Patents Examined by Hunter M Dreidame
  • Patent number: 7516591
    Abstract: A reusable concrete anchor strap includes a strap having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end and the second end are proximate a connector end and the middle portion forms a first loop member proximate an anchor end. The intermediate portion is a first segment between the first end and the middle portion and a second segment between the second end and the middle portion. A securement member secures and interconnects the first segment and the second segment to form a second loop member thereby allowing for reuse of the strap when the first loop member is disconnected to create a second anchor end proximate the second loop member. The first loop member and the second loop member are configured and arranged to engage at least one anchor member of a concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Patent number: 7409802
    Abstract: A floor strip for bridging a join between two floor coverings that border on one another comprises a base profile that can be fixed in place on the floor, two upwardly extending shanks molded on the base profile, and a cover profile having at least one cover wing that projects laterally. There is a downwardly directed crosspiece, which is connected with the base profile by way of an articulation. The articulation is formed by an articulation rail that is rounded on both sides and grasped between the shanks of the base profile. The shanks are upright but rounded on the inside. The articulation rail is formed by a solid material or by a sleeve, which has a longitudinal groove, into which the crosspiece and/or an attachment means that engages through the cover profile passes. In certain sections, the longitudinal groove passes completely through the articulation rail, and the crosspiece of the cover profile has a greater depth in these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fiedler
  • Patent number: 7398623
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, first and second prongs, and a flange. The first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards. The prongs may have concave insertion ends as defined by two spaced-apart insertion points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Tiger Claw, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Martel, David Young Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7392620
    Abstract: A roof securing system for protecting the roof a structure from being damaged from high winds during a hurricane includes a plurality of panels. Each of the panels is positioned on a roof of a structure to inhibit a roof covering from is removed by the high winds. The panels are selectively coupled together to cover the roof. Each of a plurality of connectors is configured to secure together adjacently positioned ones of the panels. Each of a plurality of traversing straps is positionable adjacent to a juncture of adjacently positioned panels. Each of the traversing straps extends over the roof. Each of a plurality of anchoring pins is coupled to a support surface. Each of a plurality of anchoring straps is coupled to and extends between one of the traversing straps and one of the anchoring pins to secure the traversing straps against the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur D. Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7387293
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person. The device comprises an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support which can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the drywall once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install drywall on a stud wall at various heights. Advantageously, the device is lightweight, easily transportable and easy to use. The device's convenient design enables its utilization immediately upon reaching a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Lawrence Boucher Construction Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Boucher
  • Patent number: 7377078
    Abstract: A workstation (desk) 7 that can be assembled or disassembled without the use of tools or fasteners, mounted on casters 40, with adjustable integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14. In an open plan work environment a user of the workstation (desk) can create private, semi private and open personal workspace by pivoting the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14, easily roll the workstation (desk) 7 to another location without disturbing other workstations (desks) 7, and create new workstation (desk) 7 configurations by connecting workstation together using the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14 as common connecting elements. Thus a considerably more versatile workstation is provided that can enable users the ability to immediately create a multitude of workstation configurations and arrangements to suit their long term and immediate needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Michael John Golino, Zlatan Vukosavljevic
  • Patent number: 7334372
    Abstract: A structural connector for connecting first and second structural members has a substantially planar first flange and an embossment in the first flange, and the embossment in the first flange is formed with first and second sections, the first section generally extending uniformly to a first level above the top surface of the substantially planar first flange, that is different from a level to which the second section generally uniformly extends, the first and second sections being joined to each other at a distinct transition portion where the embossment sharply descends from the level of the first section to the level of the second section. The structural connector can be made with a bend that forms a first member adjacent the first flange and the embossment can extend through the bend into the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Evans, Tawn Simons, Jin-Jie Lin
  • Patent number: 7334376
    Abstract: A striplike body of vegetation which is used to cover roofs with thin layers of vegetation. The inventive body of vegetation is comprised of structural matting arranged on at least one base. The structural matting can be filled with a substrate and germinative plant material, especially seeds, shoots, spores or parts of shoots. The base consists of a feltlike nonwoven material which is only slightly permeable with respect to wind but which has a substantial water storage capacity. According to the invention, the striplike body of vegetation is characterised in that at least the base is permeable with respect to wind as a result of the introduction of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Wolfgang Behrens
  • Patent number: 7328535
    Abstract: An interlock connector (10) for interlocking stackable building blocks (26). The blocks are provided with apertures (32), such as grooves, on their top and bottom surfaces. The connector comprises a main body which includes two separate and vertically superimposed body portions and is interposed between two stacked blocks with each body portion disposed in a respective groove (32). One body portion is pivotable with respect to another, with a vertical pivot axis that is offset from the central vertical axis of the main body, so as to be pivotable to positions where the stacked blocks are offset. In another embodiment, the interlock connector comprises a single piece main body having an aperture to receive a projection protruding from the surface of one of the stacked blocks while being disposed in the groove of the other block, with the connector being pivotable about the projection to positions where the stacked blocks are offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Rinox Inc.
    Inventor: Horacio Correia
  • Patent number: 7325366
    Abstract: A seismic construction system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The system is shown in three exemplary applications—a masonry backup wall with ladder- or truss-type reinforcement cooperating with a snap-in wire tie; a masonry backup wall with ladder- or truss-type reinforcement with a high-span wall anchor cooperating with a low-profile, snap-in wire tie; and a drywall backup wall with internal insulation, a sheetmetal wall anchor, and snap-in wire ties. The snap-in wire ties accommodate a continuous reinforcing wire for the outer wythe, which reinforcing wire snaps into the wire housings therefor with a predetermined force. With the interconnected wall and veneer anchors and the respective reinforcing elements a seismic construct is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr., Ronald P. Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7322158
    Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base with a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar. Each of the first and second clamping structures has generally C-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7308778
    Abstract: A metallic stud for use in the framing of structures, the stud definable in terms of an x, y, z coordinate system, in which the z-axis corresponds to the gravity vector. The metallic stud includes a z-axis elongate generally rectangular integral xz plane web having a width (thickness) in a yz plane. The stud also includes a series of xz plane tabs each having a parallelogram-like geometry and an outer major base. The series of xz plane tabs project within at least one of a positive or negative x-axis direction, in which the tabs interdigitate with void spaces along at least one z-axis edge of the web. The metallic stud also includes a z-axis elongate apex element, within xz plane web, projecting in a y-axis plane and integrally dependent from the web of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara
  • Patent number: 7299598
    Abstract: A device for use in the installation of lightweight concrete roof systems includes a base element having a substantially flat portion and a wire tie. The wire tie extends from the base element and terminates at opposite ends which may be formed in a ring or loop. In use, the base element is mechanically fastened to the bar joist, through the steel deck, of the roof system. The terminal ends of the wire tie are secured to steel-welded wire reinforcement fabric overlying a layer of lightweight concrete, thereby securing the lightweight concrete to the steel deck of the roof system and preventing separation of the lightweight concrete due to external forces such as wind sheer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Henry Gembala, David Gembala, Tom Steier
  • Patent number: 7290376
    Abstract: A wall device for supporting fittings includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical uprights (2), which can be assembled together to form the wall device. The horizontal and vertical uprights are mutually coupled together by at least one first adjustable fixing device (10), with connection elements (20) used for joining the fittings. The uprights (2) include at least a first channel section (5) and a second channel section (6), each including, starting from a respective bottom side (50), two respective opposed side parts (51) nearly orthogonal to the bottom side (50), and two respective first portions (52), parallel to the bottom side (50). The sides, parts and portions (50, 51, 52) of at least the first channel section (5) and the second channel section (6) define a respective cavity (55) and longitudinal openings (8) for the first fixing device (10) and for the connection elements (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: DE Agency S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fausto Emiliani
  • Patent number: 7287356
    Abstract: A welded wire lathing material for mounting stucco plaster and the like onto a building frame. This lathing material comprises intersecting transverse and primary longitudinal strands substantially located in a first plane. It also comprises secondary longitudinal strands also substantially placed in first plane and closely spaced with, some of primary longitudinal strands, thus forming longitudinal slots located at predetermined spaced intervals extending across the lathing material. The slots are wider than the shaft, but narrower than the head, of fasteners predetermined for attaching the lath to building frames. The longitudinal and transverse strands are welded together where they intersect to form a rectangular mesh approximately located in the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sacks Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Abraham Sacks, Jeffrey L Sacks, William Spilchen, Narcis Rugina, Harold R. Davis
  • Patent number: 7260920
    Abstract: A mounting structure, for attachment to a building, for mounting articles such as satellite dishes, flags and other articles, comprises a unitary rectangular substantially flat panel having top and bottom flanges, side edges and an inner surface. Bosses are formed in each flanged spaced apart and adjacent side edges. A central embossed portion extends up from the flange at top and bottom. A central protrusion, and two side protrusions, extend inwardly from the inner surface of the panel, in lateral alignment. An inclined portion extends inwardly from the inner surface of the panel at each side and bending into the side ends of the upper flange. Flange portions extend between the central embossed portion and the bosses and between the bosses and the side edges at the top and bottom flanges. In position, the flange portions, central protrusions and the side protrusions contact the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Weir
  • Patent number: 7257926
    Abstract: A method for installing tiles includes the steps of positioning a base in overlying relation to cementitious material. First and second spacer arms are formed on the base in normal relation to one another. Preselected corners of four tiles are positioned in overlying relation to the base and are spaced apart from one another by the spacer arms. A post having ratchet teeth is formed integrally with the base at the center of the base. A disc receives the post and a pawl formed in the disc prevents displacement of the disc away from the base. The disc is positioned in overlying relation to the four corners of the tiles so that it overlies and holds the tiles level between the base and the disc. After curing of the cementitious material, an installer twists the disc in a plane parallel to the tiles until the post breaks off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7254926
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for attaching a deck to a building. The apparatus and method disclose a deck bracket with an L shaped bracket, a solid bar, preferably threaded at both ends, and a sheath which would surround a support member of the building. The solid bar could be of various lengths, depending upon the structure to which it will be attached. The L shaped bracket has a support piece fixedly attached to the back side of its long, vertical side, and has a threaded bore through the support piece and L shaped bracket, with which to accept one of the threaded ends of the solid bar. The short, horizontal side of the L shaped bracket would hold one or more of the deck rim joists or deck supporting beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Barry Eldeen
  • Patent number: 7246473
    Abstract: An anchorage system for structural reinforcement of surface bonded reinforcing sheet, plate or shell made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) or steel or other metallic or non-metallic materials is disclosed. The anchorage system comprises an anchor tube or solid rod with a circular outer surface and a lock-down means provided along the longitudinal axis of the tube or rod. The lock-down means can be either an anchor bolt mounted through the center of the anchor tube or rod or an anchor strap pressed against the circular surface of the tube or rod into the members to be reinforced. The FRP reinforcing sheet, plate or shell is bonded to the surface of the structural member, and optionally, the supporting member, and passes underneath the outer circular surface of the tube or rod. The tube or rod is held securely by the lock-down means which, in turn, compresses and holds in place the FRP sheet against the surface of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: David T. Lau, Nicolas Londono, Stylianos Hiotakis
  • Patent number: 7178305
    Abstract: A bracket is provided comprising a rectangular and substantially planar base panel, a pair of generally opposed and substantially parallel panels extending generally normal to the base panel and spaced apart, with a third panel extending generally normal to the base panel along a third edge, with a fourth panel extending generally normal to the base panel along a fourth edge thereof, with that fourth panel extending in a direction generally opposite the direction of the first, second and third panels, whereby the first, second and third panels form a channel along the base panel and having one closed end. A method of use of this bracket is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Robbins Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George I. Petrova