Miscellaneous Patents (Class 256/1)
  • Patent number: 11679931
    Abstract: A shelving assembly includes a frame having a number of sides, the frame configured to be affixed to a surface and a deck disposed on top of the frame. A first side is configured to absorb a force of impact of an object striking the first side of the frame while preventing deformation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Ustach, Matt O'Brien, Teodoro A. Mesa
  • Patent number: 11585057
    Abstract: A transition barrier for transitioning from a permanent median barrier to a temporary median barrier, the transition barrier having: a) a first end; the first end being connectable to the permanent median barrier by a permanent median barrier connector; b) a second end; the second end being connectable to the temporary median barrier by a temporary median barrier connector; c) a transition section defining a transition wall of a predetermined length between the first end and the second end; the transition wall having a top, bottom, front and a back; d) at least one barrier brace proximate the transition wall, for supporting said transition wall; and e) at least one spacer, proximate the back of the transition wall for contact with a surface of the permanent concrete barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: AMG METALS, INC., POWELL (RICHMOND HILL) CONTRACTING LIMITED, THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: John David Pierson, Ben Powell, Nauman Mansoor Sheikh
  • Patent number: 11359881
    Abstract: A propulsion unit includes a platform, a propulsion assembly, and a tether. The propulsion assembly facilitates selective launching of a tire deflation device from the platform. The tether is coupled to the platform and is configured for attachment to a deflation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Stop Stick, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven P. Verdino, Andrew S. Morrison, Lawrence J. Kelly, James P. Wersching
  • Patent number: 11332898
    Abstract: An access control system is provided for controlling access to an area secured by perimeter protection defining a secure perimeter. The access control system comprises a portable container configured to be stored, transported and installed repeatedly as a closed container. The portable container is further configured to be operated repeatedly as an open container and closed container with a permanent barrier section constituted by the portable container and configured to secure a perimeter. At least one operational barrier section is configured to be operational in an open state to allow access through the secure perimeter and in a closed state to block access through the secure perimeter. The operational barrier section is configured to be fully contained within the closed container when not installed is also configured to operate outside of the portable container in either open or closed state and to change between open and closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Mobile Gate Security A/S
    Inventors: Lars Kramer, Thomas Grumstrup
  • Patent number: 11293152
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are provided for automated item restocking using gantry robots and establishing safety barriers for retail work operation spaces in retail store environments. Robot controllers in communication with the gantry robots and barrier robots direct the autonomous movements thereof for transferring items between customer-accessible point of sale locations and customer-inaccessible storage, and for alternately restricting and enabling access to work operation spaces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Gregory F. Rossano, Sangeun Choi, Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge
  • Patent number: 11208829
    Abstract: A connector for pivotably connecting two structural members together includes a generally planar member having a plurality of semi-circular tabs extending from the planar member. The tabs are semi-circular to pivotably receive a vertically extending rod member of one of the structural elements. The connector may include a semi-cylindrical wall portion that is adapted to receive and capture a horizontally extending rod member of one of the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: XcelTek LLC
    Inventors: Lee L. Reneau, Phillip Lawson
  • Patent number: 11181302
    Abstract: Geothermal energy is increasingly recognized as a useful energy source for both industrial and residential purposes. Disclosed herein are units for subterranean heat exchange comprising a polymer block with ‘mini-channels’ adapted and/or sized for highly efficient heat exchange. In some embodiments such units can, as needed, be manufactured off site, spooled for transport, and conveniently installed in boreholes. Other arrangements are also described for conduits located within a borehole for heat exchange, without a polymer block. Also disclosed are geothermal heat exchange systems including those that employ such units, for example with direct expansion of a two-phase heat-exchange fluid such as carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada
    Inventors: Parham Eslami-Nejad, Mohamed Ouzzane, Claude Guay, Messaoud Badache
  • Patent number: 11111642
    Abstract: A vehicle stopping device includes a casing configured as an open enclosure having an open side, vertical side walls, a horizontal top wall and a horizontal bottom wall forming an interior space of the open enclosure. A pair of caltrop bars are configured to be securely stored within the interior space of the casing in a stored position, and are configured to be activated from the stored position to a deployed position in which the first and second caltrop bars extend out of the interior space of the casing through the open side thereof for positioning on opposite sides of a vehicle tire. Each of the caltrop bars being formed of a bar and one or more caltrops arranged along the bar for puncturing and deflating the vehicle tire when the vehicle tire is driven over the caltrop bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas F Creaven, Franco S De Liguori
  • Patent number: 11091889
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward a spike strip. The spike strip preferably includes a housing, a plurality of spikes disposed in the housing, a door, and a mover. The door is preferably configured to transition between a closed configuration in which the spikes are covered and prevented from puncturing tires of vehicles driving over the spike strip and an open configuration in which the spikes are exposed and allowed to puncture a tire of a vehicle driving over the spike strip. The mover is preferably configured to transition the door from the closed configuration to the open configuration responsive to a signal provided to the spike strip from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Peter Barrett
  • Patent number: 11060320
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 11015362
    Abstract: A post protector includes an elongated hollow shaft, a handle provided at a first end of the elongated hollow shaft, the handle including a trigger mechanism, and a base portion provided at a second end of the elongated hollow shaft opposite the first end. A pair of protector panels are pivotally connected to the base portion and are movable between a use position in which distal ends of the panels are in contact to form together an internal shape corresponding to at least a portion of an external shape of a post to be protected, and an installation/removal position. An actuator mechanism is provided between and connected to the trigger mechanism and the protector panels. The actuator mechanism is responsive to movement of the trigger mechanism to move the pair of protector panels between the use position and the installation/removal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Gary J Fragmin
  • Patent number: 11008774
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fence system, which is composed of a plurality of assembly units that are detachably connected in sequence. Each assembly unit includes a base, a fixed assembly, a winding apparatus, an outer bar body and a net body. The winding apparatus is fixed on the top of the base, located in the outer bar body and used to drive the outer bar body to rotate around the base, so that the net body is wound on the outer side of the outer bar body. The fixed assembly is retracted into the base or unfolded and fixed on the bottom of the base. The present invention realizes convenience in disassembling and assembling, realizes the automatic winding of the net body, thereby facilitating the transfer and reuse of the assembly units; and enhances the stability of the assembly units and the overall structure and achieving good practicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Hefei Wisdom Bridge Information Technology Co., Lt
    Inventors: Kan Shi, Ruomei Li
  • Patent number: 11007416
    Abstract: A deployable pickleball barrier includes a plurality of panels having a first rigid surface, a second rigid surface, and a substantially straight channel coupling the rigid surfaces. Each of the plurality of panels are coupled with another of the plurality of panels by an interpanel joint that includes a rigid bond and a plurality of fold lines formed in the first rigid surface to form a rightwardly biasing hinge. Each of the plurality of panels includes an intrapanel joint including a plurality of fold lines formed in the second rigid surface to form a leftwardly biasing hinge. The deployable pickleball barrier can be folded at each of the hinges to alternate between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: David Miller
  • Patent number: 10721925
    Abstract: A land animal snare barrier comprising a first layer of netting and a second layer of netting. The first layer defining a first plurality of through holes of a first size. The second layer defining a second plurality of through holes of a second size. Each layer has a width that measures between 9 inches and 24 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventors: Chris Romano, Chloë Romano
  • Patent number: 10694735
    Abstract: A land animal snare barrier comprising a netting having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer defines a first plurality of through holes of a first size. The second layer defines a second plurality of through holes of a second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Chris Romano, Chloë Romano
  • Patent number: 10550597
    Abstract: A suicide preventing fence including: a plurality of pole parts provided standing upright from the ground surface at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of linking parts which are formed in the shape of pipes and horizontally link the spaces between the pole parts. The fence further includes rotating bodies which are formed with an internally hollow abacus bead shape and are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the linking parts, and bearings which are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the linking parts, positioned in the centers on the insides of the rotating bodies. The fence further includes rotating bolts which are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the linking parts and are inserted in through passing regions on both side surfaces of the rotating bodies so as to rotate together with the rotating bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Song Woo Her
  • Patent number: 10544554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to posts, carriages, methods of manufacturing the components and their assembly into a barrier. The invention also includes a Z post attachment includes an attachment tab 8.016 and end engagement flange 8.024, 8.026 adapted to engage the end of the post. The arrangement can include a delineator 8.030 which is skew in relation to the tab 8.016, so as to provide reflector faces 8.032 which face oncoming traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Industrial Galvanizers Corporation Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry Colquhoun, Hayden Wallace, Andrew Karl Diehl, Christopher James Allington, Chris Williamson, Mark Whiteside, Henry John Hare, Wouter Von Toor, Ryan Ayres, John Rafferty
  • Patent number: 10543935
    Abstract: A collapsible runway side barrier for preventing foreign object debris (FOD) from entering a runway and taxiway. The barrier may have an aerodynamic profile, one side of the barrier profile may be convex and the other side of the barrier profile may be concave. The side barrier may further have ground attachment elements and may be constructed to collapse if the landing wheels of an aircraft impact the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ivry Shapira
    Inventor: Ivry Shapira
  • Patent number: 10538939
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 10428551
    Abstract: The device is comprised of two panels in the shape of “L”s that are interwoven with each other when they are placed on the sides of a fence. The device is secured to the ground through a series of holes for that purpose. Additionally, an expander has been placed on the section of the device, both vertical and horizontal, to address the issue of uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Bloomfield
  • Patent number: 10408557
    Abstract: A propulsion unit includes a platform, a propulsion assembly, and a tether. The propulsion assembly facilitates selective launching of a tire deflation device from the platform. The tether is coupled to the platform and is configured for attachment to a deflation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Stop Stick, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven P. Verdino, Andrew S. Morrison, Lawrence J. Kelly, James P. Wersching
  • Patent number: 10392829
    Abstract: A remotely controlled fence includes one or more sensors for sensing an unauthorized entry; an image capturing device to capture the image of the unauthorized object; a speaker; a microphone; a humidifier to create a chill out area; a display unit for showing the weather temperature of the surroundings; a radio FM device for a musical chanson and a medium for news to the listener; a lighting unit; solar panel hoods; and a communication interface to transmit the related information to the user, the fence is optimized to control all functions using a mobile app or a web technology with a user interacting device such as a computer, tablet, smartphone and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventors: Vega Peter, Peter Lakmanaswamy-Bakthan, Veena Peter
  • Patent number: 10385526
    Abstract: A method of restricting access to an area comprises removing a plug from a receptacle in a ground region and positioning a base of a security barrier into the receptacle after the removing the plug. The receptacle extends downward from a surface of the ground region. The security barrier includes a tower extending upward from the base. The security barrier restricts movement of vehicles across the ground region when the base is received within the receptacle and the plug does not restrict movement of vehicles across the ground region when the plug is received within the receptacle. The plug has a first shape and the base of the security barrier has a second shape corresponding to the first shape of the plug. The first shape and the second shape are interchangeably receivable within the receptacle for selectively restricting movement across the ground region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Jacob Caval
  • Patent number: 10388195
    Abstract: The item is a single piece of metal folded in the center so that it can be used as a double sided sign. Each side would have reflective tape applied. One side would have green reflective tape and the other side would have red reflective tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: James Neil Rowland
  • Patent number: 10378166
    Abstract: A deformation guiding system for a road safety device and a road safety device group, wherein the device has a frame and a deformable longitudinal body with a first end fixed to the frame and a second end. A head is fixable to the second end of the body. A guide rail is reciprocally arranged with respect to the deformable body for identifying a deforming direction thereof which is parallel to the guide rail. Coupling means fixed to the head couple the head to the guide rail for sliding motion along the guide rail. Stabilizing means fixed to the head prevent oscillations of the head about the guide rail. The coupling and stabilizing means are reciprocally arranged and conformed so that, in an impact of a vehicle against the head, the head can slide along the guide rail without oscillating about the guide rail so as to guide the deformation of the deformable body in the deforming direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: PASQUALE IMPERO
    Inventor: Pasquale Impero
  • Patent number: 10335724
    Abstract: An elongate barrier material comprising an elongate apertured load-bearing sheet material and an elongate apertured filter material attached to the load-bearing sheet material. The apertures in the filter material have an ASTM D-4751 size less than 500? and the size of the apertures in the load-bearing material is at least 4 times the size of the apertures in the filter material. The length of the filter material can be changed elastically so that the barrier material can be transported in the form of a roll which can be unrolled for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ERTEC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Vincent P. Morris
  • Patent number: 10301786
    Abstract: An apparatus may be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a base layer further comprising a plurality of receptacles to hold spikes at both lengthwise edges of the base layer. The base layer is adapted to support a net package in a rolled stowed configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to the base layer to cause the base layer to become unrolled for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Sullivan, Paul D. Wallis
  • Patent number: 10246840
    Abstract: A one-piece resiliently deformable base assembly for an item of street furniture or a barrier, the base assembly comprising an elongate street furniture receiving portion and a base mounting portion, wherein the base assembly is formed from a polyurethane polymer, and the base mounting portion comprises a flange including one or more fixing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Traffic Management Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darryl Meek, Daniel Robinson
  • Patent number: 10208906
    Abstract: An ultraviolet court-illumination system is used to light a playing court and any related equipment in a fluorescent manner. The system includes at least one playing court, a first plurality of ultraviolet (UV) court lights, a plurality of fluorescent game boundary-markers, and at least one fluorescent game fixture. The playing court is used for playing games or sports. The plurality of fluorescent game boundary-markers is superimposed onto the playing court and is used to delineate the boundaries of the playing court. The fluorescent game fixture is mounted onto the playing court and may be a net, a goal, or any other fixture used to play the sport. Each of the first plurality of UV court lights is peripherally positioned about the playing court and is used to illuminate the fluorescent game boundary-markers and the fluorescent game fixture. The first plurality of UV court lights is powered by a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jason R. Cordova
  • Patent number: 10156079
    Abstract: A fitting for coupling an open upper end of a hollow section column to a support via which a building unit is to be supported on the column. The fitting comprises a body portion configured to be received in the open upper end of the column and rim portions that extend laterally outwardly from an upper end of the body portion so as to engage edge sections of the column at its upper end when the body portion is received in the open upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Kennelly
  • Patent number: 10077171
    Abstract: In a vehicle having a stationary frame and a rotating upper body, and wherein the frame includes a plurality of outriggers with pads, a safety barrier is provided, comprising a barrier support member attached to each of the pads, and extending away from the vehicle, wherein the support member includes an upper section adapted to retain a flexible barrier; and a flexible barrier attached across the upper sections of the support members to establish a safety perimeter around the vehicle. A storage rack is also provided for retaining the support members when not attached to the pads, wherein the rack includes a upper bracket having a U-shaped portion adapted to attach to the vehicle; and a frame adapted to carry all of the support members, wherein the frame includes a retention member to retain the support members within the frame in a secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventors: Grant C. Chustz, Michelle R. Chustz
  • Patent number: 10041218
    Abstract: The guardrail, which may take the form of various types of guardrails, is noteworthy in that it includes an impact detector/indicator, for indicating the location of the guardrail involved in an impact or accident and also for notifying the accident and the place where it occurred to a traffic control station or to public assistance personnel. The detector/indicator includes a convex protective plate (2) attached to the front of the guardrail (1) with which it is used, said plate (2) protecting a connection box (3) and a tube (4) so as together to create a means for detecting and communicating the impact that occurred, also having an indicator light (5) for flagging up the impact, said indicator (5) being positioned on a support plate (6) secured above the protective plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Jose Manuel Sanchez De La Cruz
  • Patent number: 10030445
    Abstract: Systems and methods of fencing systems are provided that incorporate tri-truss assemblies and/or self-closing gates. A tri-truss assembly may provide stability and support to a gate that is part of a portable or temporary fencing system. A tri-truss assembly may be configured to support a self-closing gate that is part of a pool fence. A tri-truss assembly may include three vertical support members. Two of the three vertical support members may include pins configured to be placed within pre-drilled holes in a surface in order to maintain the tri-truss assembly upright. A third vertical support may be a different length (shorter or longer) than the first two vertical support members and include an adjustable foot, such as a threaded bolt, configured to contact the surface and provide additional stability and/or support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cover Care, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Callahan, Patrick Edward Callahan
  • Patent number: 10030342
    Abstract: An impact-absorbing levee-shaped structure consisting essentially of a resistant structure formed of reinforced embankment, the impact-absorbing levee-shaped structure includes: a continuous buffer wall of a flexible structure disposed on an impact-receiving surface of the resistant structure; and an anchor unit configured to support the continuous buffer wall, in such a manner that the continuous buffer wall cannot be separated from the resistant structure, thereby capable of preventing the continuous buffer wall from floating from the impact-receiving surface of the resistant structure upon application of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: PROTEC ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Nomura, Shoichi Inoue, Yoichi Nishita
  • Patent number: 9945084
    Abstract: A crash diversion barrier converts the forward momentum of a vehicle into a lateral motion that urges the vehicle back onto the road and minimizes the forces exerted on the vehicle. This is accomplished by having a linkage that is comprised of a diversion link, a reaction link and, a slider mechanism. The forward momentum of the vehicle rotates the diversion link which steers and translates the vehicle back onto the roadway. The angle of an entrance line of deflection is minimized to enhance safety of other vehicles on the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence Eugene Warford
  • Patent number: 9840282
    Abstract: A collision countermeasure apparatus includes an impact absorbing body attached to an outboard side of a sub-frame and a rigid link. The rigid link is attached to the impact absorbing body at an outboard location and extends upward to an outer side of a frame rail. A frontal impact with a rigid barrier outboard of the frame rail drives the impact absorbing body into the link to force the link into the outer side of the frame rail. The force applied to the frame rail by the impact absorbing body laterally displaces the vehicle to reduce the extent of intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saeed David Barbat, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • Patent number: 9840854
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 9769988
    Abstract: A landscaping border segment includes about two dozen rigid unit pieces arranged in a series and held together with top end base elastic joining members. Male and female connection features are mounted at opposite ends of the landscaping border segment. A plurality of ground penetrating stakes extend away from a ground contact surface. The landscaping border segment may assume a straight configuration in which the rigid unit pieces are held apart from one another by the elastic joining members, but may also assume a continuum of curved configurations. A landscaping border may be created by joining a plurality of landscaping border segments end to end in a series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventors: Melvin A. Stoltzfus, Allen Z. Stoltzfus, Benjamin S. Graber
  • Patent number: 9773400
    Abstract: Provided is a pole type protector for a rack protection, which may include a tubular column member which is spaced-apart from a rack and is installed upright on a floor; a tubular clamp which is configured to fixedly insert the lower end of the column member; an impact absorption member which is configured to seat and support the lower end of the tubular clamp on the upper surface thereof, wherein the lower surface thereof is disposed contacting with the floor, and an inner hollow part is formed in the central direction, and the impact absorption member is made of an elastic material; and a flange type support member which is fixed at the floor while passing through the tubular clamp and is configured to fix together the lower end of the tubular clamp and the impact absorption member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jin Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 9763850
    Abstract: An interlocking fitness roller is disclosed. The ends of a column-shaped roller body comprise retaining holes and locating holes. A hollow cylindrical assembly is inserted into a hollow interior of the column-shaped roller body. The hollow cylindrical assembly connects with elastic pieces, and each elastic piece comprises a retaining block and a positioning pin, which are respectively engaged with the retaining hole and the locating hole of the column-shaped roller body. The surface of the column-shaped roller body is covered by a pad. Accordingly, depending on different uses, the length of the interlocking fitness roller is adjustable. Two column-shaped roller bodies are connected by respectively engaging the retaining blocks and the positioning pins of the elastic pieces with the retaining holes and the locating holes, so as to is prevent the connection from becoming loose during rolling, thereby ensuring the robustness of the connection between the column-shaped roller bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Cheng-Kuo Cheng
  • Patent number: 9725856
    Abstract: A cover for a concrete parking block has a first lateral end, second lateral end and a longitudinal enclosure. The first lateral end and the second lateral end can be either open or closed. The longitudinal enclosure is the same length as the concrete parking block. The protective cover can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene (ABS) or foam and resin. The protective cover can also be used to as a bicycle stand. In doing so, the bicycle wheels are inserted into V-shaped slots of the longitudinal enclosure. A water bladder is attached to the protective cover when used as a bicycle stand. A reflective coating is applied on the exterior of the protective cover in order to provide more visibility during low light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander Povoli
  • Patent number: 9719273
    Abstract: A vegetation barrier for use beneath a fence to inhibit the growth of vegetation beneath said fence includes two vegetation barrier members and an intermediate member. Each vegetation barrier member is joinable to a fence post at one end and engages an intermediate member at the opposite end through longitudinally slidable engagement, allowing the vegetation barrier to readily accommodate uneven spacing between fence posts and further allowing the vegetation barrier to expand and contract. The vegetation barrier member and/or the intermediate member may further comprise elongated openings that allow the vegetation barrier to be secured to an underlying surface by a securement member that passes through the elongated opening and into the underlying surface, while still allowing for expansion and contraction of the vegetation barrier. Further provided are methods of covering a surface beneath a fence using said vegetation barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Raab
  • Patent number: 9714069
    Abstract: A base member attached to a supporting surface has an open top cavity in the general shape of a shoe and a base assembly housing, which is attached to the lower end of a rigid pedestal which supports an apparatus at its upper end, is foot shaped in part to nestle in the base member shoe area. A manually operable securing device releasably secures the housing snugly in the base member so that the pedestal is readily attached and removed as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventors: Richard J. Garelick, Todd William Moore
  • Patent number: 9683340
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a bollard system includes multiple support beams adapted to be embedded in concrete, multiple bollards, each bollard being attached to a support beam a point near a center of the beam, and a reinforcing bar that is woven between the support beams to provide reinforcement to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dean Sicking, David Littlefield, Kenneth Walls
  • Patent number: 9677234
    Abstract: Vehicle restraints and fence systems that offer better protection to the driver and vehicle in the event of an accident where the car becomes airborne and leaves the road or track, and catch fences for halting the overrun of a car leaving a racetrack. The catch fences may have pivotable poles and a cable extending between the poles. Net or fencing is installed between the poles, supported by the cable. The poles may be angled or curved, with a plurality of cables extending therebetween or with a net extending from the poles and attached to a Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sofia Wynnytsky, Mark Slimko, Reggie Torrez, Robert Withers, Hugh K. Delong, III, Danny Warrick, Kirk F. Schneider, Thomas H. Ross, Marcos Villa-Gonzales, Dennis Page, John Patrick McGinley, Peter T. Mahal, Richard L. Orner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9652951
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a barrier assembly (1) adapted to inhibit access to an area. The assembly including at least two markers (2) operatively associated with each other to define an area where access is to be inhibited. Means to connect said markers and monitoring means adapted in use to determine if access to said area has been breached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SOTAERIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: David Robin Bean, Matthew James Hollamby
  • Patent number: 9550638
    Abstract: The present application discloses devices for collecting and hauling materials, and methods of using the devices. The devices generally include a post and a sheet. The post includes a number of attachment points and the sheet includes a number of connectors. The connectors are selectively attachable to the attachment points on the post to position the sheet between an open orientation for loading the materials onto the sheet, and a closed orientation for transporting the device with the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew Chuman
  • Patent number: 9545562
    Abstract: A method of blocking tennis balls from one tennis court at a tennis facility from entering an adjacent tennis court. The method includes providing a vertical frame defining a front and a back, installing a removable panel on the frame, the vertical frame and the removable panel defining a temporary, removable, portable partition, temporarily placing the partition between a first tennis court and a second court at a tennis facility, the first and second tennis courts being adjacent to each other, via the partition, blocking a tennis ball played on the first tennis court from entering the second tennis court, and after play has concluded on the first tennis court, removing the partition from between the first and second tennis courts. The partition includes a hollow base having a fill port to receive water, sand, or another pourable, fungible substance for weighting the base and partition down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Jon M. McLamb
  • Patent number: 9382678
    Abstract: A stackable barrier unit includes: an elongate main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, longitudinal ends, and two sidewalls each having an upper margin joined to the top surface a lower margin extending tower than the bottom surface of the main body. A base width defined between lower outer margins of the sidewalls is greater than a top width of the top surface. Engagement extensions having engagement features extend from the longitudinal ends for linking two or more barrier units together. The engagement features may include a tapered pin and a hole. A rib may connect the first sidewall to the second sidewall below the bottom surface. A channel may be formed in the top surface of the main body directly above and parallel to the at least one rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Paul Rogers
  • Patent number: 9302174
    Abstract: A transformable obstacle assembly is described. Embodiments of the transformable obstacle assembly include a dual rail structure and a pair of support structures. Typically, the dual rail structure can include a first rail, a second rail, a plurality of ribs, and a pair of panels. The plurality of ribs can be implemented to couple the first rail to the second rail. To elevate the dual rail structure of the ground, the pair of support structures can be coupled to opposite ends of the dual rail structure. In one embodiment, a height of the support structures can be altered to raise and lower the dual rail structure. Typically, the dual rail structure can be implemented in either a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Cory Fuhrmeister, Carl Borgstrom