Three Or More Radiating Members Patents (Class 403/170)
  • Patent number: 11524723
    Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle, which comprises a first and second longitudinal member, wherein the longitudinal members extend in a longitudinal direction (x) and are relatively offset in a transverse direction (y) of the subframe, a transverse front member connectable to the first and second longitudinal member at a front section of the subframe, a transverse rear member connectable to the first and second longitudinal member at a rear section of the subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Johan Eklund
  • Patent number: 10937335
    Abstract: Sets of structural parts (CPE) designed for the composition of Architectural didactic models (MD) for learning or research carried out by students, teachers, engineers, architects or anyone else interested in the subject; (CPE) comprise structural elements vertical and transverse sections (40) forming the pillars and beams and formed by springs (41) and (42) are cylindrical and helical, the traction and compression of which deformations (d1) or displacements (d2) of the structures (MD); (ii) metal cables (50) which comprises bracing and struts; (iii) plates (60) simulating slabs, walls and coverings made of plastic for horizontal locking, vertical and inclined between the elements (40) and (50) so as to simulate slabs, walls and roofs of a building; and (iv) groupings of links (AG), also, formed by labeled bonds (70) comprising balls metallic (71) for receiving the magnets (IM) of the elements (40) and (50) or other magnets (IM) of other structural parts (CPE) and rigid connections (90) configured by trapezoi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Marcio Sequeira De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 10858822
    Abstract: A construction having generalized and alternative joints, capable of making pillar materials self-stood at in horizontal direction of lower frame materials. Upper and lower frame materials formed by laminating three sawn plates with two or more different plate width in plate thickness direction, and a recessed groove or a protruding stripe of the alternative joints is formed between outer layer plate width of outer layer sawn plates interposing an intermediate layer of laminated layers and an intermediate plate width of intermediate sawn plate interposed as the intermediate layer. The pillar materials are formed by laminating three sawn plates with same length in plate thickness direction, and a protrusion or a recess, which can be fitted closely to the recessed groove or the protruding stripe, are formed at both ends by deviating an intermediate sawn plate in a longitudinal direction for a distance of the difference to outer layer sawn plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: IIDA SANGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Mori, Moriyasu Nagayoshi
  • Patent number: 10817266
    Abstract: Described is a mechanism that converts a captured image (e.g. hand drawn image) of a process flow diagram into visual programming logic. The mechanism may analyze the image using a machine learning component to recognize various shapes within the image that correspond to various operations (e.g. nodes of a graph). The mechanism may then determine a process flow within the image (e.g. edges of a graph) based on the position of each shape relative to a top-most shape. The recognized operations and process flow may then be automatically provided to the building tool. The building tool may then display the process flow diagram as visual programming logic for an executable program. Accordingly, the mechanism provides the ability for a user to conveniently create programming logic and forego the process of building a program using only programming code or visual tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Rahmaan Lodhia, Jeffrey Geiger, Michael Diffenderfer
  • Patent number: 10501928
    Abstract: Split connector adapted to be used for interconnecting profile bars in a frame structure, where the split connector is cube shaped and comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, where the first connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the first connecting element to a split profile section, a profile bar, and to the second connecting element, where the second connecting element comprises screw holes adapted for connecting the second connecting element to a split profile section and a profile bar, and a first threaded hole adapted for receiving a screw when connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element. The advantage of the invention is that a modular machine frame is obtained, in which a frame section can easily be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FlexLink AB
    Inventor: Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10465344
    Abstract: Slotted channels with coverings (10) are known for discharging surface water into a channel. The covering has at least one horizontal sheet-metal portion (13) and two vertical sheet-metal portions (11, 12) which are connected to one another via connection devices and have a slot (14) between one another for discharging liquid, for example surface water, into the channel body. In order to allow a particularly complete discharge of water, it is proposed that the horizontal sheet-metal portion (13) comprises drip devices (15) which are mounted and designed in such a way that water running along on an underside of the horizontal sheet-metal portion (13) drips into the channel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Ramon Bhatia, Jiri Krcil, Heino Messerschmidt, Jan Mieze
  • Patent number: 10434350
    Abstract: A trampoline comprising a trampoline frame having legs. The trampoline frame has a trampoline frame horizontal portion. A trampoline bed is suspended across the trampoline frame horizontal portion. Springs extend between the trampoline frame and trampoline bed. An enclosure is connected to the trampoline frame. The enclosure has an enclosure upper support. The enclosure supports an enclosure net. A pad system covers the springs. The pad system includes a wall pad extending upwardly from the springs and terminating at a pad system apex. The pad system further includes a buttress pad connected to the pad system apex at an apex angle from the wall pad, which is defined as an angle between a wall pad outside surface and the buttress pad. The buttress pad extends downwardly to cover at least partially the trampoline frame horizontal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 10232208
    Abstract: A trampoline comprising a trampoline frame having legs. The trampoline frame has a trampoline frame horizontal portion. A trampoline bed is suspended across the trampoline frame horizontal portion. Springs extend between the trampoline frame and trampoline bed. An enclosure is connected to the trampoline frame. The enclosure has an enclosure upper support. The enclosure supports an enclosure net. A pad system covers the springs. The pad system includes a wall pad extending upwardly from the springs and terminating at a pad system apex. The pad system further includes a buttress pad connected to the pad system apex at an apex angle from the wall pad, which is defined as an angle between a wall pad outside surface and the buttress pad. The buttress pad extends downwardly to cover at least partially the trampoline frame horizontal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 10000238
    Abstract: A modular system in the form of a load-bearing frame to be arranged in a tail region of a motor vehicle. The modular components which are to be linked or are linked include at least one cast structure and at least two profiles, the cast structure comprising at least one node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heik Lachmund, Thilo Roeth, Daniel Kern
  • Patent number: 9732511
    Abstract: A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: James Kempf, Scott Gross
  • Patent number: 9616534
    Abstract: A modular structure includes a structural element, a rod, a knuckle, a rod mount, and a bearing holder. The knuckle is connected to a first end of the structural element and the rod mount is connected through the structural element. The bearing holder is removably connected to an actuated member and slides along the rod held by the rod mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Lundwall, Jerome Miles, Randall West
  • Patent number: 9416807
    Abstract: A modular, faceted-component node system for uniting adjacent ends of elongate frame elements at selectively different types of frame-element-junction nodes in a frame structure including (a) a first type faceted node component adapted for attachments to it of ends of plural, elongate frame elements, operable as a singularity to form in a frame structure a first-type frame-element-junction node, and a second type faceted node component for joining, and cooperating with, different pluralities of the first-type node component to form, selectively with such component pluralities, in a frame structure a plurality of different, second-type frame-element-junction nodes—the first and second type node components including, respectively, concave and convex, angularly faceted surface regions that are complementary to one another, and that accommodate facet-to-facet, matching-facet-coextensive, selective joinder of the two component types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 9194631
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (20) includes an inlet connector (22) having a flat joint surface (23) and an outlet connector (24) having a flat joint surface (25). The heat exchanger (20) also includes a round tube (26). The round tube (26) includes an inlet aperture (28), an outlet aperture (30) and flat surfaces (32, 34) adjacent each of the inlet aperture (28) and the outlet aperture (30). The flat joint surface (23) of the inlet connector (22) is coupled to the flat surface (32) adjacent the inlet aperture (28) and the flat joint surface (25) of the outlet connector (24) is coupled to the flat surface (34) adjacent the outlet connector (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: CALSONICKANSEI NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: James Dean Snow, Wassim Mohsen Hussein
  • Patent number: 9114271
    Abstract: A flight of stairs (22) and a slide (26) with respective top ends (23, 27) adjacent to each other and spanned by a platform (29). Respective bottom ends (48, 46) are adjacent to each other. A hand grip mounting portion (32) of the apparatus has a horizontal upper surface (33) within 3 feet or preferably within 16-22 inches above a floor (60) for sitting in preparation for dips. One or more pairs of hand grips (34, 36, 37) extend outwardly at an angle of 0-40 degrees from such mounting portion within 6 inches below the horizontal surface (33) or preferably within 3 inches. The grips are retractable (36) into or against the mounting portion (32). The slide (26) may have a peak (28) that increases headroom for inclined pushups on handgrips (37) below it. Other exercise devices (54, 56, 59) may be attached for multiple concurrent users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Collis Brown
  • Patent number: 8998526
    Abstract: A set of profiles for forming complex profiles comprises two profiles, namely a first profile (10) and a second profile (20), adjoining each other and having walls surrounding a main chamber. Each profile (10, 20) of the set has an outer shape which may be inscribed into a triangle, and has an inner wall (12, 22) with a faying face (13, 23) without protruding fragments. The faying faces (13, 23) adjoining each other, after being coated with adhesive enable a joint to be created when the complex profile is discussed, however, in the case of the set of the profiles they are considered to be contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AIFO Group Zajac Ziecik Stabrawa Spolka jawna
    Inventors: Leszek Stabrawa, Piotr Ziecik, Mateusz Zajac
  • Patent number: 8961058
    Abstract: A corner coupling for attaching one or more beams to a support post, the coupling comprises one or more central coupling unit attached or integral with the support post, and one or more beam end couplers each extending at an end of the beam and being detachably attachable to a respective central coupling unit; wherein a each beam end coupler is configured for arresting engagement with an arresting arrangement of a respective central coupling unit composed of at least a wedge-type engagement, surface-to-surface load bearing and one or more auxiliary locking arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
    Inventors: Efraim Haimoff, Dor Carmon
  • Publication number: 20140376993
    Abstract: A connector for a straw construction kit includes a body having a central base portion and a plurality of fingers extending radially outward from the central base portion and spaced apart from one another. The central base portion has a notch formed therein and being accessible between a pair of fingers. The finger is configured for insertion into one straw. The connector can be mated to another connector to form another connector having a different shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Martinez
  • Patent number: 8915390
    Abstract: A joint for use in making a shipping crate includes a base and a pair of orthogonal channels which extend upwardly from the base and are open from above. Each channel has an inner closed end and an outer open end, and has a width, along a length of the channel between the inner and outer ends, which is greater than the width at the inner and outer ends. The channel is preferably defined by an outer wall, an inner wall, and a pair of reinforcement members located at the inner and outer ends to define the region of smaller width at each end. The reinforcement members are preferably hollow vertical members which are rectangle or square in cross-section and which extend from the inner wall towards the outer wall. Preferably, at their inner ends, the channels share a reinforcement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Groupe Dusogat
    Inventor: Félix Meyer-Horn
  • Patent number: 8844084
    Abstract: A hand rail to post connector assembly for use with a modular ramp. The assembly includes a post cap configured for mounting to a post, a saddle that is received by a slot in the post cap, and a rail insert that is secured to the saddle. The post cap includes a support surface configured to support a hand rail, and the post cap substantially constrains the saddle from moving vertically. The rail insert has a clamping surface that engages an inner surface of the hand rail for clamping the hand rail between it and the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Prairie View Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Allen
  • Publication number: 20140270915
    Abstract: A variety of connectors can be used to connect cylindrical or other shaped tubes to one another. The connectors incorporate features that may facilitate connecting the tubes at a wide range of angles to form a variety of multi-dimensional shapes, while obviating the need to use tape or glue. Such features can potentially improve the aesthetics and simplify the assembly of objects produced using the connectors disclosed herein. Further, structures produced using the connectors disclosed herein can be disassembled, facilitating reuse of, e.g., the paper-based tubes of exhausted household products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Freeland Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140270914
    Abstract: Paper cylinders or tubes may be connected to one another using any of a variety of connectors disclosed herein. The connectors incorporate features that may facilitate connecting the paper cylinders or tubes at a wide range of angles to form a variety of two- and three-dimensional shapes, while obviating the need to use tape or glue, thereby potentially improving the aesthetics of objects produced using the connectors disclosed herein. Further, objects produced using the connectors disclosed herein can be disassembled, facilitating reuse of the paper cylinders or tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Play from Scratch, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Freeland Nelson
  • Patent number: 8671644
    Abstract: A supporting frame comprises four transversal supporting tubes, each of the transversal supporting tubes having two hollow ends; each two adjacent inner faces of each transversal supporting tube being formed with a screw hole; four longitudinal supporting tubes, each upper end of the longitudinal supporting tubes being a hollow end; moreover, each two adjacent inner faces of each longitudinal supporting tube being formed with respective screw holes; and a plurality of three-way internal connecting units; each three-way internal connecting unit having three inserting ends; each inserting end of the three-way internal connecting unit can be inserted into the hollow ends of the transversal supporting tube and the longitudinal supporting tube; thus by the longitudinal supporting tubes, the four transversal supporting tubes can be assembled as a rectangular upper frame and the four longitudinal supporting tubes being assembled as legs of the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tsung-Chieh Huang
  • Patent number: 8668402
    Abstract: Pipe holders retain a first pipe and a second pipe having a connector cable extending through the second pipe. The pipe holder has a first retaining section that detachably holds and fixes the first pipe and a second retaining section that detachably holds and fixes the second pipe. A second retaining chamber is surrounded by an internal surface of the second retaining section. A guide section communicatively connects the second retaining chamber to outside of the pipe holder, wherein the first retaining section, the second retaining section and the guide section are made of metal, and the connector cable that extends through second pipe and has at least one end to be connected to an electronic musical instrument is guided through the guide section to the outside. A coupling section couples the first retaining section and the second retaining section, wherein the guide section is formed in the coupling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Patent number: 8640722
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130287479
    Abstract: A multi-branch fitting includes at least three branches, molded from a composite material and, more precisely, from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or thermoset matrix. The fitting is intended for assembling components which are at an angle to one another. There are at least three flat or substantially flat branches or flanges extending radially from a joining zone, and at least one face or part of a face constituting a bearing face for one or more of the components that are to be attached. The joining zone has a cross section, in the transverse direction, in the shape of a polygon with concave sides. The connection of each of the branches or flanges with another adjacent branch or flange is achieved through a portion in the shape of a curved blade which gives the joining zone one of its concave shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SKF Aerospace France
    Inventor: Guy Valembois
  • Patent number: 8528291
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Allred & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie B. Allred, III, Michael D. Griswold, Michael J. Hall, Matthew A. Bush, Joseph Kummer
  • Patent number: 8499778
    Abstract: A tent is safely unfolded or folded when used and requires less time to unfold or fold and can be pitched automatically as well as manually to solve the problems of the prior art. In the tent, a worm gear and worm wheels are combined and tent connecting rods are attached to the worm wheels, respectively, so that when the worm wheels are moved, the tent connecting rods are moved to fold or unfold the tent. The worm wheel can be manually moved within the tent or the worm wheel can be automatically operated by providing a motor controlled through a remove controller so that the tent connecting rods can be unfolded or folded. In the tent, a central cavity part of a worm wheel body may be used as an air vent, and used as a passage for a smoke outlet from a heater in the winter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Woogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Joon Ha, Ki Yun Ha
  • Patent number: 8475074
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness joint is provided which has a plurality of structural members with a variable stiffness material coupled between the plurality of structural members. The variable stiffness material may be selectively activated/inactivated to control the stiffness of the joint. Additional embodiments and implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P Henry
  • Patent number: 8397463
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Allred & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie B. Allred, III, Michael D. Griswold, Michael J. Hall, Matthew A. Bush, Joseph Kummer
  • Publication number: 20130031851
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular dwelling comprises a beam connector comprising a body and multiple arms that extend out from the body, structural beams comprising outer sides that define elongated channels that extend along a length of the beams, each beam being connected to an arm of the beam connector, a locking means that secure the structural beams to their associated beam connector arms, and a structural panel that comprises multiple edges, at least one edge of the panel being received by a channel of at least one structural beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Sean Carlos Verdecia, Jason Michael Ross
  • Patent number: 8356615
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8347561
    Abstract: A domed structure (500) comprises a plurality of struts (505) of equal or a reduced number of differing lengths. The struts are held in place by hubs (510, 515, 1400). In one aspect, a first hub secures the ends of inserted struts at a constant distance from its center, while other hubs secure the ends of inserted struts at predetermined distances from their centers. The differences between the various predetermined distances is the difference in strut lengths required by the design of the structure. Thus all struts are of equal length and identical, or a reduced number of lengths, resulting in an economy of scale and ease of construction. A cover can be added after the structure is built. Alternatively, the hubs can be sewn into a fabric or plastic cover for further ease of construction. The struts can be glued in place, or removed from the hubs to disassemble the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Robert H. Howe
  • Patent number: 8342463
    Abstract: A swing set assembly having a swing set connector connected to a top rail is preferably provided which has a first cantilevered arm which connects to a top rail of at least two outer perimeters. Top rails are envisioned either fitting over the arm or in a bore the arm depending upon the outer perimeter of the top rail utilized. These and other embodiments are envisioned being of modular construction of a first half and a second half whether at an end of or between top rails. On the event that modification of the swing set is desired, an end half can be removed from a first half, and a top rail half connected thereto along with another top rail to extend the length of the total swing set. Alternatively, if a total top rail length is to be shortened, a top rail can be removed and a first half of the connector can be replaced with an end half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: PlayCore
    Inventor: Brian Henry
  • Patent number: 8341902
    Abstract: Multi-story buildings assembled from pre-cast concrete components produced in a component factory to form earthquake-resistant buildings with lower cost and faster construction time. The multi-story building structure comprising a plurality of piles and pile caps; prefabricated concrete column components; prefabricated concrete beam components; prefabricated concrete floor components; prefabricated concrete stairs components and prefabricated concrete wall components. Each pile cap unites at least two piles to one column; each column component has a groove on each side of the column component for placement of the corresponding sides of prefabricated wall components; and each beam component comprises grooves on the bottom and top sides of the beam for placement of wall components; and openings are located in the body of the beam. Floor components, stairs components, and wall components are made of concrete that are pre-cast with a predetermined shape, size and strength as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Trisna Widjaja Kusuma
  • Patent number: 8292093
    Abstract: A rack frame assembly includes a first frame pole, a second frame pole, a linking member, linking post, and a support pole. A first frame pole includes a first support wall and a first through hole. The second frame pole includes a second support wall. The second frame pole is assembled with the first frame pole with the first support wall and the second support wall located on the same plane. The linking member is located on the first support wall and the second support wall. The linking member includes a second through hole in alignment with the first through hole, and an insert portion. The linking post is located in the first through hole and the second through hole to secure the linking member to the first frame pole. The support pole includes an insert hole with the insert portion located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Patent number: 8245363
    Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one item, but preferably multiple items such as trading cards or photographs, in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jerome Glasser
  • Patent number: 8235338
    Abstract: A swing set assembly having a swing set connector connected to a top rail is preferably provided which has a first cantilevered arm which connects to a top rail of at least two outer perimeters. Top rails are envisioned either fitting over the arm or in a bore the arm depending upon the outer perimeter of the top rail utilized. These and other embodiments are envisioned being of modular construction of a first half and a second half whether at an end of or between top rails. On the event that modification of the swing set is desired, an end half can be removed from a first half, and a top rail half connected thereto along with another top rail to extend the length of the total swing set. Alternatively, if a total top rail length is to be shortened, a top rail can be removed and a first half of the connector can be replaced with an end half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: PlayCore
    Inventor: Brian Henry
  • Patent number: 8196758
    Abstract: A frame assembly includes upper and lower frame units, four vertical frame rods, four pairs of top and bottom female connectors, eight male connectors, and first and second bolts. Each frame unit includes four rectangularly-arranged horizontal frame rods. Each female connector interconnects an adjacent pair of the horizontal frame rods, and includes two horizontal tenons engaging respectively the adjacent pair of the horizontal frame rods. The male connectors are connected respectively to opposite ends of the vertical frame rods. Each male connector includes a vertical tenon engaging a respective one of the opposite ends of the vertical frame rods, and an engaging block mating with a respective one of the female connectors. The first and second bolts are for securing releasably and respectively the female connectors to the male connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 8166991
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8161707
    Abstract: A family of beam cross-connections, including column/beam and beam/beam connections, between beams and columns in a building frame. Each connection within a cross-connection features (a) a pair of parallel-spaced, upright, planar plate components operatively associated with either a side of a column or a side of a beam, (b) an elongate, generally horizontal cross-connection beam including a generally upright, planar central web with an end which, with respect to a pair of such plate components, extends into the space that exists between those components, and (c) a structural relationship involving the plate components in a pair which accommodates (1) vertical-motion placement of a web end between the components, with (2) the automatic establishment thereby of correct relative, spatial, three-dimensional relationships and dispositions of the specific, associated column and/or beam elements so connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8152404
    Abstract: A construction element in the form of an openable clamping element (1) being applicable to a primary object and including at least one clamping element (1) surrounding the primary object and a locking element, characterized in that the clamping element (1) contains at least one partition slot being a parting line of the clamping element, and a locking bar (8) being introducible into the slot, whereby the slot is oriented in parallel to the through going axis of the clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pin2Pin AB
    Inventor: Tomas Berg
  • Patent number: 8096085
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting node (10, 20) for constructing a three-dimensional framework (100), in particular a geodetic structure, wherein the connecting node (10, 20) has at least one connecting arrangement for connection by way of a definable number of (n) of basic structural elements (3) attached to the respective connecting node (10, 20) with other identical connecting nodes (10, 20). It is provided that the connecting node (10, 20) is formed as a disk (4, 6) having a predefinable number (n) of keyholes (1n), with each of the keyholes (1n) being penetrated by a connecting means (5) and engaging with a receiving element (3A) attached on the basic structural elements (3n), so that each basic structural element (3n) is rotatably supported in the formed first connecting arrangement (5, 3A) and can be pre-adjusted and subsequently attached at arbitrary predefinable angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Schneider, Carsten Fulland, Gordian Overschmidt
  • Publication number: 20110248119
    Abstract: Structural connectors for watercrafts, buildings and aircrafts are disclosed. In general, each structural connector includes at least a pair of members extending outwardly from and substantially perpendicular to a body of the structural connector, the members spaced apart from one another so as to form a recess therein between. In some embodiments, the recess may be sized and shaped for receiving supporting members including the likes of stringers and support plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Israel Stol, John W. Cobes, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110194889
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: ALLRED & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie B. Allred, III, Michael D. Griswold, Michael J. Hall, Matthew A. Bush, Joseph Kummer
  • Patent number: 7958903
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7954296
    Abstract: A new connecting node set that is unique and surprisingly effective at aligning interfacing holes in connecting nodes is illustrated by their application to radial tetrahedral structures. This method of connecting one node to another requires that a left handed node be connected to a right handed node. They are called left handed or right handed because their lines of interface in at least two directions of intended use are geometrically coincident with straight line rulings of a hyperboloid of revolution of one sheet which itself consists of two families of straight line rulings, designated a left handed and a right handed family respectively. With these nodes, magnets could be placed on the lines of interface (opposite placement in a left handed one from a right handed one) and thus the magnets would always attract or repel as preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis John Newland
  • Patent number: 7913472
    Abstract: An improved connector formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges that extend around first and second corners at either end of a third edge of the seat member, the first and second reinforcing flanges being connected to the third edge and to first and second edges that intersect with the third edge, the fist and second edges also having side members connected to the seat member. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first and second backwall members which are connected to the supporting girder and first and second side members connected to the supported trusses. A flange member integrally connected to the seat provides further connection when a jack truss is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Troth, Jin-Jie Lin, Jacinta Pister
  • Patent number: 7908718
    Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device and system permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one, but preferrably multiple items such as a trading cards or photographs in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome Glasser
  • Patent number: 7887247
    Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Baro Construction Key-Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang-Man Kim
  • Patent number: 7882666
    Abstract: A prefabricated building component, e.g. for incorporation in a wall, a floor, a roof or another building component, comprises a frame formed by lengths of lumber with heat insulating foam material provided in spaces between the lumber so as to form a heating insulating barrier. To reinforce the frame against racking forces, a reinforcement sheet of fiber reinforced composite material is provided on the barrier and the lumber at least one side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Meho Karalic