Patents Examined by Yvonne Horton-Richardson
  • Patent number: 5609004
    Abstract: An end part for a vehicle longitudinal beam consisting of a longitudinal bearer member designed as a hollow section longitudinal beam (1) and an end part (3) which is partially inserted within and secured to one end of the hollow section longitudinal beam. The end part is formed as an extruded hollow section which includes a ring-shaped closed outer wall (5) having at least one integrally formed fastening element for fastening other parts thereto. The outer contour or profile (6) of the end part (3) corresponds to the inner contour or profile (2) of the hollow section longitudinal beam (1) in order to provide a tight interlocking fit between the mutually contacting surfaces of the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Audi, AG
    Inventor: Gundolf Kreis
  • Patent number: 5608991
    Abstract: A flexible form member in accordance with the invention comprises a hollow-shaped body having a flexibility and openable fluid introducing and discharging means for permitting fluid to be introduced into and discharged from the body. A method of forming a through hole by means of the flexible form member comprises placing the flexible form member as contracted in a desired position between an outer form and an inner form, introducing fluid into the flexible form member to expand it between the outer form and inner form, pouring concrete, removing the forms and contracting the flexible form member after curing of concrete, and removing the flexible form member thus contracted from concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Senji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5600930
    Abstract: A fire-resistant construction system is described comprising lightweight rigid panels forming structural walls, ceilings or partitions and connector members for joining the rigid panels to form a structure. Each rigid panel has substantial length and width relative to thickness and is formed of small ceramic or glass hollow microspheres having particle sizes of less than about 2 mm and a density of less than about 0.75 g/cc. These small microspheres are bonded together to form a rigid panel by means of a settleable binder material, and each panel also has a plurality of equally spaces holes formed therein and extending the full length of the panel. Each connector member comprises an L-shaped member with each arm of the L-shaped member having tubular sleeves extending perpendicularly therefrom and being adapted to fit snugly within the holes of the rigid panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Ernest R. Drucker
  • Patent number: 5598680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining element, made of thin sheet metal, for joining a wooden component such as a beam or a post to a second component made of wood or another material, in particular for a concealed beam attachment or a post foot. The joining element has a planar attachment web provided with through holes which is to be inserted into a slot in the wooden on the end surface of the wooden component to be attached. The joining element is fastened with fasteners such as dowels which, in the assembled state, extend through the through holes. At least two fastening flanges are provided on the joining element, each with through holes, and are generally bent 90 degrees from the plane of the attachment web and configured integrally with the attachment web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Jurgen Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 5599001
    Abstract: A retainer for maintaining a plurality of conduits in a desired orientation. The inventive device is freestanding on any given horizontal surface. A plurality of engaging assemblies radiate from the mounting assembly for coupling to I.V. lines to maintain the lines in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph G. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 5595034
    Abstract: A grid assembly, and method for use in manufacturing a grid reinforced concrete deck, including a plurality of longitudinally extending main beams in parallel spaced relation, each of the main beams having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots therein and a central flange thereon, a plurality of cross bars adapted to be inserted through the aligned slots and rotated into an upright position, a form pan extending between two adjacent main beams and having a first and a second side portion adapted to rest on the central flange of the two adjacent main beams, respectively, wherein the form pan includes at least a first ridge extending upwardly thereon, the first ridge having a height which enables a lower edge of the cross bars to come into contact therewith when in the upright position, wherein the contact causes a downward force on the first ridge which mechanically locks the form pan between the cross bars and the flange on the adjacent main beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventors: William Krysalka, Jack Linderman
  • Patent number: 5592799
    Abstract: A generally rectangular shingle tab cover panel is provided for securement over each shingle tab to be covered and each cover panel includes a lower edge, an upper edge and side margins extending between the upper and lower edges. One of the side margins includes a downturned flange and the other side margin includes a downwardly depressed channel spaced slightly inward from the free marginal edge thereof. Each cover panel is applied over a corresponding shingle tab with the depending side marginal flange closely outward of the corresponding side edge of the associated shingle tab and the downwardly depressed channel received in the spacing between the other side edge of the corresponding shingle tab and the opposing side edge of the next adjacent shingle tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Richard F. Reinke
  • Patent number: 5592790
    Abstract: An improvement for awning intended to withstand wind storms. A shoot member is mounted on the purlins that are included in a conventional awning, thereby defining space between the slats and the sheet member. Puncturing of the outer cover will not destroy the effectiveness of the awning since flying small particles still have the sheet member obstruction to their travel. Angular members are used as reinforcement to the structural integrity of the awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Antonio Requejo
  • Patent number: 5586418
    Abstract: A composite construction which has a beam part (1) and a slab part (2) bearing thereon, the construction comprising the following components: a) a metal mantle (3) of the beam part, the mantle being at the same time the casting form and being made up of an upwardly open profile; b) additional reinforcement components (7) which, together with the metal mantle, make up the reinforcement of the composite construction; and c) a cast component (8) which, when set and together with the metal mantle and with the additional reinforcement components left inside the casting, makes up the composite construction. The metal mantle (3) of the beam part (1) is a shaped profile the inner surface (10) of which has an embossed pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Rautaruukki Oy
    Inventors: Casper .ANG.lander, Tarmo Mononen
  • Patent number: 5581957
    Abstract: A system for forming a smooth, rounded inner corner joint between two adjacent perpendicular wall sections in a coved backsplash. The first wall section comprises a substantially rectangular member, the bottom surface thereof having a toe shaped protrusion, the sides of the protrusion extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member. The second wall portion comprises a longitudinally extending wall portion comprising first and second steps, a curved lower portion of the second step extending outwardly from said first portion. A toe shaped protrusion being formed at the bottom of the second wall portion. A third right angled corner member has a first elongated surface which abuts against one edge of said first rectangular member and a second elongated thin edge portion which abuts against the riser portion between the first and second steps of the second wall portion, a toe shaped protrusion being at the bottom of the corner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Installations, Inc.
    Inventors: Darris L. Egger, Jr., Ronald U. Pierotti
  • Patent number: 5579623
    Abstract: A prefabricated joint assembly molded of a single piece of plastic and used for connecting decorative channels or reveals on the exteriors of buildings. Reveals are typically used to form an aesthetically pleasing effect on the exterior surface of a building that will be covered with stucco, mortar, cement, plaster, drywall, or the like. This invention provides a relatively inexpensive joint that vastly simplifies the job of joining reveals at the construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Plastic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Stark, Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 5577356
    Abstract: A pre-cut building structure and method of erecting the same, wherein there is a plurality of vertical columns, each having vertically aligned grooves to receive end portions of related timbers. The columns are located, and the wall sections are formed by stacking the timbers in aligned slots of pairs of columns. The timbers are bonded to one another and to the columns to form the building structure, and loads on the building structure that would tend to deform the wall structure in a plane parallel to the length of the timbers are resisted by the bonded connections between the timbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Panabode Cedar Homes, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Hubbard, Russell T. Barney
  • Patent number: 5577355
    Abstract: A window frame comprises first and second window pane mounting frame pieces generated from a single extrusion with a bridge between the two frame pieces. The frame pieces are separated from one another at the bridge producing a bridge part on each of the frame pieces. The first frame piece has a side recess aligned with its bridge part to receive a fastener for mechanically securing the frame pieces back together with one another from opposite sides of the window pane through the bridge parts of the respective frame pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Pillar Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Louie Leonelli
  • Patent number: 5577363
    Abstract: A door or other structural panel of the type which has a pair of opposed, congruent sheets spaced apart by a frame to define a separation space between the sheets which may be filled with a core, such as foam. The edge of each sheet has a zig-zag portion which defines a ledge on the outer side of the sheet and a ridge on the inner side of the sheet. The frame member between the sheets at each edge has on each of two sides a projecting flange and a projecting hook which interlock with the zig-zag portion of the sheets to create a mechanical engagement between the sheets and the frame member. The flow of liquid foam into the separation space is controlled by a rib projecting inwardly from the sheet and by a resilient foam block slightly compressed between the sheets. Methods of manufacturing such panels are provided, including by sliding the beams onto the sheet edges and tapping the beams into a rigid state, and by employing temporary frame members which can be removed and re-used after the foam hardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Tate, Allen E. Lee, Bryan P. Zacher, Vernon D. Olson
  • Patent number: 5575122
    Abstract: An earth screw anchor assembly has peripheral edges on its hub member and intermediate flange portion of its spade member with different configurations permitting placement of the hub member on the intermediate flange portion in an asymmetrical relation overlapping and offsetting the respective peripheral edges relative to one another to facilitate application of welds thereto for attaching the hub member to the spade member. The assembly also has an attachment land formed on one side of the intermediate flange portion and protruding downwardly therefrom and being attached along and extending partially about an upper end of the lower portion of the spade member. The blade member includes leading and trailing end portions axially offset from one another and a middle portion extending between the leading and trailing end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel V. Hamilton, Robert M. Hoyt, Patricia J. Halferty, William L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5570554
    Abstract: A floor covering member with a bottom and a top cover surface for covering sub-flooring a first end portion extending between the top cover surface and the bottom surface, and having a blind attachment surface extending outwardly from the bottom surface and through which at least one fastening member is driven; the blind attachment surface having an end face; a step portion having an upper surface parallel to the top cover surface and extending upwardly from the blind attachment surface at a distance inwardly from the end face; a first edge portion extending from the top cover surface and forming a vertical wall extending downwardly from the top cover surface; a groove formed between the vertical wall and the upper surface of the step portion; a second end portion spaced between the top cover surface and the bottom surface and including a cove having an upper surface formed in the second end portion opposite the blind attachment surface; a tongue having a vertically stepped lower surface joining the upper sur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: FAS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd A. Searer
  • Patent number: 5568713
    Abstract: A mirror door comprising a door with opposed faces, one of which has a recess therein, and a mirror seated within the recess. The mirror has a light reflective front face and a rear face disposed against the door, and is cooperatively dimensioned with the recess to locate its periphery adjacent the periphery of the recess. The mirror is secured in the recess of the door by two adhesives. The first rigid adhesive is disposed between the peripheral portions of the rear face of the mirror and the door recess, and the second adhesive is disposed between the mirror and door inwardly of the peripheral portions. The first adhesive is relatively rigid in comparison to the second adhesive to mount the mirror on the door in a fixed position, and the second adhesive is relatively flexible to accommodate differential expansion between the door and mirror and to dampen impact forces acting between the door and mirror. A method for making a mirror door is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Robert J. Gagne, William J. Plein, II, Kenneth Carson
  • Patent number: 5568707
    Abstract: A solarium structure (S) is comprised of a vertical wall frame (3); a sloped roof frame (1) mounted thereon. The vertical wall frame (3) includes two mullions (13) and a head (9) joined at the opposed ends with the sides of the upper ends of the mullions (13), the head (9)having a first-mentioned circular-arc surface (143) formed throughout the entire length thereof. The sloped roof frame (1) includes two rafters (17) and a bottom purlin (23) joined at the opposed ends with the sides of the lower ends of the rafters (17), the bottom purlin (23) having a second-mentioned circular-arc surface (163) formed throughout the entire length thereof. The lower ends of the rafters (17) are mitered to the upper ends of mullions (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ishikawa, Edward T. Fitzhenry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5566512
    Abstract: An inflatable storage chamber defined by a flexible membrane comprises means for access to the chamber and means for inflating the chamber. The chamber is designed for storing items such as motor vehicles, machinery and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: George Page
  • Patent number: 5566521
    Abstract: A concrete form mold unit formed of a lightweight, insulative material defines at least two rows of vertical core spaces, offset from each other. Concrete and reinforcing rods fill the core spaces, defining post structures. The top of the form mold unit is troughed and is filled with horizontal reinforcing rods and concrete, defining beam structures. The form mold units are laid in courses and stacked as required to build walls, with vertical cores and horizontal troughs aligned, producing an efficient utilization of concrete in the posts and beams. Each course is filled with concrete before the next course is added. The form mold unit is retained as an insulative part of the building structure, with a low dead load. Vertical attaching plates are placed on the surface of the wall, with penetrating fasteners passing into an underlying concrete post or beam. Surface finish materials are joined to the attaching plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Richard E. Andrews, Mark E. Wilsey