Patents by Inventor John D. Fontana

John D. Fontana 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: 5046887
    Abstract: A guttered paving block which can interlock with identical paving blocks in only one way to simply the assembly of a ground cover consisting of a square narrow waisted portion and a pair of oppositely situated extended head portions with pointed ends. The narrow waist portion makes the block easy to pick up with one hand. Dummy grooves which are parallel are provided to facilitate the manufacture of the block. Another embodiment is designed to permit a large number of patterns when assembled. It consists of a rectangular portion with a smaller square portion appended to one side of the rectangular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventors: John D. Fontana, William Emery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4254077
    Abstract: A method for making decorative concrete blocks which have inlays and which are especially suitable for use as floor or patio tiles. The method involves two steps in which concrete with two different degrees of wetness is employed. As an initial step, a first form, which is configured to define the desired inlaid pattern, is placed on a support. The form is filled with a first charge of concrete, which has the lesser of the two degrees of wetness and is preferably colored, to produce a pattern for the inlay. Thereafter, the concrete in the first form is compacted whereafter the form is removed without delay and the material is allowed to harden. In a further step, a second form, which is configured and dimensioned to surround the concrete inlay pattern, is placed on the support. A charge of concrete with a greater degree of wetness is then poured into the second form until it produces a layer which surrounds the concrete inlay pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Inventors: John D. Fontana, Louis R. Fontana
  • Patent number: 4168140
    Abstract: For convenience in handling, etc., use is made of a concrete or similarly fabricated member which, although actually a single rectangular block-like member, has a surface line impression effectively simulating a selected arrangement of plural individual pavers or bricks, thereby giving the desirable impression that the construction is formed by said individual bricks, rather than by the fewer number of construction blocks. In accordance with the present invention, the line-forming means, which simulates the individual bricks, is retracted from its position impressed into the concrete mass or mixture through slots in a press-plate having wiping surfaces which removes any adhering concrete therefrom, and thus the shaping contour of said line-forming means is properly preserved for succeeding brick-simulating service. The term "brick" as used herein is intended to broadly encompass regular as well as irregular shapes, such as stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Inventors: John D. Fontana, Louis R. Fontana