Frangible Section Or Means Patents (Class 52/98)
  • Patent number: 7640706
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 7631461
    Abstract: A roofing member provides improved thermal expansion relief characteristics when mounted adjacent to other roofing members in laterally extending courses on a roof surface. According to one arrangement, the roofing member has a main body with top and bottom surfaces, and side regions, as well as one or more spacer tabs extending outwardly from one or more of the side regions. Each spacer tab extends outwardly from a location on one of the side regions that is adjacent to one of a set of depressions formed into the bottom surface of the main body. In this way, when thermal expansion of adjacently mounted roofing members occurs causing a compressive force to be applied against particular spacer tabs, the spacer tabs fail in a way that at least partially displaces the respective tabs into the adjacently positioned depressions, thereby reducing the stress loads that adjacent shingles apply to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Epoch Composite Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Shadwell, Travis W. Turek
  • Patent number: 7628167
    Abstract: Rectangular or circular vent apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition is provided with each including vent structure having a vent unit adapted to be positioned over the vent aperture in normal closing relationship thereto. Each vent unit preferably includes at least one spring steel panel, or spring steel leaves positioned against a metal sheet, provided with a movable pressure relief portion having an initial position extending across the vent aperture. A backstop is provided for arresting the degree of movement of the spring steel. The spring steel panel or the spring steel leaves have a sufficient modulus of resilience and elasticity to cause the relief portion of the spring steel panel or the metal sheet to return to their respective initial positions from the open positions thereof upon relief of the overpressure condition in the confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guy Jakus, Guido Dom
  • Patent number: 7607401
    Abstract: Load-bearing devices, each including an overload indicator of the present invention interconnecting load bearing connectors, preferably elongated load bearing connectors are provided. In preferred embodiments, the load bearing connectors are chains, ropes, wire ropes, cables, straps and the like, preferably chain. The overload indicator includes a link having a strand of wire form material. The strand of wire form material having first and second portions, the first portion having a first strength; the second portion including a weaker segment having a second strength which is less than the first strength. The weaker segment preferably has a generally predetermined load bearing capacity or capability and is calibrated to reduce the load bearing capacity or capability of the overload indicator. Methods of making an overload indicator and a load bearing device including an overload indicators of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Peerless Chain Company
    Inventor: John McCauley
  • Patent number: 7556849
    Abstract: A faced fibrous insulation assembly includes: a fibrous insulation blanket whose fibers, preferably, are bonded together with a formaldehyde free binder; a facing formed by a kraft paper sheet material; and an asphalt coating layer on the inner surface of the facing that bonds the facing to the fibrous insulation blanket. The asphalt coating layer contains an odor-reducing additive in an amount sufficient to substantially eliminate odor that would otherwise be emitted by the asphalt coating layer without adversely affecting the adherent qualities of the asphalt coating layer. Preferably, the facing and the asphalt coating layer are fungi growth resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Gerald L. Thompson, Anthony E. Moore, Timothy D. Logsdon, Ralph Michael Fay
  • Patent number: 7552569
    Abstract: A metal unitary structural member for structural support. The member includes a plurality of web portions extending radially from each other and extending with each other in an axial direction, and a plurality of outer portions extending in an axial direction with the web portions and between the web portions in cross-section. The plurality of outer portions defines an outer surface of the member. The web portions may extend from a substantially central portion. The plurality of web portions may include perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Chaite Rotherroe
  • Patent number: 7550187
    Abstract: An exemplary moisture barrier membrane 10 comprises a waterproof adhesive layer, (14) a carrier support, (12) and a release liner (16) composite having a paper sheet, (20) cutting strings, (22) a polyolefin (24) coating or film for holding the strings against the paper and apart from the waterproof adhesive layer, and a release agent (26) such as silicone or wax over the polyolefin coating or film. This construction allows for relatively thin paper and strings to be used, such that tear resistance is conferred upon the release liner composite as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co. -Conn.
    Inventors: Jyoti Seth, John E. Abrahamson, James R. Hansen, Carmen J. Melillo
  • Publication number: 20090121205
    Abstract: An improved cable-barrier system includes an anchor-body and terminal post which receive and retain one or more anchor-cables and are anchored to counter balance the force applied to the anchor body by one or more barrier-cable(s). The system also allows for the release of the anchor-cables during a collision with a vehicle. The release of the cables is particularly important in situations where the cable-barrier is capable of acting as a ramp and/or snag during the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: ARMORFLEX LIMITED
    Inventor: James Dallas
  • Patent number: 7526897
    Abstract: A finishing member for masonry walls allows for simple installation and accurate placement of caulking around windows and doors in cavity wall construction. This invention accommodates a wide variety of window or door frame profiles, particularly those having an outwardly directed channel such as so called J-channel frames, for the detailing and finishing work required for proper installation of a window or door into a masonry veneer or cavity wall construction without requiring a highly skilled and labor intensive installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: PACC Systems I.P., LLC
    Inventor: P. Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 7478510
    Abstract: Method for securing a foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method can include penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with one end of a stake, sealing a breach in the moisture barrier membrane around a periphery of the stake caused by the penetrating step; and removing a portion of the stake extending above the moisture barrier membrane. A sealing member can be disposed on the stake at a location along an axial length of the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Vista Investments and Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Wilson, Gregory S. Foster
  • Patent number: 7464507
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for protecting pipe ends that project upwardly during building construction and for reducing the safety hazard posed by such pipe ends. The devices include a rigid body suitable for positioning on a base on which concrete will be poured, having two opposed end walls, two opposed side walls, a recess therebetween, a top end, a bottom end, and a lateral tab extending from at least one end wall. A shield is securable to at least one side wall for protecting the pipe ends during later construction. In two embodiments, a plate positioned at the bottom end has an opening dimensionally and spatially configured to correspond to each pipe end requiring protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Zierer Investment Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Donald R. Zierer
  • Patent number: 7448172
    Abstract: A wall anchoring system is used to secure a stud wall to a foundation of a building. An anchor has an open bottom for receiving a connector which threadably receives an anchor bolt and an open top that is covered by a removable seal tab, the seal tab having a depth gauge to control the level of anchor bolt insertion. A clip is attached to the anchor and is used to secure the device to a concrete block header prior to foundation pour. Once the foundation is poured, the seal tab is removed, either by being detached along a frangible connection or by being punctured in order to expose the open top of the anchor. A securement bolt is passed through the base plate of the stud wall and is received within the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Freddy Knodel
  • Patent number: 7434329
    Abstract: A mounting clip is designed to assist positioning and mounting of a first siding board to a wall overlapping a portion of a second siding board. The mounting clip includes a hanger which hangs the mounting clip on the second siding board. The mounting clip also includes a shelf. The shelf positions the first siding board such that the first siding board overlaps the second siding board. The mounting clip allows a single installer to accurately and efficiently install siding boards. The base of the mounting clips can be used as a guide to identify the portion of the siding board that can be nailed to the wall because the clip identifies the area that is going to be covered by the next siding board. An air gap between the wall and the siding boards is created by the mounting clip and prevents moisture from being trapped therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Bear Cub Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Walda
  • Patent number: 7434778
    Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector enables a sign support member to be fastened to an anchor member. The connector includes at least one shear member and a coupler assembly. The shear member has a first end, a second end, and a necked down section between the first and second ends. The coupler assembly surrounds the shear member and includes a first opening and a second opening. The shear member first end extends through the first opening, and the shear member second end extends through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Xcessories Squared
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Leahy, Lawrence Edward Leahy
  • Patent number: 7381456
    Abstract: A kraft paper sheet contains and/or is coated with a fungi growth-inhibiting agent that causes the kraft paper sheet to be fungi growth resistant. The kraft paper sheet alone or as part of a layered sheet material is used as a central field portion of facings for various faced building insulation assemblies. The facings, as part of an insulation assembly, are fungi growth resistant; may be perforated to provide the facing with a selected water vapor permeance; and/or may include a bonding layer, such as a heat activated bonding layer, that bonds the facing to an insulation layer of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Ralph Michael Fay, Anthony E. Moore, Timothy D. Logsdon, Blake Boyd Bogrett
  • Patent number: 7371268
    Abstract: A compressed air filtering cartridge includes a housing and a filter in the housing, the filter having a thermal vent. In one embodiment the filter includes a wall portion having a first condition when below a predetermined temperature range in which the wall portion blocks flow of air between opposite sides of the wall portion. The wall portion has a second condition when above the predetermined temperature range in which the wall portion does not block flow of air between opposite sides of the wall portion. The cartridge may be part of a compressed air system, between a compressor and an air dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: Gregory C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080086952
    Abstract: A shield for protecting doors from damage caused by contact from construction equipment, furniture or other objects carried in and out of a doorway. The door shield comprises a corrugated cardboard rectangular panel with top, bottom, left, and right side edges. The panel includes perforations along a plurality of parallel and spaced apart vertical lines in its right portion and a plurality of parallel and spaced apart horizontal lines in its top portion. The perforations enable tearing of portions of the panel along the vertical and horizontal lines to make the door shield adaptable to different lengths and widths of the doors. The panel also includes perforations along grid lines at a location so as to receive a door handle through a hole formed by tearing portions of the panel along the grid lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Joseph Holwick
  • Patent number: 7299597
    Abstract: A clip for securing metal plates in walls constructed using masonry blocks. The clip includes a plate portion and a block portion. The block portion has members that form an opening that fits over a member of a masonry block. The plate portion also has members that form an opening that receives and secures a metal plate. When the block portion is placed on the member of a masonry block, the clip holds a metal plate in a fixed position relative to the masonry block. One member of the block portion can be angled. The block portion may also include a gripping portion that is used to secure the clip to a masonry block. The plate portion may include a spacer to secure the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Ray Holt
  • Patent number: 7290748
    Abstract: The breakaway support for overhead lines is a coordinated failure control device. The breakaway support for overhead lines sacrifices itself to ensure that the supporting structure is not damaged. The device has an intentional weak link. The breakaway support for overhead lines will release when the overhead line it is supporting receives a stress that exceeds the tensile strength of the weak link in the breakaway support for overhead lines. The stress causes the weak link to fail. The structure is not damaged and a repair crew can quickly affect repairs. It is much cheaper and easier to reconnect an overhead line than it is to replace or repair a structure and then reconnect the overhead line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Alan McDonald
  • Patent number: 7254894
    Abstract: A building board such as a gypsum board is provided for use in construction of commercial and residential building the board having opposed parallel surfaces, one having spaced apart transverse markings and the other having spaced apart longitudinal markings. Each marking is associated with a string embedded therein, and a releasable paper layer is coextensively adhered to each surface of the board adapted to be peeled away from the surface when the cord is pulled to peel away the releasable paper, and the desired size board is cut by breaking the board along the markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Henry Halpert
  • Patent number: 7251920
    Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy L. Timmerman, Sr., Timothy L. Timmerman, II
  • Patent number: 7243465
    Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 7234278
    Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guido Dom, Roger Bours
  • Patent number: 7219392
    Abstract: An overhead garage door (10) includes a plurality of panels (11) each carrying rollers (12) which ride in a track assembly (15). The track assembly (15) includes a generally vertically positionable component (16), a generally horizontally positionable component (17), and an arcuate transitional component (18) positioned between the vertical component (16) and the horizontal component (17). The vertical component (16) is generally U-shaped in end profile having a base portion (22) with branches (20, 21) extending from the edges thereof. The vertical component (16) is provided with a plurality of spaced separating systems (25), each of which includes a web (26) extending across the base portion (22) and the slots (28, 29) in the branches (20, 21). A selected portion of the length of the vertical component (16) may be removed by inserting a tool in the slots (28, 29) of one of the separating systems (25) and twisting it to break the webs (30, 31) adjacent to the slots (28, 29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Derek S. Paquette
  • Patent number: 7204059
    Abstract: Removable door jamb assembly guard, guarded jamb assembly, and methods of controlling a doorway. The guard preferably covers the full length of the jamb assembly, and the full width of the jamb assembly between an outer trim element and the door-arresting surface. The guard has a central section, a door leg section, an outer leg section disposed outwardly of the central section, and optionally a transition section between the central section and the outer leg section. Preferred embodiments of the guard can be installed on a jamb assembly while a conventional door slab is mounted to the jamb assembly, and the door slab can be closed and opened without the guard interfering with such operation of the door slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Custom Millworking, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn P. Schiffmann, David R. Cox
  • Patent number: 7195222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flanged connector and base receptacle for receiving posts of the of the standard types used to support roadside signs. A female socket of the receptacle is provided with multiple cross sectional shapes and/or sizes to securely and removably receive one of two or more different shapes and/or sizes of standard support posts. The base is readily attachable to the end of a length of bare post using a simple mechanical attachment. The invention includes a system of providing a breakaway joint which is easily installed as a retrofit to existing solid posts with minimal modification of such a post the post. The invention also simplifies service of a post which has been damaged in use. It is particularly adaptable to use with breakaway sign post systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Clifford M. Dent
  • Patent number: 7165363
    Abstract: A ridge vent has an elongated body having a width sufficient to span the ridge of a roof along which the ridge vent is installed. Tear lines of relative weakness are formed at spaced intervals along the elongated body. The tear lines may be formed by score lines, perforations, or otherwise and are configured to allow the body of the ridge vent to be separated manually at a selected tear line by grasping the body and tearing along the tear line. Depending partitions may be disposed on the underside of the body on either side of each tear line to form end walls at new ends formed when the ridge vent is separated along a tear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Headrick, II, J. Charles Headrick
  • Patent number: 7137609
    Abstract: A pocket, lid and shield for casting a pulling iron in a concrete structure are described. The pocket includes a slot reinforced with stiffening members for receiving the pulling iron. The pocket also includes a frangible support post for supporting the pulling iron when it is received in the pocket. Also described are embodiments of a shield, which include clipping members adapted to engage the stiffening members, for covering the slot, and a lid having a lip for engaging a peripheral groove in the pocket. Methods of over-molding a pulling iron cable are also described. According to the methods, a temporary seal, which can be used in over-molding a subsequent pulling iron cable, can be formed simultaneously with each over-molded product. During molding, the cable can be held in the center of a channel in the mold tool using a retractable magnetic pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Pennsylvania Insert Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Sack
  • Patent number: 7124546
    Abstract: A connector for holding an internal muntin assembly away from a perimeter spacer of an insulating glass assembly until the assembler is ready to affix the muntin bar to the perimeter bar using an attachment device. The connector includes a positioning tab for holding the muntin bar away from the perimeter spacer to allow positioning of the muntin bar assembly until the positioning tab is moved relative to a baseplate so that the attachment device, such as thick double stick tape, is pressed to the perimeter spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: John Wayne Scharff, Lawrence A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7116282
    Abstract: A device and method of reinforcement for towers, such as those used for electrical communications and telephonic devices, is provided. Elongated stiffening members are provided for indirect attachment to a tower by means of spacer elements. The spacer elements, which are structurally connected to the tower, provide a location for attachment of the stiffening members such that the tower is reinforced while minimizing any damage to the actual tower through the attachment of reinforcement. In one embodiment an external structural support shell, fastened concentrically about a tower, is also provided. The support shell forms an exterior wall, spaced apart from the antenna tower and fastened thereto with structural elements, such that the antenna tower is strengthened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: John Trankina
  • Patent number: 7108901
    Abstract: Shims comprising a mixture of plastic and natural fibers originating from wet processed cellulose fiber based waste source material include an elongate body that tapers down from a thick end to a thin end. A series of ridges and grooves or valleys are formed in at least one face of the body traversing the width of the body from a point adjacent the thick end to a point beyond the longitudinal mid-point of the body. The base of the valleys each form individual break lines preferably spaced apart at predetermined intervals. A raised rim or ridge preferably extends about the outer boundaries of the face in which the ridges and grooves are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fibertech Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Traub, Arthur Wagner, Jerry W Crews
  • Patent number: 7097728
    Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a frangible plane defined by a series of cuts in the batt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Knauf Fiber Glass GmbH
    Inventors: Carl J. Kissell, Cameron J. Wright, Jon W. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7080486
    Abstract: A cast-in-place pass through firestop device for providing a passage in a partition in a structure through which wires, cables, pipes, and the like are run includes a housing having a riser portion with frangible connections that define removable bands that can be readily removed by a user to adjust the height of the device in accordance with the thickness of the partition into which the device is installed. The removable bands include pull tabs that provide grasping means to facilitate removal of the bands by a user along a frangible connection. The housing also includes a base portion including a recess with ribs for maintaining the firestop material in spaced relation from the base portion sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: DuWayne C. Radke, Paul J. Cobian
  • Patent number: 6996943
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting an electrical junction box within a wall frame. The bracket has a junction box support portion adapted to be connectable to the electrical junction box and a cable support portion extending from the junction box support portion. The cable support portion has a cable securing portion that receives and automatically secures the electrical cables in the cable support portion, thereby fixing the electrical cables a desired distance from the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Denier Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denier, Charles H. Bull, Joseph P. Kallmeyer
  • Patent number: 6979381
    Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a pair of fiberglass strips arranged to lie in side-by-side relation to one another and a frangible polymerized binder bridge spanning a gap between the fiberglass strips and retaining the fiberglass strips in side-by-side relation. To produce such a batt, a stream of uncured fiberglass insulation is cut along its length to form two side-by-side fiberglass strips and then passed through a curing oven to cause heat generated in the oven to polymerize (cure) binder associated with the strips in the gap to form the frangible polymerized binder bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Knauf Fiber Glass GmbH
    Inventors: Jon Pereira, Ronald A. Houpt
  • Patent number: 6966158
    Abstract: The invention discloses a universal window/door frame comprised of a group of components that can be used singularly or in combination to form a plurality of window/door types. The components forming the various window and door types are a frame, sash and T-bar of standard thickness that forms the frame and glass holding elements of the window or door. The hardware defining the window type uses one or more of a plurality of concealed channels contained within the frame. When necessary, access to and use of the channels is obtained by removing material forming the interior wall of the frame providing access to the concealed channel or channels that will be used to define the windows functional components, such as having a screen or a sliding member. Some types, i.e. jalousie and direct set picture windows, do not require the use of the concealed channels. The use of the T-bar provides for the inclusion of various window types having the potential for common glass lines on the vertical and horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Ed Christensen
  • Patent number: 6964138
    Abstract: An improved wall panel system is disclosed. The system includes wall panel assemblies, each assembly having a pair of side frame members having slotted channels, top and bottom steel tubes and fork connectors for attachment to the side frame members, a top cap, lower metal supports and a plastic base rail channel and cover. The system also includes a universal connector post, a universal I-beam shaped connector, a universal bracket, a variable height bracket and adjustable corner and end caps. The corner and end caps are scored to allow removal of cap walls resulting in an inventory of fewer parts and system versatility. A removal tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Carroll, Tom Michel, Timothy J. Nichols, Martin J. Traver, Osama E. Abusada, Jason L. Thorn, Travis E. Wright
  • Patent number: 6959902
    Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector for attaching a sign support member to an anchor member. The connector includes a shear member having a first end, a second end, and a necked-down section between the first and second ends. A spring surrounds the shear member and supports the necked-down section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Leahy
  • Patent number: 6960276
    Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a pair of fiberglass strips arranged to lie in side-by-side relation to one another and a frangible adhesive bridge spanning a gap between the fiberglass strips and retaining the fiberglass strips in side-by-side relation. To produce such a batt, a fiberglass insulation blanket is cut along its length to form two side-by-side fiberglass strips and then an adhesive material is applied to form a frangible adhesive bridge between the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Knauf Fiber Glass GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald A. Houpt, Carl J. Kissell, Cameron J. Wright, Jon W. Pereira
  • Patent number: 6948282
    Abstract: The present building block has at least one inner core, a secondary or end core portion, and an interlock protruding from one face and forming a portion of the periphery of at least one of the inner cores. When placed end to end and at the same level, building blocks of the present invention form a secondary core or seat for reception of the interlock. When a first row of building blocks placed end to end is staggered relative to a second row of building blocks placed end to end, the interlocks of one row of building blocks mate with the secondary or end core portions or relatively large inner cores of the other row of building blocks such that neighboring rows of building block interlock. The basic building block has ends that are oblique such that rows having a preset radius can be formed or such that a linear row can be formed by placing one block front-to-back and an adjacent building block back-to-front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Allan Block Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bott
  • Patent number: 6942421
    Abstract: In the manufacture of an articulated, predominantly concrete mat, which comprises concrete blocks and a flexible geogrid embedded in such blocks and in which the flexible geogrid defines flexible members connecting such blocks to one another, an intermediate article being a concrete slab is cast, in which a flexible geogrid is embedded. The slab has relatively thinner portions, along which the slab is breakable to form such blocks, and relatively thicker portions, which become such blocks when the slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions. The relatively thicker portions are arranged in parallel rows and are staggered in adjacent rows, before the slab is broken therealong, and the relatively thicker portions in alternate rows are aligned in parallel columns, before the slab is broken therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6935080
    Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has one or more cuts extending for the length of the blanket which separate the blanket into two or more longitudinally extending sections. Adjacent sections of the blanket are joined together along the cut(s) by separable adhesive connectors which hold together the sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand along the cut(s) so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at a cut for insulating a cavity having a lesser width. The pre-cut insulation blanket may have a facing sheet, overlaying and bonded to a major surface of the blanket, that is separable by hand along the cut(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Allwein, Larry J. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6936329
    Abstract: A fastener-free composite roofing product comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material, wherein the interply material includes an adhesive coating on one side. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The adhesive is effective to secure the roofing product to the roof without the use of nails or other fasteners. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing, and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ElkCorp.
    Inventors: Matti Kiik, Michael Bryson, Micheal Allen McLintock, Kevin L. Beattie
  • Patent number: 6923883
    Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a pair of fiberglass strips arranged to lie in side-by-side relation to one another and a frangible polymerized binder bridge spanning a gap between the fiberglass strips and retaining the fiberglass strips in side-by-side relation. To produce such a batt, a stream of uncured fiberglass insulation is cut along its length to form two side-by-side fiberglass strips and then passed through a curing oven to cause heat generated in the oven to polymerize (cure) binder associated with the strips in the gap to form the frangible polymerized binder bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Knauf Fiber Glass GmbH
    Inventors: Carl J. Kissell, Cameron J. Wright, Ronald A. Houpt, Jon W. Pereira
  • Patent number: 6901711
    Abstract: The facing of a faced insulation layer has Z-folded, double-folded, or single-folded lateral tabs extending the length of the facing sheet along or spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the facing sheet. Each lateral tab has multiple segments. One of the segments of each lateral tab has an adhesive thereon that can be exposed and extended beyond one of the lateral edges of the insulation layer for bonding the faced insulation layer to a framing member. Where the blanket is separable into sections, the facing has pairs of separable tabs that separate when the blanket is separated to expose surfaces of the separable tabs with adhesive thereon. The adhesive may be microencapsulated or have microencapsulated constituent(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Michael Fay, John Brooks Smith, William David Blalock, Blake Boyd Bogrett, Timothy G. Swales
  • Patent number: 6874289
    Abstract: A starter strip shingle of a given vertical width is provided, having a severance line, from which a severance portion of the starter strip shingle may be removed, somewhat reducing the vertical width of the starter strip shingle, such that the installer of roofing material has an option to use full width starter strip shingles, or reduced width starter strip shingles, from the same package of uniform width starter strip shingles, to thereby enable a feathering of roofing shingles applied thereover, by means of a gentle transition zone, to avoid tears and punctures of the roofing shingles. Sealant areas on the starter strip shingles may be synchronized with the spacing and sizes of tabs of roofing shingles applied thereover, such that the sealant areas will always be under tabs of roofing shingles that are applied thereover, and not fall between the tabs into slots thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Koch, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Robert L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6868641
    Abstract: A breakaway post base includes a pair of adjacent slip plates to allow separation of the upper portion of a traffic sign or the like from its permanently mounted base. The two plates are triangular with notches at their apices, with the plates and related structure secured together by bolts through the apex notches. An impact on the upper post dislodges the bolts, allowing the upper post to move freely and preventing significant damage to the sign structure. At least one of the slip base plates includes a sleeve extending therefrom, into which one end of the post is installed. The post is prevented from rotating relative to the slip base by a series of set screws installed through the slip base sleeve and locking the post immovably therein. Thus, a sign supported by the present assembly cannot rotate relative to the slip base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: Michael D. Conner, Stanley E. Partee
  • Patent number: 6854220
    Abstract: Retaining wall blocks and the walls made from such blocks are disclosed, wherein curved landscapes (i.e. curved profiles and sloping embankments) are easily accommodated without the use of mortar. As well, a modular system of blocks and their manufacture are disclosed wherein some blocks are used in vertical orientations and some in horizontal orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Pacific Precast Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Vernon John Dueck, Richard Blair Crooks
  • Patent number: 6854223
    Abstract: Forms for building and assembling water containment holders such as but not limited to inground spas, pools, manmade ponds and fountains. The forms can have an L-shape with downwardly protruding members for allowing the forms to be placed about a base foundation having receiving openings for the protruding members. Lower walls, seats and backrests can be placed about the forms to assemble the water containment holder. All the components including the base, the forms, the seats, lower walls, and backrests can be modular components that are easily transported and assembled by an individual installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: William F. Holland
  • Patent number: 6848220
    Abstract: A flashing for weather proof sealing of the transition between a roof covering and a constructional element rising from a roof surface, such as a curb of a skylight, comprises an elongated flashing profile strip with a first profile portion for abutment against the constructional element and a second profile portion for extending along the roof surface. The first profile portion has a defined width transverse to a longitudinal direction of the profile strip, and the first profile portion comprises a separation line running in the longitudinal direction of the profile strip. The separation line facilitates separation of an outer part of the first profile portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Jesper Henrik Faurholdt, Jan Fahlén Jensen, Lars Jørn Nissen-Schmidt, John E. Lawton, Jr., Wayne Quarles