Awning Type Patents (Class 52/74)
  • Publication number: 20040177565
    Abstract: A decorative window cap made of polyvinyl chloride for mounting on a house exterior sidewall above a window or windows to enhance the aesthetic value of the house, home, to color blend and coordinate with existing polyvinyl chloride decorative window shutters, and to break up the vertical plainness of the house sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: James F. Wesdock
  • Publication number: 20040177566
    Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame 20 carrying a substantially planar main body portion 12, an elongate header member 24, first and second transverse support members 26, 28, and an elongate lateral support member 30 forming a planar of substantially rectangular front face surface 74 covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The fabric valance member is selectively removable from the underlying peripheral frame as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: CREST PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: John Michael Allin
  • Patent number: 6729076
    Abstract: A support for an awning (10) comprises a plurality of inner members (28), each being pivotally connected to adjacent ones of the inner members (28). Support members (16), the are strengthened by braces (36) extend outwardly from the inner members (28). An awning material, such as shade cloth or canvas, is supported by the support members (16). The support is fixed to a wall (12) or a pole. The support can move between a retracted position in which the support members (16) lie adjacent to each other and an extend position in which distal ends of the support members are spaced from each other. The awning is compact when in the retracted position and aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Ronald Gale
  • Patent number: 6631591
    Abstract: A carport is provided having a rigid, concave canopy composed of a rigid self-supporting material and which has a width and length larger than that of a standard size automobile. The carport further includes a supporting structure that is rigidly connected to and extends vertically from the canopy. The carport still further includes a horizontally extending longitudinally extending support member that is rigidly secured to the supporting structure and laterally spaced from the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Durham
  • Patent number: 6625936
    Abstract: In a sun room awning comprising a roll bar for rolling up an awning sheet under formation of a sheet roll and lateral guide rails for guiding the awning sheet while it is being extended, provision is made, to attain a drop-out range, to implement new awning configurations and to avoid the shortcomings of conventional pull systems, for the awning sheet to have push straps with an inherent stiffness in the direction of extension that can be rolled up together with the awning sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Schmitz-Werke GmbH + Co.
    Inventor: Justus Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6591556
    Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Howard Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Bertheaume, Kenneth R. Bergmann, Maurice Michaud, Matt Dewey
  • Patent number: 6525263
    Abstract: The present invention provides a removably securable blind or awning having solar modules for converting solar energy into another energy form. The awning has an electrolyzer and fuel cells, or a reformer and fuel cells, for additional storage of that surplus energy produced by the solar modules for which the customarily provided storage elements lack sufficient storage capacity. Hydrogen and oxygen tanks, electrolyzers, reformers, and fuel cells can be disposed by appropriate measures in the available space in and/or on the frame body of the awnings such that space outside of the awnings for such items need only be found on an exception basis. The storage and release from storage of energy is regulated by a bus system. Water from one of a number of different sources can be conducted to the electrolyzer via guide drains mounted on the awnings and/or via other assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Hermann-Frank Müller
  • Patent number: 6510658
    Abstract: A system for fixing sun protection cloths to produce shade on projecting balconies of houses wherein two guiding elements extending parallel to each other and set at different heights are used, the lower guiding element being borne by stretching or retaining devices fixed to the balcony guard-rail or to the said guard-rail hand rail. The stretching or retaining devices consist of a supporting base, a retaining arm so that it can move on the support base, the guiding element being pulled by the movement of said retaining arm. In another embodiment or as a complement, the supporting base can be made to pivot about the hand rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Reiner Müller-Peddinghaus
  • Patent number: 6494246
    Abstract: An exemplary retractable awning and method are provided for mounting to virtually any structure, such as a house trailer, recreational vehicle, house, patio, deck, and the like, to provide shade and protection from the elements. The retractable awing includes a roller tube assembly, a covering, and support arms. The roller tube assembly includes a roller tube and at least one retractable rib. The roller tube has a first end, a second end, and a rib storage groove operable to receive and store the retractable rib so that the retractable rib may couple with the roller tube and extend from a retracted position, at least partially within the rib storage groove, to an extended position. The retractable rib may have an upward arch or bend when in its extended position. The covering couples between the structure and the roller tube assembly and may be supported by the retractable rib when open. The covering provides shade and protection from the elements when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. Blevins
  • Patent number: 6421966
    Abstract: A sunshade for shading window exteriors includes at least one connecting bracket for attachment to a window mullion, a blade support strut attached to the connecting bracket at a first joint, and a plurality of louvered blades supported by the blade support strut at a second joint. The pivot angle at the first joint may be varied to extend the louvered blades a desired distance from the window mullion. The louvered blades are positioned at a preselected fixed profile angle on the second joint in order to optimize shading at the latitude where the sunshade is installed. In a preferred embodiment, the louvered blades have top walls supporting photovoltaic cells and the sunshade includes electric cables for connecting the photovoltaic cells to an electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Kawneer Company Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Braunstein, Gregory B. McKenna, David W. Hewitt, Randolph S. Harper
  • Patent number: 6412536
    Abstract: A window awning system comprises an awning fabric defining an upper edge with a hollow hem formed therein and a lower edge with grommets. An extrusion mounts on the wall. Apertures in a face portion receive wall fasteners and an outwardly extending C-shaped channel. A hem rope is contained within the hem. The hem and rope are then fed into the C-shaped channel. A pair of hollow wall posts have an inboard wall mounting end and an outboard free end. The inboard end has a flat rectangular plate. Each outboard free end receives an end cap. A perimeter cable has a central section passing through holes in the end caps and attaches to the extrusion by the use of metal wire crimps. A lashing rope passes through each grommet of the awning fabric and encompasses the perimeter cable with each pass for securement of the fabric from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: LAD Diversified Holdings, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Vannetta
  • Patent number: 6393769
    Abstract: A portable stage having at least a transport configuration and a deployed configuration is disclosed. The portable stage includes a chassis having wheels rotatably attached thereto and a main floor panel attached to the chassis. First and second deployable floor panels are pivotally attached to the main floor panel, and a deployable canopy is attached to the chassis. The deployable canopy is stored between the first and second floor panels when the portable stage is in its transport configuration. When the stage is deployed, the main floor panel, first floor panel and second floor panel form a main stage, and the canopy is large enough to cover the main stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Marshall Austin Productions
    Inventors: Roy M. Mertik, Donald R. McCallum, Donald J. McCallum
  • Patent number: 6363664
    Abstract: A collapsible awning having an automatic extending flounce is divided into a first portion spanning an awning casing and a primary front section, and a second portion spanning a flounce area between the primary front section and a secondary front section. Awning cloth suspended at one end by the awning casing extends across both the primary and the secondary front sections. Articulated arms connected to the awning casing in the primary front section maintain the front section spaced away distally from the casing when the awning is unfolded and the main part of the awning is stretched. Spring elements connected to the primary front section and the secondary front section maintain the secondary front section located outward away from the primary front section at an angle relative thereto and the flounce portion of the awning cloth between the primary front section and the secondary front section is maintained stretched as well when the awning is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Brutsaert Sunprotection naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Louis Marcel Brutsaert
  • Publication number: 20020011262
    Abstract: In an awning comprising a roller tube for winding up an awning fabric, wherein the roller tube is actuated in the winding direction by a torsion spring, provision is made for the roller tube to be disposed in a housing and supported with its one end in a first face-end cover of the housing, and for the torsion spring to be disposed in the interior of this first end of the roller tube, and for the roller tube to be supported in the region of its opposite second end via a bearing journal extending away from a face-end cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Martin Dieckmann
  • Publication number: 20020002800
    Abstract: In a sun room awning comprising a roll bar for rolling up an awning sheet under formation of a sheet roll and lateral guide rails for guiding the awning sheet while it is being extended, provision is made, to attain a larger drop-out range, to implement new awning configurations and to avoid the shortcomings of conventional pull systems, for the awning sheet to have push straps with an inherent stiffness in the direction of extension that can be rolled up together with the awning sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Schmitz-Werke GmbH + Co.
    Inventor: Justus Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6273115
    Abstract: A proposed wind and weather protection device is designed in the form of a collapsible pavilion. The collapsible pavilion is provided with a collapsible roof (1) formed from circular segments. In two preferential design variants, the maximum opening angle of the pavilion is 180°, 90° or 270°. The roof (1) consists of a central nodal element (2) on which several roof spars (11) are fixed. The roof spars (11) support a covering element (21) in the form of a circular segment. To extend the roof (1), at least one tensioning device is provided. The pavilion can have vertical side supports. Each side support is positioned at the outer end of each roof spar. Furthermore, the pavilion can be equipped with a side wall. A gathering device can be used to ensure that the covering element (21) does not hang too far down when folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Urs Guggisberg
  • Patent number: 6267130
    Abstract: A lightweight awning frame having the flexibility of being easily lengthened or shortened by the addition or removal of extension pieces, which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and mass produce, assemble and install, and package in a relatively compact cardboard box. The awning can be produced in various forms with common requirements of multiple bent pipes and non-welded, one piece engageable members wherein the ends of the pipes are inserted and securely engaged for the purpose of forming a semicircular half-dome shaped structure. Standard left and right end sections having a set of awning tubes can be formed into awning ribs by connection or the addition of extension members and support brackets connected at joints spacing the awning tubes apart in an array of awning ribs. One form of the side brackets has two receiving openings and a flange for securing individual tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Katherine R. Konda
  • Patent number: 6202363
    Abstract: A shielding canopy includes a fixture base mounted to a wall. A plurality of swiveling devices mounted to and equally-spaced along the fixture base. Each swiveling device rotatably supports a rotating shaft to which a panel of a predetermined width is fixed. The width of the panels substantially corresponds to a distance between adjacent swiveling devices whereby when the panels are rotated from a collapsed position where the panels substantially overlap each other to an expanded position, edges of the panels engage with each other whereby the panels together form a continuous canopy. A driving rod, actuated manually or by power, is movably supported in the fixture base. A plurality of connecting arms are pivoted to the driving rod and have free ends fixed to the rotating shafts thereby when the driving rod is moved, the panels are rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Chao-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6167897
    Abstract: A metal canopy for a structure has an expansion strut which is directly affixed to a wall of the structure and at least one panel assembly for attachment to the expansion strut. More than one of the expansion struts may be affixed to the wall in abutting relationship to lengthen the span of the canopy. The expansion strut has flanges around its edges for attachment of the panel assembly or assemblies. A plurality of outwardly angled tabs are also positioned on the strut. Each of the panel assemblies has at least two panels, each of which has an upwardly extending flange along each of its sides, with adjacent panels aligned with corresponding flanges in abutting relationship. The panel assembly also has first and second end pieces affixed to an outside edge of the panel assembly along the outside edge of the outermost panels, with the end pieces having a bottom edge and a side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Innovative Metals Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Resso, Dale Reagan
  • Patent number: 6103813
    Abstract: The use of a thermoplastic molding composition differing from ABS and comprising, based on a total of 100% by weight of amounts of components A and B, and, if desired, C and/or D,a: as component A, from 1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 15 to 60% by weight, in particular from 25 to 50% by weight, of a particulate emulsion polymer with a glass transition temperature of below 0.degree. C. and with a median particle size of from 50 to 1000 nm, preferably from 50 to 500 nm,b: as component B, from 1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 40 to 85% by weight, in particular from 50 to 75% by weight, of at least one amorphous or partly crystalline polymer,c: as component C, from 0 to 50% by weight of polycarbonates, andd: as component D, from 0 to 50% by weight of fibrous or particulate fillers or mixtures of thesefor producing covering grid plates for ventilator openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Naarmann, Graham Edmund Mc Kee, Alfred Pirker, Hans-Josef Sterzel, Franz Brandstetter, Bernd-Steffen von Bernstorff, Bernhard Rosenau, Ulrich Endemann, Burkhard Straube
  • Patent number: 6079163
    Abstract: A retractable weather shield for protecting an outdoor structure from the elements, the weather shield having a base panel; a mounting bracket for mounting the structure to a substrate; the base panel being slidably mounted to the mounting bracket; the mounting bracket having a storage space for storing the base panel in a substantially vertical stored position between the substrate and the structure; the mounting bracket having a guide channel for engaging a corresponding guide member on the base panel and guiding said base panel between the stored position and a substantially horizontal deployed position above the structure for protecting the structure from the elements when in the deployed position; and wherein the shield may further have a telescoping panel being slidably mounted and supported within the base panel, the telescoping panel being stored within the base panel when in a stored position and extending substantially outside the base panel when in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6044593
    Abstract: A free-hanging metal canopy that can be attached to an existing building structure, or incorporated into one in its original construction. The canopy can extend up to twelve feet from a building structure, and is comprised of a framework, a covering, and an attachment means. The canopy framework height, ranging from 1 to 4 feet high, making the canopy visually appealing and useful with single-level building structures. In one embodiment, the canopy can be folded down from a raised to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: John L. Puls
  • Patent number: 5918426
    Abstract: The present invention involves an extruded material capable of being rolled into a coil, for use on the edge of a roof as a molding. The extrusion comprises a polymer material with cross-sectional a roof, fascia, and hinged portions. The roof portion is adapted to attach to roofing material on the roof. The flexible hinge connects the roof portion and the fascia portion and is unitarily formed with the roof and fascia portions. The roof and fascia portions are formed of a hard plastic material, and the flexible hinge is formed of a plastic material having greater flexibility than the hard plastic material. The roof portion includes ribs for inhibiting water penetration between the roofing material and said roof portion. The roof portion includes a protrusion serving as a connecting location with the flexible hinge, either on an end generally parallel to the roof portion serving as the connecting location with the flexible hinge, or on a perpendicular end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Atlantis Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gifford, Leon M. Ringenberg
  • Patent number: 5843548
    Abstract: A self-supporting structure protects individuals from solar ultraviolet radiation without obstructing their views. The structure is formed from a substantially transparent substrate to which is applied an ultraviolet radiation absorbing material. A photochromic component can also be added to the substrate. The structure can be used as a golf cart or marine vessel canopy, as a building awning or canopy, as a window blind, or for any other application where a substantially transparent self-supporting structure that absorbs ultraviolet radiation is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Polymer Innovations Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald H. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5794400
    Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Larry M. Fisher
    Inventors: Larry M. Fisher, Henry W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5600922
    Abstract: A construction for fastening a sheet of transparent plastic material, such as a window, in an opening of an awning has a separable slide fastener to keep the window in place, while two elongated sealing elements in the form of profile pipings, having a matching profile functioning as a snap-on mounting, are used to provide for a separable waterproof joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mehler Vario System GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Stolz
  • Patent number: 5577352
    Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Larry M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5577830
    Abstract: An awning comprises an outer sheet of flexible material supported on a rigid translucent support. The awning is illuminated by strip lights mounted on a support framework, which is stepped back from the rigid translucent support. An even illumination is achieved with no shadow lines on the flexible sheet. The sheet may have advertising indicia or logos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Illuminated Awning Systems Limited
    Inventors: Martin Barry, David McKeown
  • Patent number: 5573026
    Abstract: The invention is a pre-fabricated boat lift canopy constructed of galvanized steel or aluminum tubing. All joints are crimped to a tight, permanent fit by using a special rolling tool. The canopy frame is mounted on "I" beams of existing boat lifts, docks, or pilings. The canopy frame is then covered with a water tight and sunlight resistant decorative canopy. Wind spoilers, in the form of canvas strips, are fastened to the peak of the canopy, a continuous strip, horizontally across the top, a strip at each end, and a third strip at the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Gary Griffith
  • Patent number: 5509236
    Abstract: A safety canopy for use with a doorway in a wall is provided. The canopy is rigid and puncture-resistant, and is fixed to the wall and extends from the wall above the doorway downwardly away from the wall to a fixed margin edge, which is positioned approximately level with the top of the doorway. The canopy is positioned and has sufficient size to shelter an individual from objects falling from above the doorway. For additional support of the canopy, a plurality of vertical canopy support braces may be fixed to the canopy margin edge, extending downwardly to a support surface, such as a floor. Vertically oriented pillars may also be included on one side of the wall, extending from the support surface upwardly to the juncture of the wall and canopy. Angled canopy support braces may then be fixed to the canopy margin edge and angled downwardly to intersect the pillars, thereby providing additional support to the canopy for preventing the canopy from collapsing under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Peter V. Angles
  • Patent number: 5469672
    Abstract: Provided is a flexible, water impervious flash strip for forming a substantially permanent watertight seal between an awning assembly and the building structure to which the awning assembly is attached. The flash strip includes a lip protrusion extending from the rear of the flash strip and biased to extend rearward and slightly upward from the flash strip, a leg protrusion depending from the rear of the flash strip, and a tab protrusion depending from the bottom of the flash strip between the front and rear of the flash strip. The tab protrusion is mated to the elongated stapling channel of a framing tube that is at the upper edge of the awning assembly and that is to be attached to the wall of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Larry M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5369919
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated arm awning with a pivoted cloth shaft for the awning cloth, which can be extended to its position of use under pretension and which is attached to a fall bar at its other end, and with only a single articulated arm (6, 7) subject to an elongating force, whereby a device generating an elongating force is provided at the joint connecting the articulated arm with the fall bar (4) which spans this joint. A further element (11) is provided after the fall bar joint (10) and connected with this joint, whereby this element serves to secure and/or hold one end of the device (14) generating an elongating force for this joint, and whereby this element runs essentially parallel to the fall bar (4) and is preferably integrated in the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Technolizenz Est.
    Inventor: Viktor Lohausen
  • Patent number: 5299395
    Abstract: A canopy for overhanging a door or window and the method of assembling the canopy to the wall. The assembly including a pair of channel assemblies mounted in a spaced relation between the structural girts of the wall over the door or window, a frame assembly having an angle member on each side for connecting the assembly to the channel assemblies, a roof-trim assembly mounted on the frame assembly and a soffit sheet mounted on the bottom of the roof-trim assembly to enclose the roof-trim assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventors: Eugene P. Smith, Lawrence P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5209029
    Abstract: A construction assembly for attaching a flexible covering material to a fixture. The construction assembly employs a reusable support member having a pair of substantially circular openings with griping teeth protruding therefrom. At least one elongated locking bead employed for securely positioning a covering within the circular openings and an elongated trim pad operatively associated with the support member for securely maintaining locking beads in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Extrusion 2001, Inc.
    Inventor: George Foerst
  • Patent number: 5158510
    Abstract: A support belt having a removably affixed elongated tether which is attachable to an exercise machine, and a method of use thereof. The belt may be adjustably affixed around a person's waist, and includes a centrally grooved pad for placement adjacent the spine in the lumbar area of the wearer. The tether is manually adjustable in length for initial large increment adjustments as required for different exercise machines and individuals, and includes one or more elastic members to allow for automatic small increment length adjustability to provide shock absorption, a generally constant level of pressure against the user, and for freedom of movement during use. One end of the tether removably affixes to eyelets or rings affixed to the support belt. The opposite end of the tether is structured for removable attachment to a central structural member of an exercise machine directly in front of the user's abdomen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Brett J. Lemire
  • Patent number: 5148640
    Abstract: A manageable awning system consisting of a headbar adapted for mounting on a building or the like for support and connected by rafters to a frontbar adapted for mounting on posts and a pliable awning banner with a conformable semi-rigid plastic strip attached to its rearward and forward edges for easy insertion into and removal from spanwise channels in the headbar and the drawbar which is mounted on the frontbar through connecting clips drawn down by threaded nuts and bolts to pull the banner tight and smooth; the semi-rigid plastic edge strips of the banner and the fabric flaps attaching it to the rafters are formed to break away under heavy wind loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Robert M. Reilly, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5058333
    Abstract: A foam roofing system in which a unique universal beam allows adjacent foam roofing sections to be joined and substantially eliminates water leaks. The universal beam is formed with a design that creates a series of water dispersing channels on either side of a center web and a third concave channel on a surface opposite the channels. Adjacent roofing panels are joined by two of the universal beams on upper and lower surfaces with the beams being in reverse orientation. The beam thus provides a series of at least three separate channels for dissipating excess water. The system also includes a unique coupling splice for joining joists, or cross beams, that support the roofing system. The splice coupling has stiffening ribs to prevent collapse of hollow sheet metal joists when bolted together. The universal beam also accommodates transparent panels to allow the roofing system to include a skylight, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Airflo Aluminum Awning Company
    Inventor: Seymour L. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5005332
    Abstract: A louvre panelling system in which louvers 40 are mounted on brackets 14. A bead formed on one side edge of the louvre is hookd over a portion 26 of the bracket 12 and the louvre is then pivoted until the free edge 54 of a bead 50 on the other edge of the louvre engages in a recess 34 formed between front and rear projections 30 and 32 of a further bead holding portion 28 of the bracket 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Johannus A. H. Brugman
  • Patent number: 4888921
    Abstract: A header bar for an awning structure has a square extrusion of aluminum tubing with a C-shape cross-sectioned track extending along an upper surface, and having an opening midway between a wall facing rear surface and a front surface of the tubing for removably retaining an expanded hem of a flexible awning cover therein. A strip of closed cell foam rubber between the rear surface and a wall acts as a waterproof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Gaynor P. Markham
  • Patent number: 4852954
    Abstract: A protective cover for the stepped-down shelf of a step-front cabinet is provided by a transparent plastic cover sheet, a pair of cover sheet supports which engage the cover sheet at its opposite ends, and a pair of forwardly-extending rods fixed to the cabinet. When the supports are slid onto the rods, the cover sheet cannot be removed.The cover sheet can be used in conjunction with a condiment tray situated on the shelf and held in engagement with a vertical panel of the cabinet by means of flanged bushings on the cabinet in engagement with keyhole slots in a rear wall of the tray. The protective cover overlies the rear wall of the tray when the cover is in place, and prevents the keyhole slots from being disengaged from the flanged bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Royston Corporation
    Inventors: Allen C. Brown, Ray R. Brown, J. Marshall Suttles
  • Patent number: 4768317
    Abstract: An awning structure having two vertical support members, one attached to each end of a horizontal bar; two horizontal projection bars, one attached to the bottom end of each of the supports; two rafter bars each attached to one of the projection bars and the header bar; and a front bar which is attached to the rafter bars. A fabric cover is removably attached to the header bar by a rope track extruding from the header bar. The fabric cover is removably attached to the front bar and projection bars by a plurality of velcro strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: Gaynor P. Markham
  • Patent number: 4730423
    Abstract: A sun protection assembly (10) for shielding an air conditioner/heat pump from the direct rays of the sun. The assembly comprises a frame (12) to which a screen (14) is attached. Front and rear legs (16) are attached to the frame to support the assembly a predetermined distance above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Pulaski Industries
    Inventor: Gary W. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4726153
    Abstract: A gazebo and a lean-to shelter have rigid panels with a soft material canopy spread over an arrangement of spokes or ribs. The gazebo has a compression spoke arrangement for holding the canopy in a dome configuration. The spokes of the gazebo include a flat hook underneath each spoke adapted to engage a draw cable at the top periphery of the rigid panels, and a sleeve fits over the end of the spoke and the end of the flat hook to lock the draw cable within the hook. A tip engages the end of the tube and the sleeve to lock it in position on the flat hook. The ribs of the lean-to have a toggle arrangement for extending the ribs when the lean-to shelter has been assembled and to apply tension on the canopy. The end of the toggle is adapted to fit in a rail which in turn also receives the edge of the canopy, and the rail is mounted in a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Gazebo Penguin Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron I. Adler, Earl Adler
  • Patent number: 4692847
    Abstract: An illuminated awning assembly has a frame with an upright rear frame portion having upper and lower frame members and a pair of upright side members extending between respective opposite ends of the upper and lower frame members. A horizontal frame portion has a pair of horizontal side members extending forwardly from the respective junctions of the rear lower frame member and the upright side members, and a lower front frame member extending between front ends of the horizontal side members. A pair of further side frame members are on opposite sides of the frame, each extending from the junction of the lower front frame member and respective horizontal side frame member to the junction of the upper frame member and the respective upright side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Signtech Inc.
    Inventor: James Gandy
  • Patent number: 4665671
    Abstract: Method for assembling an awning, including method for tensioning awning material about an awning frame. The awning material is secured to the top rear of the frame and stretched over the bottom front and each bottom side of the frame. Pieces of spline are thereafter placed atop the material and pressed into slots defined by frame members on the bottom front and bottom sides of the frame. Keeper members are thereafter inserted into the slots in abutting engagement with the spline and are secured to the inner frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignees: American Floor Covering Company, American Awning & Shade Shop, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Sarvis
  • Patent number: 4498262
    Abstract: An assembly for shielding a concrete structure from solar radiation comprising a plurality of heat-reflective, heat-insulative panels suspended above the surface of the concrete. The surface of the panels proximal to the concrete surface is non-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Enrique Garcia Associates
    Inventor: Enrique Garcia
  • Patent number: 4483111
    Abstract: A screen structure which includes a number of interspaced carrier members and at least one long screen member having a base flange which is adapted to be mounted in a holding track through a tilting insertion motion. At least one edge portion of the base flange and a remaining space is left behind the edge portion and the respective holding track. Profiled filler members are endwise insertable into at least a partial length of the remaining space for stabilizing the base flange relative to the carrier member. At least one end of each filler member has a longitudinally projecting end portion forming a resiliently bendable finger of a reduced cross section such that, during an insertion, the finger is bendable away from an adjacent wall portion of the carrier member. The outer end portion of the finger is provided with a lateral protrusion which is adapted to snap outwardly behind an end or recess edge thereof by the end of the insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Alusol Dasolas AB
    Inventor: Sten Mollerstrom
  • Patent number: 4393629
    Abstract: The upper edge of an awning slat that is suspended obliquely in position is bifurcated into a channel-like structure running along the edge, having inwardly projecting beads on the free edges of the channel. For suspension of the slat, at various places along its length, the beaded channel is forced to spread and snap into notches behind twin barbs of a bracket. Each bracket has parallel ridges bending out from a base to meet the bifurcated grasping webs of the awning slat, the ridges of the bracket being barbed, so as to provide an oblique surface to spread the connecting webs of the awning edge apart until their beads snap into grooves between the barbs and the bracket base. The awning slat with its bifurcated edge is integrally made by extrusion of aluminum alloy and the brackets are relatively short pieces of aluminum alloy extrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignees: Aldo Gasparini, Nils Erik Wimnell
    Inventors: Aldo Gasparini, Nils E. Wimnell
  • Patent number: 4285175
    Abstract: The invention is an improved awning used on homes, mobile homes, and modular homes, where the area under the awning may be subsequently converted into an additional room. The structure provides a rigid insulating panel between the roofing material panels and the supporting framework to reduce the conduction of temperature extremes and the elimination of condensation on the inside surface of supporting framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventors: Francis L. Struben, Jean C. Struben
  • Patent number: 4208846
    Abstract: An easily installed awning includes a pair of side frame members and a plurality of generally vertical slats carried by slots in the upper surfaces of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Inventor: William C. Griebel