Extending Between Spaced Coplanar Edges Of Panels Patents (Class 52/468)
  • Patent number: 7895802
    Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled rail system for covering joints between bottom and/or wall linings, consisting of a base rail and a covering rail which are connected by means of an intermediately placed retaining part, wherein the base rail is provided with an upright web with a retaining head formed on one end and which is held by the intermediately placed retaining part such that it is rotationally moveable and the retaining part is embodied essentially as a U-shaped rail which is open in a downward direction and provided with retaining elements, wherein the outer walls of the U-shaped rail are held by webs formed in a downward direction on the covering rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Karl Pedross AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Kurz
  • Patent number: 7828921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a cover profile and at least one compensation profile of a cover device, which can be connected to a cover flange of the cover profile and which is used for floor covering provided with a cover layer. The cover layer is stuck to a preprofile prior to the cover profile being produced from the preprofile which is coated by the cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Martin Neuhofer
  • Publication number: 20100263312
    Abstract: A cover plate system for a gap (15) between two structural members (10, 20) is provided. The system includes an elongated cover (30) that extends across the gap (15) from a first structural member (10) to a second, spaced-apart structural member (20). The cover plate system further includes damped spring anchors (40) for engaging the cover plate (30) to an underlying structural member (10) and dampers (50, 60) for absorbing energy imparted to the cover plate (30) by vehicular traffic. The cover plate system minimizes the strain energy that is absorbed by the cover plate (30), which results in less cover plate slapping and bouncing during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Bradford, James Derrigan
  • Patent number: 7810288
    Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting structure, the cladding system includes two cladding panels each defining a respective substantially laterally extending panel flange. The cladding panels are attachable to the supporting structure in a substantially coplanar and side-by-side relationship relatively to each other. The system also includes a cladding moulding insertable between the first and second cladding panel, the cladding moulding defining a moulding base and two moulding legs each extending from the moulding base substantially opposed to each other, the two moulding legs being angled relatively to the moulding base, each of the moulding legs defining a respective leg edge substantially opposed to the moulding base. The cladding moulding being substantially resiliently deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the moulding legs being spaced apart from each other by a smaller distance in the deformed configuration than in the undeformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: André Lechasseur
  • Patent number: 7797900
    Abstract: A floor profile arrangement is provided, in particular for bridging a joint between adjacent floor coverings, with a base profile, a covering profile with at least one sideways projecting covering wing, and a web arrangement as a connection between the base profile and the covering profile, and with an articulation arrangement, the articulation arrangement consisting of an articular cavity disposed on the base profile or the covering profile and an articulation element formed on the lower or on the upper edge of the pivoting web arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Herm. Friedr. Künne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Frank Sondermann
  • Patent number: 7784237
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Pergo AG
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 7748186
    Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7743575
    Abstract: A joint member capable of forming a joint portion that can be easily constructed and has an excellent design and a high waterproof capacity even if it is manufactured at a low cost. A joint member 1 is composed of a hat joiner 10 and a joint cover 20, and the hat joiner 10 is composed of a base plate 11 to be fastened to the body side of building frame and a convex portion 12 protruding from the base plate 11 to the surface side. The joint cover 20 is provided with a joint groove portion 21 that covers a top surface 12c of the convex portion 12 in the course of construction, and a lower edge portion 23 extending from the lower end of the joint groove portion 21 and brought into contact with the surface of an external wall panel 30B in the course of construction. An elastic water proof material 26 is attached to the rear surface of the lower edge portion 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7735283
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the molding, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly to the foot. The second arm may also extend generally perpendicularly to the foot. A tab depends from at least one of the first and second arms. At least one of the tab and the foot engage a track in order to position the assembly over the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Pergo AG
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 7707783
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Publication number: 20100095624
    Abstract: A joint apparatus and method of assembly is disclosed for connecting building components such as panels, door jamb assemblies, windows and other structures. The apparatus includes an engagement structure with retaining elements that couple building components without the need for mechanical fasteners. The retaining element may contain serrations on which an adhesive is applied before a panel or other building component is secured to the joint apparatus. Other building components such as hinge assemblies include coupling members with a flange. The slots along a retaining element allows coupling members to snap fit into the joint apparatus once a flange is secured into the slots in order to lock the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Bryan A. Branscome, Dean W. Habersetze, Chris G. Mcinelly
  • Patent number: 7694466
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of solar cell units includes a mounting member to be fixed onto a roof, a plurality of fixtures, and a frame member having to-be-sandwiched portions to be sandwiched and fixed between the mounting member and the fixtures, and grooves that support the ends of the plate-shaped solar cell units. The to-be-sandwiched portions of the frame members are positioned inside projection plane regions that project the solar cell units and the grooves immediately below, whereby the distance between adjacent solar cell units reduces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Miyamoto, Hiroyoshi Takikawa, Naoki Ito, Takeshi Takada, Kouji Shimasaki
  • Patent number: 7685787
    Abstract: A system for connecting and sealing panels comprising a bridge component with elevated and recessed surface features adapted to receive and bridge adjacent panels to form a weather-resistant seal and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By providing mating surface features to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent panel assembly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may enable an improved lap joint to be established between adjacent backed panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Crane Building Products LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Mollinger, Paul R. Pelfrey, Larry R. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7677642
    Abstract: A butt joint assembles side panels of a side wall of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer. The butt joint positions the side panels over the base rail and vertically aligns the outer surfaces of the side panels and the base rail, which provides for an improved trailer side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Andrzej Wylezinski
  • Patent number: 7661234
    Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The t vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090266021
    Abstract: A covering device for floor coverings with a profiled cover (1) is described, which is provided with a footing (2) for fastening the profiled cover (1) in a floor bracket (5) and a covering flange (4) that protrudes from this footing (2) on both sides, and with an optional profiled compensation element (7) that can be attached to the covering flange (4) by means of a form-fitting tongue and groove joint. In order to use the conventional profiled covers (1), it is proposed that the compensation profile (7) forms a seating groove (9) for one of the free longitudinal edges (8) of the covering flange (4) for the tongue and groove connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Franz Neuhofer, JR.
  • Patent number: 7559177
    Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Publication number: 20080302048
    Abstract: A swimming pool assembly having a plurality of side wall panels certain adjacent ones of which have juxtaposed apertured edge flanges joined together by compression plates each having planar blade and a first plurality of pre-alignment fasteners extending away from the plane of the blade through aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange and engaging a flange plate surface opposite the blade to temporarily align the side wall panels. Each compression plate further includes a second plurality of alignment towers passing through additional aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange terminating in wedge receiving slots. Wedges, upon being forced into respective slots, clamp the flanges tightly together. Adjacent panel flanges may further include FML flat surfaces oriented to compensate for panel flange draft angle whereby adjacent panels when clamped together present generally coplanar pool surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Epple
  • Patent number: 7409802
    Abstract: A floor strip for bridging a join between two floor coverings that border on one another comprises a base profile that can be fixed in place on the floor, two upwardly extending shanks molded on the base profile, and a cover profile having at least one cover wing that projects laterally. There is a downwardly directed crosspiece, which is connected with the base profile by way of an articulation. The articulation is formed by an articulation rail that is rounded on both sides and grasped between the shanks of the base profile. The shanks are upright but rounded on the inside. The articulation rail is formed by a solid material or by a sleeve, which has a longitudinal groove, into which the crosspiece and/or an attachment means that engages through the cover profile passes. In certain sections, the longitudinal groove passes completely through the articulation rail, and the crosspiece of the cover profile has a greater depth in these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fiedler
  • Patent number: 7392627
    Abstract: A profiled rail system (1) is used for bridging floorcovering transitions, ends or staircase edges. The profiled rail system (1) has a base profile (2) and a covering profile (3). The base profile (2) has at least one vertical leg (6), on which an inner shell (9) of a rotary joint (10) is provided. This rotary joint (10) supports the covering profile (3) such that it can be pivoted. For this purpose, two webs (11) oriented downward are provided on the covering profile (3) and, in order to form an outer shell of the rotary joint (10), have at least two partly cylindrical inner contours (12) which lie one above another. These inner contours (12) are formed so as to match the inner shell (9) of the rotary joint (10). In this way, step by step adjustability of the covering profile (3) is implemented. The rotary joint (10) can be clicked as desired into respectively one of the partly cylindrical inner contours (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hermann Friedrich Kuenne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Frank Sondermann
  • Patent number: 7150134
    Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Svan Kornfalt, Per Bengtsson, Hans Sjolin, Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 7144209
    Abstract: The present invention provides a concave part cover that can be easily inserted and be safely secured in a concave part even if tolerances and dimensional errors of the concave part such as a slot or a hole, and of the concave part cover for covering the concave part are large. The concave part cover comprises: a top plate 11 for covering the concave part; and a pair of pressing parts 12A and 12B extending from the top plate 11 and pressing side walls 52A and 52B of the concave part when the pressing parts 12A and 12B are inserted into the concave part. Base ends 15A and 15B of the pressing parts 12A and 12B are positioned at the top plate 11 in such a manner that a distance between the base ends 15A and 15B is shorter than distance W (between the side walls 52A and 52B), and portions of extending parts 16A and 16B of the pressing parts 12A and 12B are formed to project outwards until they are spaced at a wider distance therebetween than the distance W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Big Alpha Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Komine, Takashi Yamamoto, Hirokazu Suruga
  • Patent number: 7045189
    Abstract: A molding for closing a recess between a pair of body panels includes a head portion, a stem portion, and at least one leg member. The head portion has a width sufficient to close the opening when the molding is installed in the recess. The stem portion can be formed of a harder plastic material than the leg member and has a width enabling the stem portion to pass through an opening in the recess. The leg member is formed of a softer material and extends from the stem portion for frictional engagement with the side wall of the recess. A living hinge can be formed in the leg member to facilitate deflection of the leg member during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors of Canada Limited
    Inventors: Paul Hui, William J. Raymor
  • Patent number: 6988344
    Abstract: A kit, system, and method for use in interconnecting wall panel sections to subdivide interior spaces within a building. Included are components and methods to assemble multiple in-line wall panel sections and corners, as well as optional roof members, windows, and doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Concord Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Douglas D. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6962026
    Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) comprises a first plate (18) hingedly attached to a first surface (14) of an expansion joint (12), a second plate (20) hingedly attached to the first plate (18), and a housing (26) fixedly secured to a second surface (16) of the expansion joint (12). During installation, a front plate (52) of the housing (26) can rotate about a hinge (58) to allow the second plate (20) to be installed within the housing (26). In use, the second plate (20) slides within the housing (26) to accommodate variations in separation distance and vertical offset between the two surfaces (14,16). Two hinges (36,44) accommodate variations in torsion between the two surfaces (14,16). The combination of the second plate (20) sliding within the housing (26) and the two hinges (36,44) accommodates variations in lateral offset between the two surfaces (14,16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronny L. Knak, Dean V. Balocca, Johnnie D. Hilburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6898911
    Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: PERGO (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Sven Kornfalt, Per Bengtsson, Hans Sjolin, Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 6860074
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 6796097
    Abstract: A light-weight structural system is provided by a panel system having at least one pair of adjacent panels (10) and a clip (60) positioned between the adjacent panels. A groove or channel (26) in each panel receives an outwardly-extending tongue or tab (70) on the clip. Built-up gussets (28, 30) on the panels above and below the groove or channel provide structural strength. Upwardly-extending support members (64, 66) on the clip bear weight from the panels. A base section (62) of the clip allows the clip to be fixed to a roof or wall substructure. The panels can be formed from thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers, especially fiber-reinforced polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Garland Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred A. Fensel, Michael Huber
  • Patent number: 6789363
    Abstract: A security room for information technology facilities, which exhibits fireproof side walls having a sealing door, a floor and a ceiling. This invention provides a security room designed in a simple way and readily adapted to different spatial configurations, while exhibiting a good fireproofing capacity. The side walls, the floor surrounded by the side walls, and the ceiling are assembled in a modular manner from individual members which are laid side-by-side and connected together by fireproofing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Otto Lampertz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Frase, Martin Bähner
  • Patent number: 6745534
    Abstract: Transition profile (2) for floors, preferably hard floors comprising a number of joined floor elements which together forms a floor section (1). A transition profile (2) is arranged on one end of a floor section (1) or between two floor sections (1). The transition profile (2) includes an assembly profile (3) and a covering profile (4), whereby the covering profile (4) via a base member (40) is attached to the assembly profile (3) which in its turn is mounted on a foundation (10). The base member (40) is shaped as a longitudinal profile with a, also longitudinal, pivot axle (41). Edge members (42)on the base member (40) have a mainly radial cross section. The assembly profile (3)is provided with two, upwardly directed and mainly parallel cheeks (31) which cheeks (31) are intended to clutch the base member (40) whereby the cover profile (4) can be continuously adapted to height variations in the subfloor, by allowing turning around the pivot axle (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Sven Kornfalt
  • Patent number: 6711870
    Abstract: A glazing support system comprises first and second members. Each member has at least one wing. The members are engageable to trap a glazing panel between the wings. The first and second members are moulded of plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040055238
    Abstract: Components for a roof assembly include a glazing having a main support member and a cap engaging member. The cap engaging member has a detent portion extending from an edge region back towards an opposite edge region. The component also includes a beam member a main support member and a rafter support member for supporting a rafter assembly. The rafter support member has a securing portion extending from an edge region. A ridge end member is also disclosed which has a plurality of segment extending radially outwardly from a hub member. Each segment has an elongate mounting member on an edge opposite the hub member. There is also disclosed a wing member for a valley rafter assembly. The wing member has first and second elements secured together. Each of the elements comprises a portion of a mounting formation to which a glazing bar can be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: R A Whiting Design Limited
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Whiting
  • Patent number: 6694692
    Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated wall elements which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. Retaining elements slidably engage connecting members and wall elements in diagonal relationship. Connecting members include engagement means for cooperating with notches in rigid panels which are disposed against the interior surfaces of flat walls formed by the formwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Francesco Piccone
  • Publication number: 20040020150
    Abstract: A light-weight structural system is provided by a panel system having at least one pair of adjacent panels (10) and a clip (60) positioned between the adjacent panels. A groove or channel (26) in each panel receives an outwardly-extending tongue or tab (70) on the clip. Built-up gussets (28, 30) on the panels above and below the groove or channel provide structural strength. Upwardly-extending support members (64, 66) on the clip bear weight from the panels. A base section (62) of the clip allows the clip to be fixed to a roof or wall substructure. The panels can be formed from thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers, especially fiber-reinforced polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Fred A. Fensel, Michael Huber
  • Publication number: 20030159389
    Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Sven Kornfalt, Per Bengtsson, Hans Sjolin, Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 6609341
    Abstract: A stucco reveal system that can be assembled in a pattern which defines visual breaks between panels of applied stucco. The stucco reveal system includes individual strips of contoured stucco reveal constructed of extruded vinyl or metal that have the qualities of easy installation and cleaning and aesthetic desirability. The contoured reveal strips include a floor to which a pair of contoured walls are attached. The inside surfaces of the floor and contoured walls define a channel which forms the visual break between stucco panels. The shape of contoured walls are defined in part by an arc portion, an angled straight wall portion or a partial bevel portion. The contoured walls have a vertical component that makes them easily visible for cleaning and reflects cleaning water spray out of the channel, reducing soiling of the grid due to cleaning and rain runoff. The top edges of the contoured walls act as guides during stucco application for a screed stucco surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Alabama Metal Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Joseph Maylon, Gary James Chenier, Jr., Michael Wade Goodwin, Melvin J. Kurpinski
  • Publication number: 20030154678
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 6588165
    Abstract: An extrusion device for mounting a wall panel has an outer cap extending to an edge on at least one side which is positioned against an outer surface of a wall panel, having a pair of spaced-apart insertion fingers, and a receiver base having a planar mounting portion and a pair of angled receiver flanges projecting upwardly to receive the insertion fingers therein. The two-piece extrusion permits wall panels to be mounted or removed from the underlying wall structure in on-sequential order. The receiver base and cap can be provided on both sides to form an “H” type extrusion, or on only one side in a “J” type extrusion. Preferably, the outer cap is made of metal, and the tips of the insertion fingers are beveled at a slight angle of about 7° to 14° to allow easy insertion into the receiver flanges. The cap has compound water-shedding edges formed with a rounded rain-drip edge spaced in close proximity to a sharply inclined knife edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Wright
  • Patent number: 6581347
    Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) comprises a first plate (18) hingedly attached to a first surface (14) of an expansion joint (12), a second plate (20) hingedly attached to the first plate (18), and a housing (26) fixedly secured to a second surface (16) of the expansion joint (12). During installation, a front plate (52) of the housing (26) can rotate about a hinge (58) to allow the second plate (20) to be installed within the housing (26). In use, the second plate (20) slides within the housing (26) to accommodate variations in separation distance and vertical offset between the two surfaces (14,16). Two hinges (36,44) accommodate variations in torsion between the two surfaces (14,16). The combination of the second plate (20) sliding within the housing (26) and the two hinges (36,44) accommodates variations in lateral offset between the two surfaces (14,16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronny L. Knak, Dean V. Balocca, Johnnie D. Hilburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6564518
    Abstract: A flooring assembly consists essentially of a stable sub-flooring and a flooring applied thereon over a wide area with at least one floor element for insertion into a gap in the flooring at substantially the same level having different properties than the flooring. In order to avoid retroactive work on the sub-flooring, a placement aid is provided for in the form of a casing whose inner contour approximately corresponds to that of the floor element and whose outer contour to that of the gap and whose height corresponds approximately to the thickness of the flooring and which is mounted to the sub-flooring structure in a similar manner as the flooring. The casing has a lid which can be removed, after placement and flush fitting of the flooring to the casing, for insertion of the floor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Coronet-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Weihrauch
  • Publication number: 20030074858
    Abstract: A support rail comprises a rail body having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein at least a portion of the rear surface is adapted to engage a fixed wall support member for attachment thereto. The support rail also includes a longitudinal channel portion that is at least partially defined by the front surface, wherein the channel is adapted to receive a longitudinal edge of a wall panel. Also disclosed are wall mounting systems and methods of installing a wall support rail system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher S. Martin
  • Patent number: 6550205
    Abstract: A cover apparatus (1) for flooring seam gaps comprises a mounting profile (2) and a cover strip (3), with the mounting profile (2) which can be fastened to the base (U) by way of a bridge element (5) along the seam gaps (F) or the like comprising at least one leg element (6) which projects upwardly from the bridge element (5) and can be joined together in a clamping manner with the cover strip (3). In order to enable the perfect insertion of the cover apparatus even in the case of a curved progress of the seam gap, a cover strip (3) is provided which consists of a flectionally yielding material and can be bent about axes parallel to the direction of insertion, which cover strip is associated as a mounting profile (2) made of deflection-resistant material with a profile rail (4) which is subdivided by transversally extending indentations (8) into sections (9) which can be mutually swiveled about axes (A) which are parallel to the direction of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Neuhofer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6536173
    Abstract: The invention is a covering for a suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cup that can be snap fit onto the main runners or cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar. The covering may also have notches defined in the flange and lip in a suitable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6499265
    Abstract: An expansion joint cover for bridging an expansion gap between first and second building floor members has a pivot frame adapted to be affixed to the first building floor member, the pivot frame including a base portion and a longitudinally continuous bearing of spherical cross-section supported by and located above the base portion, and a slide frame adapted to be affixed to the second building floor member. A cover unit is pivotally mounted in spaced-apart relation to a proximal end thereof on the bearing in cantilevered relation to the bearing, is adapted to span the gap, and has a distal end supported on the slide frame. A plurality of spaced-apart compression spring units engaged between the base portion of the pivot frame and a portion of the cover unit intermediate the proximal end and the bearing bias the cover unit about the bearing so as to forcibly engage the distal end of the cover unit with the slide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner
  • Patent number: 6484462
    Abstract: A seismic expansion joint cover includes a bridge panel having one end supported for movement in the y-axis direction and against movement in the x-axis direction relative to a floor A on one side of a motion-absorbing gap and supported at the other end for movement in the x-axis direction and against movement in the y-axis direction relative to a floor B. A recess in floor B receives a portion of the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B. A recess cover plate covers the recess, is supported at one end in sliding relation on the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B and is joined at the other end to an end member of the recess frame remote from the gap. A resiliently collapsible/extensible honeycomb panel received in the recess in floor B supports the portion of the recess cover plate that spans the recess between the end of the bridge panel and the end member of the recess frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Shreiner, Roger W. Barr
  • Publication number: 20020108330
    Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel arrangement having a plurality of upright wall panels serially connected one with the other by an upright support post. The wall panel arrangement additionally includes an open-frame structure which allows routing of cabling therethrough to provide power and communication capabilities to a workstation defined by the wall panels, and a removable and rigid top cap which is capable of supporting various furniture-type accessories at selected locations along the longitudinal extent of the panel arrangement, and which also permits mounting of return wall panels to permit greater flexibility in configuring a workstation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: X. Shawn Yu, Steven A. Heyer
  • Patent number: 6393790
    Abstract: A construction block cap is used to cap the open end of a construction block in order to provide a generally air tight and water tight seal of the open end. The construction block cap has a body member with a top surface and a bottom surface and a raised portion extending upwardly from the top surface in spaced apart fashion with respect to the outer periphery of the body member. The body member is positioned so that the top surface rests on the edges of the open end and the outer surface of the raised portion abuts the interior surfaces of the faces and two of the side edges of the construction block. A channel can be located on the top surface on order to hold a desiccant tube. The bottom surface has a connection system to connect to a frame member, the connection system being either male or female in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Myles A. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20020059764
    Abstract: A device for bridging expansion joints (7) which separate adjacent surfaces in walls or floors (6) of buildings is provided. The device comprises two anchoring profiles or members (1) having an approximately L-shaped cross section. Each anchoring profile comprises a fastening leg (11) and a terminating leg (12) disposed perpendicular to the fastening leg. Each anchoring profile also has a bridging profile or member (2 and 3, respectively) hinged on the terminating leg (12). The bridging profiles engage one another in a sliding, form-locking manner. In this connection, one leg (33) of a bridging profile (3) is provided with protruding elements (36) spaced from each other at least on the end engaging the other bridging profile (2). Means (4) are also provided for securing the two bridging profiles (2 and 3) engaging one another into an installed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Schluter-Systems KG
    Inventor: Werner Schluter
  • Patent number: 6389770
    Abstract: A containment structure for providing fluid tight seals between translucent panels and a frame and between the frame and an adjoining structural member. The containment structure includes an L-shaped gasket for providing a seal on a first side of the translucent panel, an upper gasket for providing a seal on a second side of the translucent panel, one or more connector plates for connecting the frame to an adjoining structural member, a structural carrier gasket for providing a seal between the frame and an adjoining structural member and a connector plate gasket for providing seals between the one or more connector plates and the adjoining structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Rough Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Pietro N. Santavicca
  • Patent number: 6345480
    Abstract: The invention provides a height-adjustable bridging device for joints between floor coverings. The bridging device includes an upper element and a base element. The upper element includes a generally perpendicular retaining bar. The retaining bar includes a holding device. The base element also includes retaining bars which are structured to cooperate with the upper element retaining bar holding device. A support device, which includes another upper element retaining bar and a force uptake piece, such as a base element bar, is disposed on the upper element and the base element respectively. The support device aids in preventing the upper element from tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hermann Friedrich Kunne GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans A. Kemper, Frank Sondermann