Patents by Inventor Billy R. Powell

Billy R. Powell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7275555
    Abstract: A canopy of the type that is typically packaged in a kit form that permits consumers to assemble a group of pipe members into a canopy structure. Once assembled and erected, the canopy includes a series of vertical posts and a series of rafters that extend upwardly from the post. In order to provide additional structural support, especially to the rafters and to the roof structure formed by the rafters, a series of cross or brace members are interconnected between the vertical posts and the rafters. These cross or brace members are arranged in sets with each set including two brace members that extend between a pair of vertical posts and a pair of rafters. The brace members, vertical posts and rafters form a truss network that imparts structural strength and rigidity to the overall canopy frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Powell & Powell Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Tony A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6988505
    Abstract: Canopies traditionally come in the form of canopy kits, and once erected, provide portable shelter for property, outdoor parties, etc. However, while canopies are useful in a wide variety of applications, the erected canopy structure is often restricted to a fixed size. The present invention discloses a canopy structure kit for a canopy that is transversely expandable from a first width, typically wide enough for an automobile, to a second width, typically wide enough for two automobiles. The expandable canopy structure kit includes extension members to expand the frame structure, and at least one cover adapted to fit the erected frame structure, whether the frame structure assumes an expanded or unexpanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Powell & Powell Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Toney A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6957679
    Abstract: A retractable awning includes a frame structure, roll bar, and a lead bar supported in cantilever fashion by a series of extendable arms that extend from the frame structure. An awning sheet is connected between the roll bar and the lead bar. When the lead bar is extended outwardly from the roll bar, the sheet awning is unrolled and supplied from the roll bar. Conversely, when the awning is retracted, the lead bar retracts towards the roll bar and in the process, the sheet awning is rolled onto the roll bar. The frame structure, roll bar and lead bar are split into at least two sections with each pair of sections including a coupler for connecting the two sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Powell & Powell Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Tony A. Powell, Reid Powell
  • Publication number: 20040188034
    Abstract: A retractable awning includes a frame structure, roll bar, and a lead bar supported in cantilever fashion by a series of extendable arms that extend from the frame structure. An awning sheet is connected between the roll bar and the lead bar. When the lead bar is extended outwardly from the roll bar, the sheet awning is unrolled and supplied from the roll bar. Conversely, when the awning is retracted, the lead bar retracts towards the roll bar and in the process, the sheet awning is rolled onto the roll bar. The frame structure, roll bar and lead bar are split into at least two sections with each pair of sections including a coupler for connecting the two sections together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Tony A. Powell, Reid Powell
  • Publication number: 20040118443
    Abstract: A canopy of the type that is typically packaged in a kit form that permits consumers to assemble a group of pipe members into a canopy structure. Once assembled and erected, the canopy includes a series of vertical posts and a series of rafters that extend upwardly from the post. In order to provide additional structural support, especially to the rafters and to the roof structure formed by the rafters, a series of cross or brace members are interconnected between the vertical posts and the rafters. These cross or brace members are arranged in sets with each set including two brace members that extend between a pair of vertical posts and a pair of rafters. The brace members, vertical posts and rafters form a truss network that imparts structural strength and rigidity to the overall canopy frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Tony A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Publication number: 20040040590
    Abstract: Canopies traditionally come in the form of canopy kits, and once erected, provide portable shelter for property, outdoor parties, etc. However, while canopies are useful in a wide variety of applications, the erected canopy structure is often restricted to a fixed size. The present invention discloses a canopy structure kit for a canopy that is transversely expandable from a first width, typically wide enough for an automobile, to a second width, typically wide enough for two automobiles. The expandable canopy structure kit includes extension members to expand the frame structure, and at least one cover adapted to fit the erected frame structure, whether the frame structure assumes an expanded or unexpanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Toney A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6553940
    Abstract: An animal or dog kennel kit comprising a plurality of panels that can be connected or coupled together to form an enclosure. The plurality of panels includes at least one relatively small panel and one relatively large panel. The relatively small panel can be nested or placed within the relatively large panel to form a compact package for economical shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Powell & Powell Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tony A. Powell, Billy R. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6505638
    Abstract: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Toney A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6367495
    Abstract: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Toney A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6155280
    Abstract: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Toney A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 5730281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a canopy kit comprising a plurality of elongated pipes and a series of corner connectors and a package for containing the various kit components. An elongated container is provided and the various components of the kit, including the corner connectors and pipes, are disposed within the container such that the components of the kit structurally reinforce the total package and wherein the individual corner connectors are strategically disposed throughout the package so as to support the elongated pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Powell & Powell Supply Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, David R. Powell, Tony A. Powell
  • Patent number: D363215
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Powell & Powell Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Tony A. Powell, David R. Powell