Intersecting Strips Or Strands Patents (Class 52/664)
  • Patent number: 6374560
    Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Dean Douglas Dennis
  • Patent number: 6367204
    Abstract: Apparatus for displaying images on doors especially sectional overhead garage doors comprises a lattice of interconnected horizontal and vertical members removably attached to each horizontal door panel. The horizontal members are looped around the top and bottom of the panel and detachably joined at the back of the panel to form a complete loop. The horizontal members are held by removable attachment to the vertical members on the outer side of the panel using split pin connectors as a means of attachment. The pin connectors may also be used as an attachment point for lighting displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Lewis Eichler
  • Patent number: 6357195
    Abstract: A support frame is intended to support the decorative sheet product and is formed of a plurality of longitudinal elements and horizontal elements, which are in turn formed of a plurality of base portions and main bodies. The base portions are provided with a protrusion and a recess opposite in location to the protrusion, and two slots opposite in location to each other. The base portions are joined together by the mortise-tenon joints to form the longitudinal elements. The main bodies are provided with two protruded blocks opposite in location to each other and are arranged in alignment such that the protruded blocks are received in the slots of the base portions of the longitudinal elements, and that the main bodies form the horizontal elements perpendicular to the longitudinal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Chia-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20020020123
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined amount of flexibility through the use of auxiliary supports. Further stability is provided by one-piece ramp comers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman, Kim D. Kendall
  • Patent number: 6345482
    Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Warren
  • Patent number: 6345483
    Abstract: A webbed reinforcing strip for poured concrete structures includes a first elongated tension strand, a second elongated tension strand spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first tension strand, and at least two pairs of strands interconnecting the first and second tension strands in an open weave pattern. The interconnecting strands cross each other between the tension strands to form a webbed central portion of the strip. The interconnecting strands bend to join the tension strands at nonperpendicular angles at a plurality of nodes. All strands are formed of glass fiber reinforced plastic material and are bonded together with a bonding resin. Thus, thermal transfer and the potential for damage due to corrosion are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Delta-Tie, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Clark
  • Patent number: 6343452
    Abstract: A tubular main frame (2) for an aeroplane, bridge, or pressure vessel, for example, comprises a honeycomb structure with cells (4) thereof distributed round the periphery of the frame and along the frame, the cells each being at least pentagonal, preferably largely hexagonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Laurence Holden
  • Publication number: 20020005022
    Abstract: A sheet material attachment system including at least one longitudinal beam having a web, and at least one flange having first and second opposite sides, the web extending from the flange second side. A sheet material attachment element overlies the flange first side, the sheet material attachment element having a hardness which is less than the hardness of the flange. The sheet material attachment element is attached to the beam by a fastener, the fastener being substantially U-shaped and having a first leg which engages a side of the sheet material attachment element and a second leg which engages the flange second side. A piece of sheet material is anchored to the sheet material attachment element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: LeRoy Matthews
  • Patent number: 6321499
    Abstract: An assembly type wood floor comprising a high frame and a floor. The high floor is a net-like lattice frame formed by a plurality of upper plates, a plurality of lower plates and a plurality of flat plates. At first, the shape grooves of the upper plates is engaged with the U shape grooves of the lower plates, and the lower extended rod on the two sides of the bottom of the shape groove may be inserted into the positioning holes on the two sides of the nut of the upper plate. The upper extending rods on the two sides of the top of the U shape grooves are inserted into the positioning holes on the two sides of the nut of the upper plate. Next, the groove on the lower surface of the flat plate is engaged to the engaging plate of the upper plate and the pillar on the center of the engaging groove is inserted into the positioning hole on the middle section of the engaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Fu-Min Chuang
  • Publication number: 20010034990
    Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach an outer muntin grid element to an inner muntin grid element to form a two piece muntin grid piece. The outer muntin grid element surrounds at least three sides of the inner muntin grid element and may be held to the outer muntin grid element without connectors such as adhesive. The outer muntin grid element may be a slit tube that is spread open to be positioned over the inner muntin grid element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Gerhard Reichert
  • Patent number: 6308487
    Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Richard W. Cantley
  • Patent number: 6305432
    Abstract: The invention relates to metal wire mesh having a plurality of longitudinal wires and a plurality of transverse wires. The longitudinal wires of the mesh are provided with shaped areas wherein the moment of inertia of said shaped areas about the neutral axis parallel to the plane of the mesh is 90 percent or less of the moment of inertia of said shaped areas about the neutral axis vertical to the plane of the mesh. This substantially reduces the problem of curvature set when metal wire mesh is rolled for packaging or transport and attempts are made to unroll prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sacks Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Abraham Sacks, Jeffrey L. Sacks, William Spilchen, Narcis Rugina, Harold R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6305139
    Abstract: A clip for attachment to the end of a main beam for a grid in a suspended ceiling. The beam has an inverted T cross section. The clip engages an identical clip on the end of another main beam to form an end to end connection. The clip has a tongue and channel that engages with a tongue and channel in the other clip of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: Gale E. Sauer
  • Patent number: 6286265
    Abstract: A support for mounting a lighting fixture in recessed position in a suspension ceiling of inverted T-bars extending generally parallel to one another and spaced apart a certain distance. The support is in the form of an elongate sheet metal bar for installation in generally vertical position bridging two T-bars. As installed, the sheet metal bar has upper and lower edges and a pair of notches in its lower edge spaced apart the aforesaid distance. The sheet metal bar is placeable in a bridging position on the two inverted T-bars with the two T-bars extending through the notches in the support bar. The sheet metal bar has end portions extending outward beyond the notches. Each end portion includes a primary tab bendable to extend generally at right angles with respect to the sheet metal bar in position extending alongside an outside face of the respective inverted T-bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 6286284
    Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Richard W. Cantley
  • Publication number: 20010010140
    Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: EVG Entwicklungs - U. Verwertungs-Gesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventors: Klaus Ritter, Gerhard Ritter
  • Patent number: 6244010
    Abstract: A cross-bracing kit for laterally spacing and bracing open web structural supports comprises at least two clips wherein each clip includes an attachment portion for attaching to the truss member and has a first finger and a second finger extending from the attachment portion in a cantilevered fashion. The fingers define a channel therebetween and each finger includes a nib at a free end of the finger. The nibs face each other and define an opening between the ends of the nib that is narrower than the channel defined by the fingers. The kit further includes at least one cross-brace which has a channel-like cross section that includes a first leg and a second leg connected at their respective bottoms. The cross-brace further includes at least two notches in a bottom of the brace wherein a distance corresponding to a desired spacing of adjacent supports separates the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Scott E. Sluiter
  • Patent number: 6244013
    Abstract: A combination grille for window, which includes four hollow side frame bars arranged at four sides, and crossed hollow transverse frame bars and hollow longitudinal frame bars arranged within the side frame bars, and a plurality of sliding cover plates respectively covered on the side frame bars and the transverse frame bars, wherein the side frame bars and the transverse frame bars each have a longitudinal opening at one side, two sliding grooves longitudinally extended along two opposite sides of the longitudinal opening; the side frame bars each have a longitudinal series of coupling holes at one side adjacent to the respective longitudinal opening; the transverse frame bars each have a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse through holes across the respective longitudinal opening for the passing of the longitudinal frame bars; the sliding cover plates are respectively covered on the longitudinal opening at each of the transverse frame bars and the side frame bars, each having two coupling flanges l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Kun Lee
  • Patent number: 6233890
    Abstract: An exterior wall assembly water management system that includes flashing, a drainable weather-resistive membrane, exterior cladding, a basecoat and an exterior finish. The basecoat and the exterior stucco finish are applied to the outer surface of the exterior cladding, or in the alternative to an insulation layer. The disclosed water managed exterior system efficiently directs any penetrating water to weeps, or the like, by providing a water drainage medium between the weather-resistive membrane and the exterior cladding. The water drainage medium is embossed upon the outer surface of the weather-resistive membrane, creating a drainage space between the membrane and the cladding. The unwanted water drains downwards via the drainage space, is caught at the base of the wall by the flashing, and is further drained outside of the wall cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Timothy D. Tonyan
  • Patent number: 6205732
    Abstract: A surface mounted grid system for use in association with a substructure and for supporting an array of tile panels which comprises: (a) a plurality of main runners and cross-runners adaptable arranged normal to each other. The main runner has (i) a horizontally oriented surface and spaced, non-peripheral, longitudinal side walls depending transversely therefrom and includes a plurality of spaced openings; and (ii) a downwardly depending member terminating with a horizontally disposed flange having a longitudinal marginal edge. The cross-runners have (i) a horizontally disposed flange with a transverse marginal edge and arranged in a common plane with the flange of the main runner, and (ii) an intermediate longitudinal web extending transversely from the flange and having a longitudinal projection extending beyond the transverse marginal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6199342
    Abstract: Core-type structures are formed by extruding elongated tubular members or sheets of a thermoplastic material that are subsequently cut into segments or plates having a defined length and then assembled into a bundle. The bundle is then simultaneously cut at a number of spaced-apart locations along the length of the bundled segments, or plates, whereby a plurality of separate core structures are simultaneously formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Newcourt, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin L. Court, Tawne L. Castorina, Calvin L. Court, Melvin T. Court
  • Patent number: 6199343
    Abstract: A hook type assembly that interlocks a pair of intersecting cross-beams and a main beam in a grid for a suspended ceiling. A gapped ridge in a clip on each cross-beam engages the other gapped ridge in a vertical movement that is part of a hooking action while the assembly is formed. The assembly can be optionally made to provide for expansion during a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Gale E. Sauer, Yu Lin, Larry S. Wertz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6170216
    Abstract: A grid structure capable of withstanding a compressive force comprises a peripheral frame, a plurality of first grid members connected to and extending within the peripheral frame and a plurality of second grid members connected to and extending within the peripheral frame. The second grid members intersect the first grid members. The first and second grid members form a grid of small frames disposed within the peripheral frame. The grid has an upper surface and a lower surface wherein a first group of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second grid members have flanges on the upper surface, the flanges being generally perpendicular to the first and second grid members and a second group of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second grid members have flanges on the lower surface, the flanges being generally perpendicular to the first and second grid members. A process of making the grid structure is also disclosed, as is an assembly of such grid structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Palle Rye, Timothy Krell, Curtis McDowell, Richard Aull
  • Patent number: 6115978
    Abstract: A moveable partition system includes a main wall member and a telescoping member disposed in telescoping relation with the main wall member. The telescoping member extends between the main wall member and a structural body to connect the wall member to the structural body. A securing assembly secures the telescoping member to the structural body; and a support member engages the structural body opposite the securing assembly to distribute the load of the securing assembly on the structural body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher Hamilton L.L.C.
    Inventors: John M. Bastian, Marshall K. Beck
  • Patent number: 6085481
    Abstract: A grille includes a rectangular metal open frame formed of two main horizontal metal tubes and two main vertical metal tubes, a plurality of transverse metal tubes connected between the main vertical metal tubes, and a plurality of longitudinal metal tubes arranged into parallel rows in parallel to the main vertical metal tubes between the main horizontal metal tubes, wherein the main horizontal metal tubes each have a plurality of longitudinally spaced through holes, the transverse metal tubes each have a plurality of through holes corresponding to the through holes on the main horizontal metal tubes, and a plurality of screw bolts are respectively inserted through the through holes on the main horizontal metal tubes, the longitudinal metal tubes and the through holes on the transverse metal tubes are respectively screwed up with a respective lock nut to fix the main horizontal metal tubes, the transverse metal tubes and the longitudinal metal tubes together, enabling the main vertical metal tubes to be reta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Ming-Kun Lee
  • Patent number: 6076323
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are rapidly assembled walls and columns, wherein the walls and columns are made of wasted wooden material, wood, marble, lime stone, tile, compressed stone powder FRP, glass, calcium silicate plate, while the inner components are made of metals as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy, and reinforced plastics, carbon fiber and fire-proof plastics.The method of assembling rapidly assembled walls and columns comprises A, B, C, D and E five assembly modes, these modes are commonly characterized by applying an idea of exquisite, simple and progressive through making use of wooden block principle. Every person who is an amateur in construction work can construct his own house in DIY way according to the steps illustrated and using materials provided in the present invention. The products made of the present invention may be used as inner and outer walls, columns, interior decoration, landscaping articles, sound isolation member, security fence and ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Fu Sung Chiu
  • Patent number: 6073417
    Abstract: Load bearing panels and walls for habitable shelters are formed from relatively thin wall metallic tubing on widely spaced centers joined by a multiplicity of joint systems including shrink fit lap splicing, detent forming at standardized positional increments and frictional heat dissipation. The metallic tubing is arranged in rows along a line as well as intersecting rows along a second perpendicular line so as to form a load bearing panel with rows of tubes lying in a single plane. Tubing elements of one row intersecting and secured to the tubing elements of the second row without mechanical fasteners. Discreet interference fit tolerances facilitate the construction of a non-welded, stress distributing structure highly suitable for earthquake resistance and wildfire survival.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Pleasant Shade Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Paul Hackett
  • Patent number: 6047517
    Abstract: As stamped from sheet metal, a hanger useful for hanging an electrical fixture from a suspended ceiling has a main panel, a lower flange, and an upper flange. Near each of its opposite ends, the hanger is provided with a slot defining a tab. The slot opens at and the tab extends to a projecting edge of the lower flange. Corners defined where the projecting edge of each of the upper and lower flanges meets each of the opposite ends of the hanger and where the slot opens at the projecting edge of the lower flange are rounded approximately to a radius not less than approximately 1/16 inch. Because of the rounded corners, an installer can handle the hanger and can manipulate the tabs with bare hands, without exposure to sharp corners at the corners so defined and so rounded. The slots are spaced equally from the opposite ends of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3244 Corporation
    Inventor: Peter A. Vrame
  • Patent number: 6029413
    Abstract: A support frame for a dropped ceiling includes a plurality of elongated primary rails disposed substantially parallel to one another, with a plurality of elongated secondary rails disposed parallel to one another and transversely between a pair of primary rails to form a grid system. A ceiling panel is positioned with its edges supported on a pair of primary and secondary rails to form the dropped ceiling. Each primary rail includes an elongated generally inverted U-shaped support member connected to an upper face thereof to support and suspend the primary rails. Each secondary rail includes an elongated ridge with projecting ends connected to the primary rail support member to support the secondary rail from the primary rail support members. An insert extends the length of the primary rail and has a lower edge slidably engaged in a slot in the primary rail upper face, to support the primary rail therefrom. The insert is journaled between the legs of the primary rail support member and secured with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Albert W. Compas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6018833
    Abstract: An automated weldless inter-locking grating assembly for bridge decks and the like which includes a plurality of primary load-bearing members located laterally, a plurality of transverse secondary load-bearing members and a plurality of trimorphic load-bearing members. Secondary load-bearing structural members are inserted sideways into apertures of primary load-bearing members and trimorphic load-bearing members. Thus, when a horizontal force is applied to alternate primary or trimorphic load-bearing members or any combination thereof, rotation of secondary load-bearing member or members occur to efficiently and automatically lock secondary load-bearing member or members into primary and trimorphic load-bearing member or members completing assemblage thereof into a rigid structural form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Stargrate Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M Imm
  • Patent number: 5992105
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined volume in the areas formed by adjacent cross pieces of the mat. Longitudinal connectors are configured so that the matting connected to half the connector comes away relatively easily while the matting connected to the other half of the connector is held tightly to the connector. Ramp structures are arranged on all outside edges of the mat system. Different connection arrangements between the mat and the ramps are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: R & J Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman
  • Patent number: 5984837
    Abstract: A play system floor includes a frame defining the periphery of an area to be floored and a webbed flooring constructed of a webbing material extending between the frame members. The webbing material has an optimal predetermined stretch coefficient at which it retains its resiliency, while resisting sagging. The webbed flooring is sized using the stretch coefficient whereby the dimensions of the webbed flooring when stretched substantially correspond to the dimensions of the area to be floored. The webbed flooring is stretched to the dimensions of the area to be floored and secured to the frame. The floor is stretched to the dimensions of the area to be floored by positioning a bar through loops on each side of the weaved flooring, and applying tension to each bar. The webbed flooring is secured to the frame by attaching each bar to the frame using clamps, bands, or other attaching devices. Tension to each bar is applied by operating a screw-actuated clamping member to tighten the bar against the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: PlaySmart, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard W. Weaver, Darrell A. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5979134
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system for suspension from an overhead ceiling of a room is disclosed which includes a plurality of wall trim members secured to the room walls, a plurality of main runner members extending from the wall trim members in a horizontal plane for spanning the room, and a plurality of cross braces interlocking with the main runner members and forming a grid for receiving ceiling tiles, panels, fixtures, and the like. A plurality of clips are slidably disposed on the wall trim members, main runner members, and the cross braces to suspend those members from the ceiling and to support the main runner members and cross braces at intersection points in the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Eric Scott Neff
  • Patent number: 5966887
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an end connector for a cross tee for use in a suspended ceiling grid system. The end connector includes a front portion adapted to be inserted by a stab in motion into a vertical opening in a web of a main tee and a rear portion adapted to be attached to an end of a cross tee. The front portion has front, bottom and top edges with a first lock arrangement provided on a top edge of the front portion, the first lock region providing a connection between the end connector and a web of a main tee when the connector is inserted into an opening in a web of a main tee. The first lock arrangement extends angularly outwardly of the end connector and has a forward portion resiliently deflectable from its rest position to pass through an opening in a web of a main tee and then spring back to its rest position. A web containing area is located rearwardly of the forward portion for containing a web of a main tee and a stop surface is located rearwardly of the web containing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: David F. Mieyal
  • Patent number: 5927036
    Abstract: A floor joist system for building construction comprising interconnected steel girders and joists. The girders may be castellated I beams having a plurality of large openings and regularly spaced vertical slots through its web, which extend between opposite side walls of a building or its foundation, supported thereby. Joists may be I beams of shorter height than the girders which have tongues formed from their webs which extend from their ends. The tongues of two joists are fitted into a single vertical girder slot from opposite sides of the girder, their tongues overlapping therein. The opposite ends of the joists are similarly fitted into an adjacent girder or rest upon a side wall of the building or its foundation. The girder slot is positioned and the side walls are adapted such that the uppermost surfaces of the joists and the girder(s) are coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Perf-X-Dek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: LeRoy Matthews, Paul R. Vrechek
  • Patent number: 5911664
    Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Industrial & Marine Services
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Michael T. Haas
  • Patent number: 5882764
    Abstract: A floor mat system and clip for use therewith can be installed to any floor and includes a floor mat formed from a series of first and second criscrossed ribs which form rectangular-shaped openings therebetween, and clip having a rectangular-shape base and four outwardly extending raised projections. Certain of the second ribs have an enlarged bottom which forms a latching shoulder on each side thereof. The projections of the clip have a generally triangular-shaped end which snap-fits with the latching shoulder of the certain second ribs and which aligns with certain of the openings of the floor mat. A pair of holes are formed in the clip which align with other of the openings of the floor mat when attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: R & L Marketing Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Kessler, Myron E. Ullman
  • Patent number: 5865007
    Abstract: An integral reinforced resin grating structure having a plurality of load bars having a height dimension and a neutral axis and a plurality of cross bars integrally connected with said load bars. The cross bars may have a height less than the load bar height. The upper surface of the cross bars may be flush with the upper surface of the load bars. The lower surface of the cross bars may be located near or above the neutral axis of the load bars. The cross bars and load bars are reinforced with rovings placed along their respective longitudinal axis. The load bars have longitudinal rovings placed below the lower surface of the cross bars. Above the lower surface of the cross bars, the load bar rovings are interwoven with the cross bar rovings.For improved plastic reinforced grating structures having increased surface hardness and abrasion resistance, tabular alumina or other materials having a Mohs hardness of approximately 7 or higher may be added to the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Composite Structures International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Bowman, Gregory S. Foskey, Wendell W. Hollingsworth, R. David Lee, Ethan A. Love, Kristin P. Mathis-Pierson, James H. Randle, Troy L. Truss
  • Patent number: 5839251
    Abstract: A masonry construction aid that enables novice and professional masons to easily construct a masonry structure such as a sidewalk, patio, driveway or vertical wall. The aid allows its user to insert masonry into a pre-determined, pre-formed, soluble pattern that contains within it a bonding material. After applying a catalyst such as water to the pattern, the pattern will disintegrate, the bonding agent will activate and bond the masonry together and harden into a permanent structure. This will result in a masonry structure that does not require any special skills to construct. The user will not be required to prepare or apply mortar, or manually align the masonry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Alex Howard Weinstein
  • Patent number: 5824735
    Abstract: A rubber moire floor covering is disclosed. The covering is produced by continuously feeding a screw-type short extruding machine having a length/diameter ratio of 6:1 with two or three varicolored strips of vulcanizable elastomeric material. The operating temperature is between 60.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. The elastomeric material leaves the extruder via a perforated disk having 200 to 600 cylindrical bore holes 3-5 mm in diameter. Each of the resulting strands is severed to produce segments that are 1 to 2 mm thick, the formed pieces are then cooled off on a section 4 meters to 6 meters long. Subsequently, the formed pieces are allowed to fall into the roll nip of a temperature controllable two-bowl calendar. The web of material leaving the calendar is fed to a continuous vulcanization installation and leaves it as finished floor covering. The material throughput rate in this continuous process may be varied from 700 kg/h up to 1300 kg/h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Gerhard Graab, Klaus Heckel, Alfons Butscher, Torsten Nahe
  • Patent number: 5822947
    Abstract: A plank and flange plate structure for providing additional bearing for the precast concrete planks on an underlying steel beam, the additional bearing being located on each side of the existing steel beam so as also to provide a transfer of the dead and live loads to the existing steel beam. Several embodiments include a square structure, made up of a pair of flange plates which rest on the steel beam, and a pair of plank plates supporting the precast concrete plank(s), and several structures located between adjacent steel beams, with two or three plank plates. Plank and flange plates may be secured together by welding, nut and bolt fasteners, riveting, or the parts may be formed (e.g., cast, molded, etc.) as a unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Padraig Tarrant
  • Patent number: 5813187
    Abstract: A metal barrier including a rectangular metal frame having a plurality of plug holes on the inside on two opposite vertical sides and two opposite horizontal sides thereof; a plurality of transverse metal tubes mounted within the rectangular metal frame and having respective both ends respectively and fitted into the plug holes on the opposite vertical sides of the rectangular metal frame, each transverse metal tube having a row of through holes; and a plurality of longitudinal metal tubes intersected with the transverse metal tubes and mounted within the rectangular metal frame, the longitudinal metal tubes being respectively inserted through the through holes of the transverse metal tubes and having respective both ends respectively fitted into the plug holes on the opposite horizontal sides of the rectangular metal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Ming-Kun Lee
  • Patent number: 5797236
    Abstract: An auxiliary bottom insert apparatus for a container includes first panels, each of which includes a first panel top edge, a first panel middle portion, and a first panel bottom edge. Each of the first panels includes first keyways spaced at predetermined first increments along the first panel top edge and extending from the first panel top edge to the first panel middle portion. Second panels are provided, wherein each of second panels includes a second panel top edge, a second panel middle portion, and a second panel bottom edge. Each of the second panels includes second keyways spaced at predetermined second increments along the second panel top edge and extending from the second panel top edge to the second panel middle portion. The second panels are inverted with respect to the first panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventors: John T. Posey, Jr., Julea Ruth Posey
  • Patent number: 5795267
    Abstract: A play system floor includes a frame defining the periphery of an area to be floored and a webbed flooring constructed of a webbing material extending between the frame members. The webbing material has an optimal predetermined stretch coefficient at which it retains its resiliency, while resisting sagging. The webbed flooring is sized using the stretch coefficient whereby the dimensions of the webbed flooring when stretched substantially correspond to the dimensions of the area to be floored. The webbed flooring is stretched to the dimensions of the area to be floored and secured to the frame. The webbing material is 2" wide nylon webbing spaced 2" apart. The webs that make up the floor are weaved together and sewed together at areas where they overlap. The floor is stretched to the dimensions of the area to be floored by positioning a bar through loops on each side of the weaved flooring, and applying tension to each bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: PlaySmart, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell A. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5761869
    Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid for supporting rectangular panels. The grid members are elongated runners with a generally inverted T-shaped cross-section. Flanges on the lower side of the runners have inclined exposed portions and vertical portions concealed by rabbeted edges of the panels. The flange portions are configured with respect to the proportions of the rabbeted panels, to appear as beveled edges of the panels whereby the finished ceiling appears to be gridless. The runners are specially notched and trimmed to provide a strong but attractive faux miter joint at their intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Tinen, William E. Kirsop, James J. Lehane, Paul D. LaLonde
  • Patent number: 5761868
    Abstract: An end connector for a ceiling grid runner that interlocks with an identical connector when assembled in a common slot of a through runner. Problems associated with interference between a lock lance stamped laterally out of the plane of the connector and the opposing connector when the second connector is being inserted in the slot are reduced by a relief zone in the forward portion of the connector that is in the form of a concave area that clears the opposing lock lance until the second connector is nearly fully received in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. LaLonde, Gerald L. Koski, James J. Lehane
  • Patent number: 5732523
    Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Industrial & Marine Services
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Michael T. Haas
  • Patent number: 5732521
    Abstract: Longitudinal or transverse supports for a ceiling panelling holding construction of T-shaped, bent sheet metal plates and ceiling tiles connected to said sheet-metal plates are supposed to be strong and at the same time, however, be of a light weight. The grooves of the surface image are thereby supposed to be very narrow and are supposed to be formed, instead of by the supports, rather by the ceiling tiles themselves, which are supposed to be designed individually capable of being assembled and disassembled. The invention uses for this purpose specially built supports, into which the ceiling tiles can be suspended, which, however, can also be set up to support such ceiling tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignees: Wilhelmi Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Suckow + Fischer GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-August Schmitt-Raiser
  • Patent number: 5722211
    Abstract: A bearer design to support flat structural components has two crossing pluralities of parallel pairs of bands where girders form the bands. The girders are secured so as not to rotate on the outside of the connecting members in selected crossover regions between the pairs of bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Rolf Goldschmidt
  • Patent number: 5701714
    Abstract: A grille-type guard system, in particular a wrought iron grating assembly, includes a plurality of longitudinal bars in spaced-apart disposition, and a plurality of crossbars which are connected to the longitudinal bars at crossing points. The crossbars are formed at each crossing point with an arched section for receiving the longitudinal bars at least partially in a form-fitting manner, with the securement between the crossbars and the longitudinal bars being effected in each crossing point in non-detachable manner by a screw fastener that is received in aligned bores of the longitudinal bar and crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: bima Industrie-Service GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Dietrichs