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: 20090084067
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting an overhang area of a roof structure of a building comprises spraying an adhesive material to a soffit to secure the soffit to a wall and/or the roof structure. The adhesive material may be further applied to seal the perforations of the soffits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. PLATTS
  • Publication number: 20090049795
    Abstract: A method for securing a roof sheathing and shingles in a retrofitting reinforcement of an existing roof structure, the shingles being laid on the roof sheathing in a partially overlapping pattern, comprises (a) driving a plurality of fasteners down through selected shingles and the roof sheathing in a selected area of the roof structure into at least one of underlying roof frames; and (b) applying a water-resistant coating to the roof structure to seamlessly cover exposed surfaces with exposed ends and sides of all shingles in the selected area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. PLATTS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080286038
    Abstract: A retrofitting apparatus for reinforcement of an existing roof frame structure includes first and second plates normal to each other and mounted to a roof support member and a side of a roof frame, respectively. A load bearing member with a free end projects from a top en of the second plate to engage the roof frame at the side of the roof frame in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upwardly under uplift forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen F. OGDEN, Robert E. PLATTS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070241316
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7232114
    Abstract: A fence assembly comprising fence posts, fence rails and clips for connecting them together. The fence posts have at least one opening in one or more of the walls and the rail clips are sized to snap fit into the openings. The rail clip includes a rear wall with a pair of aligned side walls extending outwardly away therefrom. A pair of spaced apart flanges extend outwardly away from the outer surface of each side wall and the spaced apart flanges define a slot therebetween. A portion of the wall of the post is received within each slot when the clip is inserted into the opening. The rail is inserted into the clip and then fasteners are employed to secure the clip and rail together and, if desired, to secure the clip to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7216855
    Abstract: A fence rail mounting clip for connecting a hollow fence rail to a vertical post. The mounting clip includes a base that is selectively interlockable with a bracket. The bracket has a front surface with a peripheral wall extending normal to and outwardly therefrom to define a fence rail receptacle for receiving an end of the rail therein. A rail support extends normal to and outwardly from the front surface of the bracket from a position within the rail receptacle. The rail support is separated from the peripheral wall by a gap. The rail support terminates in an outermost edge which lies further from the front surface of the bracket than does the outermost edge of the peripheral wall. When the rail is received in the rail receptacle, the walls of the rail are received within the gap between the rail support and peripheral wall and are wedged therebetween, and the rail support extends into the bore of the hollow rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7147212
    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: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7125002
    Abstract: A fence rail mounting clip for connecting a hollow fence rail to a vertical post. The mounting clip includes a base that is selectively interlockable with a bracket. The bracket has a front surface with a peripheral wall extending normal to and outwardly therefrom to define a fence rail receptacle for receiving an end of the rail therein. A rail support extends normal to and outwardly from the front surface of the bracket from a position within the rail receptacle. The rail support is separated from the peripheral wall by a gap. The rail support terminates in an outermost edge which lies further from the front surface of the bracket than does the outermost edge of the peripheral wall. When the rail is received in the rail receptacle, the walls of the rail are received within the gap between the rail support and peripheral wall and are wedged therebetween, and the rail support extends into the bore of the hollow rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7044451
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket and a rail connector. The bracket may be secured to the vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted and the connector is adapted to slidingly engage the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector along 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: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6986505
    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 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: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20040099855
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket and a rail connector. The bracket may be secured to the vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted and the connector is adapted to slidingly engage the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector along 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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6718710
    Abstract: A post mount for affixing a construction member having a cavity to a floor includes a support block, an adjustment plate, a plurality of adjustment bolts threadably mounted to the adjustment plate, a bearing plate, a plurality of optional compression pins, a clamping plate, a bolt extending therethrough, and a nut connected to the bolt. The support block is fixedly attached to the floor and is slidingly received in the cavity. The post mount securely affixes the post to the floor and permits the post to be oriented plumb with the vertical direction and provides support to allow the post to withstand moderate shock loading to the lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt