Thin-walled Type (e.g., Can) Patents (Class 52/577)
  • Patent number: 11098480
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow floorslab formwork, a hollow floorslab structure and a construction method of hollow floorslab. The hollow floorslab structure is formed by splicing together a plurality of hollow floorslab formworks, and the hollow floorslab formworks each comprise a flat plate portion (1). A lower portion of the flat plate portion is provided with a plurality of supporting legs (4), and an outer edge of the flat plate portion is provided with a frame (2) comprising a plurality of protective plates (21, 22, 23,24). The protective plates are each provided with a reversely-fastened plate (31, 32), and adjacent hollow floorslab formworks are spliced together by fastening the reversely-fastened plates on the protective plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Wai Hong Wong
  • Patent number: 10982438
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a frame tube recombination cover plate for a cast-in-situ wall core building block mold, including a bearing type cover plate and a partition type cover plate, wherein a plurality of flat plates on upper surfaces of model walls corresponding to the two types of cover plates for the cast-in-situ wall core building block mold are removed; more than three flat plates (2) perpendicularly connected with front and rear flat plates are equidistantly added between left and right outer edges of the front and rear flat plates (1) at intervals; then, the left and right outer edges of the front and rear flat plates (1) are connected with a plurality of lower convex semi-circular tubes (8) below; and hollow sections of semi-cylinders (9) of the lower convex semi-circular tubes (8) below the flat plates (2) added to one of the left and right sides are blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Guangfu Li, Xingwu Chen
  • Patent number: 9447594
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pool wall and deck support member including modular and symmetrical upper and lower halves adapted to be interconnected to one another to form a unitary support member. Each half is essentially V-shaped with the bottom of the V having a pair of fastening elements disposed thereon and adapted to securely engage corresponding fastening elements disposed on the bottom of the V of the opposite half. Disposed on the ends of the upwardly extending legs of the V-shaped members are fastening elements that are adapted to engage a cross bar that extends across the V-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: RADIANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Foster, David A. Steele, Collin J. Sirco
  • Patent number: 8628703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for preventing a composite material used in forming slabs for residential and commercial construction from entering a predefined space that is maintained open for pipes, plumbing fixtures and other conduits. The preform apparatus comprises a body, apron and cover. The apparatus is assembled by placing the preform body in position to occupy a predefined space, press fitting the apron down over and around the body and the cover on top of the body. Thereafter, the composite material is poured around the preform and allowed to cure. After curing, the preform body and the cover are removed, leaving a material free void within and below the predefined space that the preform had occupied. The preform is straightforward, inexpensive to produce, easy to use and is assembled without fasteners and without disturbing the soil below the slab or the moisture/vapor barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: John Melecio Lauro
  • Patent number: 8322112
    Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 8256173
    Abstract: An environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system that can be utilized in reinforced concrete structures. A goal of this invention is to provide structural systems that achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability by minimizing the structure's carbon footprint and embodied energy. This engineered form-inclusion system uses materials that might otherwise become waste in landfills. The system is designed to significantly reduce raw materials, labor for placement, and transportation of material for building construction. Materials used in this engineered system, that might otherwise be placed in landfills, include but are not limited to plastic bottles, bags, waste Styrofoam, packing materials, rubber tires, and other similar waste materials, preferably compressed or assembled into controlled shapes. The shapes of these forms can be spherical, square, rectangular, cylindrical, or any other, and are specifically engineered to provide form inclusions to significantly reduce the material (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
    Inventors: Mark P. Sarkisian, Craig W. Hartman
  • Patent number: 8097336
    Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example. Permanent bead material is preferably made of polyacrylonitrile, carbon fiber, or graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Charles R. Owens
  • Patent number: 8065848
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy, glass-reinforced polyurethane (foamed or unfoamed), or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising a thermoplastic material, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising a thermoplastic material provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure. Certain embodiments of the present invention include reinforcing members having a plurality of lobes or arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: TAC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Barry L. Carlson, Jason Underhill
  • Patent number: 8028485
    Abstract: Module (1) for the production of concrete elements, particularly of concrete semi-finished products or of relatively “thin” in-situ concrete surfaces. The modules includes a plurality of displacement bodies (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) able to be inserted and arranged adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of displacement bodies (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) is arranged respectively undetachably in a latticework (2) of bars (3, 3?, 4, 4?, 4?). The displacement body (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) is formed as a substantially oblate rotation ellipsoid with two at least slightly flattened pole sides (7, 7?, 8, 8?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cobiax Technologies AG
    Inventors: Karsten Pfeffer, Dejan Krecov, Georg Miedzik, Michael Stuecklin
  • Patent number: 8001737
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of installing one-piece sleeve assemblies corrugated decks in floors that are used for plumbing, mechanical, electrical and miscellaneous pipe applications, against water, fire and smoke. A one-piece sleeve assembly combines a resilient sealing member with perimeter extending side walls extending from a central opening that gets poured in place during the concrete pour on the corrugated deck that forms a water, fire and smoke sealed opening about the resilient sealing member and also allows for expansion and contraction of the concrete that surrounds the resilient member, a deck base having outwardly extending wings about a central opening that is aligned with the central opening of the resilient member, and clipped fire stop material that encircles a portion of the central opening of the deck base. The one piece sleeve assembly is installed in a cut out opening the corrugated deck floor so that concrete can then be poured onto the deck about the one-piece assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: MHUBBARD 09, LLC
    Inventor: Darrell W Price
  • Publication number: 20110036038
    Abstract: A two-piece cylindrical telescopic canning sleeve comprising an inner lower member and an upper outer member. The outer member is provided with at least one set of a plurality of engagement devices. The inner lower member is provided with at least one set of a plurality of engagement devices complimentary to the engagement devices provided with the outer member. The telescopic canning sleeve is assembled for use by aligning the engagement devices of the outer member with the engagement devices of the lower member, then sliding the outer member over the inner member until the desired functional height of the canning sleeve is reached after which, the outer member is frictionally engaged with the inner member by twisting the outer sleeve member to the inner member so that the complimentary engagement devices frictionally communicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Robert von Rummelhoff
  • Patent number: 7540121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steel-concrete hollow bodied slab or ceiling comprising concrete webs, which are arranged in between hollow bodies, and a reinforcing layer on top of the hollow bodies and a reinforcing layer underneath the hollow bodies, wherein a hollow body is embodied as a peripherally closed container which is devoid of any ascending force and which is open towards the bottom, whereby ventilation holes are provided in the covering wall thereof and the container comprises spacers. The aim of the invention is to obtain a low-cost hollow bodied slab/ceiling exhibiting good load-bearing behavior and an increased ability to discharge transversal forces according to local requirements. According to the invention, the concrete in at least one concrete web consists of high-tensile fibers and/or at least one steel strut, preferably a double wall anchor, and/or the hollow body which is devoid of ascendant forces has a conical or truncated pyramidal periphery whose uppermost end forms a dome-shaped arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: BAM AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Haeussler
  • Patent number: 7353641
    Abstract: To render a formwork (10), having a hollow (11b) defined therein and embedded in the elongated concrete member (40) during casting of a concrete material, to be lightweight, environmentally friendly and inexpensive and to have a sufficient strength, the formwork (10) includes a tubular member (11) formed by bending an oblong plate of corrugated cardboard (5) made of paper. The corrugated cardboard plate (5) includes a plurality of corrugated cardboards (3) laminated together and each formed by bonding liner sheets (2) to surfaces of a corrugated sheet (1). The corrugated cardboards (3) are laminated together with flutes of the corrugated cardboards (3) oriented in a direction (P) across a thickness of the corrugated cardboard plate (5), and a sheet (4) is bonded to front and rear major surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignees: Ecoboard Co., Ltd., P.S Mitsubishi Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisafumi Yoshii, Yoshinori Hikasa
  • Patent number: 7232605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structural members comprising polymers, natural and synthetic fibers, and nano-scale platelets arranged in two- or three-dimensional cellular skeletal structure; more particularly referring to a low-cost natural-fiber based structural member with material hybridization and material layout for improved behavior that leads to efficient structural beam and plate/panel components that can be used in a plurality of modular structures, resulting in lower cost and reduced environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Rigoberto Burgueno, Amar K. Mohanty, Mario John Quagliata
  • Patent number: 7013927
    Abstract: A protective sleeve system for use by plumbers during installation of riser pipes in buildings, surrounds a pipe and maintains a space around the pipe. A sleeve surrounds the pipe such that a space is defined between the pipe and the sleeve and a plurality of spacers disposed between the sleeve and the pipe, maintain the space between the pipe and the sleeve. The plurality of spacers are separate from the sleeve. An annular cover ring covers the annular space. In use, the protective sleeve system is installed prior to pouring the concrete floor. After pouring and setting of the concrete floor, the cover ring is removed, followed by the removal of the spacers. The sleeve is then cut to floor level and the pipe riser is cut down to a suitable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Beaumont
  • Patent number: 6941705
    Abstract: Accessory (20) for modular elements (10) for the support and ventilation of crawl spaces, floor structures, floors or similar articles in the building field, each comprising an upper horizontal wall (11) and a plurality of vertical supporting legs (13) defining a continuous passage below said upper wall (11), said accessory (20) comprising a front wall (21) and a lateral wall (22) having a profile mating with that of the aperture defined by each pair of vertical legs (13) of a modular element (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Valerio Pontarolo
  • Publication number: 20040226248
    Abstract: A new kind of splash-resistant modular keyboard for computers that separates keyboard components into two groups. One group of components becomes a detachable and user-serviceable keycap module, while the other group stays as the base module. The detachable module contains essentially the keycap portion that contributes to more malfunctioning of present day keyboard. The base module has a bay that receives the detachable keycap module, and contains the electrical circuitry membrane and PCB that has longer durability than the keycap portion. Drain holes at lower end of the bay will allow liquid spillage, or when using water/solution to clean the bay, to flow out of the bay. Depending on applications, the detachable keycap module can be further broken into more sub-modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Lee Hong Wu
  • Patent number: 6789366
    Abstract: A lost mold element for manufacturing reinforced concrete flat slabs, which is intended, when used together with other mold elements, for creating voids and for allowing the molding of beams. The mold element is made of a recycled plastic material, having a shape of a hollow box, substantially of a flat prismatic shape, and preferably rectangular or square, which is formed from two half boxes including an upper half box and a lower half box joined together removably. Each mold element has side or lateral walls with profiles that define together with other side or lateral walls of other mold elements an I-profiled channel or I-degenerated profiled channel for molding beams. Further, between the side or lateral walls are arranged steel rod attachments and distribution supports for securing the steel rods, and for reinforcement of the I-profiled or I-degenerated profiled beams. Such a mold element can be used in the building industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: António Francico Febra
  • Patent number: 6767619
    Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Charles R. Owens
  • Patent number: 6725611
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving one end of a utility conduit sleeve within a concrete form. The apparatus has a tubular body with an interior surface intersecting first and second ends. The tubular body receives one end of the sleeve through one end and has a flexible flange at its opposite end. The flexible flange is secured against an inside surface of the form. A breakable, thin cover extends over the opposite end of the tubular body to prevent material from entering the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Peter DeFiglio
  • Patent number: 6550207
    Abstract: Modular element for floor structures or crawl spaces used in self-supporting structures, the modular element including an upper surface (11) and supporting legs (13), the modular element defining, either alone or in combination with one or more identical modular elements (10) associated therewith, a seating (17) to position and anchor a structural reinforcement element, the seating (17) being sized in such a way as to accommodate a reinforcement element suitable to fulfil a static bearing function, the structural reinforcement elements, once installed and incorporated into the cast concrete, allowing to form a self-supporting reinforced structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Valerio Pontarolo
  • Publication number: 20030056448
    Abstract: The invention provides a panel unit of controllable radiation transmissivity, including a housing constituted by a front, radiation-receiving panel and a rear panel, the panels being spaced apart and connected to one another by connecting means; a plurality of rotatable radiation-blocking members disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the members being rotatable from one angular position in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to substantially block the passage of light through the panel unit, to a selectable plurality of other angular positions in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to provide a plurality of differing radiation transmissivities; characterized in that first guiding surfaces for the rotatable radiation-blocking members are disposed inside of, and extend across, the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Shaul Givoni
  • Patent number: 6502364
    Abstract: A process for anchoring a water line to a building wall for supporting an attached spigot is the step of selecting a spigot water line anchor having a generally spool shape having a center support member having a pair end flanges attached thereto having an opening slot extending through the spigot water line anchor for sliding over a water line adjacent a spigot in a building wall for supporting the spigot and sliding the selected spigot water line anchor over a water line adjacent a spigot within the wall of a building having each anchor flange extending over adjacent opposite sides of a building wall for supporting the water line and spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Dwayne E. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6327822
    Abstract: A building construction element is used to form cast concrete interspaces in a concrete slab. The element has a bowl shaped portion which has a concave upper surface forming substantially a catenary as seen in vertical section. Supports are connected with the bowl shaped portion and extend downward relative to the bowl shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Daliform S.R.L
    Inventor: Roberto Il Grande
  • Patent number: 6216403
    Abstract: An anchoring device not accessible from one of its sides can be produced by making a cavity (11) of a particular shape and using tendons (4), each of which has an end portion (41) of adapted shape. The cavity may be made in different ways, especially by concreting an anchor member (1) having an opening (12) at one end, the anchor member and the cavity it contains each having an adapted shape. After the anchor member has been concreted and the tendons inserted in the cavity, the cavity is filled with an embedding mortar in order to block the ends of the tendons therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: VSL International AG
    Inventor: Hervé Belbeoc'h
  • Patent number: 6161355
    Abstract: A system of tracks, brackets and containers, typically empty beverage cans, assembled and used for temporary storage, temporary emergency shelters, toys, or other uses involving inexpensive and light weight building materials. The system is implemented by releasably attaching the containers to the tracks, then releasably attaching the tracks to each other either horizontally, vertically, or both to form structural elements such as beams, columns, or panels. The rigid tracks are made from a material which allows for apertures in the tracks to be sized to resiliently snap onto portions of the containers. The track may be formed in a variety of different shapes, such as straight, angled, curved, T-shaped or cross-shaped. Additionally, the brackets may be formed in a variety of different shapes to attach the track assemblies to each other in various orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Gratt
  • Patent number: 6050043
    Abstract: A completely closed and reinforced box-like structure for forming a void area in a concrete formation is constructed of a flat sheet that is scored with a plurality of parallel crease lines and features a side edge reinforcing panel. The reinforcing panel has a plurality of slots thereon. A plurality of interior and end pieces are slit scored so that they may be folded to provide interior and end support units. The support units define a plurality of spaced apart partitions having a plurality of slots and flat support surfaces thereon. The structure is assembled by initially folding the side edge reinforcing panel into a position generally normal to the flat sheet to define a longitudinal rib. The support units are then attached to the longitudinal rib by registering the slots in the partitions in interlocking relationship with corresponding slots on the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Void Form International Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael L. Rosenblat, Timothy J. Isles, Louis C. Dufault
  • Patent number: 5816009
    Abstract: A load bearing structure having a set of uniform voids functions to resolve the forces imposed by developing compression in the material having the voids and minimizing the amount of tension developed in the material. The voids are deployed to encompass a matrix of points arranged such that each point is spaced an equal distance from twelve and only twelve adjacent matrix points. If the structure is considered to be composed of a closely packed set of hypothetical rhombic dodecahedra (RD) and the four-edge vertices of each of those hypothetical RDs is truncated, the result will be a set of cubic voids. The center of each of those cubic voids will define the matrix referred to above and the cubic voids will serve to provide the optimum resolution of stress which minimizes the development of tension in the material. One in four of the hypothetical RDs can be eliminated achieving the same force resolution in a structure containing less material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hexas LLC
    Inventor: Charles R. Owens
  • Patent number: 5782049
    Abstract: A two-part collapsible form void for providing a space between a poured concrete structure and an underlying expansive soil is formed of a foldable outer section and a foldable inner section which, when erected, is longitudinally slidable into the erected outer section. The form void may be shipped in the separated and collapsed state, reducing shipping volume by up to 85 percent, and is easily erected by hand at the job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Surevoid Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Gates, Michael L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5778625
    Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture includes a back housing which is secured to a form board for receiving poured concrete such that the concrete sets around the housing to form a recessed area in a concrete structure. The form board is joined to a stiffener plate to support the housing under the force of the concrete. The form board and stiffener plate are removed from the back housing and the internal components of the lighting fixture are disposed in and secured to the interior of the back housing to form a recessed lighting fixture which is flush with the surface of the structure, for example a concrete wall. The internal components of the fixture may subsequently be removed and replaced should the need arise as only the back housing is fixed to the concrete wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Bega/US, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Druffel, Larry L. Routh
  • Patent number: 5643402
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for introducing sealing material into at least one tubular injection element (12, 13), such as a hose and/or channel, in a concrete joint-sealing system, the injection element joining forming a sealant-injection path in the interior of the concrete and being laid between a primary and a secondary concrete slab on the surface of the primary slab and surrounded by the secondary slab. On injection, sealant flows out of the injection element into the joints between the concrete slabs. The device consists of a target element (1) which is connected for sealant transfer with the injection element and forms a cavity in the secondary concrete slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Rascor Spezialbau GmbH
    Inventor: Rene P. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5634311
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing footing drainage conduits while forming the footings including an annular disk and a cylindrical hub extending outwardly from and about the opening. A drain tile or conduit is engaged with the device about the hub while the device is secured to the footing form. The annular disk extends normal to the cylindrical hub. The device is adjusted to abut the form for the building footings. Accordingly, the devices are positioned and attached to the forms. The device provides support and prevents crushing of an end of the conduit when concrete is poured between the form boards when the footings are created. A nub on the cylindrical hub prevents lateral movement of the device when the footing forms are removed. An adjustable drainage tile can also be used. Two sections of conduit are employed for the adjustable drainage tile. One end of one of the sections of conduit has axially extending slits to allow interengagement of the end of the one section of conduit into the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Carlton
  • Patent number: 5615528
    Abstract: A load bearing structure having a set of uniform voids functions to resolve the forces imposed by developing compression in the material having the voids and minimizing the amount of tension developed in the material. For the voids to have this function, they must be deployed in a particular fashion. The voids are deployed to encompass a particular set of points. The set of points are such that each point in the matrix is spaced an equal distance from twelve and only twelve adjacent points of the matrix. The distance between the points does not matter as long as all are uniformly distanced in accordance with that rule. If the structure is considered to be composed of a closely packed set of hypothetical rhombic dodecahedra (RD) and the four edge vertices of each of those hypothetical RDs is truncated, the result will be a set of cubic voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Charles R. Owens
  • Patent number: 5496213
    Abstract: A foundation vent (20) for use with concrete forms (31 ) includes two frames that telescope together into a plurality of locking positions to allow the width of the vent to be changed to match the thickness of the concrete wall. The first frame (26) includes first walls (34) and a first flange (40). The first frame has a first inner end (36), and a first outer end (38). The first flange is disposed around a perimeter of the first outer end. The second frame (28) includes second walls (60) and a second flange (70). The second frame has a second inner end (66), and a second outer end (68). The second flange is disposed around a perimeter of the second outer end. A ridge (74) engages in channels (52, 58) defined by a plurality of shoulders (50, 54) disposed on the frames to allow the two frames to telescope together and to lock at various, predetermined widths. The ridge is disposed around a perimeter of the second inner end of the second frame. The ridge thus engages one of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Noll Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Barry K. Miller
  • Patent number: 5444947
    Abstract: A foundation vent (20) for use with concrete forms (31) is disclosed. The vent includes two frames that telescope together into a plurality of locking positions to allow the width of the vent to be changed to match the thickness of the concrete wall. The first frame (26) includes first walls (34) and a first flange (40). The first frame has a first inner end (36), and a first outer end (38). The first flange is disposed around a perimeter of the first outer end. The second frame (28) includes second walls (60) and a second flange (70). The second frame has a second inner end (66), and a second outer end (68). The second flange is disposed around a perimeter of the second outer end. A ridge (74) engages in channels (52, 58) defined by a plurality of shoulders (50, 54) disposed on the frames to allow the two frames to telescope together and to lock at various, predetermined widths. The ridge is disposed around a perimeter of the second inner end of the second frame. The ridge thus engages one of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Noll Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Barry K. Miller
  • Patent number: 5396747
    Abstract: A plane, hollow, reinforced concrete floor slabs with two-dimensional structure and method for their production. Constructions developed by this technic will vary widely and with considerable profit replace conventional floor structures. The technique makes it possible to choose higher strength and stiffness, less volume of materials, greater flexibility, better economy or an arbitrary combination of these gains. The technique makes it possible to create a total balance between bending forces, shear forces and stiffness (deformations)--so that all design conditions can be fully optimized at the same time. The technique presents a distinct minimized construction--characterized by the ability that concrete can be placed exactly where it yields maximum capacity. The technique offers material and cost savings compared with the conventional compact two-way reinforced slab structure. The technique is suitable for both in situ works and for prefabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jorgen I. Breuning
  • Patent number: 5386675
    Abstract: A concrete beam connector sleeve has a tubular plastic body with a large dimensional end portion, a funnel portion joining the end portion, a rod guide portion joining the funnel portion, a bolting step joining the rod guide portion and a large dimension portion at the end of the sleeve away from the opposite end of the sleeve. The sleeve is cast in a cement column with the large dimension portion opening into a spandrel-supporting recess and the other large dimension portion opening into the opposite side of the column. A threaded rod mounted in a spandrel seated in the recess extends through the interior of the sleeve and past the bolting step. A nut threaded onto the end of the rod secure the spandrel in place on the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: High Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Baur, Thomas E. Keiser
  • Patent number: 5377469
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a joint disposed between two concreting sections, having an impermeable profile preferably fabricated from a synthetic material and cosntructed in a hood form to be open in cross section. The profile is mounted with the free longitudinal edges of its side portions adjacent to a concrete surface, so that a flow channel is formed therein for receiving a sealing medium between the profile and the concrete surface, where the sealing medium can emerge from between the free longitudinal edges of the profile and the concrete surface. A further sealing device is a body fabricated from a foam material or a foam material band, having a rectangular cross section provided with passage pores, the body being mounted to rest on the concrete surface, so that the flow channel for receiving the sealing medium is formed by the body itself, where the sealing medium emerges from the passage pores into the joint area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Rene P. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5347786
    Abstract: A reusable concrete spacer sleeve comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a plurality of inwardly extending fins. The sleeve is placed over a vertical drain pipe prior to pouring a concrete floor. After the concrete has set, the sleeve is removed, leaving an annular space around the pipe for accommodating a flange. A lid may be fitted onto the sleeve to prevent debris or other foreign matter from entering the pipe or the annular space around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: James Bruno
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 5249401
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a joint disposed between two concreting sections, having an impermeable profile preferably fabricated from a synthetic material and cosntructed in a hood form to be open in cross section. The profile is mounted with the free longitudinal edges of its side portions adjacent to a concrete surface, so that a flow channel is formed therein for receiving a sealing medium between the profile and the concrete surface, where the sealing medium can emerge from between the free longitudinal edges of the profile and the concrete surface. A further sealing device is a body fabricated from a foam material or a foam material band, having a rectangular cross section provided with passage pores, the body being mounted to rest on the concrete surface, so that the flow channel for receiving the sealing medium is formed by the body itself, where the sealing medium emerges from the passage pores into the joint area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Rene P. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5245806
    Abstract: A concrete beam conduit guide includes a hollow open ended prismatic body with a downwardly sloping roof, an upward sloping floor, sidewalls and seal flanges at the open ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: High Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Baur, Douglas B. Mackley
  • Patent number: 5182885
    Abstract: A one-piece, unitary, molded resin wall sleeve precursor has two cup-shaped end sections of external diameter D1 each having a hollow transition section of enlarged diameter that connects the end section to a sleeve of internal diameter D1; one transition section has an outer diameter D2 and the other has an inner diameter just slightly larger than D2. D2 is appreciably larger than D1. A wall sleeve assembly of extended length is derived from two of these precursor members by cutting off the end sections; the precursor members can then be joined with a strong, inexpensive, welded joint to afford a long wall sleeve of consistent internal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Thunderline Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce G. Barton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5129147
    Abstract: A penstock or sluice gate door constructed by providing a stack of steel tubes (11) preferably of rectangular cross-section, which are stitch welded together at (12). There are added welded side plates (13), a central stainless steel spindle (14) and bolts (18) for lifting equipment, and the so-formed panel is placed in a mould and encapsulated with an impervious material. If desired side and bottom sealing strips (22, 23, 21) may be integrally formed during encapsulation. The resultant door is lightweight and non-corrodible, and its strength is determined by the wall thickness of the tubes (11) which will be selected accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Simon-Hartley Limited
    Inventors: Eric P. Austin, Robert W. Harper
  • Patent number: 5088253
    Abstract: A house can be formed of tires by securing tires in a panel and using the panel to form a wall of a house or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Gary W. Christ
  • Patent number: 5072911
    Abstract: Concrete barrier structures for use in forming holes in concrete slabs or the like can be constructed so as to include a peripheral wall shaped as the frustum of a right circular cone having an upper end and a lower end. A closure is provided to close off the upper end of the peripheral wall. A series of equally spaced, identical upper supports are located on the exterior of this peripheral wall intermediate the ends of this wall. Grooves are provided on the interior of the peripheral wall for accommodating the upper supports on an adjacent, nested barrier structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: The Logsdon Foundation
    Inventor: Duane D. Logsdon
  • Patent number: 5027571
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plastic frame for leading lines through an opening in a structural part, such as a wall. The frame has a cavity defined by two C-shaped elements having inner flanges which are perpendicular to the plane of the frame, and outer flanges which are parallel to the plane of the frame. The leg portions of one of the C-shaped elements extend toward the leg portions of the other. A double T-shaped element can be situated between the C-shaped elements in order to form two cavities. The frame is useful for obtaining a water-tight and/or gas-tight seal when wires, tubes, etc. are led through a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Roxtec AB
    Inventor: Anton Wolff
  • Patent number: 4888925
    Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly (10, 46, 64) and method of manufacturing the same involves the use of a pipe coupling (12, 50, 66) with an intumescent collar (14, 68) and a metallic band (16, 56, 70) wrapped thereabout at one end thereof. The metallic band has overlapping ends (36, 38) which are held together by elongated fasteners (18, 60) passing through overlapping portions and into the intumescent wrap. The pipe coupling assembly including a tubularly-shaped main body, an intumescent collar, and a metallic band are assembled as a unit in a factory to be later placed in a concrete form to have concrete poured thereabout. A heat receiving edge of the metallic band receives heat from a fire in a space below a barrier in which the pipe coupling assembly is embedded and conducts it to the outer periphery of the intumescent collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Gerold J. Harbeke
  • Patent number: 4831803
    Abstract: A building foundation form work arrangement in which a plurality of boxes 1 are located on a supporting level surface and are kept apart to leave channels 4 between the boxes 1, and spacers 22 engaging respective sides of each of the corners of the boxes 1 so as to hold these in position against substantial lateral dislodgement forces when concrete is poured into the channels 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Nicola Leonardis
  • Patent number: 4827690
    Abstract: A cardboard structural member for use in the construction of building panels and a method of making same. The structural cardboard member comprises an elongated hollow channel member of rectangular cross-section formed of corrugated cardboard sheeting. The channel member defines opposed parallel walls and is opened at its ends. One pair of parallel walls terminates short of the ends of the structural cardboard member to define a connecting channel across the ends for receiving a rigid structural member thereacross between two opposite walls when assembling the panels to construct a building structure. The method of assembly consists in glueing a plurality of these structural members side by side to form the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Francois Forget
    Inventor: Philippe Viger
  • Patent number: D672630
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: M.A. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Talley, Bobbie Don Peacock, Bobbie Don Peacock, Jr., Bryan N. Wilmoth, Tom Holak