Patents Examined by Yvonne M. Horton
  • Patent number: 7124545
    Abstract: A method for using tilt-up panels with chamfered sides, extensions below the panels ad receptacles for removable eyelets approximately ? of the way up the panel. Inserts may be used between the panels to hold epoxy or other materials. The inserts may include a T-shaped form that obviates the need for caulking between the outside portions of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Poma, Jason F. Poma
  • 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: 7124547
    Abstract: A 3D construction module comprising at least one vertically upstanding panel with first and second mesh layers oriented generally transversely and longitudinally. The first and second mesh layers have at least one rod member mounted to said panel and are vertically spaced from each other. The rod members form a first horizontally projected retention cell to restrict translation of a bar held in said retention cell between said first and second mesh layers. A third mesh can also be provided to form a second retention cell between said second and third mesh layers. The first and second retention cells restrict translation movement longitudinally and transversely of a vertical reinforcement member held in said first and second retention cells, and restrict rotation of the vertical reinforcement member about both a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the said 3D construction module. Horizontal reinforcement meshes are features of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Leonid G. Bravinski
  • Patent number: 7121049
    Abstract: A device that is used to pull a stake from a newly poured concrete slab. This device allows for attachment to a concrete pole, a tool that is commonly possessed and used by most concrete contractors. It contains a flexible loop that is used for the removal of stakes from the inside of a perimeter of a newly poured concrete slab. The loop of the device is placed so that it encircles the shaft of a concrete stake. A worker rotates the concrete pole until the loop twists enough to tightly hold onto the stake. The stake is then pulled from the ground and lifted up, over, and to the outside of the perimeter of the slab. The invention may include adjustment means to allow its efficient use with stakes of different thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Jack H. Cohen, Bob C. Brooks
  • Patent number: 7121058
    Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member. The floor elements are alternatively provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge also is provided with male vertical assembly joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Jorgen Palsson, Ake Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 7121059
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges of two panels engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges in a first direction perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip which is integrated with one joint edge and which projects behind the other joint edge. The strip has an upwardly protruding locking element engaging in a locking groove in the rear side of the other joint edge to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels in a second direction parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels in the direction of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 7121051
    Abstract: A thin brick panel system and method of forming a thin brick wall includes an expanded polystyrene foam panel having a plurality of laterally extending channels formed therein for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded to the channels in the foam panel and the seams between adjacent bricks are filled with a mortar that bonds to the foam panel. The foam panel may be attached to a substrate with an adhesive as well as fasteners. Strips of a mesh fabric may span several panels to bind the panels together to form a structurally sound thin brick wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Garrick Hunsaker
  • Patent number: 7117650
    Abstract: An improved ceiling hanger system includes an anchor that is secured to a support structure. A hanger wire is mounted to the anchor. A spring clip is mounted to the hanger wire. A hanger hook is mounted to or integral with the spring clip and engages a support rail for a drop or suspended ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Forrest Dockery
  • Patent number: 7117647
    Abstract: A system for constructing log structures includes a corner connection structure, a through-bolt clamping apparatus, an opening support structure, a butt joint connection structure, a log profile, and an exterior casing structure. The corner connection structure has logs with overlap portions shaped so that the overlap portions of the logs of a first wall overlap and alternately interlace the overlap portions of the logs of a second wall. A generally vertical slot extends through the overlap portions of the logs, and at least one spline is provided in the slot. The through-bolt clamping apparatus has a through-bolt extending along the height of the wall, a lower clamp arm coupled to the through-bolt and the bottom of the intersecting walls, and an upper clamp arm coupled to the through bolt and the top of the intersecting walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Pointblank Design Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 7114695
    Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: W. Michael DeLoach, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7111433
    Abstract: Metal cladding as jamb cover assemblies and mullion cover assemblies, for door frames and mullions, using extrusions as cladding over substrates. A jamb cover assembly includes a jamb plate, a nosing, and a nailing fin. The nailing fin extends from a distal side of the assembly. Accordingly, the frame can be secured in a rough opening of a building with the nosing assembled to the jamb plate, and using the nailing fin for the securement, without any assembly or disassembly of the frame at the construction site. Regarding the mullion cover assembly, first and second jamb plates are on opposing sides of a mullion substrate. A mullion nosing is assembled to the jamb plates, and bridges the jamb plates to join together the two jamb plates and the nosing, to provide complete overlayment of the outer surface of the mullion substrate and to space the front panel of the nosing from the outer surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Bay Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Frank Kerscher
  • Patent number: 7107733
    Abstract: A variable support structure with modular construction includes at least one support structure module, which is bounded by joints (114, 115, 126, 121) of a first joint set that lie in a first surface, and by joints (101, 102, 113, 108) of a second joint set that lie in a second surface, and with at least one joint (109) of a third joint set that lies outside of the first surface. At least some of the joints of the first and second joint sets have a fixable position relative to one another, especially being connectable with one another, by a guide mechanism. The at least one joint (109) of the third joint set is connected with at least two joints (114, 115, 113, 121) of the first and/or second joint set by a connecting element (39, 41, 43, 45) that transmits essentially only tension forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Gerhard Rueckert
  • Patent number: 7107731
    Abstract: A structural building system including an improved, structural-load-bearing, building component, such as a building panel, having front and back sections, an insulating core, integral symmetrical joinery, a thermal break, and at least one shear resistance connector The panel is asymmetrical about one axis, and is designed to be directionally positioned with respect to the maximum anticipated force. A shear resistance connector array may be positioned between the front and back sections or may be integral to the front or back section. A face sheet may span one or more than one building panel, and provides structural support to the building system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: LEEP, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant C. Record
  • Patent number: 7107732
    Abstract: An insulated ceiling is provided for a metal building, an includes a plurality of spaced apart metal purlins with upper and lower flanges, a metal roof attached to the upper flanges of the purlins, insulated panels attached to the bottom flanges of the purlins so as to define a space between the roof and the panels, and insulation in the space. The panels are mechanically attached to the purlins with a plurality of clips and support members such that penetrating fasteners are unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: High-R, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Kinzler
  • Patent number: 7104020
    Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Terry Lynn Suttle
  • Patent number: 7104021
    Abstract: A terminal for use with a muntin bar or cross includes a muntin bar and a terminal plug. The muntin bar has an end and an outer surface. The end of the muntin bar includes a hollow space and an inner wall. The terminal plug is adapted to be inserted into the end of the muntin and includes a flange, a plug body and a longitudinal slot. When installed in the muntin, the flange engages the outer surface of the muntin. The plug body is designed to provide a press fit with the inner wall of the muntin by having at least part of the plug body being pressed against the inner wall of the muntin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Harald Apfelthaler
  • Patent number: 7104015
    Abstract: A window assembly (10) with its glazing frame that stays independently from lateral movement of building main structure (44) is disclosed. The window assembly (10) includes an outer retaining frame (12) and an inner glazing frame (14). The outer retaining frame (12) is attached to the building main structure(44). The glazing frame holds glass pane (20), and sits inside the outer retaining frame (12). Between the outer retaining frame (12) and the inner glazing frame (12) is a predetermined clearance space (X) and (Y), at their vertical edges and their top edge. The resulting window assembly allows the glazing frame to retain its shape, while the outer retaining frame (12) moves laterally with the main structure (44) during an earthquake or blast, thereby minimizing the chance of glass breakage. Application of glazing gasket (32) or sealant (54) provides watertight result to the window assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Thoi Huu Huynh
  • Patent number: 7100344
    Abstract: The shuttering element or similar, with a panel-shaped carrier (2; 7), according to the invention is characterized in that the carrier (2; 7) is covered at least on one side with a film (3; 6), which is attached to the carrier (2; 7) in a replaceable manner by means of an adhesive (4; 10) capable of being deactivated under the influence of heat. The panel-shaped carrier, especially for use in a shuttering element with a core (7) made from synthetic material, wherein, a reinforcing layer (8) with fibers is provided at one or both sides of the core, is characterized in that the fibers consist entirely or predominantly of fiber threads, which extend over the entire length of the carrier. The process for manufacturing and repair of shuttering elements or similar is characterized in that the film facing (3; 6; 22) which forms the surface is applied to the carrier (2; 7; 11; 211) under the influence of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hunneback GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Schlenker
  • Patent number: 7100332
    Abstract: The unfolding modular building system includes a main floor section having a plurality of square frames having inverted pyramidal support assemblies depending therefrom, hinged corner sections defining wall frames, hinged roof support and truss sections defining gable end frames, and hinged roof panel frames, whereby an interior perimeter may be defined by the interconnection of a system components. The system is easily transported and assembled and its modular construction enables the assembly of a structure having a plurality of interconnected modular units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Ivan L. Loesch
  • Patent number: 7100334
    Abstract: A conveyor specialized to convey people, and more particularly a conveyor which may serve as a conventional staircase, comprises treads that can individually raise and lower by the amount of the tread rise. To ascend, a user stands on the lowest level, and the tread lifts to match the height of the next tread. The user steps forward to the next tread. That tread likewise lifts to match the height of the next tread, and so on. In this way the user is able to ascend the height of the staircase without having to step up. A corresponding process permits descending the height of the staircase without having to step down. The conveyor can work even if the staircase winds or curves or goes around corners. Optionally a platform is caused to move laterally from each step to the next, so that the user need not even step forward during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Ioannis Milios, Dimitrios Korres