Longitudinally Divided Or With Fabric Receiving Externally Exposed Channel Or Groove Patents (Class 160/391)
  • Patent number: 11844448
    Abstract: A vertical slot hanger assembly includes a substrate having a top edge and a bottom edge and a plurality of holes or slits formed therein along each of the top edge and the bottom edge. The assembly further includes a top rail and a bottom rail. Each of the top rail and the bottom rail includes a recessed channel that extends in a longitudinal direction. Each rail has a plurality of blind holes formed therein. Each blind hole intersects the recessed channel. The top edge of the substrate is received within the recessed channel of the top rail and the bottom edge of the substrate is received within the recessed channel of the bottom rail. The system further includes an elongated hanging element that is disposed within the recessed channel between the top edge of the substrate and a top surface of the recessed channel. The system includes a plurality of fasteners for reception in the plurality of blind holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Jessica Huffman, Ryan Kelly
  • Patent number: 8403021
    Abstract: A portable partition system for dividing spaces and which can easily be changed in appearance, function and size has at least one frame that includes interior grooves suitable for receiving rigid or flaccid panels. More frames may be connected with lift-off or removable pin hinge sections, which allows a user to add to or remove rigid rectangular frames from the system simply. Dowels may suspend fabric panels, or rigid flat panels may be slid down through an opening at the top of and into each frame along with removable bars to create a structure notably different in appearance or purpose. All of the components, including dowels, fabric panels, flat panels, and horizontal bars, are insertable into the rigid rectangular frames and are removable, reversible and replaceable at will, generally without tools, to achieve many different visual effects using the same set of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Julie M. Peterson, Brendan J. Mooney
  • Patent number: 7607268
    Abstract: A false wall includes a stretched piece of fabric held on the periphery thereof by an edge attachable to ribbands fixed to the ceiling or walls of a building. The ribbands include a holding arrangement having two interspaced parallel wings, namely a first external large wing and a second, lower, internal wing that ends in a shoulder extending towards the first wing and ending at a distance there from that enables the edge to be guided through, to rest on the shoulder. The ribband includes a base and two holding arrangements provided with inclined wings that converge towards each other and the space between the ends thereof is such that the distance between the end of a large wing and the plane of the large wing of the holding arrangement opposite is equal to the distance separating the shoulder of the holding arrangement from the large wing associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Scherrer, Jean-Paul Scherrer
  • Patent number: 7185690
    Abstract: An information presentation device and methods for mounting a display sheet to the device. The device includes an elongate housing having a first opening through which the display sheet passes. The display sheet is wound onto a drum within the housing. A releasable attachment arrangement in the form of an attachment strip to which a display sheet can be affixed and a receiving slot in the drum permits a display sheet to be attached to and removed from the information presentation device without the need to disassemble the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Marcbric Intressenter AB
    Inventors: Gert A. Johansson, Hans G. Hellström
  • Patent number: 7131683
    Abstract: A shade assembly includes a plurality of fastening blocks and a shade with a flexible frame. Each of the plurality of the fastening blocks is adhered onto a top edge or a bottom edge of a window frame of an automobile and has a lengthwise groove with a narrower opening for receiving the shade. Thus, the shade doesn't need to be removed when lifting or lowering the side window. Further, the shade can be easily removed because of the flexible frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Jing-Shyong Gong
  • Patent number: 6668495
    Abstract: A screened patio enclosure is provided with primary and secondary structural members for retaining screening fabric and decorative inserts that are available in a variety of pleasing colors and patterns thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the interior of the enclosure. Additionally, the primary members include integral recesses for receiving load carrying insert members thus allowing the load capacity of the primary structural members to be increased incrementally by varying the number of metallic inserts added to the primary structural members. The primary structural members include post/columns and beams while the secondary structural members include horizontal and diagonal purlins and base anchoring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Richard T. Prince
  • Patent number: 6619003
    Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Quanex Corporation
    Inventors: John Paul Von Arx, Charles Joseph Librande
  • Patent number: 6324797
    Abstract: A wall system is disclosed including a covering member for covering a wall. A support structure is affixed to the wall for supporting the covering member. A support bracket is secured to the covering member and removably engages the support structure, in order to retain the covering member along a vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Therm-All, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Fago, Jeffrey P. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6319307
    Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a commercial air filtration unit. The filter assembly includes a frame, a sorbent material filter, and a primary particulate filter. The frame defines an upstream portion and a downstream portion, with the upstream portion forming a lip. The sorbent material filter is coupled to the downstream portion. Conversely, the primary particulate filter is coupled to the upstream portion of the frame. In this regard, the primary particulate filter defines an inner face and an outer face. Upon assembly, the inner face is adjacent the sorbent material filter and the lip projects upstream of the outer face. During use, the lip provides a receiving surface for installation within a housing, while preventing damage to the filter materials. Further, the filter assembly can be selectively maneuvered to a partially released position relative to the housing whereby the filter assembly hangs freely from the housing, supported at the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn
  • Patent number: 6283456
    Abstract: A section rod is a component of a protective fence and serves for fastening a protective screen. A U-shaped receptacle, where the protective screen can be secured, is provided in the section rod. For this purpose, the receptacle has an internal width that is at least in part somewhat less than a thickness of the protective screen. An increased securing action can be achieved through additional sawtooth-shaped elevations. The section rod allows the protective screen to be mounted in a simple and reliable manner without additional fastening or securing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Benz, Joerg Walther, Johannes Koban, Olaf Klemd, Armin Breitenbücher
  • Patent number: 6070526
    Abstract: A tensioning system for use in a retensionable frame used in silk screening wherein the fabric is precut and bordered with splines such that the appropriate tension is predetermined. A wrench including indicia to assure proper placement upon the tensioning hex extension is provided with a stop which assures appropriate tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: James D. Larson
  • Patent number: 6003282
    Abstract: A movable safety barrier for use in constructing a roof structure having purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The barrier extends laterally across a plurality of the purlins. The barrier is mounted for movement along the length of the purlins as the roof structure is constructed. The barrier includes a plurality of runner portions positioned above the purlins. The barrier further includes a plurality of support portions extending between adjacent runner portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inx.
    Inventors: Robert J. Alderman, James E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5953873
    Abstract: A molding strip for fabric and wall systems has a base for securing it to a wall and a pair of flexible gripping walls facing each other between a fabric entry slot and a fabric receiving cavity. The flexible gripping walls have gripping teeth formed and arranged to encounter the inserted fabric with a front angled surface, with a back surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of fabric entry. The front and back surfaces of the gripping teeth form points projecting into cavities between the gripping teeth on the opposing gripping wall. A one piece fabric panel molding extrusion is "S" shaped and has overlapping alignment regions spaced from the base and may have pre-formed drill starting indentations and apetures. A two piece fabric panel molding includes a mounting base extrusion and a fabric locking extrusion with an interlocking arrangement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Novawall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan K. Livingston, Rob H. Reilly, Harry F. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 5904200
    Abstract: An elongated frame member and a rectangular screen frame assembly including the frame member having a unique cross sectional shape of the frame member for the reception and retention of flexible fiberglass or other types of screening material without requiring a separate spline or locking strip component. The uniform frame member cross section includes a substantially box or rectangular shaped main portion and substantially U-shaped portion positioned adjacent said main portion, said U-shaped portion including spaced apart first and second side walls and a bottom wall therebetween. Each first side wall is preferably substantially common with or defined by one surface of said main portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: James Edward Agen
  • Patent number: 5819836
    Abstract: An improved two-piece, gripping bar device for securing and selective roll-up of flexible sheeting useful is provided in screening outdoor rigid structures, like greenhouses. The identical rod-like pieces present a shape having an elongate cylindrical form upon conjoining which device grips a length of sheeting. The pieces permit firm mating by virtue of a linear mating ridge on the contacting surface of each member which compliments an opposing mating linear recess on the opposing surface of the other member, so that each member presents at least one pair of parallel, linear ridges and linear recesses. Central of the arcuate or somewhat squared outer surface of the device is at least one elongate channel adapted to receive and recess option of fastener heads that will retain a second or third sheet of flexible material and thus also be rolled-up with the inner sheeting to selected vertical heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Advancing Alternatives, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt A. Keil
  • Patent number: 5732494
    Abstract: A banner material holder has a bar supported against loads by a support device. The bar has at a predetermined circumferential position a longitudinally disposed opening for holding one of the edges of the banner material. The bar is adapted to attach to the support device along a transverse axis that is angularly spaced from the predetermined circumferential position. After an edge of the banner material is secured along the bar at the predetermined circumferential position, a portion of the banner material is wound around the bar. Then the bar is supported along the transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Glenn Davey
  • Patent number: 5690158
    Abstract: Device for fixing on a support (2) and stretching by its edges a panel (3) of supple material, of the type comprising a section (6) capable of being fixed on said support (2) and associated with means (19, 20) for blocking the edge of said panel (3) by pinching effect, characterized in that it comprises means (10-15) for removably connecting on said section (6) an element (7) of which the distal end, towards the edge of the panel (3), is provided with said pinching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Andre Bellamy
  • Patent number: 5671795
    Abstract: An improved two-piece, gripping bar device for securing and selective roll-up of flexible sheeting useful in screening outdoor rigid structures, like greenhouses. The identical rod-like pieces present a shape having an elongate cylindrical form upon conjoining which device grips a length of sheeting. The pieces permit firm mating by virture of a tapered ridge on the contacting surface of each member which compliments an opposing tapered recess on the opposing surface of the other member, so that each member presents a pair of parallel, linear ridges and linear recesses. Central of the arcuate outer surface of the device is at least one elongate channel adapted to receive and retain either a second or third sheet of flexible material and thus be rolled-up with the inner sheeting to selected vertical heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Advancing Alternatives, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt A. Keil
  • Patent number: 5562797
    Abstract: To form a seam of attractive appearance, a heated platen having a shaped lip acts to engage and press the central surface of an adhesively-backed sheet of a polymeric fabric against the top appearance surface of a panel and the peripheral edge of the sheet into a groove formed in the surface, the platen activating the adhesive and the lip forcing a potion of the adhesive inwardly adjacent to the sheet edge against one wall of the groove. An insertion blade presses a portion of the sheet edge towards the bottom of the groove, the blade acting as a heat shield to space and protect the other wall of the groove from the heated platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Becker Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5545488
    Abstract: A self-stabilizing extrusion for closure assemblies, including awnings, canopies, and displays having an elongated hollow frame substantially rectangular in vertical cross-section with inside and outside surfaces which is constructed of a top wall perpendicularly connected to parallel side walls terminating in perpendicular flange members parallel to the top wall. A slot opening is formed between the flange members for the receipt of closure material. The side walls are also interconnected by a slot base to which the closure material is affixed. A base support is provided between the slot base and the inside surface of the top wall. The slot is defined by the slot opening, the inside surfaces of the side walls below the slot base, and the slot base. The top and side walls may also include a plurality of stabilizing recesses and stabilizing notches. The corners are also equipped with stabilizing recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: AWNEX, Incorporated
    Inventor: Ralph C. Burke
  • Patent number: 5392576
    Abstract: A roof deck covering system with a means for securing a roof membrane over a roof deck, either at the periphery or in the interior of a roof, and holding it in place for an indefinite period of time and not affecting the watertight integrity of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Robert C. Yeamans
  • Patent number: 5368085
    Abstract: A flexible and reusable plastic window covering is designed to be selectively attached over an existing window opening to reduce or eliminate air leakage and drafts. Either hook and loop fasteners or locking strips can be used to attach the plastic sheath over a window opening and, if desired, the sheath can be provided with a zipper to allow air flow through the window. Special locking strips can be used to securely attach the flexible sheath over a window opening while facilitating an easy removal when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Shilpa S. Ruparelia
  • Patent number: 5267771
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for fastening an edge portion of a folding top of a convertible vehicle on a vehicle body includes a clamping element connected water-tightly to the edge portion of the folding top. A strip element is connected to the vehicle body and a cooperable connection on the clamping element and on the strip element connect the clamping element and the strip element. The clamping element has an integrally formed stabilizer operable to stabilize the cooperable connection which connects the clamping element and the strip element, the clamping element and the strip element along with the cooperable connection means being disposed within a vehicle body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Rothe
  • Patent number: 5237785
    Abstract: A structural member useful for awning structures, including: an elongated bottom wall; two elongated side walls orthogonally joined to the bottom wall; two inwardly facing, elongated top wall segments orthogonally joined to the side walls to define a stapling groove between the opposing distal edges of the top wall segments, such that a portion of a sheet of fabric may be inserted into the groove; a stapling platform disposed internally of the structural member, parallel to the bottom wall, and orthogonally attached to and extending between the side walls, such that the fabric may be stapled to the stapling platform; a first, elongated hollow channel disposed internally of structural member, defined between the stapling platform, the first and second side walls, and the bottom wall; first and second reinforcing walls disposed between and attached to the first and second top wall segments, respectively, and the stapling platform; second and third elongated hollow channels disposed internally of the structural
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen P. Lukes
  • Patent number: 5024015
    Abstract: A portable advertisement display utilizing a plurality of lightweight panels pivotally interconnected by hinges. The panels themselves are constructed of a polystyrene core located intermediate two rigid pressboard panels. Such material is very lightweight but will not accommodate direct connection of hinges. A channel member is secured to selected lateral edges of each panel to provide a stable base on which to connect the hinges. Each panel is sheathed in fabric characteristic of the looped facing of hook-and-loop adhesive material. The panels may be detachably connected in vertical orientation of one another by magnetic strips located on the upper and lower marginal edge of each panel. Advertisement items such as signs or placards are attached to the present invention with strips of fabric characteristic of the hooked portion of hook-and-loop adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: William B. Quarles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4817699
    Abstract: An extruded plastic wall track for affixing fabric to a wall includes an elongated base adapted to be secured to a wall which includes a generally flat surface having first and second edges. A first shoulder extends outwardly from the first edge of the base away from the wall and a second shoulder extends outwardly from the second edge of the base away from the wall. The first shoulder includes a first lip and the second shoulder includes a panel hingedly secured thereto having a second lip adapted to lock over the first lip. The second shoulder includes a flange extending outwardly therefrom and essentially parallel to the base and spaced therefrom, the flange being adapted to support a lining material spaced from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: DFB Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey C. Fein
  • Patent number: 4757854
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved tongue and groove connector for detachably fastening a stretchable fabric panel to a rigid frame which is characterized by a tongue-forming element attached along a line intermediate the side edges thereof to the panel in face-to-face relation to the latter, the tongue being of a width substantially greater than the groove is deep so as to define an insertable portion to be seated in the groove and a projecting portion extending therebeyond which defines a handhold. The invention also encompasses the novel method of making the aforesaid connection which comprises grasping the handhold to stretch the fabric to a point where the leading edge of the insertable portion lies adjacent the entryway into the groove and thereafter releasing the hold upon the projecting portion of the strap thereby permitting the stretched fabric to pull the insertable portion into seated relation in the bottom of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Rippberger
  • Patent number: 4447935
    Abstract: A device for mechanically joining sheet material, comprising a separable fastener which may have a pair of complementary extruded plastic members provided with resiliently separable interlocking fastener profiles, and at least one, and generally both, of the fastener members having releasable jaw extension structure for receiving and gripping and retaining sheet material to be joined. In certain forms, the jaw structure includes locking bar means arranged to be inserted into a cavity of the jaw structure. The jaw structure may be extruded from a plastic of greater durometer than the interlocking profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 4406279
    Abstract: Apparatus for stretching sheets of synthetic material across rigid frames, such as those used in sunray captors, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Ener-Nat SA
    Inventor: Benjamin Kohli
  • Patent number: 4319623
    Abstract: A window structure having a film supported optically flat between panes of glass, with the film secured at two opposing ends by a strip of metal grasping the film. The strip is held in a retainer resiliently secured in the glazing channel of the window. The glazing frame also includes side pieces and corner keys which support the opposed channels in spaced fixed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gerald P. Krogseng, Joseph G. Mandell, George L. Ruth
  • Patent number: 4279061
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing a flexible sheet, particularly through an intermediate member, to the frame surrounding the fluid-filled bladder of a waterbed. The apparatus comprises a U-shaped member of resilient material having a web portion and opposed first and second legs of substantially equal length extending from the web portion. The first leg has a lip directed away from the second leg. A retention member is connected to the second leg at the end of the second leg opposite the web portion and extends across the space between the opposed legs for less than such space. The retention member has a lip directed toward the second leg, whereby a flexible sheet inserted between the first leg and the retention member is secured when the lip on the first leg is engaged by the lip of the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Inventor: Philip J. Santo
  • Patent number: 4279064
    Abstract: A device for releasable attachment of a flexible cover to a flap or similar, preferably on a truck, trailer or similar.In order to eliminate problems of complexity, expense and functioning associated with earlier designs the device, in addition to a slightly modified flap section (1), consists of only two sections, preferably made of aluminum; a link section (2) and a locking section (3), the former pivoted at its lower end to the flap and the latter pivoted at its lower end to the former, by which arrangement the locking section can fasten the cover (4) against the flap section. Owing to the inherent resilience of the sections the pivot between the link section and the locking section may be snapped over a neutral line to bring about a secure locking of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Inventor: Sture B. R. Simme
  • Patent number: 4158244
    Abstract: A pool liner retainer is disclosed for holding or retaining the top peripheral edge portion or liner bead of a watertight pool liner, such as is used in swimming pool construction. The liner retainer includes an elongate retaining element defining a holding channel for accommodating the liner bead, a longitudinal outward slot communicating with the holding channel, and a longitudinal hinge channel located adjacent to the slot. An elongate closing element depends from the hinge channel to partially close the slot to retain the liner bead therebehind. The closing element is hinged for transverse inward movement to open the slot for insertion of the liner bead, and is biased for transverse outward movement to close the slot. Stop means are provided for preventing outward movement of the closing element into the slot by outward movement of the liner bead located in the holding channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Timerax Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Gunter Stefan
  • Patent number: 3997144
    Abstract: A gate or panel including a frame composed of channel members each of which has opposed side walls bent inwardly to define a slot for receiving edges of the chain link fabric which is within the frame. An end link of the fabric, which is in the slot in the adjacent side member, is turned to prevent withdrawal thus securing the fabric to the frame. Each of the frame members has a partition wall extending between the opposed walls so as to stiffen the gate frame. Depending upon the space between the slot and the partition wall it may be necessary to slide the end links into the channel from either end in order to turn the end links rather than inserting the links through the slot from the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Inventor: Rudolph E. Parisien