Miscellaneous Patents (Class 256/1)
  • Patent number: 5860762
    Abstract: An energy absorbing barrier system comprises a plurality of composite concrete barriers, each barrier including a reinforced concrete section having a back wall upon a support base. The support base is connected to a concrete veneer face section having an upper portion and a lower portion. The face section forwardly slopes from the support base to form an obtuse angle therewith such that the upper portion of the face section extends at least partially over the lower portion of the face section. The back wall and the face section defines an intermediate center core section therebetween consisting of a light density crushable material. The connection of the concrete veneer face section to the support base has a sheer point that facilitates the collapsing in of the face into the intermediate core section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Charles B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5860636
    Abstract: The invention provides an elongate member (10) usable inter alia as a fence post, formed to constant cross section by a suitable sheet metal roll forming process, the member when viewed in cross section having three arm sections (15, 16, 17) each of double sheet metal thickness radiating from a junction (18), two of the arm sections (15, 16) at their outer edges remote from the junction having their two sheet sections joined through an integral arcuate or other box-section formation (19, 20), while the third arm section (17) has a like formation (21) in which the free terminal edge (11) of one sheet section is contained within a terminal roll (22) of the other sheet section. When used as a fence post, apertures (14) may be provided along one arm section to receive wire, while the normally lower end (13) is pointed to facilitate driving into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Tristar Fencing Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Ernest John Duncan, Daniel John Boissevain
  • Patent number: 5857664
    Abstract: A fence system comprises tubular plastic posts and at least one tubular plastic rail, the rail having multiple rail sections joined together end-to-end with plastic couplings, and the posts each having an anchor assembly slidably-fitting into a bottom of the post and extending axially from the post so that the anchor assembly may be driven into the ground by aligning the post to the ground and driving the anchor assembly through the post and into the ground. Each post is provided with at least one rail aperture having an opening on one side of the post that is slightly larger than the rail sections and having an opening on the other side of the post that is vertically oblong so as to permit a rail section to extend through the rail opening at a non-perpendicular angle without binding in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Tor Schauman
  • Patent number: 5853166
    Abstract: A handrail assembly which may be mounted on an existing handrail and used to aid children in ascending or descending a set of stairs. The handrail assembly includes a plurality of clamping devices which may be removably mounted on an existing handrail and which support a secondary handrail at a predetermined position below the existing handrail. The secondary handrail includes a plurality of telescopically mated rods which enable the overall length of the secondary handrail to be adjusted to coincide with the overall length of the existing handrail. Each section of the secondary handrail may be attached at a fixed position along the length of the secondary handrail to a clamping device. Additional clamping devices may be slidably mounted along the length of the secondary handrails to support any long expanses of unsupported sections of the secondary handrail. The clamping devices each have a pair of jaws which may be quickly mounted onto a variety of styles of existing handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Kim J. Koza
  • Patent number: 5836572
    Abstract: Artificial stones (10) are molded in a predetermined number of different shapes and a substrate (20) is expansion-molded from foam plastics. Artificial stone receiving recesses (22) are molded integrally with the substrate (20) so as to be paired with the respective artificial stones (10). The artificial stones (10) are adhesively inserted into the corresponding receiving recesses (22) so that such insertion may serve to provisionally prevent the artificial stones (10) from scaling off or falling off before setting of adhesive agent. A protruding rib (21) bordering and defining the respective artificial stone receiving recesses (22) serves also as a joint base adapted to support the overlying joint mortary (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Exterior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5836714
    Abstract: Portable control barriers for use in sporting or entertainment events having a lightweight housing formed of a resiliently deformable material. Each housing has an interior surface defining an internal chamber that can be selectively filled with a ballast. In one embodiment, the housing has opposing end walls, opposing sidewalls, and a substantially flat bottom wall. A spline and groove are each positioned on one of the opposing end walls. The spline and groove are configured to interlock adjacently positioned barriers. In yet another embodiment, a spout and receiving aperture are positioned on opposing end walls. In this embodiment, the spout of one barrier can be received in sealed fluid communication with the receiving port of an adjacent barrier, thereby allowing fluid communication of the ballast between adjacent barriers. Finally, in yet another embodiment, the bottom wall of the housing can be arched so as to form a passageway extending through the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Off The Wall Production, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc E. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5826861
    Abstract: An exemplary moveable guard rail system of the present invention, useful for preventing fork lift trucks from falling off flat bed trailers, comprises at least two guard rails connected sequentially to each other and to hinged supportive frame members. The guard rails can be moved between extended and retracted positions by hinged arm members which may be powered by hydraulic pistons. Preferably, gimbal bearing members are used for connecting the guard rail or rails to the hinged supportive frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Donald S. Indge, William R. Straker
  • Patent number: 5820293
    Abstract: A vehicle tire deflation device comprises a base, a plurality of hollow vehicle tire deflating quills removably secured to the base, and structure, including a curved portion and a flat portion, operably associated with the base, for positioning the device in a tire penetrating orientation so as to penetrate a tire of a vehicle as the tire rolls over the device, upon the device being positioned on a road surface adjacent the vehicle tire to be deflated in a non-tire penetrating orientation; such that the device rolls on the curved portion from the non tire penetrating orientation and comes to rest on the flat portion in the tire penetrating orientation. The device may include a member, operably associated with the base, for removably securing the quills to the base, such that a rolling vehicle tire which embeds one of the quills therein will cause the embedded quill to sever the member and separate from the base, the separated quill thereby remaining in the tire as the tire rolls over the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Stop Stick, Ltd.
    Inventors: Louis M. Groen, Kenneth J. Greves, Richard B. Linnemann
  • Patent number: 5816946
    Abstract: Portable safety system for isolating an on-deck batter during a baseball or softball game comprises one or more poles, a length of cord long enough to surround an on-deck area, structure to support the cord and a fastening system for fastening the ends of the cord to the poles or to each other. The safety system may be free-standing and entirely supported by poles, or partly supported by a backstop commonly found on baseball fields in addition to one or more poles. The poles may have holes, brackets, a spring loaded roller, or part of a hook and loop system to support the cord. The fastening system comprises hooks, hook and loop material, or similar structures. The poles also contain structural elements to help in securely wrapping the cord around the poles for storage and transport. The safety system is lightweight, portable, inexpensive, and easy to assemble and disassemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Bennett S. Grossman
  • Patent number: 5813663
    Abstract: A railing system for a telescopic seating arrangement, such as bleacher systems and platform seating systems. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and readily stowable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. Brackets carried by the nose of decks receive a plate affixed to the lower end of each upright. The brackets which support the uprights have a low profile so that the seating system is readily useable if the uprights are not installed. The lightweight and easily stowed uprights of this railing system eliminate the factors which lead to use of a seating system without handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Interkal, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Victor, Stanley W. McKay, Melvin J. Guiles, Kenneth A. Ahrens
  • Patent number: 5810334
    Abstract: A blocking device (10) having a shield (12) which has at least one shield barrier (12B) and at least two shield pole pockets (12A) each positioned at opposite distal ends of the shield barrier (12B). The blocking device (10) further has at least two poles (14) each having a pole shaft (14C) which is inserted within the at least two shield pole pockets (12A). The at least two pole shafts (14C) having sufficient length to extend downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Wayne J. Menaker
    Inventor: Wayne Menaker
  • Patent number: 5806839
    Abstract: Privacy slats for chain link fences and a system comprising a chain link fence and a plurality of slats wherein portions of slats which are positioned substantially parallel are disposed in overlapping arrangement. One embodiment comprises a plurality of slats having a central, substantially tubular section with opposing wings positioned in an offset manner such that the wing on one side of the central tubular portion is disposed more forwardly of the wing on the opposing side of the central tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Don A. Meglino
  • Patent number: 5797591
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly for a highway guardrail includes first and second spaced ground anchors and a connecting element interconnected between the anchors. An anchor cable included in the guardrail assembly is connected to the ground anchor assembly adjacent the first ground anchor, and the second ground anchor is situated farther from the central portion of the guardrail assembly than the first ground anchor. In this way improved pull out resistance is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Krage
  • Patent number: 5794390
    Abstract: A structural covering that is attachable to a rail of a railing that has a top, a pair of sides, ends, and a bottom, and that is attachable to a floor board of a deck that has a top, a pair of sides, ends, and a bottom, while covering most of the rail of the railing and any exposed ends thereof and covering most of the floor board of the deck and any exposed ends thereof so as to prevent splinters, hide knots, splintered wood, discolored wood, and cracks in the wood, and give a uniform look that will not rot. The structural covering includes a general covering component, a connecting component, an end cap component, and a corner component. The general covering component covers most of the floor board of the deck and covers most of the rail of the railing. The connecting component joins facing ends of the general covering components that are adjacent and collinearlly-aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Paul S. Oliveri, Camilo P. Messina
  • Patent number: 5794923
    Abstract: A dressage arena fence module comprising at least two component brackets and at least one component rail. Each bracket comprises a slot to couple the rail to the bracket. Integral with the slot and integral with the rail are cooperating appertures and tabs to releasably lock the rail to the brackets. The fence is an easy to assemble and disassemble modular arena fence system from components which fence may be stacked in sections when assembled. The fence may be anchored to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Michelle Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5791634
    Abstract: A support rail assembly (5) for a use on a motor vehicle is disclosed. The support rail assembly has at least one elongate rigid member (7) having a first bent end (8) and a spaced second, end (9). A first elongate flexible member (14) is fastened to the first bent end of the rigid member so that the first flexible member extends co-linear from the first bend end of the rigid member toward a mounting bracket 22 to which the first flexible member is fastened at its other end. A second elongate flexible member 18 is fastened to the second bent end of the rigid member and extends co-linearly from the second bent end of the rigid member and parallel to the first elongate flexible member, the second flexible member being connected at its other end to a second mounting bracket (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: S. Scott Brown
  • Patent number: 5779389
    Abstract: An impactor for a movable, deformable barrier, simulating an automobile, comprising an upright, solid backing support, a plurality of energy absorbing impact segments protruding from the support, each segment having an outer impact face and each comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb having different crush strength characterized by increasing crush strength of successive layers from the outer impact face to the support, the layers being separated by and secured to perforate plates therebetween allowing air flow from a crushing layer to the succeeding layers when the layers are successively crushed and each impact segment having a thin vent layer of noncrushing slotted honeycomb adjacent the support for discharge of air from all of the segments as they are successively crushed. The layers in each segment are of essentially the same width and height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Plascore, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Niemerski
  • Patent number: 5775832
    Abstract: A compact tire deflator is disclosed in one preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a compact housing member having a first panel pivotally disposed in relation to a second opposing panel by means of a pivotol engagement. In structure, the housing member comprises an internal surface area being sufficient for housing at least one spike mounting assembly further disposed in pivotal relation to the pivotal engagement. Preferably, the mounting assembly is formed having one or more hollow spikes removably disposed in relation to a compression sleeve which operably engages the bottom end of the hollow spike for introduction within a spike seat. A structural stop is preferably formed in relation to the first and second panels of the housing member and the spike mounting assembly to provide a means for maintaining the first and second panels at an angular disposition to the spike mounting assembly when the compact tire deflator is disposed in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Donald C. Kilgrow, Melvin H. Pederson
  • Patent number: 5772185
    Abstract: A protective cap for covering a top of a wall. The cap is constructed in the form of an elongate channel having an upper plate and opposing sidewalls. Each sidewall tapers inwardly to an innermost side edge, then slants outwardly from that edge. The sidewalls are preferably flexible and resilient with sufficient elastic memory to function cooperatively as a gripper. The cap is placed onto the top of an outdoor wall, with the upper plate of the cap disposed along the top and the sidewalls extending downwardly along opposing sides of the outdoor wall. The cap is constructed such that the outdoor wall is wider than the distance between the innermost side edges when the sidewalls of the cap reside in a natural, unbiased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Larry W. Pulsipher
  • Patent number: 5771641
    Abstract: A rodent pest infestation prevention assembly includes a wall for surrounding a predetermined area so as to enclose items, a plurality of top and bottom slits in the wall for making interlocking connection with one another for fastening end portions of the wall together so as to make the wall a substantially continuous structure about an item, and at least one holder member for maintaining the wall in an upright position. The wall may also have a plurality of spaced apart holes formed therein. At least one mateable bolt and nut combination are installed through aligned holes to secure overlapped end portions of the wall to one another and thereby serve the same function as the top and bottom slits of the wall. Each holder member has a base and a pair of elongated pegs. The base has a transverse groove and a pair of recessed holes on adjacent opposite sides of the groove. The groove is for receiving a bottom edge of the wall therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Bill Morris, III
  • Patent number: 5762323
    Abstract: The fence-line grass barrier, is a substantially impermeable, flexible member. A series of score-lines are positioned along the flexible member at regular intervals, along the length of the flexible member. The score-lines are stamped into the flexible member to facilitate separation of regions within the score-lines from the barrier member. The score lines or other distance indicators are positioned along the length of the barrier thereby indicating the placement of the fence posts. The score lines have peripheral configurations which correspond to the peripheral configuration of fence posts, such as round, half-round, and square. The barrier has a width substantially greater than the width of the fence, thereby extending beyond the fence and preventing vegetation from growing under and around the fence. The score-lines separate from the flexible member under pressure, thereby forming a hole having a shape which conforms to the shape of the fence post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: Michael D. Boswell, Matthew A. Clark
  • Patent number: 5752691
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fencing anchor are described, each including a heavy block with a substantially curved or slanted bottom surface for resting on uneven ground and for directing force to the bottom end edges of the block. The end edges act as a wedge which bite into the ground, and the broad, curved or slanted bottom surface sits stably on a variety of ground contours. A height-extension may be used to increase the height of the system, without making the anchor significantly more top-heavy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: The Pacific Land and Livestock Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Bashon, George D. Comyford
  • Patent number: 5732935
    Abstract: A wind protection mechanism on a barrier netting installation with sections of vertical poles 25 to 100 high set in ground along a line supported by guy wires to the ground with a horizontal top cable on which the polypropylene netting is draped and attached, with protection improvements including a section of chain link fencing with ends attached to the poles a top edge attached to the lower edge of the netting leaving the lower edge to the fencing to lift off the ground in high winds, and providing horizontal wind lines on one side of the netting and cross wind lines on the other side, and providing the intermediate poles with brackets that allow the horizontal lines to hang so as move horizontally in the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Samuel C. Codario, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5722642
    Abstract: A standing privacy fence which is collapsible and includes a deployable bench is disclosed. A rectangular sheet is formed with parallel upper and lower edges and generally vertical end edges. The sheet comprises a plurality of vertically extending planks and includes strengthening planks. A pair of long supplemental planks having upper edges with pivot pins pivotally secure the upper end of the supplemental planks to the strengthening planks of the sheet adjacent to the upper edge thereof. The supplemental planks are spaced a distance essentially equal to the width of the vertical strengthening planks of the sheet. Additional planks have an intermediate extent with pivot pins coupled to intermediate extents of the supplemental planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Terry L. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 5718412
    Abstract: A modular series of square or tubular rails are joined to together by rigid or flexible connectors to provide a playing surface in-line skates and skateboards. The rails are separated from the earth or other surface by support columns. The rails themselves can be straight, curved, or can be equipped with a number of bends. Single column supports are preferred for permanent installations where the column can be bolted onto a surface or can be partially buried in the earth. Dual-column supports that form a triangular pattern that enable the rails system to be portable, yet allows skaters to impart horizontal as well as vertical loads on the rails safetly. Both columns allow the use of tubular or rectangular rails. Joints between the rail may be flexible to allow a broader range of skating maneuvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald Levanas
  • Patent number: 5718413
    Abstract: A safety cushion provided by folding a tread portion of a discarded tire back onto itself. Fasteners can be employed for maintaining the tread portion in the folded position. The safety cushion can be placed between and underneath shipping crates, underneath hold-down straps for the shipping crates, or contained in conventional cylindrical containers employed as road abutments. A plurality of safety cushions can be contained in a holding frame assembly, or interconnected by a cable network to provide an impact device. A plurality of the impact devices can be positioned at the end of a guard rail, or connected end to end to provide an impact-absorbing retaining wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Yaacov Nagler
  • Patent number: 5713561
    Abstract: A structure such as a gate post, gate wing or fence of reduced weight to allow easier transportation and installation of the same, as well as to facilitate the fixation of artificial stones. Artificial stones are molded in a predetermined number of different shapes and a substrate is expansion-molded from foam plastics. Artificial stone receiving recesses are molded integrally with the substrate so as to be paired with the respective artificial stones, which are inserted into the corresponding recesses so that such insertion may serve as a provisional fixation to prevent the artificial stones from falling or scaling before setting of the adhesive agent bonding the artificial stones to their receiving recesses. A protruding rib bordering and defining the receiving recesses serves as a joint base adapted to support the overlying joint mortary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Exterior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5703452
    Abstract: A movable section of a machine is enclosed by a fence and a door. A locking device provided on the door is controlled by a movable section control circuit. In the movable section control circuit, an operating switch outputs either a movable section ON signal or a movable section OFF signal. A door switch outputs an ON signal representing that the door is open. A switch means constitutes a self-holding circuit which uses an AND signal constituted of the movable section OFF signal from the operating switch and a rotation stop signal as a reset input signal and an OR signal constituted of an ON signal from the door switch and a rotation-presence signal as trigger signal to provide the locking device with a control signal. When a sensor fails, the locking devive is not unlocked even if the operating switch for driving the movable section is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Futsuhara
  • Patent number: 5701236
    Abstract: An easily assembled pre-milled railing system having upper and lower rails supported between spaced newel posts and a plurality of balusters disposed between the upper and lower rails. The balusters have upper and lower ends with respective parallel aligned spline grooves that continuously extend across the balusters ends. The upper rail is provided with a continuous elongated spline groove extending along the bottom side thereof. The lower rail is provided with a continuous upwardly projecting spline tongue that extends therealong on the top side and penetrates the lower end spline grooves of the balusters. An elongated spline has an upper side continuously received in the upper rail spline groove and the lower side of the spline is received in the upper end spline grooves of the spaced balusters. The elongated spline is first secured to the upper end of the balusters by nailing downwardly through the spline into the upper ends of the balusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Robert P. Viviano
  • Patent number: 5689927
    Abstract: A post having particular utility for use in a highway sound barrier wherein a number of posts are set along the highway to support acoustical panels. Each post is made of reinforced precast concrete having side channels to mount the acoustical panels. The posts are supported on poured concrete footings having a tapered depression in the top surface which is reinforced by a surrounding array of closed loop reinforcing rods. The post is inserted in the depression and bonded thereto by a quick setting grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Larry E. Knight, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5690317
    Abstract: A spring roller-mounted pull-out screen for use as a child safety barrier across a doorway has a control mechanism which prevents the screen from extending when impacted by a child. The roller is locked against rotation in a direction allowing the screen to unwind unless released by a manual push-button. The roller automatically locks after the screen has been extended and fitted in place. The automatic locking mechanism operates by a friction drive which releases a pawl to spring into engagement with a ratchet wheel when the screen has been pulled out and released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Anders Sandsborg
  • Patent number: 5685522
    Abstract: A fence post trim collar which prevents vegetation growth in the corners between fence posts and fencing material is disclosed. The collar also protects the fence posts from damage by monofilament line trimmers and protects the monofilament in a line trimmer from damage by the fence posts. Accumulation of grass clippings in the corners between the fence posts and the fencing material is also prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Tedford M. Randolph, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5660144
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved pet barrier. The pet barrier is preferably comprised of a net or fabric barrier, a container for retaining one end of the barrier and for housing the barrier when not in use, and hooks for attaching the second or other end of the barrier to a door, doorway, or wall. In the preferred embodiment, the barrier is a net, and the container which is attached to one end of the barrier is attached to the doorway or wall, while the second end of the barrier is releasably attached to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: David R. Venti
  • Patent number: 5660376
    Abstract: A cap and mounting for a fencing system that includes a number of straight plastic tubes that are cut appropriately into posts, cross members and pickets as the fence members and are for connection together to form a picket fence, with embodiments of cap arrangements for fitting over an open top end of each post and picket that includes a connectorless coupling for each cap for locking the cap onto each post and picket by urging a lower cap end into the post or picket, whereby ends of a lock bar are urged into the post or picket inner side walls, securing the cap thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald R. West
  • Patent number: 5660374
    Abstract: An underfence vegetation inhibiting apparatus that includes a long section elongated substantially U-shaped central portion and a pair of long section elongated thin convex arcuate shaped portions. The long section elongated substantially U-shaped central portion has an outer surface with ends and defines a slot for receiving the bottom of the section of fencing disposable intermediate the pair of fence posts. The long section elongated substantially U-shaped central portion further has a long section elongated substantially flat thin bottom with sides and an entire length, a pair of long section elongated substantially flat thin sides extending upwardly along the entire length of the sides of the long section elongated substantially flat thin bottom. Each of the pair of long section elongated substantially flat thin sides terminate in a long section elongated substantially flat thin side free end with an entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: John A. Dayberry
  • Patent number: 5651533
    Abstract: A cap for mounting at one extremity of a pair of tubular slats that extend through openings of a chain link fence formed of interconnected wires defining an open lattice work. The cap comprises a top part and two integral leg portions which are so dimensioned as to be insertable into the open ends of the slats and to be secured in these slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Serge Ling
  • Patent number: 5630572
    Abstract: The fence system includes a trench and a collapsible screen which is mounted in the trench. A lifting device engages the top of the screen and the latter in fixed inside the trench. The lifting device is designed to raise the top of the screen to an extended position at a predetermined height, and also to lower it to a retracted position inside the trench. A closure is provided which closes the trench when the screen is collapsed in retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Claude Guay
  • Patent number: 5626330
    Abstract: A temporary barrier system particularly adapted for use in or around a home in which children who are learning to walk are provided with wheeled vehicles that may be propelled by the child and run or bumped into furniture or other valuable objects. The protection system includes two elements: an elongated bar and a stanchion or supporting member. The stanchions are provided with some means for resisting movement from the position in which they are initially placed. The stanchion has a plurality of openings or slots which are designed to support the ends of the elongated bars. At least two of the openings are perpendicular to one another; others are formed at acute angles to the perpendicularly disposed openings. The cross section of the slot and the elongated bar are designed so that the bar fits tightly in the slot providing some rigidity to the assembly. By placing elongated members of different length in slots at different angles, a variety of shapes may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Ferris F. Young
  • Patent number: 5622356
    Abstract: A post protector for protecting a fence post in a constructed fence from damage by lawn care tools such as lawn trimmers, mowers, or clippers. The post protector is three-paneled with a front panel, and a second and third panel attached to opposite edges of the front panel. The three panels are sized to have the approximately the same widths as the post to be protected. The second and third panel are bowed inward towards each other to provide spring pressure against a post positioned therebetween. A pointed piece is attached to the bottom edge of the front panel, and a flange is attached to the top edge of the front panel. In another embodiment of the invention, side molding pieces are attached to the second and third panel of the post protector and extend outward from the panels to protect adjacent fence boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: James F. Duggan
  • Patent number: 5620276
    Abstract: An impactor for a movable, deformable barrier, simulating an automobile, comprising an upright, solid backing support, a plurality of energy absorbing impact segments protruding from the support, each segment having an outer impact face and each comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb having different crush strength characterized by increasing crush strength of successive layers from the outer impact face to the support, the layers being separated by and secured to perforate plates therebetween allowing air flow from a crushing layer to the succeeding layers when the layers are successively crushed and each impact segment having a thin vent layer of noncrushing slotted honeycomb adjacent the support for discharge of air from all of the segments as they are successively crushed. The layers in each segment are of essentially the same width and height. A solid face sheet is at said outer impact face of said segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Plascore, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Niemerski, Gerald J. Schoeb, Fritz Huebner
  • Patent number: 5620277
    Abstract: A device adapted to be at least partially inserted into an aggregation of material and retained therein. The device has an opening formed therethrough to receive a novel anchoring component. The device may be a marker which advantageously has a Miles Utility configuration, and which has the opening formed in a stake portion of the marker. The anchor has a bridge element which extends through the opening to hold a pair of legs in an opposed and upright position. The legs resiliently grasp the opposite sides of the marker to prevent the anchor from falling out or being bumped out of the opening. There is also disclosed a two-piece marker with the Miles Utility configuration for the post which is resiliently joined to a support to provide a universal hinge action to prevent the wings from being crumpled or permanently deformed to prevent or inhibit the post from returning to an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventors: Novice J. Cole, Sr., Gary J. Wonzer
  • Patent number: 5615866
    Abstract: A vegetation barrier device for use in association with the lowermost extremity of a fence is constructed of a first member having an L-shaped extruded configuration and a second member in the form of an elongated flat strip. The two members are assembled upon the fence by bolts which penetrate the fence and both members to form a U-shaped structure defining an interior region capable of releasibly holding a water-leachable insecticidal agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Robert W. Kinnison
  • Patent number: 5613798
    Abstract: A traffic channelizing device has a base unit made from the sidewalls of used car or other vehicle tires, using tread portions as a stabilizer between two sidewalls, wound spirally and having an outer band with a protruding loop which results in the resilient integral base unit having a significantly reduced propensity to roll when the device is overturned. The device has the advantages of being highly resistant in wind and impact, yet being readily removable and stackable with substantially less manpower and transportation space than for existing devices. If the central hole for the upper sidewall portion of the base unit is larger than that for the lower sidewall portion, the device retains the traffic safety feature of the base being separable from the body portion in the event of a high impact, even where the upper portion comprises more than one sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Josef J. Braverman
  • Patent number: 5611641
    Abstract: A portable crowd control barrier for use in sporting or entertainment events having lightweight body members formed of a resiliently deformable material and each defining an interior chamber and having slots formed in end walls thereof to receive wooden studs such that the introduction of liquid into the interior chambers deforms the body members, clamping the walls of the slots against the studs and locking the system in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Marc E. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5609326
    Abstract: An impervious membranous roof snow fence system consisting of a plurality of flat six sided mounting plates affixed through membranous roofing to a roof deck below. The plates in two embodiments have vertical splines to be received by compartments or sleeves in mounting blocks or in another embodiment threaded vertical posts to be received by vertical holes in mounting blocks where the blocks fit over membranous patches fitted over the plates and fully sealed to the roofing where such patches have slits or holes in them to accommodate the spines or posts. The blocks once fastened to the plates have fastened to them in turn, porous fence flags that support horizontal fence pieces from which there hang vertical fence pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Brian C. Stearns, Alan L. Stearns
  • Patent number: 5599006
    Abstract: A fence of the invention is made up of fence elements assembled together in sequence, each having a rigid first structure part (6) forming a vertical wall and a horizontal rigid second structure part (7) in a plane perpendicular to the base (8) of the first structure part (6). Concrete ballast elements (9) rest on the second structure part (7) to prevent tilting of the fence element and to render it self-stable. The top face (10) of the removable ballast elements (9) forms a generally flat surface on which users can move around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignees: Constructions Metalliques de Bonneville, Bernard Gevaux
    Inventors: Bernard Gevaux, Jacques Masurel
  • Patent number: 5595230
    Abstract: An apparatus for visually shielding a corpse from view at a crime scene includes a plurality of free-standing shroud support stands and a plurality of rectangular shroud panels of flexible, opaque sheet material. Each shroud support stand is formed with at least one upright post for supporting the shroud panels in a vertical disposition. The shroud support stands are placed at appropriate locations about the body of a deceased person at a crime or accident scene. The shroud support panels are strung from one post to the next to form a vertical, enclosing barrier that visually shields the body from view by spectators in the vicinity of the crime or accident scene. By visually shielding the body from view, police personnel are able to reduce spectator anxiety and the likelihood of emotional outbursts and disturbances among spectators while awaiting the arrival of personnel from the coroner's office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Art Guerra
  • Patent number: 5592786
    Abstract: A wall protector is shown which comprises a metallic bumper portion having a generally hollow interior. The bumper is clamped to a holding bracket which is in turn fastened to a wall-mounted bracket. A light source is mounted on the bumper to provide illumination. The holding bracket can be mounted and repositioned along the length of the bumper and the fastener attaching the holding bracket to the mounting bracket is accessible from beneath the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Wilkinson Company
    Inventor: Christian P. Kamm
  • Patent number: 5572846
    Abstract: A poster resistant utility pole, light standard, sign pole or the like has protruding structures such as splines or ribs that decrease the surface area available for contact with adhesive posters and handbills, as compared to a smooth surface. Posters can be attached insecurely at most, because the accessible area is limited to the ends of the protruding structures. Posters that are attached are easily removed leaving minimal remnants, for example by passing a rake-like tool or one's fingers through channels between the ribs. The ribs can protrude radially and extend longitudinally from the surface of a solid or hollow cylindrical pole or other shape, or can be provided on a sheath for a pole over a limited height, such as from the ground to a height above the reach of an average person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sosa Architectural Metal Corporation
    Inventor: Jesus M. Sosa
  • Patent number: RE35373
    Abstract: An improved vehicle tire deflator that is a foldable and can be deployed by pushing it or pulling it to an extended attitude across at least one full traffic lane. The deflator includes a plurality of rocker arms that are each pivotally coupled to base supports, forming a frame that is collapsible and when extended, includes a stop arrangement for holding the rocker arms apart. The rocker arms each include a plurality of actuators that incorporate spaced center holed and countersunk spike base bosses, each boss to accommodate an end of a hollow spike and attached resilient grommet fitted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Donald C. Kilgrow, Melvin H. Pedersen