Patents by Inventor Frank J. Votolato

Frank J. Votolato 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: 6622443
    Abstract: A plastic trim strip for use with high pressure plastic laminate (HPL) modules or other decorative modules used on access flooring. The strip is extruded polyvinyl chloride or other polymeric or other material such as decorative metals such as brass or aluminum. The cross sectional shape of the strip is generally rectangular with a rectangular tab that: (1) protrudes from one of the narrow edges of the rectangle, (2) is thinner than the height of the strip and (3) has one surface flush with the bottom of the strip. A portion of the edge of the HPL or other floor covering with which the strip is used, and having the same shape as the tab, is router or otherwise removed from the floor covering. The protruding tab of the trim strip is then “captured” within this rabbet with or without adhesive, thereby securely engaging the trim strip when the floor covering is installed on or bonded to the access flooring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Votolato, Victor A. Sainato, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20010054264
    Abstract: A plastic trim strip for use with high pressure plastic laminate (HPL) modules or other decorative modules used on access flooring. The strip is extruded polyvinyl chloride or other polymeric or other material such as decorative metals such as brass or aluminum. The cross sectional shape of the strip is generally rectangular with a rectangular tab that: (1) protrudes from one of the narrow edges of the rectangle, (2) is thinner than the height of the strip and (3) has one surface flush with the bottom of the strip. A portion of the edge of the HPL or other floor covering with which the strip is used, and having the same shape as the tab, is router or otherwise removed from the floor covering. The protruding tab of the trim strip is then “captured” within this rabbet with or without adhesive, thereby securely engaging the trim strip when the floor covering is installed on or bonded to the access flooring structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: KRISTIN L. JOHNSON
    Inventors: Frank J. Votolato, Victor A. Sainato