to each end of the connector. The fastener apertures in the stacking connector are in a predefined pattern identical to the fastener aperture pattern in the first and second side frame members. The connection system also includes a horizontal rail adapted to vertically align the top frame member of the first panel and bottom frame member of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Musculus, Robert E. Jeffers, Peter S. Macdonald
  • Patent number: 5979118
    Abstract: An expandable/contractible furniture component is configured for attachment to a partition system to provide an adjustable structure adapted to adjust with the partition system as the partition system is adjusted to provide different office sizes. The furniture component includes a corner shelf attached to the partition system, and in-line shelves also attached to the partition system. The in-line shelves are telescopingly adjustable into the corner shelf so that the plan dimensions of the shelves are adjustable concurrently with the partition systems to provide storage surfaces and shelves that extend and completely fill at least one dimension of the office. An in-line telescoping straight shelf construction and a two-way telescoping corner shelf construction are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Gortsema, Thomas B. Eich, David P. Churchill, Charles A. Seiber, Frank Freidman, Jonathan J. King, Douglas G. Lyon, Douglas B. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5970662
    Abstract: A system for subdividing a building space into work areas includes interconnectable partition panels, each having an internal frame with a plurality of horizontal frame members located at predetermined heights. The horizontal frame members each have at least one horizontal row of slots, and at least one of the horizontal frame members is located slightly above an optimal worksurface height for supporting an interactively used datum shelf. Furniture components are attachable to the horizontal frame members at selected horizontal positions, including the datum shelf, an undershelf storage unit, and an upper storage unit. A mobile furniture unit is provided having a worksurface located at an optimal worksurface height, the worksurface having a cantilevered edge section that can be extended partially under the datum shelf at a selected optimal depth for coordinated and efficient use of the datum shelf concurrent with using the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Corcorran, Charles Anthony Seiber, Robert P. Arko, Frank Friedman, Leon D. Segal, Jonathan J. King, Karl J. Mead, Paul B. Siebert
  • Patent number: 5970675
    Abstract: A connector attaches panel elements such as wall panels, shelves, columns and the like to assemble modular structures. The connector frictionally engages the surfaces of elongated channels at the edge of the panels to be joined. The connector includes a contoured base section complementary with the channel of a first panel, to which the connector can optionally be screwed. A deformable cam section is carried on an intermediate section for receipt in the channel of the second panel. The cam section preferably has opposite cantilever arms which engage flanges of the anchor channels and the arms are tapered to deform inwardly of the channel for friction and inwardly from the joint so as to draw the panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: James D. Wright
    Inventor: Steven Schray
  • Patent number: 5950371
    Abstract: A furniture system for fitting-out a building room of the type having a generally open plan and having an associated floor surface includes an overhead framework including a plurality of horizontal beam segments interconnected to form a rigid structure configured to be spaced above the floor surface. A plurality of support columns, each has an upper portion connected with the overhead framework, and a lower portion shaped to abut the floor surface to support the overhead framework in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation above average user height. Each of the support columns further includes at least three vertical edges defining substantially planar faces therebetween. At least two of the vertical edges have a plurality of slots therein for supporting office furniture items and office accessories. A shelf is mounted to one of the support columns and is supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Rives, Joyce S. Bromberg
  • Patent number: 5943834
    Abstract: A furniture system for outfitting a building space, includes a plurality of partition frames, each having horizontally spaced apart uprights with opposing sides, and having horizontal frame members connecting the uprights. A top one of the horizontal frame members is one-piece and attached to a top of the uprights. The top one horizontal frame member includes opposing side faces that are spaced apart a distance greater than the opposing sides and that include cover-supporting connectors. Cover panels are provided having frame-engaging connectors extending horizontally beyond an inside surface of the frame. The frame-engaging connectors are configured to releasably engage the cover-supporting connectors. This allows the cover panels, when attached to the partition frames, to define an internal cavity in the frame that extends horizontally a width of the frame and vertically substantially the height of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Jeffers, Melissa A. DuBuis, Scott M. Miller
  • Patent number: 5931429
    Abstract: A support post and work surface support bracket attaches to a horizontal channel of office panels frame to provide a convenient variable height work suffice support at any point along the length of the panel frame. The post preferably has a tube as the main component thereof and slots are provided in the tube for receiving hooks on the work surface support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Hellwig, Steve Verbeek, Lorie Marangoni
  • Patent number: 5930963
    Abstract: A panel system includes a rigid generally rectangular frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced upright members and a plurality of transverse members connecting the upright members. One of the transverse members is positioned intermediate the ends of the upright members and has a generally H-shaped configuration in cross-section. A generally elongate channel fits within the intermediate transverse member and has an upwardly projecting portion which is narrower in width than the transverse member. The projecting portion serves to provide for the mounting of electrical devices and also creates a light stop when decorative tiles are used to form a gap or slot in the frame assembly for passage of electrical cables and wiring into the interior of the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5906079
    Abstract: A partition construction includes a partition frame and a markerboard having a flat, dry erasable markerboard surface that erasably receives an erasable medium. The partition further includes top and bottom brackets for attaching the markerboard to the partition frame. The bottom bracket defines a bottom channel that receives a bottom edge of the markerboard. The top bracket defines an opposing top channel that engages a top edge of the markerboard. The top bracket includes an inner component attached to the partition frame and defining an inner portion of the top channel. The top bracket further includes an outer component that is attached to the inner component and defines an outer portion of the top channel. The outer component is configured to be secured after the markerboard is set on the bottom bracket and is pivoted into engagement with the inner components so that, when secured, the outer component, the inner component, and the bottom bracket capture the markerboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Brickner, Steven F. Goodman, Daniel Grabowski, Matthew C. Roe
  • Patent number: 5899035
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof. The upper and lower beams interconnect the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock wedges positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Mark T. Slager, Brian Joseph Kane, Marcus K. Pressnell, Michael Robert Shields, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 5881500
    Abstract: A distribution duct for power distribution wiring, data communication wiring, and the other wiring is mounted between adjacent perforated support columns of a work space system. The duct extends laterally from the columns to allow the wiring to pass the face of a column. The duct includes an inner elongated member which rests at each end in a perforation in a respective column. A resilient clip holds each end of the inner member in the perforations. The inner member has an open side that is covered by an elongated outer member that is coextensive with the inner member and extends laterally away from one side of the columns. The outer member is snapped in place on the inner member, and covers snap in place on the outer members to connect the ends of adjacent outer members. An identical inner member may be mounted to the rear of a first inner member and receive a similar outer member to form a two-sided duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Latino, Patrick K. Beck, Edmund T. Paquette
  • Patent number: 5836112
    Abstract: A partition system includes a partition having a top frame member with opposing sides. The sides include a row of component-supporting apertures that extend from end-to-end of the partitions. A transaction top is attachable to a top of the partition through use of brackets that are selectively engageable with the apertures, thus positioning the transaction top anywhere along a top of the partition, even in positions where the transaction top spans between in-line or perpendicularly connected partitions. The brackets engage the underside of the transaction top, and support the top above the partition. Unused slots under the transaction top remain accessible for use. Also, removable cover panels on the partitions are removable without disassembling the transaction top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle L. Lindale, Kurt P. Dammermann
  • Patent number: 5826385
    Abstract: A partition construction for subdividing a building space includes a partition frame having an open interior and defining a front side, a first cover covering a section of the partition frame with apertures for providing utility access, and a second cover slidably supported on the partition frame proximate the first cover. The second cover is slidable parallel the front side between a closed position covering the open interior and an open position providing access to utilities in the open interior. The second cover is semi-flexible so that it can be simultaneously slid along the partition frame and flexed away from the partition frame to a disengaged/removed position, thus allowing it to be removed even when the second cover is "trapped" on the partition frame by a furniture component attached to or positioned in front of the partition frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Dykstra, Russell P. Whitaker, Michael D. Elsholz
  • Patent number: 5816001
    Abstract: A partition construction includes a partition frame having opposing vertical edges and upper and lower frame members each defining a repeating pattern of configured apertures and holes extending horizontally between its vertical side edges. The configured apertures are "+" or "T" shaped, and include at least a smaller lower section and an enlarged middle section. Cover panels are attachable to the partition frame by top locator/connectors that engage the smaller lower section of selected apertures in the upper frame member, and by bottom connectors that engage an upper one of the holes in the lower frame member. The cover panels are shaped to leave the enlarged middle section of the configured apertures open, so that they can receive a component-supporting bracket or an off-module partition supporting bracket to the primary partition frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Goodman, Michael J. Feldpausch, Jeffrey A. Musculus
  • Patent number: 5803274
    Abstract: An article display system includes an upright support panel having a series of vertical grooves in its front face that serve to mount a number of bracket support fixtures flush with the panel front face. Each fixture is adapted to support an article-support bracket located in front of the support panel. An ornamental covering is provided on the panel front face to conceal the bracket support fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Saul Scheveloff
  • Patent number: 5791116
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a removable spacing device and method therefor, for use in the application of stucco to a building's exterior. The removable spacing device is comprised of a section of tape and a substantially triangle-shaped spacer, and is applied to the edge of a window frame, door frame, or similar structure prior to the application of a layer of stucco adjacent thereto. After the stucco layer has dried, the removable spacing device is removed, and the resulting space created by the device is filled with caulk or a similar weatherproofing material. This device and method prevents the formation of small cracks between a stucco layer and adjacent frame, which cracks are too small to be filled with caulk and which allow the damaging penetration of water into the stucco and underlying layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: George D. Skintzis
  • Patent number: 5761866
    Abstract: An intersection assembly for use with an architectural stucco reveal system. The stucco reveal system generally includes elongated strips of material which can be attached to an underlying structure. The strips include a base portion and generally two spaced-apart walls extending from a front side of said base portion defining a channel therebetween. Flanges extend away from outside surfaces of the walls and the channel. The intersection assembly includes at least two intersecting portions which have edges which are placed in abutment to define a desired angular configuration of the intersection assembly. A support plate of a generally rigid material compatible for welding to the intersecting portions is welded to a rear side of the intersecting portions. The support plate provides structural support to retain the intersecting portions in the desired angular configuration with the edges thereof in abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Alabama Metal Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Joseph Maylon
  • Patent number: 5746034
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof. A foot extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to abuttingly support the panel freestanding on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame, and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof. Hence, when like panels are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities are aligned and communicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg Robert Draudt, James Bender Eldon, III, David Dean McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5720143
    Abstract: A localized fiber reinforcement places strong tensile strength fibers across a hypothetical split line near notches in beams to curtail split propagation caused by cross-grain tension that may otherwise significantly reduce the strength of a beam used as a spanning member. An adhesive coated patch may be applied after a notch is cut in the beam or fibers may be attached to a beam at a factory near the location of an anticipated notching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Soltis, Robert J. Ross, Douglas R. Rammer
  • Patent number: 5694729
    Abstract: A connector system for demountable wall modules, including a pair of adjoining vertical channel members having mating structure. The channel members are cut from the same extrusion, and one member is inverted with respect to the other. The mating structure which that provides includes an outwardly extending flange having a mating protrusion, a central wall, and a U-shaped rail having a mating cavity. The mating protrusion on one channel member is positioned to fit within the mating cavity of the other channel member, and vice versa. The central walls are slightly offset from a central plane of the panels to lie in an overlapped relationship. One or more locking keys are inserted through slots in the extending flanges to bias the flange away from the central wall of the opposed channel member. In this manner, the mating protrusions are held within the mating cavities to securely fasten the two panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Panel Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Blackburn, Steven P. Kettenburg, Andy J. Scherer, John E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5692345
    Abstract: A panel joining mechanism (1) has a post (10) composed of a flat rear wall (11) adapted to be positioned in confronting relation to an attachment (40) for being securely joined to the attachment (40), and a pair of side walls (12) extending from respective opposite ends of the flat rear wall (11) away from the attachment (40), the side walls (12) having respective ends bent inwardly into a pair of respective bent portions (13) with an opening defined therebetween, a panel joiner (20) having a substantially inverted .OMEGA.-shaped cross section and disposed between the bent portions (13), at least a pair of panels (30L, 30R) having respective elastic portions (34L, 34R) on respective marginal side edges thereof. The panel joiner is detachably fitted in the post (10) through the opening, and the panels (30L, 30R) are joined to the panel joiner (20) with corresponding ones of the elastic portions (34L, 34R) detachably fitted in the panel joiner (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Mogaki, Shigieru Suzuki, Shunroku Seno
  • Patent number: 5657885
    Abstract: A display wall for displaying goods adjacent a stationary wall in a store is disclosed. The display includes a plurality of decorative tiles and support structure for removeably hanging the tiles at a spaced distance from a wall. The tiles can be selectively arranged and rearranged on the support structure to create custom designed display backdrops for displaying goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: E and E Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith White, Doug Dubois
  • Patent number: 5638644
    Abstract: A wall support assembly includes a pair of horizontal members and one or more vertical members. One may secure the horizontal members to a wall member a predetermined distance apart. Each of the horizontal members defines a recess or pocket which lies longitudinally of the member for releasably receiving a distal end portion of a vertical member. The vertical members define openings from which one may hang storage members or similar components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Fisher Hamilton Scientific Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Bastian
  • Patent number: 5638653
    Abstract: A system for fitting panels without physical affixing means, especially for covering walls and installing shelves and suspended equipment. The system includes a rack having a main branch and at least one side branch and one bearing branch. The main branch and side branch define a housing in which an elastic bearing piece is removably connected. The bearing piece has a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the housing. The height of the bearing piece is chosen depending on the desired level of the front face of the panel with respect to the rack in its mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Societe de Fabrication et de Diffusion
    Inventor: Roland Rossi