Patents Examined by Yvonne M. Horton
  • Collapsible shelter structure
    Patent number: 6892744
    Abstract: A quickly erectable structure includes expandable/collapsible top and bottom assemblies that are interconnected to facilitate forming an enclosure and to facilitate taking down the enclosure. Specifically, the bottom assembly includes a plurality of interconnected X-shaped subframes that combine to form a telescoping scissor frame. The top assembly includes a plurality of inverted foldable Y-shaped subframes attached together and to a top of the telescoping scissor frame in a manner that combines the two to form a stable umbrella-like overcenter top frame attached atop the telescoping scissor frame. A drawstring mechanism is attached to a peak of the structure to hold the top frame in an expanded position. Flexible covers are attached to the two frames, and a drawstring arrangement on the top cover allows flaps to be lifted to form 360 degrees of windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Michael J. Feldpausch, Stephen J. Feldpausch, James E. Trist
  • Prefabricated fireplace structure and method
    Patent number: 6892505
    Abstract: A method of construction of structures such as large, decorative pots, water features and outdoor free-standing fireplaces. The method comprises pouring a concrete base to which a skeletal reinforcing structure in the desired shape is set. Thereafter, metal screen and a cementitious material is applied over the skeletal structure to form a shell. Openings may be formed either when shaping the shell or later by cutting away areas of the steel skeletal structure. Suitable decorations such as graphics may be applied using stains, dyes or carving techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: John Pingitore
  • Wall structure with corner connectors
    Patent number: 6892504
    Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member or strap extending diagonally across the wall structure. In one embodiment the strap is extended to opposed corner areas where opposed end portions of the strap are fastened to a portion of the upper or lower member and to a portion of an adjacent column or stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Robert W. Herrmann, Aaron M. Herrmann, Thomas C. Boyd, Gary Bennett
  • Modular wall panel construction
    Patent number: 6889477
    Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly includes a generally rectangular preassembled frame having a generally horizontal lower channel member and a base rail secured to the lower channel member in parallel spaced relation thereto. Two opposed floor glide assemblies are secured to the base rail and each includes an upwardly directed threaded stem configured at their upper ends to be rotated by a suitable rotary tool. An aperture is provided in the lower channel member in registry with each stem. The frame can thus be leveled on a floor by inserting a rotary tool vertically through the apertures and rotating the threaded stems as desired. Thereafter, decorative or other panels may be conveniently installed on the frame to substantially conceal the floor glides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kottman
  • Tensioned fabric storm protection panel
    Patent number: 6886300
    Abstract: A panel (10) for protecting a portion of a structure such as a window (11) includes a frame member (13) made up of four channel members (16-19) interconnected by corner members (20). One end of each channel member (16-19) includes an opening to receive an edge of a sheet (33) of flexible material. The sheet (33) is provided with a thickened area (34) near each edge thereof. A fabric locking and stretching member (15) closes the opening in each channel member (16-19) and engages the thickened area (34) of the fabric sheet (33) to stretch the sheet (33) within the frame member (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Hudoba, Harry Edward Asbury
  • Modular deck drainage system
    Patent number: 6886302
    Abstract: A deck drainage system having a plurality of channeled drainage panels. The drainage panels are mounted to direct water flow transversely of the deck joists to a gutter, the panels connected to and suspended from the underside of the joists. The gutter is mounted transversely across the discharge ends of the drainage panels to collect water therefrom and direct it to a down spout. Drainage panels, which are rectangular with the individual drainage channels extending lengthwise, may be overlapped both lengthwise and widthwise to fit the perimeter of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Anslem Jackson
  • Wooden post protective sleeve
    Patent number: 6886296
    Abstract: A wooden post protective sleeve including a collar having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving the lower end of the wooden post therein. The surrounding side wall has a plurality of apertures therethrough downwardly of the open upper end. The apertures are dimensioned for receiving wood screws therethrough for engaging the lower end of the wooden post. The closed lower end has a plurality of drainage apertures therethrough. The drainage apertures include a central aperture and four peripheral apertures. The collar is fabricated of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Michael John, Sharianne John
  • J-channel
    Patent number: 6883288
    Abstract: A J-channel is provided with a retainer which biases an inserted siding panel against a cantilevered end of an outer face of the J-channel. The retainer has an engagement tab biased from a wall member which is preferably connected to an inner face of the J-channel member. An engagement tab and an inwardly directed lip at the cantilevered end of the outer face preferably retained an inserted panel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Todd Harbin
  • Method and apparatus for providing a modular storage system
    Patent number: 6880297
    Abstract: A modular system for assembling a storage unit is provided which includes a plurality of panels and different connectors. The system allows for subdividing spaces which may feature walls, floors, ceilings, etc. at varying angles or in areas having irregular contours. Additionally, the connectors are simple recesses and protrusions which allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Robert M. Johnston
  • Raised access floor panel
    Patent number: 6880303
    Abstract: A floor panel for elevated floors comprising a base adapted to be supported and providing a load bearing surface; an inner panel adhesively secured to said base; an outer panel adhesively secured to said inner panel, said inner panel extending beyond said outer panel so as to present a border along the edge of said inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Mead
  • Lattice girder supporting frame having straight brace parts
    Patent number: 6880308
    Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for tunnel lining includes upper and lower boom members arranged parallel to each other to form a triangle. Truss braces spatially connect the upper and lower boom members to each other, wherein each of the truss braces has straight brace parts angled relative to each other, and each of the straight brace parts is connected to each other at one end via a straight bridge piece. The truss braces are arranged in a symmetrical plane extending laterally from the upper boom member to an axis of the lower boom members. Cross ties extend at right angles relative to the lower boom members, for connecting the lower boom members to each other, wherein the truss braces abut the lower boom members without bending and are welded to the lower boom members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Bochumer Eisenhutte Heintzmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Seiz, Rudi Podjadtke
  • Reinforced shutter structure
    Patent number: 6877285
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherguard Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Poma, Albert T. Purino
  • Siding system
    Patent number: 6874290
    Abstract: A siding system which employs a plurality of siding assemblies, each capable of being selectively attached to other siding assemblies in a series. Each siding assembly has a wall bracket for selective attachment to a support structure such as a wall, and an associated siding panel. Each wall bracket is selectively attachable to its own associated siding panel and to the next higher siding panel of the series. When damaged, the individual siding panels are easily detached from the wall brackets and quickly replaced with an undamaged panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Ted R. Bokan
  • Floor panels with edge connectors
    Patent number: 6874292
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer BV, Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Drive/auger anchor and stabilizer
    Patent number: 6871455
    Abstract: A reinforced ground anchor including a spike, a pressure cap having a planar surface, a rod having a drive section at one end, and a swivel connection connecting said pressure cap with the rod. An opening is formed in the pressure cap. A guide is located adjacent the opening. The pressure cap engages flush with the surface of the ground, due to the action of the swivel connection, when the rod is positioned in the ground soil and the spike passes through the opening to engage in the ground soil at an acute angle. The spike and the cap in combination with the rod provide the anchor with additional resistance against horizontal and vertical pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Norman Frank Cockman, Silas E. Winn
  • Integral reinforcing system for masonry walls
    Patent number: 6865857
    Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Josep Maria Adell Argiles
  • Single-piece continuity tie
    Patent number: 6862854
    Abstract: A one-piece connecting member is provided that bridges or spans a beam disposed between two aligned structural members. A tunnel is formed in the beam to receive a connecting member. The connecting member attaches directly to both of the opposed structural members by means of heavy fasteners without the need of intermediary brackets. The connecting member is formed to provide both compressive and tensile resistance, and can be formed from tube steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fitzmyers
  • Reinforced stair tread and methods for making same
    Patent number: 6860071
    Abstract: A stair tread having predetermined dimensions including a top and bottom that are at least substantially parallel and substantially planar that includes a nose strip extending the length of the stair tread, having a hardwood appearance at the top, and having an edge at the front that is shaped in cross-section from the top to the bottom to provide a nose to the stair tread, a base including a plurality of base strips having a first joint between each adjacent base strip, wherein the base extends the length of the tread and, together with the nose strip, extends from the front to the rear of the tread, and a separately formed cover strip disposed over the base and sized sufficiently to provide the appearance of hardwood on the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Weaber, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Weaber, Galen G. Weaber, Jeffrey Winslow
  • Sub-exterior weatherproofing flashing panel for utility pipes
    Patent number: 6860070
    Abstract: A utility pipe encasement collar for preventing water from weather related sources such as rain and snow from traveling rearwardly along the exterior surface of the utility pipe and into a building structure from which the pipe projects. In a first embodiment the collar includes a weather proof elastomeric sheet material having an opening therethrough sized to inherently huggingly accommodate a utility pipe passed through the opening, and a generally rigid support member extending laterally from the elastomeric sheet material. In a second embodiment the collar includes a first generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an upright generally U-shape opening therethrough and a second generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an inverted generally U-shape opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Construction element and coupling device therefor
    Patent number: 6857247
    Abstract: A construction element has at least one coupling device and the coupling device has at least two prongs. Each prong is comprised of two radially extending mating surfaces which frictionally engage the radially extending surfaces of a mating coupling device. The construction device may have a straight shaft or an angled shaft to accommodate the needs of the user and, furthermore, the prongs of a coupling device may be inserted within mateable apertures in the shaft of another construction element. Using a plurality of such construction elements, a lattice frame may be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams