Patents Examined by Jeanette Chapman
  • Patent number: 7395634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking posts for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Torrence Anderson, Brian Moon, Jed C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7392816
    Abstract: A shade structure includes a vertical column and a roof having a cover, a framework supporting the cover, and a mount attached for rotational adjustment to a top of the column and supporting the roof on the column. The framework includes a triangularly-shaped main beam arrangement comprising a plurality of beams secured together to form a triangle that lies in a vertical plane and that defines a peak and opposing first corners, with the mount being located between the peak and one of the opposing corners. The framework further includes a pair of transverse beams and a bracing beam secured to the triangular main beam arrangement that define opposing second corners. By this arrangement, an adjustable shade structure is provided that is able to withstand over 40 mph wind loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew H. Porter, William H. Porter
  • Patent number: 7389620
    Abstract: Composite pan end connections for composite beam-joist construction are disclosed. Two versions of the composite pan can be fabricated on a standard break machine. A third version disclosed makes use of a standard steel stud. All three versions provide an economical, easily installed horizontal platform secured to the top chord seat angles of either conventional or composite open-web joists. In addition to economy in fabrication, and ease of use, the resulting rectangular shape of the concrete slab over the beam is structurally more efficient than heretofore obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Ira J. McManus
  • Patent number: 7386963
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards has a locking groove which is formed in the underside of and extends in parallel with the first joint edge at a distance from the joint plane, and a portion projecting from the lower part of the second joint edge and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board. The projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove and thus positioned entirely outside the joint plane seen from the side of the second joint edge, the projecting portion having a different composition of materials compared with the body of the board. The projecting portion presents at least two horizontally juxtaposed parts, which differ from each other at least in respect of the parameters material composition and material properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 7383670
    Abstract: A corner brace configured to support a tile-bearing panel includes a pair of transverse brackets, disposed at a transverse angle to one another and being configured to be disposed in a corner between the tile-bearing panel and another panel or a support surface. At least one of the brackets has at least two ribs, each of which extends from an inner base to an enlarged outer head. The at least two ribs form at least one mortar receiving channel therebetween which has an enlarged chamber and a narrower opening with respect to the enlarged chamber. The mortar receiving channel is configured to at least partially interlock with mortar applied between the panel and the bracket to aid in securing the panel to the corner brace and thus to the other panel or support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Ebbe America, LC
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7385148
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a modular raceway system having raceway cover components of predetermined length fitted to wall brackets at predetermined intervals along a wall structure, some of which wall brackets are designed to provide a space or gap between the adjacent end portions of the raceway covers so as to receive electrical outlet/data ports at these locations for the wall support brackets, thereby avoiding the necessity for interrupting continuous cover components, thereby lending a more pleasing appearance to the overall installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Picard, Mark W. Makwinski
  • Patent number: 7380375
    Abstract: A safety system for a truck doorway such as a loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Paul J. Maly
  • Patent number: 7380384
    Abstract: A layout for shop window construction includes a dormant frame and an opening frame of a closed tubular section defining an internal volume, the opening or dormant frames appearing in the form of an assembly of the profiles defining the closed tubular section, the profiles being joined edge against edge by their ends e1 e2. Each profile includes at least an opening element and a closing element and a fixation device for between the profiles, each opening element including at least a web and two wings defining at least two edges known as longitudinal, extending from one end to another of the profiles and connected wholly in part to the web and/or to said the wings. The fixation device includes an internal welding completing the volume, connecting the profiles at the level of their junction, the welding being envisaged before closing of volume by the closing element. The invention also relates to a window frame, glazed door and/or similar, composed of such a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Bourly
  • Patent number: 7377079
    Abstract: The invention relates to two panel elements which are flexibly connected to one another, at least one profiled lateral edge being provided on each of the panel elements for the flexible connection which, as connecting edges, have a suitable bearing and contact surface for an adhesive strip connecting the panel elements, so that the swivel axis is in the area of the adhesive strip. To prevent a transparent effect in the joint area, the connecting edges have a further profiling which enters a form-locking connection when the connecting edges are turned on one another. Furthermore, the invention comprises the method and the facility for producing the flexibly connected panel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: W. Lehbrink GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Burow
  • Patent number: 7373761
    Abstract: A self-adjusting firestopping apparatus for holding of intumescent material within poke-through openings in construction barriers usually being floors but also possibly being walls or ceilings wherein cables or other penetrating members extend therethrough. The self-adjusting apparatus includes a sleeve with the intumescent material centrally located therein and preferably two plates extending along the sleeve and movably attached thereto by a flexibly resilient support device such as a coil spring or flat spring. This plate provides a movable false panel which is adapted to expand responsive to the placement of increasing numbers of penetrating members extending therethrough to increase the capacity of the intumescent firestopping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Stahl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7373764
    Abstract: A bolster for use in construction has a beam, a first plurality of leg members on one side of the beam, a second plurality of leg members on an opposite side of the beam, and a plate having a first receptacle on one side and a second receptacle on the opposite side. The first receptacle receives a portion of the first plurality of leg members therein. The second receptacle receives a portion of the second plurality of leg members therein. The plate is integrally formed of an extruded polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7360343
    Abstract: A raised access floor has panels suspended by pedestals. Each panel may have a top surface and a frame extending around the top surface. Each panel may have extruded aluminum components including four edge members, two intermediate members, and a center member. Each edge member may have a frame portion with a box beam configuration. The frame portions can be press-fitted with corner members to provide the frame. Two edge members, the intermediate members, and the center member may have top surface portions coupled together to form the top surface. The top surface may be supported by support ribs with enlarged bottom ends that resist bending. The ends of the support ribs are press-fitted against the frame. Components may be modified or removed to alter the panel geometry. A cover plate may be used to cover the top surface. The cover plate and/or top surface may be continuous or perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Daw Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Spransy, Don A. Kugath, Ronald H. Bushman
  • Patent number: 7360342
    Abstract: A wedge for an anchor system is disclosed. One embodiment of the wedge includes at least two circumferential wedge segments. Each segment defines an exterior tapered surface and an interior surface. The interior surface has gripping elements thereon. The gripping elements define a difference between a major diameter and a minor diameter of about 0.25 to 0.75 of an amount of a difference defined by a conventional thread having substantially a same axial spacing and major diameter as the gripping elements on the interior surface. Another embodiment of the wedge has an interior surface shaped to substantially conform to an exterior surface of a tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hayes Specialty Machining, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norris O. Hayes, Randy Draginis
  • Patent number: 7356972
    Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches a supported member, such as a deck board, to a supporting member, such as a deck joist. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Leek, Charles-Henri Mathis
  • Patent number: 7356974
    Abstract: A structural truss and method of forming a truss is disclosed. The truss includes an end configuration which does not rely on gluing components together. The end configuration is formed from a web which extends between the top and bottom chords of the truss and a connector system for connecting the web to both of those chords inwardly of the first ends of the chords. In another arrangement, the end configuration is a prefabricated end configuration comprised of top and bottom chord members and a web located between the top and bottom chord members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tadich
  • Patent number: 7347487
    Abstract: A method of assembling a floor structure of a construction machine is based upon the machine with a stepwise part that is located at a lower level on the outside is formed on the end edge of a floor plate as a floor structure. In case of a cabin specification with a cabin mounted, a device for opening and closing a door is housed in the stepwise part with the stepwise part filled in, and a first floor mat having a substantially constant thickness is mounted on the floor plate. In case of a canopy specification having a canopy, a second floor mat having on its end edge a protrusion which is fitted into the stepwise part instead of the device to fill the part is mounted on the floor plate. Accordingly, the same floor plate can be employed in both cabin and canopy specifications, regardless of the specification, thereby reducing the number of parts constituting the floor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenta Kojima, Tadashi Shirogami
  • Patent number: 7343714
    Abstract: A door light is disclosed including an insert having a substantially planar top surface defining a plane. A raised or projecting portion, at least partially surrounded by the planar surface, includes at least two features extending above the plane of the planar surface. The raised portion has a substantially uniform configuration. The insert may be formed of a substantially shatterproof or impact resistant material. The raised portion may include a bullseye pattern or raised concentric rings, which may have one or more truncated sides interrupting at least the outermost concentric ring. The insert may be molded and may be made of plastic, such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The door light may be set within a frame for placement in a door or window, or adjacent the door or window for a side light or transom, on either the exterior or interior of a home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Philip Zocco
  • Patent number: 7343715
    Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that includes a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ito, Yutaka Ochi, Toru Kato, Hiroshi Odani, Shintaro Tanaka, Kousuke Yoshimura, Atsushi Ochi, Kimio Mitani
  • Patent number: 7343716
    Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer reinforces its periphery so as to inhibit the failure of the scrim. The reinforced periphery may include a selvage tuck or a folded-edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas S. Nordgren, John W. Lubker, II
  • Patent number: 7340868
    Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardized in modular dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Ralf D. Weber