Patents by Inventor Wayne A. Knepp

Wayne A. Knepp 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: 11273857
    Abstract: A tugger cart includes a tugger frame having a first side member, a second side member, and a locking member disposed in between the first side member and the second side member. A first roller assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the first side member and a second roller assembly coupled to an inner surface of the second side member. Each of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly include a roller assembly frame and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the roller assembly frame. The roller assembly frame supports the plurality of wheels at a slant that declines from a rear of the tugger frame to a front of the tugger frame. An actuator is configured to raise and lower the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly relative to the first side member and the second side member respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: J-TEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Ryan Merritt, Christopher Jacob Camp
  • Patent number: 11214439
    Abstract: A tugger cart includes a tugger frame having a first side member, a second side member, and a clasping member. A plurality of wheels are coupled to a bottom of the tugger frame. Each of the first side member and the second side member include a plurality of roller wheels rotatably coupled to an inner side and rotatable about a horizontal axis. The plurality of roller wheels align along an angled plane that declines from a rear of the tugger frame to a front of the tugger frame. The clasping member includes at least one fixed arm, at least one telescoping arm, an actuator, and a grab arm extendable and retractable from the at least one telescoping arm. The actuator converts the telescoping arm between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: J-Tec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Christopher Jacob Camp, Wayne Andrew Knepp, Nicholas Michael Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20210276806
    Abstract: A tugger cart includes a tugger frame having a first side member, a second side member, and a clasping member. A plurality of wheels are coupled to a bottom of the tugger frame. Each of the first side member and the second side member include a plurality of roller wheels rotatably coupled to an inner side and rotatable about a horizontal axis. The plurality of roller wheels align along an angled plane that declines from a rear of the tugger frame to a front of the tugger frame. The clasping member includes at least one fixed arm, at least one telescoping arm, an actuator, and a grab arm extendable and retractable from the at least one telescoping arm. The actuator converts the telescoping arm between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Christopher Jacob Camp, Wayne Andrew Knepp, Nicholas Michael Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20210276603
    Abstract: A tugger cart includes a tugger frame having a first side member, a second side member, and a locking member disposed in between the first side member and the second side member. A first roller assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the first side member and a second roller assembly coupled to an inner surface of the second side member. Each of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly include a roller assembly frame and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the roller assembly frame. The roller assembly frame supports the plurality of wheels at a slant that declines from a rear of the tugger frame to a front of the tugger frame. An actuator is configured to raise and lower the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly relative to the first side member and the second side member respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Ryan Merritt, Christopher Jacob Camp
  • Patent number: 11014593
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an improved tugger and rider cart assembly system is presented. The system comprising a tugger cart with a central space to receive a rider cart; the tugger cart having both front side and rear side pluralities of transport wheels approximately parallel to, but not touching, ground; a front side and a rear side loading wheel positioned closer to the ground than the transport wheels; a rider cart having a first wing and a second wing, both wings having a curved portion; and wherein the loading wheels and wing curved portions can be operatively connected to allow a user to move the rider cart onto the tugger cart thereby allowing the tugger cart to transport the rider cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Kris A. Buckert, Nicholas Michael Kaiser, Ryan Wilham Greiner
  • Publication number: 20190308651
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an improved tugger and rider cart assembly system is presented. The system comprising a tugger cart with a central space to receive a rider cart; the tugger cart having both front side and rear side pluralities of transport wheels approximately parallel to, but not touching, ground; a front side and a rear side loading wheel positioned closer to the ground than the transport wheels; a rider cart having a first wing and a second wing, both wings having a curved portion; and wherein the loading wheels and wing curved portions can be operatively connected to allow a user to move the rider cart onto the tugger cart thereby allowing the tugger cart to transport the rider cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: J-Tec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Kris A. Buckert, Nicholas Michael Kaiser, Ryan Wilham Greiner
  • Publication number: 20170211300
    Abstract: A door retention system for use with a building is described herein. The building includes a frame and a sliding door. The door retainer system includes a door retainer coupled to the frame and a latch retainer assembly coupled to the sliding door. The door retainer includes a housing coupled to the frame and a retainer bolt extending outwardly from the housing. The latch retainer assembly includes a retainer catch coupled to the sliding door and a pivot catch coupled to the retainer catch. The retainer catch includes a slot defined along an outer surface of the retainer catch configured to receive the retainer bolt therein as the sliding door is moved from the open position to the closed position. The pivot catch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and configured to engage the retainer bolt in the latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp
  • Patent number: 9217248
    Abstract: A column assembly for use in a building foundation system is described herein. The column assembly includes a height adjustment assembly for use in adjusting an overall length of the column assembly. The height adjustment assembly includes an access tube assembly and a rod assembly. The access tube assembly includes a tube cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod assembly is rotatably coupled to the access tube assembly and extends outwardly from the access tube assembly along the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement assembly is coupled to the height adjustment assembly. A column connector assembly is coupled to the reinforcement assembly and includes a baseplate that is coupled to the access tube assembly. The baseplate includes an access opening extending therethrough that provides access to the tube cavity through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: MORTON BUILDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele, John Leesman
  • Patent number: 9211900
    Abstract: A tugger cart that has a first side, a second side and a locking portion is provided. The first side and second side may include guide wheels aligned in an upward slant. The locking portion may include a rocking arm that is pivotally attached to the tugger cart. The rocking arm may include a lock pedal and an unlock pedal. A rider cart may include a first side and a second side. The first and second side may include wings that are slanted upward, similar to the guide wheels. The rider cart may be pushed onto the tugger cart and the wings may roll along the guide wheels. The rider cart may apply pressure to the lock pedal and the unlock pedal may pivot upward, locking the rider cart onto the tugger cart. To unlock the rider cart, the unlock pedal may be pushed downward, and the rider cart may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Wayne Knepp
  • Publication number: 20150225007
    Abstract: A tugger cart that has a first side, a second side and a locking portion is provided. The first side and second side may include guide wheels aligned in an upward slant. The locking portion may include a rocking arm that is pivotally attached to the tugger cart. The rocking arm may include a lock pedal and an unlock pedal. A rider cart may include a first side and a second side. The first and second side may include wings that are slanted upward, similar to the guide wheels. The rider cart may be pushed onto the tugger cart and the wings may roll along the guide wheels. The rider cart may apply pressure to the lock pedal and the unlock pedal may pivot upward, locking the rider cart onto the tugger cart. To unlock the rider cart, the unlock pedal may be pushed downward, and the rider cart may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: J-TEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Wayne Knepp
  • Patent number: 8998274
    Abstract: A sliding door latching and locking system is disclosed which includes a latch assembly, a lift rod assembly, and a retainer assembly, among other things. In some embodiments, the latch assembly includes a support member mounted in a movable body and a latching arm pivotally mounted to the support member having a distal end thereof extending outside of the periphery of the movable body, wherein the distal end includes an engagement facilitating portion with a sloped outer surface for contacting an interlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Brian Cook
  • Publication number: 20140373471
    Abstract: A column assembly for use in a building foundation system is described herein. The column assembly includes a height adjustment assembly for use in adjusting an overall length of the column assembly. The height adjustment assembly includes an access tube assembly and a rod assembly. The access tube assembly includes a tube cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod assembly is rotatably coupled to the access tube assembly and extends outwardly from the access tube assembly along the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement assembly is coupled to the height adjustment assembly. A column connector assembly is coupled to the reinforcement assembly and includes a baseplate that is coupled to the access tube assembly. The baseplate includes an access opening extending therethrough that provides access to the tube cavity through the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele, John Leesman
  • Patent number: 8347571
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Patent number: 8347584
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Publication number: 20120151871
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Publication number: 20120043767
    Abstract: A sliding door latching and locking system is disclosed which includes a latch assembly, a lift rod assembly, and a retainer assembly, among other things. In some embodiments, the latch assembly includes a support member mounted in a movable body and a latching arm pivotally mounted to the support member having a distal end thereof extending outside of the periphery of the movable body, wherein the distal end includes an engagement facilitating portion with a sloped outer surface for contacting an interlocking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: David A. Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Brian Cook
  • Publication number: 20110296770
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Patent number: 7980034
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Patent number: 7735273
    Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Morton Buildings
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, David E. Laux, Kevin Potter
  • Patent number: D613429
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Morton Buildings
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, Paul G. Remmele, John Brazil, Verne Voth