Mounting Means Attached To Facer; E.g., Upholstery Panel Patents (Class 52/511)
  • Patent number: 11891814
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Westlake Royal Stone LLC
    Inventors: David H. Wolf, James S. Belt, William Smith, Donn R. Vermilion, Wayne J. Buoni, Joy Stickel
  • Patent number: 11841043
    Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable connector with hidden threads for securing and adjusting a glass panel to a structure. The connector has an internally threaded retainer mounted on a fastener which is secured by a fastener and receives an externally threaded telescope. A nut shape lock installed inside the telescope to lock the telescope. By turning the lock, it moves towards the fastener and locks the telescope by pushing the fastener. The lock is a security feature to hold the adjustable standoff in adjusted position and prevents unscrewing the telescope once the cap is uninstalled. The telescope and retainer are threaded internally which are not exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventors: Ali Ravan, Henry Mercieca
  • Patent number: 11478960
    Abstract: A method produces a vehicle replacement part for a first vehicle component of a connecting system, which is fixed to a second vehicle component via a detachable clip connection. The first vehicle component has a male fixing element, and the second vehicle component has a female fixing element. To connect the first vehicle component to the second vehicle component, the male fixing element is plugged into the female fixing element and is latched. The production method of the vehicle replacement part provides an unfinished part, which is dimensioned to produce the vehicle replacement part. Then, the unfinished part is reshaped in accordance with the geometry of the first vehicle component. Male fixing elements are then provided and, in the last step, the male fixing elements are joined to the reshaped unfinished part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Friedrich, Dominik Rietzel, Bernhard Schmid
  • Patent number: 11021879
    Abstract: A wall panel comprising a front face, a return lip extending from at least one edge of the front face to define a flange lying behind the front face, and a mounting clip formed in the flange for attaching the wall panel to a support structure is provided. The mounting clip may comprise a curved formation, thereby having a distance from the front face that varies along its length. The formation may be shaped to include a local minimum distance. The mounting clip may be a tab or tongue defined by a U-shaped slot cut in the flange. The U-shaped slot can be located in the flange between a pair of through-holes or slots. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for shaping the mounting clips, and a method of assembling a paneled wall using the device to manufacture the mounting clips are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Elekta Limited
    Inventor: Duncan Neil Bourne
  • Patent number: 10962286
    Abstract: Mounting hardware for mounting an insulation module on a furnace wall. The hardware comprises a mounting bracket embedded within the module. The bracket has a plurality of flexible tabs, each tab having a fixed end and a free end. The free ends of the tabs are arranged about a central point and are movable (flexible) relative to the fixed ends. A mounting stud is provided having a fixed end attachable to an inner surface of a furnace wall and a free end. The stud extends from the inner surface, and the stud has an annular groove adjacent the fixed end. The stud is dimensioned to extend through the mounting bracket between the free ends of the tabs and to cause the tabs to flex as the bracket moves along the stud from the free end towards the fixed end, wherein the tabs snap and lock into the annular groove when the bracket reaches the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: HARBISONWALKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Karns
  • Patent number: 10844608
    Abstract: A cladding system for covering an exterior wall is provided. The cladding system includes a panel for assembling on the exterior wall and an anchor for securing the panel to the exterior wall. The panel has a body with channels formed on a rear side thereof for draining water on an interior surface of the channel which is spaced away from the exterior wall. The anchor comprises tabs for fitting in to the channels and preventing a pull-out and/or a push-in of the panel relative to the exterior wall. The anchor cooperates with the panel to direct water into the drainage channels, and to define a continuous drainage path from top to bottom of the cladding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Frédéric Ausseur, Michel Bouchard, Bertin Castonguay, Nader Assad, Martin Latour
  • Patent number: 10788237
    Abstract: A wind direction adjusting apparatus of an air-conditioning blowout port is equipped with: a face plate portion which is disposed in the front of the air-conditioning blowout port from which the air conditioned by an air conditioner is blown out, and receives the air blown from the air-conditioning blowout port; a mounting portion which mounts the face plate portion forward of the air-conditioning blowout port; and an antibacterial member which is mounted to the face plate portion. The antibacterial member has: an antibacterial agent which is a material having bactericidal properties; a bag body which contains the antibacterial agent in a bag material with pores on the entire surface; and a housing which contains the bag body and has a vent hole that limits the ventilation volume of air blown out from the air-conditioning blowout port and passing through the bag body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Goro Sayeki
  • Patent number: 10378216
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Boral Stone Products LLC
    Inventors: David H. Wolf, James S. Belt, William Smith, Donn R. Vermilion, Wayne Buoni, Joy Stickel
  • Patent number: 10030424
    Abstract: A panel body (11) includes: a panel-like base material (12); a groove (25) which is continuous along at least a part of an outer circumferential end portion of the base material (12), and is recessed to the inside of the base material (12); a soft material (13) which is provided on one or more surface of the base material (12); a cover material (14) which covers the base material (12) and the soft material (13), and in which the outer circumferential end portion is caught in the groove (25) in the outer circumferential edge portion of the base material (12); and a fixing member (30) which fixes the cover material (14) in the groove (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Waku Tsuchiyama, Haruhiko Kitajima, Masayuki Kuroe
  • Patent number: 9926730
    Abstract: A panel body (11) includes: a panel-like base material (12); a groove (25) which is continuous along at least a part of an outer circumferential end portion of the base material (12), and is recessed to the inside of the base material (12); a soft material (13) which is provided on one or more surface of the base material (12); a cover material (14) which covers the base material (12) and the soft material (13), and in which the outer circumferential end portion is caught in the groove (25) in the outer circumferential edge portion of the base material (12); and a fixing member (30) which fixes the cover material (14) in the groove (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OKAMURA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Waku Tsuchiyama, Haruhiko Kitajima, Masayuki Kuroe
  • Patent number: 9707644
    Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a first component to a second component. The two components are placed against each other and pre-fixed, wherein the two components are attached and immovably connected to each other at at least one first connection point via a first detachable component connection and are attached and connected to each other so as to be movable relative to each other in a sliding direction at at least one second connection point via a second detachable component connection. The pre-fixed components are rigidly connected, in particular, by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maik Hammer, Johann van Niekerk, Thomas Herzinger
  • Patent number: 9597755
    Abstract: A method for connecting components includes the acts of providing a first component, fixing the first component in a space, where the exact position of the first component in a space does not have to be known or is unknown, determining the exact position of the first component in a space by a position recognition device, which generates the position data that correspond to the position of the first component, attaching or producing at least one first fixing element on the first component by an electronically controlled device, which attaches or produces the at least one first fixing element in a specified position relative to the first component using the determined position data, and fixing a second component on the first component, where a second fixing element, which is provided on the second component, forms a detachable connection with the first fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Herzinger, Johann Van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 9382935
    Abstract: An elastic tubular attachment assembly for mating components is provided. The elastic tubular attachment assembly includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component having a second surface, a third surface, and at least one aperture, wherein the second surface is configured to align and engage with the first surface of the first component. Further included is at least one elastically deformable tubular member operatively coupled to the first component proximate the first surface, the at least one elastically deformable tubular member comprising an outer surface, wherein the at least one elastically deformable tubular member is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform radially inwardly upon contact with at least one aperture wall of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 9366038
    Abstract: A system of reusable absorbent mats that are secured or interlocked to one another and secured to the floor of an industrial, commercial, garage, workshop, or manufacturing facility thereby reducing the possibility that the absorbent mats could bunch up or slip. The absorbent mats of the absorbent floor system are secured to the floor and to one another to provide a stable and secure walking surface. The absorbent mats can be layered to accommodate high oil leaking areas. The absorbent floor mat system can wick oil, grease, coolant and/or other fluids throughout the entire floor to provide a safe walking zone for industrial and manufacturing facilities. Individual absorbent mats can be swapped out as they become fully saturated prior to a full reinstallation. When the absorbent mats are removed from the floor of the facility, they can be cleaned and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: CLOSED LOOP RECYCLING, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Patrick Huelskoetter, Richard Lee Marchbanks
  • Patent number: 9296923
    Abstract: A vehicle body construction method is provided for connecting two components which are to be rigidly connected to one another. A first component is provided on which a first positive-fit element projects away from the first component. A second component is provided, which includes a second positive-fit element which cooperates with the first positive-fit element of the first component. The two components are detachably fixed by placing them against one another such that the positive-fit elements mesh with or latchingly engage one another. The components are held relative to one another at least in one direction and are permanently connected by use of an adhesive that is located between mutually facing surfaces of the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Herzinger, Johann van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 9291182
    Abstract: An attachment system for mounting a trim component to a vehicle body panel having an aperture includes a self-locating fastener affixed to the trim component. The fastener has a domed head that terminates at a shoulder and includes a plurality of legs separated by a gap and configured to resiliently deflect inward. The domed head is configured to provide for location of the trim component relative to the body panel during installation, and the shoulder is configured to engage the aperture upon installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Justin Lee Healy, Todd Jared Konet, James Allen Stec
  • Patent number: 9222500
    Abstract: A connection between components includes a first component, a second component, and at least two pairs of fixing elements spaced apart by which the two components are detachably connected. Each pair of fixing elements has a female fixing element and a male fixing element that is inserted into the female fixing element. A fixing element of each pair of fixing elements is provided on the first component and the other fixing element of each pair of fixing elements is provided on the second component. The fixing elements are arranged such that on detachable connection of the two components by the pairs of fixing elements in the two components, a bending stress results in the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Herzinger, Johann van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 9181745
    Abstract: A cushion member assembly includes an attachment fastener having deflecting first and second arms curving toward a planar flange, and a neck region connecting the first and second arms to the planar flange. A cushion member includes a slot in a body first portion first end and a body second portion having a hollow chamber. A first bore extends into the body first portion from the slot. A second bore has a diameter larger than a first bore diameter and substantially equal to a first and second arm spaced width. A surface separates a cavity defined by the second bore from the first bore. The arms initially deflect toward each other during entrance into the first bore and outwardly rebound in the second bore directly contacting the surface. The first and second arms in contact with the surface resist removal of the attachment fastener from the cushion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Tien T. Diep, Terri L. Wernert
  • Patent number: 9050690
    Abstract: A component connection is provided and includes, a first vehicle component, which has a male fixing element that projects from the first vehicle component and that partially or completely has the shape of a sphere or completely or partially has a sphere-like shape, and a second vehicle component, which has a female fixing element that is intended to receive the male fixing element. The male fixing element is inserted into the female fixing element in an insertion direction. The male fixing element has an excessive dimension relative to the female fixing element substantially perpendicularly to the insertion direction so that the two vehicle components are detachably clamped together at the fixing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maik Hammer, Johann van Niekerk, Thomas Herzinger
  • Patent number: 9016014
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Thermafiber, Inc.
    Inventor: James Shriver
  • Patent number: 9016023
    Abstract: Column assemblies for work environments that support the acoustical, lighting, and cabling needs for the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Fry Reglet Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Timko, Richard Stonis
  • Patent number: 9016020
    Abstract: Typical brick veneers are usually constructed aid of an adhesive and for attachment of the brick to a panel. The present invention allows for a mechanical installation of thin brick veneers using conventional brick materials and natural stone tiles. The present invention also allows for the construction of a water channel and a space for injecting foam insulation. The present invention allows for a quicker and simpler method of installation of brick veneer and reduces material costs while improving on conventional brick veneer functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jisong Yang
  • Patent number: 8997423
    Abstract: Provided are stone-like or brick-like veneer systems for covering walls. Specifically provided in embodiments are facade panels comprising: (i) a molded brick-like or stone-like panel; and (ii) a suspension rail partially embedded in the panel comprising: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; one or more cross bar joining two or more sides of the first frame; a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from the first frame or cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; a tab in communication with the frame for connecting the suspension rail to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Mann
  • Patent number: 8991127
    Abstract: Visible and concealed cladding systems used for attaching laminate panels to building structures are provided. The visible cladding systems comprise tracks and sliding clips to slide the laminate panel into the desired location on the building wall. The concealed cladding systems comprise hanger elements to attach a laminate panel to the building wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Diller Corporation
    Inventors: Gavin Todd, Joe Ramuta
  • Patent number: 8979052
    Abstract: The external material clamp comprises the fixed plate fixed to the foundation of the wall of the building, the horizontal plate extending forwardly from the center of the fixed plate, the upper support plate projected upwardly from the front end of the horizontal plate to support the upper side external wall with engagement, the lower support plate supporting the upper end of the external material 50 in the lower side with engagement, and the receiving plate at least a part of which is located above the horizontal plate to contact with the external material in the upper side with receiving a part of the load thereof. With this configuration, the load of the upper side external material is shared by the lower side external material and the receiving plate of the external material clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kmew Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Uota, Kouichi Tominaga
  • Patent number: 8950146
    Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a group suspension system for mechanically aligning and registering canopy modules relative one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 8893449
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid assembly including parallel spaced main runners and pairs of cross runners on opposite sides of a main runner, the main runners having vertical slots spaced along their lengths, the cross runners having end connectors mutually inter-engaged in a common main runner slot, a brace stabilizing the pair of cross runners against relative hinge action in a vertical plane, the brace being a thin metal body having a cross section complimentary to a cross section of the cross runners, the brace abutting sides of the cross runners and being rigidly attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8887459
    Abstract: Provided are systems and components for modular wall assembly. The components include horizontal tracks, vertical studs, and floor tracks that have engagement means for assembling the components together into a frame structure. Horizontal tracks and floor tracks have portions for mourning a wall module such as a wall panel unit, bookshelf unit, or cabinet. The horizontal tracks, vertical studs, and floor studs may be CNC cut from a CAD file for precision alignment between interlocking components. The modular wall assembly systems provide for ease of construction and flexibility in designing the layout of an interior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20140318069
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated building wall comprising a composite thermal insulation system and an external building wall, where the composite thermal insulation system is affixed to the side of the building wall facing away from the building, the composite thermal insulation system comprising an at least two-layer thermal insulation cladding, with at least two layers each containing from 25 to 95% by weight of aerogel and from 0 to 75% by weight of inorganic fibres and from 0 to 70% by weight of inorganic fillers, wherein the layers of the thermal insulation cladding are joined to one another by means of an inorganic binder and the composite thermal insulation system has a gross calorific potential of less then 3 MJ per kilogram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Sven Moennig, Stefan Rossmayer, Stephan Detrois, Thomas Gastner
  • Patent number: 8844235
    Abstract: A mounting rail for mounting a cladding panel in a lapped formation on a wall includes an elongate body shaped in cross section having a vertical upstanding rear flange mountable to a wall, a downwardly extending front flange and a sloping web portion extending from the rear to the front flange. The web portion also includes a downwardly extending channel portion receiving at least an upper portion of a lower panel. The front flange portion forms an upward facing channel portion slidably receiving a lower portion of an upper panel. The mounting rail includes sealing and drainage elements so the cladding panels can be lapped and supported at the position of the mounting rail and the panels are mounted without direct fastenings to a wall. Also disclosed is a mounting rail assembly for a flush mounted cladding panel for a building wall, for forming a drained and ventilated cladding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cladding Systems International Limited
    Inventor: John Witold Lukaszewicz
  • Patent number: 8820018
    Abstract: A wall surfacing system for providing a secondary ceiling or wall covering structure adjacent a primary structure. The system provides a plurality of elongated structural support rails, each of these support rails have a coupling web with a bearing surface for attachment to the primary structure, a coupling mechanism, and a stringer portion integrally formed with and connecting the coupling web to the coupling mechanism. A plurality of generally planar surface panels are provided. Each panel has an integral interlocking member configured to mate with the coupling mechanism on the support rail. The elongated support rails are secured to primary structures, thereby extending the surface panels to form an aesthetically pleasing covered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: IG Creative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Maley, Robert N. Maley, Laurence R. Maley
  • Patent number: 8769902
    Abstract: A tile system, comprising: —a mounting unit, e.g. a rail fixed to a wall; —a tile unit, e.g. a frame holding a decorative tile; —a tile unit-fastening device configured to fasten the tile unit to the mounting unit, e.g. a pin engaging recesses formed on the mounting and the tile unit, the tile unit-fastening device preferably comprising a repositioning mechanism configured to allow the tile unit to move in one or two directions parallel to the wall after the tile unit is fastened to the mounting unit, e.g. the pin having ribs on its outer surface and the recesses being elongated and having cooperating ribs on their elongated inner faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mohawk Carpet Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley A. King, Wolfgang Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8707648
    Abstract: Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substrate and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one panel insert and at least one attachment structure facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fry Reglet Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Timko, Mark Brinkman
  • Patent number: 8656677
    Abstract: A ceiling panel for lining the interior of a vehicle, particularly an airplane, includes a plastic composite element having elements disposed at lateral edges extending substantially in a movement direction of the vehicle for fastening to a supporting structure of the vehicle or parts connected thereto. At least one fixation device is provided on a transverse edge disposed substantially transversely to the movement direction and at least one counter piece is provided on an opposite transverse edge, as viewed in the movement direction, to avoid an offset in a perpendicular direction between consecutive ceiling panels. The at least one fixation device is configured to complement the at least one counter piece and a form-locking connection can be produced and detached again without tools in the substantially perpendicular direction, by the interaction of each fixation device with a respective counter piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FACC AG
    Inventors: Georg Kernmayer, Manfred Standhartinger
  • Patent number: 8596008
    Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a group suspension system for mechanically aligning and registering canopy modules relative one another. The system requires a minimum number of attachment points to the overhead building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 8584421
    Abstract: Panel mounting components and systems for mounting objects, such as decorative architectural resin panels, can include one or more of a twist-lock mounting assembly and a melt-bondable panel mounting bracket. Twist-lock mounting assemblies can include a housing and locking pin configured to automatically lock together, thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily mount and dismount panels from a support structure. Melt-bondable panel mounting brackets can include one or more bonding features configured to be pressed into a resin-based panel, thereby allowing additional components, such as a twist-lock mounting assembly, to be secured directly to a single side of a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Chase Norton, Bryan K. Harris
  • Patent number: 8468765
    Abstract: Provided is a panel fixing device with which panels can be rapidly and easily installed to reduce a construction period and a broken panel can be easily replaced with a new one to easily perform maintenance of the panel. For this, the panel fixing device is configured to fix a plurality of panels having anchor bolts protruding rearward therefrom to a wall of a building and maintaining the panels to the wall of the building, and includes a wall-fixing bracket, a connecting plate, a first connecting bracket and a second connecting bracket, wherein a fixing pin and a support pin protrude upward and downward from a front side of the connecting plate, and an auxiliary hole, a first auxiliary long hole and a second auxiliary long hole are formed in the connecting plate, the first connecting bracket and the second connecting bracket to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Jong Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 8424249
    Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne P. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8413398
    Abstract: Ball pivot assemblies for mounting panels to a cable regardless of panel geometry or orientation include a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes geometry configured to enable a panel to pivot about the ball pivot in a plurality of orientations in a plurality of planes with respect to the cable. One or more implementations of the present invention can include a ball socket configured to receive the ball pivot, and provide a secure interface between the ball pivot assembly and the panel. Also, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more cables using one or more ball pivot assemblies. In addition, one or more implementations of the present invention include methods of mounting panels using one or more ball pivot assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Allred, Brian Hillstrom, Guillaume Martin, Jeremy Porter
  • Patent number: 8341900
    Abstract: Structure (1) for mounting, on a building wall, at least one frame (50) consisting of a rectangular framework (51), comprising a carcass (2) made of at least two uprights (3) and at least two crossbars (4) assembled so as to form at least one rectangular underframe (15) adapted for receiving a frame (50), and means for fixing at least one frame on the carcass, each upright (3) having a central core (31) bordered by two side wings (32, 33) comprising recesses (38, 39) for receiving the crossbars (4). Each crossbar (4) has a central core (40) and side wings (41, 42) comprising recesses in line with the uprights (3) at the intersections between the crossbars (4) and the uprights (3) in such a way that the wings of the uprights (3) and the crossbars (4), extending on the inner periphery of the rectangular underframe (15), form a projecting border on which a frame (5) may be fitted. Wall provided with a structure of this type on which panel-holding frames are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Arcelormittal-Stainless and Nickel Alloys, Solarte
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Reyal, Yves Jautard
  • Patent number: 8322103
    Abstract: A suspension system secures thin, light-weight, monolithic panels which appear as adjacent courses of brick to be suspended adjacent a substrate in a manner permitting sliding movement in the x-direction while inhibiting motion in the y- and z-directions, and, such that air can circulate behind the panel to prevent mold growth. The primary suspension hardware is an H-shaped channel with two vertically extending arms which secure the panels at the desired spaced position from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Charles D Kownacki
  • Patent number: 8297019
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting bracket for mounting wall insulation to an exterior wall. The mounting bracket is a unitary piece constructed of plastic, having a vertical wall plate, a horizontal support plate that extends orthogonal to the wall plate, and a vertical reinforcing plate that extends orthogonal to the vertical wall plate and the horizontal support plate. A bore is provided in the wall plate, for fastening the mounting bracket to the exterior wall. The reinforcing plate extends beyond the length of the horizontal support plate, to provide a mounting flange that may be fastened to a vertical wall support, such as a roof batten. The area formed by the horizontal support plate and an upper portion of the wall plate provides an unobstructed support area for supporting the wall insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Lorenz Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8234828
    Abstract: Veneers for walls, retaining walls, retaining wall blocks, gabions, wire faces, and other structures are provided. Various methods of attaching the veneers are also described. A combination of a wall block and a veneer is provided. The wall block has a front face with a block connection space, and the veneer has a front face with a veneer connection portion. The veneer is attached to the front face of the wall block by the veneer connection portion, which is disposed in the block connection space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8225572
    Abstract: The present invention is a wall panel assembly for securing a protective and/or decorative panel to a wall, such as the exterior wall of a building. The panel includes a rail and channel arrangement along each edge of the panel designed to slideably engage panel clips having a cooperative guide rail and channel. The clips are used to secure the panel to a wall using common fasteners, such as screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sagamore Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8209932
    Abstract: An adjustable height backsplash for an appliance such as a cooking range is disclosed. The backsplash includes an upper wall mount mountable to a wall; a lower wall mount mountable to the wall at a selectable distance from the upper wall mount; an upper faceplate mountable to the upper wall mount and including an upper front panel; and a lower faceplate mountable to the lower wall mount and including a lower front panel. After installation, the upper front panel and the lower front panel together substantially cover a continuous portion of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chidanand Begur, Sheena Leigh Ritchie, Jorge Hinojosa, Heather Ann Thomas
  • Patent number: 8136315
    Abstract: A connecting device for curtain wall units is disclosed. The connecting device comprises: a claw arm having a horizontal arm for carrying the curtain wall units; a plurality of clamping plates, each two clamping plates fixed on the horizontal arm to clamp the curtain wall units; and a claw base connected to the claw arm and a supporting structure of the curtain wall units. The weight of curtain wall is supported by the claw arm of the connecting device, and point-supported type clamping of the curtain wall is realized by the clamping plates on the end of the claw arm, which enables the stability and security of the structure of curtain wall. The claw arm is hidden in the space between the curtain walls, and thus the whole appearance of curtain wall is beautified. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to provide through holes on the glass wall units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Guangdong Kin Long Hardware Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baokun Bai
  • Patent number: 8136320
    Abstract: A spacer assembly adapted to prevent the formation of acoustical short circuits in a building ceiling, floor and/or wall assembly. The spacer assembly includes a support member and is adapted for spacing and supporting a finished interior building element in acoustic isolation with respect to a structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Keene Building Products Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Keene
  • Patent number: 8122650
    Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Eickhof Columbaria, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Eickhof
  • Patent number: 8096089
    Abstract: In a suspended ceiling segment known as a cloud, lengths of flat, flexible sheets form panels that are held on the main beams of the segment by flexible, plastic tracks adhesively fixed on the panels that engage plastic tracks hooked onto flanges of the main beams of the cloud. The flexible sheets bend to conform to the vertical contour of the main beams when the tracks on the sheets engage the tracks on the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8082696
    Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Oliver, Peter L. Harvey