Patents Issued in June 11, 2002
-
Patent number: 6401366Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper secured to a longitudinal sole with a frame preferably having a stabilizing band extending between axially decoupled heel and opposite forefoot portions of the sole. The band has a central portion extending above the heel and forefoot portions of the sole and adjacent to an upper such that the forefoot and heel portions of the sole may axially pivot about a longitudinal axis parallel to and above the longitudinal axis of the heel and forefoot portions while resisting deflection in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole, thereby supporting a foot along its entire longitudinal length while permitting the article of footwear to conform with the axial movements of an athlete's foot while running. In a preferred embodiment, the axis of axial pivoting is the axis of pronation of a foot while running in the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Foxen, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Mark E. Cartier
-
Patent number: 6401367Abstract: A load-bearing apparatus including a raised front portion, the so-called shovel, that maintains the direction of the apparatus while allowing gliding. The lower surface of the shovel includes a protuberance that is oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis. The protuberance is connected to one of the edges of the shovel by a gliding surface that has a substantially continuous slope.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Salomon S.A.Inventor: Bruno Lancon
-
Patent number: 6401368Abstract: An excavator and a method of use of the excavator is provided for use in excavating a trench having a pipeline extending along one side thereof in a longitudinal direction of the trench. The excavator is positioned adjacent the pipeline opposite the trench and includes a hydraulic arm arranged to extend over the pipeline and into the trench. A hydraulic clam bucket is mounted on a free end of the hydraulic arm for excavating earth from the trench. The arm includes articulation joints about both horizontal and vertical axes such that the base of the excavator adjacent the pipeline may remain fixed in relation to the pipeline as the bucket is guided within the trench.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: James A. McLeod, Murray Pisony
-
Patent number: 6401369Abstract: A grubbing tool is provided for attachment to an excavator or other earth working machine, of the type having extensions from the boom such as a dipper stick and dipper stick linkage. The tool is moved arcuately and vertically to pull rooted brush having substantially sized taproots. The excavator's power is optimized at the cutting blade by the attachment of the dipper stick and dipper stick linkage near the top of the tool, as well as, the sizing and the configuration of the two primary side members. The cutting blade and both side members have both front and rear cutting edges, allowing a fore and aft pattern of approaching brush which optimizes tool effectiveness. The side members have substantially straight front and rear edges, which can be positioned flush with the disturbed surface following brush removal, providing a leveling function as the tool is moved laterally.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Oral Edison Turner
-
Patent number: 6401370Abstract: A dragline comprising a main housing including a generally horizontal platform, a boom extending forwardly from the main housing, a bucket suspended from the boom, a winding drum mounted on the platform for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, a fairlead mechanism mounted on the platform forward of the drum, the fairlead mechanism including an upper sheave mounted on a generally C-shaped upper bracket for rotation relative thereto about a generally horizontal upper axis, the upper bracket opening rearwardly and being mounted on the platform for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis, and a lower sheave mounted on a generally C-shaped lower bracket for rotation relative thereto about a generally horizontal lower axis rearward and below the upper axis, the lower bracket being substantially identical to the upper bracket, opening forwardly and being mounted on the platform for pivotal movement about the generally vertical axis, such that the vertical axis extends between the upper and lower sheaType: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies Inc.Inventors: Eric C. Blom, Harvey J. Kallenberger
-
Patent number: 6401371Abstract: An eyeglass holder and desk frame which provides an area to hold eyeglasses as well as hollow tubes to store pens, a storage cup, and a frame to hold pictures. More specifically, the eyeglass holder and desk organizer provides a hook and frame on which to place an eyeglass as well as clear plastic sections held within the wire frame in which to place pictures. There is also a slot, attached to the base, wherein the slot is designed to hold a series of business cards within the slot.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Rudolph Martorella
-
Patent number: 6401372Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for business cards with a rectangular area having holes at its corners into which the corner of a business card are inserted.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Spencer Kovner
-
Patent number: 6401373Abstract: An illuminated address display comprises a generally rectangular light housing defining an interior space and an open front. A light source coupled to a power source is positioned within the interior space of the light housing so as to project light forwardly therefrom through the open front. A pair of spaced apart metallic members extend longitudinally between side panels of the light housing and are positioned adjacent top and bottom panels thereof. The address display further includes a plurality of character plates, each plate having a cutout in the shape of an alphanumeric character or artistic design. Each plate further includes a pair of spaced apart magnetic elements for removably adhering to respective metallic members, whereby an address may be formed and displayed as light from the light source passes through the cutouts of selectively positioned character plates.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Clifford E. Sexton
-
Patent number: 6401374Abstract: A message display device for selectively displaying a variety of different messages from the rear of a vehicle. The message display device includes a message box that has a message plate with an inscribed message removably mounted thereon. The message box is secured on top of an adjustable bracket or a fixed bracket that is mounted to a vehicle surface. The message box is preferably mounted just inside the rear window, facing outward. The message display device is connected to the fuse box and is provided with a control switch that is mounted on the dash board of the vehicle to allow the driver to activate the message display device to illuminate the message plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Reslan Bahmad
-
Patent number: 6401375Abstract: A polymeric tag has a body and an integral insertion leg which is tapered to facilitate insertion either into the soil or into a slot formed in the edge of a pot. The extending leg includes a plurality of spaced indentations for strengthening the leg as well as a trapezoidal locking tab extending outwardly from the plane of the leg to permit easy insertion into either the soil or pot and resist removal therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: The John Henry CompanyInventor: Robert C. Hickmott
-
Patent number: 6401376Abstract: A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate. The retaining pockets can form a frame extending along two, three or all four sides of the photograph, wherein the retaining pocket engages the retained photograph along at least three sides.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: Holly S. Cumberland, Todd C. Cumberland
-
Patent number: 6401377Abstract: A resettable trigger mechanism has an activating rod with a first portion slidably mounted in a housing and a second portion extending from the housing. The activating rod has a notch formed in its first portion. A trigger is coupled to the activating rod's second portion. A first spring coupled between the activating rod and housing biases the second portion towards the housing. A reset rod has a first section slidably mounted in the housing and a second section extending from the housing. The reset rod has a cutout portion formed in its first section for slidingly receiving therethrough the first portion of the activating rod. A second spring is coupled between the reset rod and housing for biasing the second section away from the housing. When the trigger is activated, the activating rod is pulled from the housing to align its notch with the cutout portion of the reset rod so that the reset rod can move under the force of the second spring until the reset rod's cutout portion engages the notch.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Vincent J. Vendetti, Michael M. Canaday, Charles F. Stevens
-
Patent number: 6401378Abstract: A safety mechanism for a breechblock (10) for repeating weapons, having an operating means (29) arranged on the bolt handle (19), the operating means are operatively connected to a locking bolt (33) which, in the securing position and the safety-release position of the breechblock (10), can be brought into engagement with associated locking grooves (37, 38) of the breechblock sleeve (11).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Sommer + Ockenfuss GmbHInventor: Ulrich Ockenfuss
-
Patent number: 6401379Abstract: A handgun frame assembly includes a frame member composed of polymer material. A metallic, one-piece, front structural member has a transverse connector encased in the front end portion of the floor of the frame member and right and left rail segments extending laterally inward from the interior surfaces of right and left side walls of the frame member, respectively. A metallic, one-piece, rear structural member has a transverse connector encased in the rear end portion of the floor of the frame member and right and left rail segments extending laterally outward from the exterior surfaces of the right and left side walls, respectively. A slide is supported on the rail segments of the front and rear structural members for reciprocal sliding movement between battery and retired positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Kook-Jin Moon
-
Patent number: 6401380Abstract: A automated jigging apparatus for receiving and automatically jigging a fishing pole. The automated jigging apparatus includes a housing. A coupling means pivotally couples the fishing rod in a position generally above and to the housing. The coupling means includes a support means for supporting the fishing rod. The support means extends upwardly away from the housing. A receiving means receives the end of the fishing rod is rotatably mounted to the support means. An actuating assembly for jigging the receiving means includes a motor. The motor is adapted to rotate a gear. The gear is adapted to move an end of a rod up and down with respect to the base portion. The actuating assembly is generally positioned in a central portion of the housing. A Linking means links the rod to the receiving means.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Jacob H. McGonigal, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6401381Abstract: A fishing rod holder which positively retains and secures a plurality of poles for storage and cleaning includes a base defining an internal cavity in communication with a fill hole for adding weight to the device. The base also includes apertures which extend through the base and legs for holding the base above a support surface. Opposingly located side panels are connected to the base by hinges and include channels which are positioned to align with the apertures in the base to form rod retention holes.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Du-Bro Products, INCInventor: James E. Broberg
-
Patent number: 6401382Abstract: A fishing apparatus is provided which overcomes a number of disadvantages with the conventional “jug line” used in jug fishing. The fishing apparatus includes an elongated cylindrical float of a pliable, resilient, and buoyant material. The float has a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced first and second ends. An eye is fixedly secured to the first end of the float, and a fishing line has an end attached to the eye. At least one hook is attached to the fishing line at a position spaced from the end of the fishing line. A counterweight is embedded in the second end of the float to assist in maintaining the float in a horizontal position before a fish strikes. The float assumes a vertical position when a fish is caught.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Raymond D. Larkin
-
Patent number: 6401383Abstract: An improved non-toxic, non-chemical, non-polluting, inexpensive electronic apparatus to control the population of many species of flies both indoors and outdoors around poultry and animal enclosures and food processing facilities which attracts and then kills the flies with a short burst of high voltage oscillations that is applied to an exposure pair of closely spaced parallel conductors or an exposed grid network of closely spaced parallel conductors.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: David P. Meade, Robert H. Richardson
-
Patent number: 6401384Abstract: An insect bait station comprising a housing having an outer wall forming an opening therein and a region therein to receive an insect bait formulation, a cover, securable to the housing, and having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a plurality of gates forming gate openings sized to allow selective entry of insects, wherein the cover further includes an aperture with a seal disposed therein, the seal including a slit dimensioned to permit replenishment of the insect bait formulation in the housing while essentially preventing the undesirable escape of insect bait station formulation therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.Inventors: Carl D. Contadini, Nicholas A. Velezis, John J. Dean
-
Patent number: 6401385Abstract: The present invention is a plant support that can be used on either a T-shaped post or a U-shaped post. The support includes a ring for supporting the plant and a latching section which engages the post. The height of the support on the post can be easily altered if the user so desires. The support ring may further include a removable arc section to allow the support ring to be easily removed from around the plant.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: R. Amil Kleinert
-
Patent number: 6401386Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for the efficient and economical production of flowering plants from bulbs. Using the procedures described herein, it is possible to produce large numbers of healthy plants from bulbs or even seeds in a timely fashion. Specifically, bulbs or seeds are placed in at least one growth tray and stored in a cool environment. Such environment induces plant growth in roots and shoots. Once the roots and shoots of the plants form an interwoven cluster on the interior bottom surface of a growth tray, the plant clusters and the growth tray are removed from the cool environment and planted as a unit in soil to grow to maturity.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Nan-Jing Ko
-
Patent number: 6401387Abstract: A cellular container assembly comprises collapsible linked two-layer, open-ended structure containers formed of opposed container walls. The containers are formed by weldment at opposed contacting wall portions to form multiple cells for retention of a soil mix and an associated plant. The assembly also comprises a soil drain board upon which the containers are supported. The drain board defines a fluid permeable mat having pylons and a foraminous screen resting upon the mat. The drain board is mounted in a watertight box to confine the containers and drainage board. A drain in the box recycles fluid or permits runoff.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Atlantic Construction Fabrics, Inc.Inventors: Rinaldo J. Diloreto, Michael D. Shipley, Jerry C. Murphy, Ronald A. Hunter
-
Patent number: 6401388Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, the sleeve having a base portion with side and bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position and method of using same. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l. Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
-
Patent number: 6401389Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic plant watering system and method having a container for receiving a plant. The container has a dividing wall which divides the container into a plant-receiving area and a fluid container area for receiving a fluid container. When the fluid container is mounted in the fluid container receiving area, an actuator on the container actuates and opens a flapper valve so that fluid may pass from the container into the plant-receiving area. The container is situated a predetermined distance in the container-receiving area which defines the amount of water to be provided and maintained in the plant-receiving area.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: Randy A. Mount, Don Carone, Ralph F. Conley, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6401390Abstract: This invention relates to a mulch having a preprogrammed biodegradability comprising at least two different layers of biodegradable polymer coated onto a sheet of a cellulosic material, one of these layers being a layer of polylactide. The mulch is particularly useful to control weeds in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry industries. The biodegradability of the mulch can further be preprogrammed according to the type of soil, the climatological zone, and the specific applications wherefore it is intended to be used. The present invention is also directed to methods for preparing and using the multilayer coated mulch.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Cascades Multi-Pro Inc.Inventors: Michel Labbé, Marc Dubuc
-
Patent number: 6401391Abstract: A louver assembly comprises a plurality of parallel horizontally extending louvers pivotally secured at their opposite ends to a supporting frame and a control bar which determines angled positioning of the louvers. The control bar has a modular construction in that it is formed by a plurality of bar segments, that interlock, vertically aligned with one another. Each bar segment pivotally connects to an associated louver such that all of the louvers move in unison through a single movement of the control bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Vinylbiltshutter Systems Inc.Inventor: Angelo Gabriele
-
Patent number: 6401392Abstract: A power operating apparatus for a vehicle door moveable between an opened position and a closed position, includes a drive mechanism provided at the inside of a vehicle body with respect to a door opening of the vehicle door to power move the vehicle door in an opening direction toward the opened position and in a closing direction toward the closed position, and a power-transmission mechanism mechanically linking the drive mechanism with the vehicle door to enable power transmission between the drive mechanism and the vehicle door. A through-opening in the body panel of the vehicle body so that the through-opening is arranged outside of the inner peripheral edge of the door opening. The power-transmission mechanism having at least a linkage portion capable of going into and out of the interior of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Yuge
-
Patent number: 6401393Abstract: First and second door leaves are pivotable with respect to a door frame and each door leaf has a hinge edge at which it is hingedly attached to the door frame. Each door leaf is provided with a door closer and a pull arm for closing the door leaf. The door frame is provided with a guide rail mounted to the door frame for guiding movement of distal ends of the pull arms longitudinally of the guide member. During closing movement of the second door leaf, the distal end of the second pull arm moves along the guide rail initially in an allowing direction, away from the hinge edge of the second door leaf, and subsequently in a blocking direction, towards the hinge edge of the second door leaf. During closing movement of the second door leaf, a blocking device allows movement of the distal end of the second pull arm past the blocking device in the allowing direction and selectively prevents return movement of the distal end of the second pull arm past the blocking device in the blocking direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Abloy OyInventor: Harri Juntunen
-
Patent number: 6401394Abstract: A cutout is provided in an upper edge of a door inner panel at a rear end portion thereof, and a clip member is provided on a door window glass inner weatherstrip which is mounted along the upper edge and is brought into abutment against front and rear vertical portions of a glass run at front and rear terminal ends thereof at such a position that corresponds to the cutout when the rear terminal end of the door window glass inner weatherstrip is brought into abutment against the glass run. The clip member is then brought into engagement with the cutout to position the door window glass inner weatherstrip for mounting, whereby no gap is formed at a portion where the rear terminal end and the glass run attach to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Nozaki
-
Patent number: 6401395Abstract: A plastic louver for a shutter comprises a main louver body with end caps which are made separately from the louver body. The louver body before receiving the end caps has open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouth wall and each end cap has an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall of the end cap. The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls. This construction gives the plastic louver a one piece wooden look.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: VinylBilt Shutter Systems Inc.Inventor: Angelo Gabriele
-
Patent number: 6401396Abstract: A device (10; 10a) for guiding and limiting the travel of a sliding door element (1) has a receiving and stop element (12; 12a; 12b; 12c) which cooperates by positive engagement with a centering element (11; 11a). It is proposed that the centering element (11; 11a) be embodied with a wedge-shaped portion (18; 29) and that the receiving and stop element (12; 12a; 12b; 12c) be embodied with a V-shaped portion (19; 40). The device (10; 10a) is especially simply embodied and requires only little effort for assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Koban, Armin Breitenbuecher, Heinz Haug, Hellmut Walter
-
Patent number: 6401397Abstract: A sealing profile for use in automobile door openings, having a profile body and a covering element secured to the profile body. The covering element is made of two layers, a lower layer facing the profile body and comprising an unfoamed thermoplastic elastomer, and an upper layer facing away from the profile body and comprising a water foamed thermoplastic elastomer. The sealing profile can be used to seal the door of the automobile against the interior roof of the automobile in an attractive an economical manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Henniges Elastomer- und Kunstsofftechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jürgen Klein, Rudolf Szed, Werner Sievers
-
Patent number: 6401398Abstract: A sealing arrangement between an opening leaf and a frame, one of the frame and leaf providing an elongate recess, and the other of the leaf and frame carrying an elongate seal which, when the leaf is closed with respect to the frame, is received in the recess, wherein the elongate seal includes a plurality of axially extending outwardly projecting formations, and an internal hollow, the recess and the seal being configured such that as the leaf is closed and the seal is received in the recess, a first of the axially extending outwardly projecting formations of the seal engages with a respective first part of an inside surface of the recess and as the leaf is continued to be closed, the seal becomes deformed in a manner to cause the or at least one of the other axially extending outwardly projecting formations to be urged into sealing engagement with a second part of the inside surface of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: GKN Westland Helicopters LimitedInventors: Nick Andrew Panayides, Richard Leslie Carter
-
Patent number: 6401399Abstract: A refrigerated, reach-in merchandiser having a product display area with a front opening defined by casing means having at least two mullion members, a reach-in door for closing the front opening and being hingedly mounted on one of the mullion members by door control means, said reach-in door having a transparent panel with a molded frame and at least two glass lites, door control means for hingedly mounting the door on said merchandiser, electric means for said merchandiser including lighting means on one of the mullion members for illuminating the display area, said electric means also including heating means for the glass lites of the transparent panel and including a key member for connecting said heating means to said merchandiser. A thermal door and a method for making the same are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventors: John M. Roche, John A. Behr, John M. Rasch
-
Patent number: 6401400Abstract: This invention comprises reinforced industrial vaults with segmented knock-outs having a variety of shapes and orientations. The invention also comprises vaults having cast-in cable racks. The cable racks can be electrically connected to the reinforcing elements during manufacture, providing electrical grounding of electronic equipment placed in the vault. Cable channels can be installed at desired locations by selecting a knock-out, removing the knock-out and installing a terminator plate having cable conduits. Cable conduits can have diaphragms that can be removed to provide additional choices for locating cable channels. Cable channels can be provided in a vault in the field, even if the vault has been already installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: NewBasis, LLCInventor: Thomas P. Elliott
-
Patent number: 6401401Abstract: The invention relates to an improved multi-component flashing system for controlling water and air that intrudes at windows, doors, louvers and other wall penetrations. It accomplishes this through the use of several known commercially available products which are applied to the areas to be protected in a unique manner thus saving time and providing a heretofore unknown measure of protection. The first product is an elastomeric adhesive sealant which readily bonds to most building materials as well as the components of this system. The second product is a clay coated polyethylene film which can be folded, cut and shaped to fit various opening conditions. A third, optional component, is a uniquely designed preformed flexible termination accessory which also readily bonds to the clay coated film material through the use of the elastomeric adhesive sealant. The clay coated film material is readily available in roll form and can readily be hand cut to the dimensions of the particular job.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Mark F. Williams
-
Patent number: 6401402Abstract: The invention relates to an improved flashing system and method for controlling water and air intrusion around windows, doors, louvers and other wall penetrations. More specifically, the invention utilizes commercially available products such as coated polyethylene sheet material and elastomeric rubber adhesive sealant in a unique manner. It has been found that this polyethylene coated material can be creased and folded to form a flashing component and serve to control water and air intrusion. Prior to this invention, a separate pre-molded termination accessory was required to effectively seal corner areas around window and door rough openings. Additionally, the invention provides for full perimeter flashing and supplemental sealing at selected joint locations prior to installation of a closure member in the opening to prevent water and air intrusion around windows, doors and other building openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Mark F. Williams
-
Patent number: 6401403Abstract: A storm shelter kit is provided including several enclosure wall panels; wall panel interconnection structures for joining the enclosure wall panels together to define an enclosure having side and top enclosure wall portions; and several soil retaining panels for placement around the enclosure for supporting soil placed around and at least partially covering the enclosure wall panels. The storm shelter kit includes at least one set of the soil retaining panels of progressively decreasing height, for placement in series in progressively increasing distances from the enclosure and for receiving soil between the enclosure and the soil retaining panels and between the soil retaining panels, to define a mound of soil of selectable shape surrounding the enclosure and at least partially covering the wall panels. The wall panels preferably are formed of corrugated steel.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Alfonso Oviedo-Reyes
-
Patent number: 6401404Abstract: A decorative, spherically shaped structure formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, elongated, pivotably interconnected ribs that lie in substantially coplanar, contiguous relation to each other when not expanded, but are readily expandable to form a discontinuous, substantially spherical body having top and bottom hub sections formed by end panels unitarily molded onto the ends of each rib. The pivotable interconnection between adjacent ribs is achieved by providing tabs on the end panels, the tabs having cylindrical apertures cooperatively alignable with mating tabs of adjacent ribs, permitting such cooperatively aligned tabs to be pinned or riveted together to form an integral structure. The end panels of each molded rib preferably further comprise cooperatively engageable lips having stepped cross-sections that intermesh to form substantially continuous upper and lower hub surfaces providing strength and rigidity to the expanded sphere.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Gary Products Group, Inc.Inventors: Stephen L. Fillipp, Chad H. Jones
-
Patent number: 6401405Abstract: A method and system for use in forming arched openings in both concrete block and wood frame building construction. In block construction the present invention provides for the use of monolithic plant pre-cast and reinforced concrete header and arched filler combination units that is load-bearing, and in wood frame construction the present invention provides for the use of non-load-bearing pre-formed arch-filling members that could be made from recycled plastic attached to or including a lintel for overlaying the surrounding wall frame. Use of the present invention would eliminate the need for labor-intensive post and beam type headers with a site-built wooden arch and thereby reduce the on-site costs currently associated with site installation of windows and doors having an arched upper perimeter. The materials from which the present invention is made would determine its load-bearing capacity.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: C. Lorin Hicks
-
Patent number: 6401406Abstract: Disclosed is a retainment system for concrete block inspection port coverplates. The retainment device is formed from a hook-shaped engagement shaft that is positionable around rebar through an inspection opening. A proximal end of the engagement shaft protrudes from the concrete block opening and is available for placement through an inspection opening coverplate. Either a U-shaped locking nut can be used to secure the coverplate to the engagement shaft, or the coverplate itself includes integrated annular grooves as a locking mechanism. The device provides for simplistic covering of any standard inspection opening, and the use of transparent plates providing an uninhibited view of the rebar presence and condition, even when the retainment device is mounted. The use of annular grooves placed perpendicular to the length of the shaft, allow for ease of shaft disengagement from the wall upon curing of the cement, providing a flush surface to either be left exposed or for placement of stucco thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Domald K. Komara
-
Patent number: 6401407Abstract: The present invention provides an earth anchor to secure a cover over a trench or hole in the ground. The device has a retaining cap which is attached to a rod. Extendible arms are connected to the rod below the cap. The end of the rod opposite the cap is inserted into the hole or trench until the cap rests at ground level, either on separate cover plates or on the ground itself. For large holes, the cap retains separate cover plates over the hole; for small holes, the cap acts as a cover itself. The arms are extended by a jack screw, rack and pinion, or other means until they contact the substrate or underside of the cover plates and clamp the same between the cap and the arms. The cover can be removed by reversing the motion of the jack screw or rack and pinion, and retracting the arms, thereby freeing the device to be removed from the whole.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Stay-Put Safety Plate Distribution, Inc.Inventor: Doy T. Humphrey
-
Patent number: 6401408Abstract: A stake having first and second generally planar members intersecting along a common longitudinal axis extending from a leading end adapted for ground penetration to a trailing end with a striking surface includes a plurality of steps toward the trailing end adapted for supporting posts of varying diameters. Support pads extend in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis from the steps to provide a support surface for securing a posts of varying diameters and/or shapes with a fastener. In one embodiment, the stake includes a number of holes extending through at least one of the first and second members and the first and second members include scalloped edges with a common apex at the leading end. In another embodiment, the second member includes a triangular portion with an apex displaced relative to the apex of the first member which may include a triangular or trapezoidal portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Plastics Research CorporationInventors: Carl I. Schwartz, Richard C. Kruyer, Richard A. Gauthier
-
Patent number: 6401409Abstract: An underground storm shelter comprising a bottom section, expander section and a top section bolted together to form the shelter. The base section has a closed bottom while the top section has an access hatch formed in the upper end thereof. The base section, expander section and top section are bolted together at the installation site. The walls of the base section and the top section are tapered to enable the base section and the top section to be nested during shipment. The expander section may be slipped over the top section.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Michael C. Martin
-
Patent number: 6401410Abstract: A glazing unit (1) comprises two sheets of glass (2, 3) which are separated by a spacer bar (5). An outer secondary seal (10) extends around the periphery of the glazing unit. The seal (10) has a number of peripherally spaced-apart fixing inserts (50) extending around the periphery of the glazing unit for fixing the glazing unit support (17). Each fixing insert (50) has a base wall section (51), parallel side walls (52) and end wall sections (53) which define an arcuate slot (55) closed at both ends. The configuration of the fixing inserts (50) allows simple fitting while ensuring the maximum bulk of material for structural strength. Opposed fixing inserts (50) are engaged, on assembly, by a toggle (60).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: Simon Joseph Kenny, Daniel Patrick O'Gorman
-
Patent number: 6401411Abstract: A post base has an upwardly-tapering portion. The base is designed to be at least partially buried in the ground.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Walpole Woodworkers, Inc.Inventor: Louis A. Maglio, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6401412Abstract: A roof system for sloped metal roofs utilizing plywood decking, corrugated metal panels and one or more spacers disposed between the decking and metal panels for holding the metal panels vertically above the decking. The spacers have a planar top section, a planar bottom section and a center section to hold the top and bottom sections in spaced apart relation. The spacers also have one or more openings to form an airflow cavity between the decking and metal panels to permit the circulation of air therein. In the preferred embodiment, a thermal barrier layer is disposed between the spacers and the decking and the airflow cavity connects to a ridge vent located at the ridge of the roof and an eave vent at the eave of the roof. The roof system allows ambient air to be drawn into the eave vent to circulate through the airflow cavity and out the ridge vent in order to prevent thermal flexing of the metal roof and the build-up of moisture between the metal panels and decking.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: John Cooper
-
Patent number: 6401413Abstract: An insulated concrete form wall building system wherein a first embodiment includes a pair of spaced apart elongated expanded polystyrene sidewalls, each having opposed inner surfaces that are formed with longitudinally spaced apart vertically oriented ribs that terminate in substantially flat surfaces to abut against one another to serve as a concrete wall form. A second embodiment includes a pair of spaced apart elongated expanded polystyrene sidewalls and divisional members with flat sides which are attached to said sidewalls to serve as a concrete wall form. The ribs define channels for receiving concrete poured therein to form a composite polystyrene and concrete wall structure in the first embodiment and the divisional members serve the same function in the second embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Michael H. Niemann
-
Patent number: 6401414Abstract: The use is described of rigid foam cores in panels, especially doors, of the kind comprising a foam core (22) between two molded skins (8,10). The weather-resistance, especially the resistance to thermally-induced bowing, of such panels is improved by forming the panel of at least one vacuum-formed thermoplastics skin (8,10) adhesively bonded to a substantially open-cell, rigid foam core (22). If the foam has frangible cell walls, it can be conformed to accommodate the depressed zones of a molded overlying door skin (8,10) by crumbling under compression, with fracture of the cell walls to accommodate the zones. A preferred open-cell rigid foam is a phenolic foam reinforced with finely divided particulate filler.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Acell Holdings LimitedInventors: Iain Steel, Aldino Albertelli
-
Patent number: 6401415Abstract: New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerisable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanised, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets. For application in the construction industry.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Industrias Auxiliares Faus, S.L.Inventor: Eugenio Cruz Garcia