Patents by Inventor Mearl J. Minter

Mearl J. Minter 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: 8376019
    Abstract: A window assembly having a window frame and at least one primary sash mounted in the window frame. The primary sash has a plurality of sash members forming a primary sash perimeter and a first glazing panel mounted in the primary sash perimeter. At least one secondary sash is pivotally attached directly to the primary sash perimeter along an interior surface thereof so that the secondary sash is rotatably movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the primary sash. The secondary sash has a plurality of secondary sash members forming a secondary sash structure and a second glazing panel mounted in the secondary sash perimeter. An air chamber is located between the primary sash and the secondary sash that is substantially closed to the interior of the building structure. At least one accessory channel is locating along at least one side of the secondary sash members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Marlo G. Van Klompenburg, Kenneth E. Nossaman, Kraig A. Downs, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Bruce A. Hagemeyer, Gary E. Tagtow, Daniel W. Parrish, Scot C. Miller, Andy Breuer, Ranjith Rajendran, Bruce Sievers, Jeffrey Scott Belloma, Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 7073292
    Abstract: An improved window sash assembly which includes a sash held together by corner locks. The corner locks are all of similar construction, but may accommodate either tilt latch mechanisms or pivot terminal mechanisms. By utilizing a single corner bracket for both types of sash connectors, costs can be reduced and efficiencies increased. Additionally, the improved system imparts structural and sealing characteristics to the sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Mearl J. Minter, Todd A. Bernhagen, Brandon N. Pace
  • Patent number: 6631595
    Abstract: A brickmold assembly for application to a building defining an opening, the brickmold assembly comprising a brickmold comprising an interior face and an exterior face, cladding comprising an inner face provided over and in contact with at least a portion of the exterior face of the brickmold, and a channel integrally molded with the cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 6223484
    Abstract: A preferred fenestration product (10), such as a window, includes a plurality of installation fins (22) rotatably coupled with the mounting surfaces (36) of respective frame members (28,30) of the product (10). Each fin (22) is rotatable between a retracted position in which the fin (22) is positioned flush against a respective mounting surface (36) and extends toward the outboard side (32) of the product (10), and an extended position in which the fin (22) extends outwardly from a respective mounting surface (36). This configuration allows the product (10) to be installed in a building opening (12), shimmed as needed for level and plumb with the fins (22) in the retracted position, and then rotated to the extended position and attached to the framework (16) surrounding the opening (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 5921037
    Abstract: A fenestration apparatus such as a door or window includes a unitary frame having first and second walls defining a cavity that opens toward the inboard wall of the frame. The first wall includes ridges defining a trough for receiving a bead of sealant. The second wall includes a shelf and a ramp between the shelf and the cavity opening. During assembly, the edge of the pane engages the ramp and follows the contour thereof toward a seated position on the shelf and toward a seated position against the ridges and sealant bead. This avoids the squeezing out of any sealant onto exposed portions of the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 5791104
    Abstract: A window unit (20) including a jamb extension assembly (28) is provided for use with fenestration products. The jamb extension assembly (28) includes a frame member (30) having structure to permit installation of the window unit (20) in a building wall rough opening. The frame member (30) presents inner, outer, rearward and forward portions (62, 64, 66, 68), and includes a jamb extender receiving slot (70) extending and opening rearwardly from the rearward portion (66) of the frame member (30). An elongated jamb extender (32) is provided and includes a transverse, extender flange (88) extending forwardly from an extender corner, and a trim flange (92) extending outwardly from the corner. The extender flange (88) is configured to slide in the slot (70). The extender flange (88) includes structure defining a plurality of longitudinally disposed lines of weakness being in the form of scores (94) disposed on an outer flange surface (96) to permit the length adjustment of the extender flange (88).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Baier, Dave Cody, Gene De Boef, Mearl J. Minter, Merlan Rolffs
  • Patent number: 5339583
    Abstract: A single or double glazing panel is received in a groove in a wood sash frame. The glazing panel carries on it a bead of butyl sealant along the exterior face adjacent the peripheral edge while a bead of silicone adhesive is placed on the peripheral edge or in the bottom of the groove. Insertion of the panel into the groove causes the sealant to roll and flow along the exterior wall of the groove and along the exterior face of the glazing panel such that no cleanup after assembly is required. Adhesive is prevented from contacting viewable areas of the glazing thereby avoiding cleanup. Cladding may be placed over the exterior of the wood sash frame covering the sealant and space in which it is contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Fred L. Hrdlicka, Gary R. Newman, Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 4730380
    Abstract: A window frame assembly for curved windows comprises a rigid frame member having a curved profile, a flexible frame member, and a plurality of individual window frame core blocks. The blocks are secured serially to the flexible frame member. The blocks and flexible frame member form a subassembly which is secured to the rigid frame member such that the subassembly assumes the curved profile of the rigid frame member. The blocks are preferably wood, the rigid frame member preferably an aluminum clad frame cover, and the assembly preferably provides an aluminum clad, wood core window frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Rolscreen Company
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 4716683
    Abstract: An improved door weatherstripping assembly includes a first compressible weatherstripping member mounted on and extending continuously around a door with a compressible bulbous body for compressive sealing engagement between the door and the stop member of the door frame upon closure of the door within the frame. A second flexible weatherstripping member is mounted on and extends around the door forwardly of the first weatherstripping member for providing a rain screen effect upon closure of the door within the frame. The second weatherstripping member includes a flexible leaf element for frictionally engaging the stop member of the frame upon closure of the door within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Rolscreen Company
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 4669233
    Abstract: A window frame assembly for curved windows comprises a rigid frame member having a curved profile, a flexible frame member, and a plurality of individual window frame core blocks. The blocks are secured serially to the flexible frame member. The blocks and flexible frame member form a subassembly which is secured to the rigid frame member such that the subassembly assumes the curved profile of the rigid frame member. The blocks are preferably wood, the rigid frame member preferably an aluminum clad frame cover, and the assembly preferably provides an aluminum clad, wood core window frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Rolscreen Company
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 4573287
    Abstract: A door assembly is provided and generally includes a door frame having a door hingedly mounted on one of the jambs of the frame. The door includes stiles and rails with double glazing panels mounted between the stiles and rails with an insulating air space between the glazing panels. First and second weatherstripping members cooperate with the door and jambs of the door frame to provide substantially air-tight and water-tight seals, respectively, when the door is closed within the frame. The first and second weatherstripping members are spaced apart so as to define a weatherstripping air space therebetween. The door includes passages for providing communication between the insulating air space and the weatherstripping air space so as to minimize condensation between the glazing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Rolscreen Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hagemeyer, Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 4341048
    Abstract: An improved method and assembly for cladding an existing, exterior window frame. Frame expander receptors are fastened to the window frame head and jamb members. Frame expanders are retained in receiving recesses of the receptors. Cladding portions of the expanders clad the frame members and cover the fasteners for pleasing appearance. Moisture barriers separate the fasteners and the frame from the environment. A sill nose cover clads the sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Rolscreen Company
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter