Patents by Inventor Robert E. Platt

Robert E. Platt 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: 20150137058
    Abstract: A post mounting and stabilization assembly for securing hollow posts to a foundation surface. The mounting assembly provides for wedging retainment of a hollow post thereover by the progressive engagement and deployment of opposing finger pairs extending from an integral base by a sliding deployment wedge fitting there within.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20110186796
    Abstract: A fencing system typically includes hollow posts with rail structures extending therebetween. A post mount assembly is configured to mount on a foundation and is slidably received within each hollow post to provide suitable support for the posts. In one embodiment, each post mount assembly includes a wedge which is wedged against the post mount assembly typically to force the post mount assembly against an inner surface of the post. The post mount assembly may include a post mount and a post insert which is vertically adjustable relative to the post mount and against which the wedge is wedged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: ROBERT E. PLATT
  • Publication number: 20110175045
    Abstract: A fencing system typically includes hollow posts with rail structures extending therebetween. A post mount assembly is configured to mount on a foundation and is slidably received within each hollow post to provide suitable support for the posts. In one embodiment, each post mount assembly includes a wedge which is wedged against the post mount assembly typically to force the post mount assembly against an inner surface of the post. The post mount assembly may include a post mount and a post insert which is vertically adjustable relative to the post mount and against which the wedge is wedged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: ROBERT E. PLATT
  • Patent number: 7788785
    Abstract: A method of using a rail clip assembly to connect a horizontal fence rail to a vertical fence post. The rail clip assembly includes a housing that is slidably engaged with at least one mounting spacer and a first leg of an L-shaped mounting bracket until a second leg of the bracket abuts the underside of the housing. A first fastener is screwed through the first leg and mounting spacer and into the side wall of the fence post. An end of the rail is inserted into the housing and a second fastener is screwed through the second leg, the housing and the end of the rail. The rail clip assembly aids in preventing the rail from disengaging from the housing when a lateral force is applied to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20100133493
    Abstract: A fencing system includes a post mount typically mountable on a foundation and having an outer surface extending upwardly therefrom. A post insert mounted adjacent the top of the post mount has an outer surface disposed outwardly of the post mount outer surface to abut an inner surface of a post which defines a cavity in which the post mount and post insert are slidably received. The post insert provides stability to the post such that a rail may be mounted on the post via a rail mounting bracket or otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20100108969
    Abstract: A rail clip assembly for connecting a fence rail to a fence post. The assembly comprises a housing slidably engaged with a L-shaped connector bracket that is securable to the post. The bracket has a first leg with a second leg extending outwardly therefrom, and a detent integral with the first leg and extending outwardly therefrom in the opposite direction to the second leg. The first leg is received through a slot in a perimeter wall of the housing and the detent engages in a recessed area in the housing's rear wall. The second leg abuts an exterior surface of the perimeter wall and a fastener secures the second leg to both the perimeter wall and the rail retained within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20100025651
    Abstract: A fencing system typically includes hollow posts with rail structures extending therebetween. Post mount assemblies are configured to mount on a foundation and are slidably received within the hollow posts to provide suitable support for the posts. In one embodiment, each post mount assembly includes a wedge which is wedged in a wedged position against the post mount assembly adjacent its upper end to apply an outward force thereon and/or move a portion of the post mount assembly outwardly within the hollow post. The wedged position typically forces the post mount assembly adjacent its upper end to frictionally engage an inner surface of the post in order to brace and secure the post adjacent its upper end. The hollow post may include strengthening ribs to provide additional structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20090267041
    Abstract: A method of using a rail clip assembly to connect a horizontal fence rail to a vertical fence post. The rail clip assembly includes a housing that is slidably engaged with at least one mounting spacer and a first leg of an L-shaped mounting bracket until a second leg of the bracket abuts the underside of the housing. A first fastener is screwed through the first leg and mounting spacer and into the side wall of the fence post. An end of the rail is inserted into the housing and a second fastener is screwed through the second leg, the housing and the end of the rail. The rail clip assembly aids in preventing the rail from disengaging from the housing when a lateral force is applied to the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20090212271
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a rail to a vertical post. The bracket includes a base with an arcuate front wall and a housing that is selectively movable along that front wall. The housing itself has an arcuate front wall that is oriented at right angles to the arcuate front wall of the base. The bracket further includes a rail connector that is selectively movable along the front wall of the housing. The rail connector engages an end of the rail and holds the rail at both a vertical and a horizontal angle relative the post. The vertical and horizontal angle of the rail to the post can be changed by selectively moving the rail connector along the front wall of the housing and moving the housing along the front wall of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20090200532
    Abstract: A racking assembly for adjustably mounting a spindle to a rail. The racking assembly includes a first member which engages the rail and a second member pivotally secured to the first member. The second member retains the spindle at an angle relative to the first member and therefore relative to the rail. As the second member pivots, the angle of the spindle relative to the rail is changed. In a fence rail assembly, each spindle is secured between a pair of rails by a pair of racking assemblies. Each racking assembly is mounted on one of the rails and is individually adjustable so as to set the angle of the spindle relative to the rails. The rails are secured between a pair of vertical posts. Each rail is secured to one of the posts by a bracket that is adjustable to set the angle of the rail relative to the posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7568680
    Abstract: A rail clip assembly for connecting a horizontal fence rail to a vertical fence post. The rail clip assembly comprises a housing that is slidably engaged with at least one mounting spacer and a first leg of an L-shaped mounting bracket. The second leg of the mounting bracket abuts the underside of the housing and supports the same. An end of the rail is inserted into a chamber formed in the housing and a fastener is used to secure the second leg of the mounting bracket, the housing and the end of the rail together. The rail clip assembly aids in preventing the rail from disengaging from the housing when a lateral force is applied to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7533506
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a post on a planar surface such as a deck. The mounting bracket is used with posts which include an inner support integrally formed with an adjustment plate and having a vinyl sleeve slipped thereover. The mounting bracket comprises a trim assembly which includes a peripheral wall and a movable portion disposed inwardly of the peripheral wall. The movable portion may be one or more flexible tabs formed in a floor of the trim assembly, a base plate inserted into abutting contact with the floor of the trim assembly or one or more flexible tabs formed in a base plate which is then inserted into a recessed area in the trim assembly. The movable portion is moved relative to the peripheral wall of the trim assembly by an adjustment device. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustment devices comprise a plurality of bolts that are selectively rotatable in one or more of a first and a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7475870
    Abstract: A mounting attachment for connecting a picket to an angled rail. The mounting attachment comprises a base having an aperture therethrough and into which the picket is inserted. A spring-biased retaining member is provided on the base and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the picket when it is inserted into the aperture. The retaining member urges the picket into contact with the wall of the base which defines the aperture, thus preventing the picket from moving within the aperture and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20080298911
    Abstract: A drill template for correctly positioning fastener holes on a side wall of a fence post. The drill template comprises a base that includes an alignment mechanism to enable an installer to correctly place the base adjacent a side wall of the fence post. The base of the template includes a plurality of fastener-positioning indicators thereon, each of which is useful to identify a position for drilling a single fastener hole in the side wall of the fence post. The template also includes a slider that is movable along the base to select which of the plurality of fastener-positioning indicators to use. The slider includes a plurality of apertures that are alignable with the fastener-positioning indicators. Preferably, the fastener positioning indicators are holes that are defined in the base. The installer sequentially inserts a drill bit through each one of the aligned apertures and indicator holes and drills the fastener holes in the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7455282
    Abstract: A fencing system includes a vertically elongated post mount mountable on a foundation and one or more post inserts mounted on the post mount to provide a stable structure for fastening thereto rail mounting brackets and associated rails. Each post insert extends outwardly from the post mount and typically abuts an inner surface of a hollow post. Fasteners extend from the rail mounting bracket through the post and into the post insert to provide a strong connection for the mounting of the rail mounting bracket and rail. The post inserts may be mounted on the post mount without tools. One of the post inserts serves as a spacer for setting the height of associated rail mounting brackets and rails. The spacer may include two members which are removably connected to one another via a friction fit to provide various benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7427055
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing a rail to a post. The bracket assembly includes a bracket that is secured to the post and a spring-biased cover plate. The cover plate includes a perimeter wall that includes a slot which extends from its front edge through to its back edge. A portion of the perimeter wall terminates adjacent either side of the slot. These portions of the perimeter are movable relative to each other. The bracket includes a back wall with a peripheral outer wall extending upwardly and outwardly away therefrom. The peripheral wall defines a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail is placed. The rail is preferably secured in position by a plurality of fasteners inserted through the rail and into the housing. Once the end of the rail is retained in the bracket, the terminal portions of the perimeter wall are arcuately separated from each other and the cover plate is snap-fitted over the peripheral outer wall of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7407152
    Abstract: A fencing system includes a post mount mountable on a foundation and having a vertically extending outer surface. A post insert sits atop the post mount and has an outer surface disposed outwardly of the post mount outer surface. The post insert has an upper sidewall which extends upwardly of the post mount and defines an upwardly opening cavity. A post includes a sidewall having an inner surface defining a cavity therein in which the post mount and post insert are slidably received with the outer surface of the post insert preferably closely adjacent the post inner surface. A rail is mounted via a rail mounting bracket to the post insert. Threaded fasteners extend from the rail mounting bracket through respective holes in the post and are threaded into mounting holes in the post insert to provide a strong connection for the mounting of the rail mounting bracket and rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7374154
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence. The rail clip has a base with a raised central area flanked by two lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the base. The lateral areas include apertures through which fasteners are inserted to connect the clip to the fence post. A cover snap-fits over each lateral area to hide the fasteners and give the rail clip a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7334779
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket with a raised central area flanked by two lower lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the bracket. The lateral areas define locations for connecting the bracket to a vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted. The bracket may include indicia or characters for determining the correct position of attachment of the rail connector to the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector relative to the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7306203
    Abstract: A fencing system includes a vertically elongated post mount mountable on a foundation and one or more post inserts mounted on the post mount to provide a stable structure for fastening thereto rail mounting brackets and associated rails. Each post insert extends outwardly from the post mount and typically abuts an inner surface of a hollow post. Fasteners extend from the rail mounting bracket through the post and into the post insert to provide a strong connection for the mounting of the rail mounting bracket and rail. The post inserts may be mounted on the post mount without tools. One of the post inserts serves as a spacer for setting the height of associated rail mounting brackets and rails. The spacer may include two members which are removably connected to one another via a friction fit to provide various benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt