Patents Assigned to Tapco International
  • Patent number: 7610726
    Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Lajewski
  • Publication number: 20090266012
    Abstract: A shutter assembly for protecting an opening in a structure. The shutter assembly includes a first shutter and a second shutter. Each of the shutters have an attachment end and a free end and defining a width between the corresponding attachment end and the corresponding free end and each present an outer surface. An impact-resistant sheet is disposed on each outer surface. A plurality of hinges are adapted to pivotally couple each shutter to the structure at the attachment end for allowing the shutter to pivot between an open position and a closed position. A crossbar is sized to span the first shutter and the second shutter and terminate at or before the attachment ends of the shutters. A plurality of studs are disposed in linear alignment across the shutters. The crossbar is adapted to engage the studs for securing the shutters in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde Allen, Nathan Greenway, Brad Kutler
  • Publication number: 20090266215
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto. The assembly includes a first and a second table rail being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the first and the second table rails for moving longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal and the distal ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported by the saw rails to allow movement of the mounting plate laterally along the saw rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A saw plate is rotateably supported by the mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material. A guide bar is disposed diagonally relative to the first and the second table rails and engages the saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally in response to simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally and the mounting plate laterally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: J. Richard Logan, Clyde G. Allen, Michael C. Clark
  • Publication number: 20090255191
    Abstract: An adjustable housing assembly for mounting to a wall is disclosed. The assembly generally includes a back plate having a flange that defines an axis extending perpendicularly from the back plate and a front plate disposed in parallel relationship to the back plate. A connector connects the plates in the parallel relationship at various distances longitudinally along the axis. The connector includes co-acting male and female components extending circumferentially about the axis and at least one of the male and female components is spaced longitudinally along the axis for connecting the plates at any one of the various distances in response to relative rotation between the male and female components about the axis. The connector may also include a mounting ring separate from the back plate and the front plate that couples the front plate to the back plate. The mounting ring allows for additional distances to be obtained between the front plate and the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Todd Lajewski
  • Publication number: 20090255315
    Abstract: A sheet metal bending brake having a frame with a sheet metal support surface. A clamping jaw is movable relative to the frame support surface to clamp the sheet metal between the clamping jaw and the frame. The clamping jaw has a linear front edge. An elongated bending arm is pivotally mounted to the frame by an elongated flexible strap having spaced apart edges. One edge of the strap is secured to the bending arm while the other edge of the strap is secured to the frame such that the bending arm extends parallel to and closely adjacent the clamping jaw front edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas Break
  • Publication number: 20090235600
    Abstract: A stone work simulation system including panels formed from a cementitious material. The panels of the system can be cast or injection molded from cementitious slurry, including hydraulic cement, or gypsum cement and an optional latex/water mixture. A desired amount of the slurry is added to the mold, the surface of which includes several spaced apart depressions formed therein to closely resemble a pattern of stones at least partially disposed in a mortar matrix. Optionally, the mold can include a number of flat spaces formed between the depressions. Optionally, a reinforcing mesh is also provided in the mold. A colorant can be disposed on the bottom mold surface prior to the introduction of the mesh and the slurry to impart a color pattern to the system. After sufficient curing, the panel is removed from the mold and is ready for immediate use and/or further processing, such as additional surface coloring. In use, the system can be mounted to a building surface, such as a wall, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Richard Logan, Thomas J. Baker
  • Patent number: 7581477
    Abstract: A saw table includes a clamping mechanism for clamping a work piece on the saw table. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping bar having a first end and a second end. A longitudinal axis is defined between the first and second ends. A first pivoting arm is operatively connected to one of the ends of the clamping bar to support the clamping bar for rotation about a pivot axis. A biasing device biases the clamping bar about the pivot axis to clamp the work piece between the clamping bar and a table base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventors: Clyde G Allen, Aundrea Nurenberg, Todd M. Lajewski, Michael C. Clark, Richard J. Logan
  • Patent number: 7566034
    Abstract: An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7566035
    Abstract: A self-adjusting base member preferably of a mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. Spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement is at least one flexible drip ledge of the base member. The drip ledge is generally self-adjusting with respect to the thickness of the adjacent siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7555976
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto. The assembly includes a first and a second table rail being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the first and the second table rails for moving longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal and the distal ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported by the saw rails to allow movement of the mounting plate laterally along the saw rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A saw plate is rotateably supported by the mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material. A guide bar is disposed diagonally relative to the first and the second table rails and engages the saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally in response to simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally and the mounting plate laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: J. Richard Logan, Clyde G. Allen, Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 7549311
    Abstract: A sheet metal bending brake having a frame with a sheet metal support surface. A clamping jaw is movable relative to the frame support surface to clamp the sheet metal between the clamping jaw and the frame. The clamping jaw has a linear front edge. An elongated bending arm is pivotally mounted to the frame by an elongated flexible strap having spaced apart edges. One edge of the strap is secured to the bending arm while the other edge of the strap is secured to the frame such that the bending arm extends parallel to and closely adjacent the clamping jaw front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas G. Break
  • Patent number: 7549258
    Abstract: An adjustable housing assembly for mounting to a wall is disclosed. The assembly generally includes a back plate having a flange that defines an axis extending perpendicularly from the back plate and a front plate disposed in parallel relationship to the back plate. A connector connects the plates in the parallel relationship at various distances longitudinally along the axis. The connector includes co-acting male and female components extending circumferentially about the axis and at least one of the male and female components is spaced longitudinally along the axis for connecting the plates at any one of the various distances in response to relative rotation between the male and female components about the axis. The connector may also include a mounting ring separate from the back plate and the front plate that couples the front plate to the back plate. The mounting ring allows for additional distances to be obtained between the front plate and the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Lajewski
  • Patent number: 7516578
    Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a base flange fastened to the sheathing. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the base flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to cover cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the base flange. Integrated at least into the trim member is a water diversion device that diverts water away from the base flange and sheathing. Preferably, the water diversion device has an elongated trough supported by the trim member and projecting laterally inward from the trim flange and toward the base flange and above the wall and partition arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Dave Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7516638
    Abstract: A portable hand tool includes a frame for guiding a sheet of material, e.g., sheet metal. A pair of shafts are spaced from each other and are selectively slideable relative to the frame to define a plurality of adjustment positions. A pair of rollers are respectively mounted to the shafts for deforming the sheet of material between the rollers. An adjustment rod is mounted to and extends outwardly from the frame. A support interconnects the shafts and an adjustment device is rotatably engaged with the support. A coupling device is disposed about the adjustment rod and is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the coupling device couples the adjustment rod and the adjustment device to lock the shafts and rollers laterally relative to the frame. In the disengaged position, the shafts and rollers are slideable relative to the frame between the adjustment positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roush, Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 7510153
    Abstract: A wall-mounting frame is used to mount fixtures to building walls having siding. The wall-mounting frame includes two major parts, a base section and a holding section which are non-detachably connected to each other. The holding section is separated into two halves which pivot about the base section to hold surrounding siding to the base section once it has been attached to a wall substrate. The present design eliminates the need for special hardware to attach the holding section to the base section, and helps prevent awkward mounting situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20090038247
    Abstract: Exterior trim pieces for use on exteriors of buildings. The exterior trim pieces include outside corner trim pieces, inside corner trim pieces, and framing trim pieces for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to an exterior of a building. Each of the trim pieces include a body and at least one flange extending from the body to define a concealing space for hiding siding ends and the like. Each of the trim pieces also includes at least one weather strip to assist in sealing the trim pieces to the exterior to prevent the intrusion of water and other elements behind the trim pieces. Each body of the trim pieces is preferably formed from co-extruded rigid cellular PVC and an acrylic-based protective layer. The rigid cellular PVC and the protective layer are formed in matching colors to yield colored-through trim pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher M. Taylor, Stephen O. Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20090038252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for covering a support surface comprising a panel including a body presenting a plane and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The body has a first locking element presenting a nailing hem and a second locking element for spacing the bottom edge of the body from the support surface. The panel has a spacer interconnecting the first locking element and the body of the panel for spacing the top edge of the body from the support surface such that the plane is substantially parallel to the support surface. Additionally, the siding system includes a second panel substantially similar to the first panel such that the second panel interlocks with the first panel. The cooperation of the spacer and the second locking element results in the alignment of the plane of the first panel with the plane of the second panel such that both planes are substantially parallel to the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. King
  • Patent number: 7484396
    Abstract: A guide mechanism for use with a sheet bending brake has a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom, a pivot arm and a guide mechanism. The pivoting arm being pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member to define a clamping area with the lower leg. The guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael C. Clark
  • Publication number: 20080223103
    Abstract: A bending brake assembly for manually bending pieces of sheet metal material including a base supporting a plurality of c-shaped members presenting opposing clamping surfaces for receiving the sheet metal material. An extension extends away from the clamping surfaces with a socket connection rotatably supporting a bending member on the base for bending the sheet metal material disposed between the clamping surfaces. The socket connection includes a mate portion and a female portion in sliding engagement with one another as the bending member moves between a pre-bending position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A finger extends from the male portion and defines a gap between the finger and the extension when in the pre-bending position with the finger maintaining the gap as the finger moves from the pre-bending position to the first operating position and the finger engaging the extension when in the second operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clyde G. Allen, Todd M. Lajewski, Douglas Break
  • Publication number: 20080216549
    Abstract: A sheet metal bending brake having a frame with a sheet metal support surface. A clamping jaw is movable relative to the frame support surface to clamp the sheet metal between the clamping jaw and the frame. The clamping jaw has a linear front edge. An elongated bending arm is pivotally mounted to the frame by an elongated flexible strap having spaced apart edges. One edge of the strap is secured to the bending arm while the other edge of the strap is secured to the frame such that the bending arm extends parallel to and closely adjacent the clamping jaw front edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas Break