Patents by Inventor Manfred Schopf

Manfred Schopf 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).

  • Publication number: 20170037653
    Abstract: A clamp (300) for use in supporting fence panels (306). The clamp (300) enables adjustment of the tilt of a panel (306) to be supported in the clamp (300) using movable clamp assemblies (364, 365) within the clamp, positionable using a tilt adjuster (screw 348). The adjuster screw (348) and a screw (350) that clamps clamping members (302, 304) of the clamp (300) are located under the supported panel (306) so as to be unobtrusive. Clamps (600, 800) on the same principle are provided which are suitable for different mounting arrangements, including a clamp (800) which can be grouted in place yet enable easy replacement of a broken panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Manfred Schopf, John Michael Schopf
  • Publication number: 20160251874
    Abstract: Clamps are provided for supporting panels, such as glass panels. One aspect of the clamps disclosed is that the clamps have two parts that can be slid into clamping engagement with each other. Another aspect is that the clamps comprise a fastener for securing the clamp to a structure is received in an internal cavity in the clamp. This cavity is concealed from external view when the clamp is in use, but can be exposed for access to the fastener by sliding the two clamp halves out of engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: John Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Patent number: 9322161
    Abstract: The present application discloses improvements to support clamps for panels of glass and the like. An arrangement of two clamping halves (9000) each having a clamping surface (9001) and a locating component (9070) interlocking the two halves. Each of the two clamping surfaces are brought together by movement of the locating component through a range of positions, preferably lengthwise, such that portions of them are urged apart thus pressing together the clamping surfaces and securing the panel. In addition the first and second clamp halves include each an opening for a fastener (7014) within a flange (7010, 7012) such that the second opening is oriented approximately perpendicular to the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: John Michael Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Patent number: 9206607
    Abstract: A clamp securable to an edge of a panel at an edge thereof is disclosed. The clamp comprises two clamping members that are drawn together when an elongate locating component is advanced into a space between two formations comprised in the clamping members. The formations hook around the locating component from opposite sides so that as the locating component pushes them apart, the clamping members are drawn together. Contact between the clamping members fixes the distance between clamping surfaces of the clamping members, between which the panel is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventors: John Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Publication number: 20150184420
    Abstract: There is provided a clamp securable to a panel at an edge thereof said clamp comprising: a first clamping means comprising a first clamping surface; a second clamping means comprising a second clamping surface; and a locating component, wherein said first and second clamping means and said locating component in use interlock with each other so that said first clamping surface and said second clamping surface are positioned to press respectively against opposing faces of a panel positioned therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: John Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Publication number: 20140366479
    Abstract: The present application discloses improvements to support clamps for panels of glass and the like. An arrangement of two clamping halves (9000) each having a clamping surface (9001) and a locating component (9070) interlocking the two halves. Each of the two clamping surfaces are brought together by movement of the locating component through a range of positions, preferably lengthwise, such that portions of them are urged apart thus pressing together the clamping surfaces and securing the panel. In addition the first and second clamp halves include each an opening for a fastener (7014) within a flange (7010, 7012) such that the second opening is oriented approximately perpendicular to the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: John Michael Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Publication number: 20120261631
    Abstract: There is provided a clamp securable to a panel at an edge thereof said clamp comprising: a first clamping means comprising a first clamping surface; a second clamping means comprising a second clamping surface; and a locating component, wherein said first and second clamping means and said locating component in use interlock with each other so that said first clamping surface and said second clamping surface are positioned to press respectively against opposing faces of a panel positioned therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: John Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Publication number: 20120235102
    Abstract: There is provided a clamp securable to a panel at an edge thereof said clamp comprising: a first clamping means comprising a first clamping surface; a second clamping means comprising a second clamping surface; and a locating component, wherein said first and second clamping means and said locating component in use interlock with each other so that said first clamping surface and said second clamping surface are positioned to press respectively against opposing faces of a panel positioned therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: John Schopf, Manfred Schopf
  • Publication number: 20110260129
    Abstract: Clamps are provided that are securable to a panel for use in panel type fences, balustrades, barriers and the like. The clamps comprise separable first and second clamping means, which are adapted to in use press against opposing faces of the panel, and which are movable into engagement with each other, preferably by sliding movement, and adapted to thereafter resist separation from each other by friction between abutting surfaces of the clamping means. The sliding movement is preferred to be in a direction at an acute angle to the panel surface so that engagement of the two clamping means and achievement of clamping occur simultaneously. The clamps allow assembly without requiring the use of bolts or screws to achieve a clamping effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: John Schopf, Manfred Schopf