Specified Wear Or Friction-type Traffic-carrying Surface Patents (Class 52/177)
  • Publication number: 20020178677
    Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Publication number: 20020178661
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anti-fatigue flooring article having inherent properties of electrostatic dissipation. Further, this disclosure relates to flooring article having at least two layers, wherein a first layer (comprised of dense rubber) is calendered to a second layer (comprised of foam rubber). Each layer has a different electrical conductivity, thereby creating a mat having an appropriate range of conductivity when combined. The present flooring article may also include a layer of static dissipating scrim, a grounding means, and/or a colored marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: William O. Burke, Amy B. Streeton, Robert C. Kerr, William H. Stewart, Roy P. DeMott
  • Patent number: 6467224
    Abstract: A decking tile is disclosed which is arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner. The decking tile has a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connector provided around the periphery of the decking tile for connecting the decking tile to another decking tile. The decking tile is divided into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes. Each portion is removable from the tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it. Two apertures are provided in each portion through which the fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ezydeck PTY LTD
    Inventor: Geoffrey Michael Bertolini
  • Publication number: 20020139070
    Abstract: A floor covering has a plurality of extruded rigid rails that are placed side-by-side, and are held together with flexible junction members that fit into bottom opening slots in adjacent rails. Each rail also has a guide for receiving tread inserts, as shown, strips of carpeting, on an upper side thereof. The tread inserts are slid into place longitudinally under overhanging shoulders. An end cap is placed on each end of each rail for preventing the junction members and the tread inserts from moving longitudinally to keep the rails and the tread inserts in an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Fred P. Berndt
  • Patent number: 6453630
    Abstract: A deck plank cover made from a plastic material, such as a wood composite, wherein the deck plank cover is designed to be affixed to the top surface of a preexisting deck plank. The deck plank cover is useful for repairing or protecting mildly deteriorated or deteriorating wooden deck planks of typical wooden decks. The deck plank cover may be affixed directly to the top surface of the existing wooden deck planks, and serves to substantially protect the wooden deck planks from further exposure to the elements. The deck plank cover of the present invention may also be applied to non-deteriorated wooden deck planks to prevent the onset of deterioration and to alleviate the need for treatment of the subjacent wooden deck planks with chemical preservatives. The deck plank cover preferably simulates the look of real wood, and may be produced in various cross-sectional shapes and sizes and from a variety of plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Buhrts, Kevin Troy Burt
  • Patent number: 6451400
    Abstract: There is provided a mat having multiple sets of pins, each set of pins being located within surrounding, characterized in that the pins do not extend significantly beyond the highest point of the surrounding. Thus the pins are protected by the surrounding and are less likely to break after extended use. The mat may be provided with areas adapted for the receipt of strips of textile materials, eg carpeting which advantageously has a hard-backing and is able to snap into the areas provided. The inclusion of the textile material combines a scraping function together with the visual appearance of a carpet. The strips of textile material will be separated by sets of pins as described above. A set of such mats is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Thomas A. P. Brock, Keijo J. Nurmentaus, Patrick Morel
  • Patent number: 6446413
    Abstract: A panel for a portable floor system comprising a rectangular core defining an upper surface and a lower surface extending parallel to the upper surface and lateral side surfaces extending from edges of the upper surface to edges of the lower surface. Frame members are connected to the lateral side surfaces and define outwardly projecting channels. The frame members have opposed spaced parallel horizontal walls defining an upper wall and a lower wall, and further have a transverse connecting end wall for connection to the lateral side surfaces. A laminated graphic layer is integrally joined to the upper surface of the rectangular core and extends over the upper walls of the frame members to conceal the frame members. The channels of the frame members have flanges for releasably securing connecting members for joining a panel to other panels in side-by-side aligned relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Folia Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Moritz F. Gruber
  • Publication number: 20020122912
    Abstract: There is provided a mat having multiple sets of pins, each set of pins being located within a surrounding, characterized in that the pins do not extend significantly beyond the highest point of the surrounding. Thus the pins are protected by the surrounding and are less likely to break after extended use. The mat may be provided with areas adapted for the receipt (of strips of textile materials, e.g. carpeting which advantageously has a hard-backing and is able to snap into the areas provided. The inclusion of the textile material combines a scraping function together with the visual appearance of a carpet. The strips of textile material will be separated by sets of pins as described above. A set of such mats is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: THOMAS A P BROCK, KEIJO J NURMENTAUS, PATRICK MOREL
  • Patent number: 6444284
    Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: R & L Marketing and Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Kessler, Myron E. Ullman
  • Patent number: 6438908
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved method of installing wall-to-wall carpet. The method comprises installing a wall-to-wall carpet on a substrate bounded at least partially by opposed walls or vertical structures by applying to the substrate an intermediate member having a top surface, applying to the top surface of the intermediate member the bottom surface of the carpet, the top surface of the intermediate member and the bottom surface of the carpet being constructed such that the surfaces resist relative movement between the intermediate member and the carpet; and cutting the carpet to conform to a desired shape at least partially bounded on two sides by the opposed walls or vertical structures. An improved carpet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Raiford McDonald
  • Patent number: 6440525
    Abstract: A floor mat system and clip for use therewith can be installed to any floor and includes a floor mat formed from a series of first and second criscrossed ribs which form rectangular-shaped openings therebetween, and clip having a rectangular-shape base and four outwardly extending raised projections. Certain of the second ribs have an enlarged bottom which forms a latching shoulder on each side thereof. The projections of the clip have a generally triangular-shaped end which snap-fits with the latching shoulder of the certain second ribs and which aligns with certain of the openings of the floor mat. A pair of holes are formed in the clip which align with other of the openings of the floor mat when attached thereto. A second embodiment is presented in which the clip is adjustably mounted on the floor with a pair of grommets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: R & L Marketing and Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Kessler, Myron E. Ullman
  • Patent number: 6438909
    Abstract: A heating assembly is provided which includes a metal stair tread member having an upper horizontal surface and a bottom surface for mounting on a stair tread of a staircase. A strip heating element is attached to the bottom surface of the stair tread member. A first covering of synthetic material encapsulates the horizontal surface of the metal stair tread member and the strip heating element on bottom surface of the stair tread member. The strip heating element is contiguous with the bottom surface and is attached thereto by a gasket extending around the peripheral edge of the strip heating element. A thermostat is electrically connected to the strip heater and to a power source for selectively supplying electric current to the strip heater in response to changes ambient temperatures. A temperature sensing element is in electrical communication with the thermostat wherein the thermostat selectively supplies the current to the strip heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Tread Ex, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Birch, John S. Eve
  • Patent number: 6434897
    Abstract: A non-slip floor covering which includes a plurality of depressions that are regularly or randomly distributed over a floor covering surface such that the depressions provide a suction effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E. V.
    Inventors: Thomas Sievers, Günter Wiedemann, Udo Stürmer
  • Publication number: 20020108323
    Abstract: A panel for a portable floor system comprising a rectangular core defining an upper surface and a lower surface extending parallel to the upper surface and lateral side surfaces extending from edges of the upper surface to edges of the lower surface. Frame members are connected to the lateral side surfaces and define outwardly projecting channels. The frame members have opposed spaced parallel horizontal walls defining an upper wall and a lower wall, and further have a transverse connecting end wall for connection to the lateral side surfaces. A laminated graphic layer is integrally joined to the upper surface of the rectangular core and extends over the upper walls of the frame members to conceal the frame members. The channels of the frame members have flanges for releasably securing connecting members for joining a panel to other panels in side-by-side aligned relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Moritz F. Gruber
  • Publication number: 20020100231
    Abstract: A decorated floor panel having a core with a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; a decorative layer coupled to the top surface of the core, the decorative layer having a desired aesthetic appearance; and a wear layer coupled to and substantially covering the decorative layer for protecting the decorative layer. The wear layer has an exposed wear surface with depressions therein of a variable depth below the wear surface, the depressions being arranged to display a desired texture pattern. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Miller, Kevin Allen Thompson, David M. Brownlee
  • Publication number: 20020095897
    Abstract: An above-grade decking system having a plurality of deck members overlying a plurality of joists with clip member connectors connecting the deck members to the joists. The present decking system is particularly adapted for use with concrete composite materials that are shaped into construction materials and testured to resemble wood or stone products. The clip members are shaped to hold the deck memebers onto the joists. The clip members fit into slots in the deck memebers and are attached to the joists using commonly available connectors. The deck memebers can be shaped and configured to fit together with the clip memebers therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffry L. Summerford
  • Patent number: 6418690
    Abstract: The specification discloses an outdoor deck surface unit in which a plurality of boards, suitable for outdoor use, are secured to an underlying substrate. The deck units cover an area of from about 2 to about 6 square feet, such that they are large enough that an entire deck surface can be created relatively quickly, but are sufficiently small that a deck surface unit can be readily lifted, moved, placed and handled by a single individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Wheatley, Colin G. Carr
  • Patent number: 6415562
    Abstract: An artificial board generally including a top portion, an open bottom, and side walls. The top portion and side walls are integrally connected to form the body of the board which has an exterior surface. Stiffening members, integrally connected to the side walls and the top portion, extend between the sides walls and increase the rigidity of the board. Integral connecting portions can be used to construct various platforms, such as those found in benches, tables, and decks. The exterior surface can be a textured surface resembling a wood grain finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Benchmark Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Donaghue, Patrick J. Donaghue
  • Publication number: 20020083661
    Abstract: A reduced frontage garage configured to accommodate a plurality of motor vehicles. This garage includes a door that is insufficiently wide to accommodate entry of the entire plurality of vehicles in parallel side-by-side relation. The garage also includes a flared interior garage enclosure configured to allow the vehicles to pass through the door sequentially and stop in a substantially radial parking arrangement within the garage in which adjacent vehicles are parked at acute angles to each other. This substantially radial parking arrangement allows each vehicle to pass through the door and park in a designated parking space while veering the vehicle to at most one side of its orientation of straight travel. The building may also include a carport adjacent to the reduced frontage garage and accessible from a common driveway. The radial parking area may also be bifurcated by a building structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Walter Krauth
  • Patent number: 6405495
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined volume in the areas formed by adjacent cross pieces of the mat. Longitudinal connectors are configured so that the matting connected to half the connector comes away relatively easily while the matting connected to the other half of the connector is held tightly to the connector. Ramp structures are arranged on all outside edges of the mat system. Different connection arrangements between the mat and the ramps are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman
  • Publication number: 20020062606
    Abstract: The invention involves a system and method for constructing decks, adapted for use with wood composite materials. The invention may include the application of facing to cover the materials used in forming the outer edge or rim of the deck and the underlying deck support members. Additionally, the invention may include railing structures that involve a combination of wood composite and metal elements, coordinated with other deck features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Garth Aaron Hystad
  • Publication number: 20020056238
    Abstract: A deck plank (12) readily attaches to an engagement clip (46) when force is applied over the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying joists in parallel with the joists, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clip perpendicular to the joist and pushed down over clips, a secure deck structure is provided. Each clip has a pair of horizontal flanges (52 and 54), which snap over a plurality of ledges (42 and 44) in a channel under each plank. The deck planks (12) are embossed (14) so as to form a slip resistant surface to be walked upon. The plastic extruded deck plank (12) resists rot, deterioration and insect infection found in current wood products. The deck plank assembly is simple enough so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install or alter it with minimal effort and direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Alan Leines
  • Patent number: 6385936
    Abstract: A floor tile, in particular a laminate panel, parquet element or such like, with an edge profile on at least two opposite edges in the form of a modified groove and tongue joint, is designed in such a way that there is a tongue 20, 30 and a groove 22, 26 on each of the said two edges. The edge profiles are contrived so that the adjacent tiles can be locked in place in relation to each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Tongue 20 on the first tile 10 and groove 22 in the second tile 12 rise upwards from the bottom of the tiles at an angle. Accordingly, the bottom wall of groove 26 in the first tile and the bottom outer surface of tongue 30 on the second tile 12 are also inclined at an angle, while the top surfaces of the groove and tongue are oriented horizontally or parallel to the plane of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: HW-Industries GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Bernd Schneider
  • Patent number: 6385923
    Abstract: A transition support for flooring extending between a floor area of a high height and a floor area of a low height, the support being in the shape of a wedge which is generally unnoticeable by persons walking across the support and which does not jostle wheeled vehicles crossing the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Duramax, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Pelosi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6374555
    Abstract: A deck product comprising a composite and a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Jay Gusler
  • Publication number: 20020043047
    Abstract: A mosaic tessera, particularly for outdoor and/or indoor paving, constituted by a small metallic plate which is peripherally provided with perimetric raised portions forming a recess together with the corresponding face of the plate and by a filler element which is shaped complementarily to the recess and is associated with the recess so as to form a single tessera adapted to be applied to the foundation of the paving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: SICIS S.r.l.
    Inventor: Maurizio Placuzzi
  • Patent number: 6372323
    Abstract: A slip control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James J. Kobe, Leon Levitt
  • Patent number: 6352757
    Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Boardman Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Kessler, Myron E. Ullman
  • Publication number: 20020023395
    Abstract: A new and improved covering that can be used to cover any existing 2″ by 6″ decking of wood. The covering would be preferably made from vinyl and could also be used for picnic tables, docks, or any railing or wood surface that uses 2″ by 6″ pieces of wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Pasterchick
  • Publication number: 20020020123
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined amount of flexibility through the use of auxiliary supports. Further stability is provided by one-piece ramp comers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman, Kim D. Kendall
  • Publication number: 20020018908
    Abstract: A structure and associated methods are provided having enhanced slip-resistant surfaces formed on the projections, recesses or other surfaces of the structure to promote safe and stable movement of people and/or objects on the structure. These structures can include, for example, those materials commonly installed on vehicles such as emergency vehicles. The methods associated with the structure include roughening at least one smooth surface of the structure to provide an enhanced slip-resistant surface. In separate aspects of the method, for example, mechanical roughening processes are disclosed which employ a set of two rollers, a single roller or a punch die arrangement to roughen a smooth surface of a structure. The enhanced slip-resistant structure can then be installed on a vehicle or employed in a variety of other applications where safe and stable movement of people and/or objects is desirable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Troy G. Smith, Terrence N. Thom, Nancy J. Verdick, Michael J. Maloney
  • Patent number: 6339908
    Abstract: A wood floor board assembly includes a plurality of base plates, and a plurality of linking members. Each of the base plates has a front side provided with a rib and a rear side defining a recess. The rib has a bottom provided with a first snap portion. The recess has a bottom provided with a second snap portion. A contact portion is provided on a bottom of each of the base plates and located between the first snap portion and the second snap portion. Each of the base plates has a left side provided with a third snap portion having an upward directed opening and a right side provided with a fourth snap portion having a downward directed opening. Each of the linking members has a front side defining a first fitting channel, a rear side defining a second fitting channel, and a mediate portion provided with an interface flange. Each of the front side and the rear side of the linking member is provided with a locking portion which extends inward and is inclined downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Fu-Ming Chuang
  • Patent number: 6332293
    Abstract: A launderable dust control mat having antimicrobial properties is provided. The mat includes a pile fiber upper surface and a rubber backing surface. Metal based antimicrobial agent, are disposed within both the fiber forming the upper surface and the rubber forming the backing surface thereby providing antimicrobial character to the mat as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Kerr, James N. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 6324796
    Abstract: A decking system for placement on a subassembly having at least two spaced apart joists. A plurality of elongated tubular elements for placement in lateral interlocking engagement with each other transversely of and spanning the distance between the joists. Each of said plurality of elements having a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side walls connecting said top and bottom portions. The top portion extends laterally beyond the first side wall and has formed thereon a downwardly extending longitudinal flange. The bottom portion extends laterally beyond the second side wall and has formed thereon an upwardly extending longitudinal wall defining an upwardly opening channel adjacent the second side wall adapted to receive therein in watertight relation the downwardly extending longitudinal flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Homeland Vinyl Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall N. Heath
  • Patent number: 6318033
    Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tread Ex, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Birch, John S. Eve
  • Patent number: 6319584
    Abstract: A floor mat system and clip for use therewith can be installed to any floor and includes a floor mat formed from a series of first and second cris-crossed ribs which form rectangular-shaped openings therebetween, and clip having a rectangular-shape base and four outwardly extending raised projections. Certain of the second ribs have an enlarged bottom which forms a latching shoulder on each side thereof. The projections of the clip have a generally triangular-shaped end which snap-fits with the latching shoulder of the certain second ribs and which aligns with certain of the openings of the floor mat. A pair of holes are formed in the clip which align with other of the openings of the floor mat when attached thereto. A second embodiment is presented in which the clip is adjustably mounted on the floor with a pair of grommets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: R & L Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Kessler, Myron E. Ullman
  • Patent number: 6314699
    Abstract: A deck system with a deck clip. The deck system includes deck boards in which receiving chambers are formed. The receiving chambers are formed in both opposing side edges of each deck board, and each chamber is defined in part by a lip edge. The deck boards are placed side by side during construction of a deck, closely spaced, such that the lip edges of adjacent deck boards define a narrow channel space therebetween in which a rotatable deck clip is placed. The clip has a first overhang member and an opposing second overhang member and is thereby wider in a first horizontal dimension and shorter in a second, perpendicular horizontal dimension, and is rotatably attached to the deck joists by a screw or other fastening device. When the clip is rotated into a first position, its first and second overhang members extend into the receiving chambers of adjacent deck boards and engage with the lip edges of each chamber to hold the deck boards securely in place upon the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. West
  • Publication number: 20010034983
    Abstract: A plastics floor covering (1) comprises a plurality of discrete plastics components (2, 3, 4) each having an upper surface and a lower surface (lower surface shown). The discrete components (2, 3, 4) are assembled together to form a predetermined design and are held in the assembled position to form a unitary floor covering (1) by at least one portion of a joining film (14) secured to the lower surface of each discrete component (2, 3, 4). The joining film (14) spans at least the edges of neighboring discrete components (2, 3, 4) and is coated with a thermally labile polymeric coupling agent. The joining film (14) is perforated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: The Amtico Company
    Inventor: Luigi Fanti
  • Patent number: 6301842
    Abstract: Parallel spaced elongated deck planks are extruded of a rigid plastics material, and each plank includes opposite vertical side walls integrally connected by a generally flat top wall and a contoured bottom wall. The bottom wall of each plank is formed by coplanar bottom edge portions and a bottom center portion integrally connected by a pair of inverted U-shaped or semi-cylindrical portions defining parallel spaced downwardly facing semi-cylindrical cavities. Radially positioned and thinner internal reinforcement walls integrally connect the top wall to each semi-cylindrical bottom wall portion, and a vertical center wall integrally connects the top wall with the bottom wall center portion. Elongated aluminum carrier strips cover the wood supporting joists, and each carrier strip has outwardly and downwardly projecting opposite edge portions to direct water from the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Dayton Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael T. Chaney, Jonathan C. Hauberg, Paul A. Siudzinski
  • Publication number: 20010025465
    Abstract: A deck bracket for coupling a deck to a pair of stringers forming part of a dock or deck has a channel for receiving the stringers and a transverse flange for supporting the lengths of decking forming the deck. The flange is downwardly spaced from the top of the bracket so that the decking is flush with the top of the bracket. Apertures in the flange are provided to receive fasteners to secure the decking to the bracket. A deck unit made with a pair of deck brackets and lengths of decking extending between the brackets can be easily dropped onto the stringers and removed, as the need arises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ludwig Osfolk
  • Patent number: 6296912
    Abstract: A roofing membrane material is disclosed. The material is characterized in that it includes a woven or non-woven fibrous mat having an adhesive asphalt coating, such as a two-layer asphaltic coating applied to one surface thereof. The asphaltic coating can be a first relatively non-adhesive asphaltic material that infiltrates a portion of the fibrous mat and a second, relatively adhesive asphaltic material deposited upon an exposed surface of its non-adhesive counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Northern Elastomeric, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Zickell
  • Patent number: 6286272
    Abstract: Process for installing against a support (S), the ground in particular, a covering consisting of planks, laths, wooden panels (1) which consists in leveling the surface to be overlaid, then in fixing against the said surface (S), side-by-side planks (1), leaving a space between them and the ground. The process is characterized in that the spacing and the fixing of the planks (1) constituting the covering is obtained by means of pairs of elements (3, 4) distributed over the length of the said planks, which elements (3, 4) take the form of blocks, of which the one (3) is fixed transversely on the lower face of the plank and the second (4) over the ground, the opposite faces of the said blocks (3, 4) comprising interlockable complementary zones (7) ensuring the mutual securing of the said elements (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Sandoz
  • Patent number: 6256945
    Abstract: A walk-in refrigerator/freezer having a plurality of walls and a ceiling is provided. The refrigerator/freezer also includes a door and a floor. The floor includes a top wear surface, and a metal support grid beneath the top wear surface. The metal support grid has a plurality of apertures. An insulation material is located beneath the metal support grid. The insulation material passes through the apertures of the metal support grid and bonds to the wear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylon Yates, Loren Rasmusson
  • Patent number: 6233886
    Abstract: A floor assembly includes at least two elongated extrusions disposed adjacent to each other where each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members that are connected by a connector which engages the inner leg member and the outer leg member of one of the extrusions and the outer leg member and the inner leg member of the other extrusion. The connector includes a base and first and second end flanges where the first end flange engages the inner leg member of one of the extrusions and the second end flange engages the inner leg member of the other extrusion. A method of making a floor assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Thermal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Andres
  • Patent number: 6226950
    Abstract: A modular cladding element cooperates with an assembly of cladding elements to clad a surface of an underlying structure. The cladding element includes a cladding panel having opposed inside and outside major surfaces, first and second opposed sides, and first and second opposed ends. A removable male fastener is integrally formed along the first side of the panel, and is adapted for entering a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element when positioned on the first side of the panel. The male fastener is removable in the absence of a complementary cladding element positioned on the first side of the panel. A first female fastener is integrally formed along the opposed second side of the panel, and defines a first opening adapted for receiving a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element positioned on the second side of the panel. A second female fastener is integrally formed adjacent the male fastener on the first side of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: L.B. Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Harry H. Davis
  • Patent number: 6214428
    Abstract: A laminated support mat for supporting and moving draglines and other heavy equipment in muddy, boggy or marshy areas. The laminated support mat includes multiple wooden laminates of typically unequal length and selected width and thickness, which laminates may be fitted with one or more wear mat or pad and are bolted together to define a support mat of desired dimension, the laminates preferably constructed of oak wood for good strength and durability. The laminates may be constructed of scrap wood and conventional cable loops may be provided on each end of the laminated support mat for locating the mat in a desired position. Where the typically rubber wear pad or pads are used, the pads may be mounted on the laminates using a pair of channels that receive the bolts securing the laminates together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6199335
    Abstract: A floor structure for use on an ice surface includes sheets of rigid, lightweight material each having a topside and a bottom side which includes a margin and geometric recesses and recess dividers. Only the margins and recess dividers are in contact with the ice surface when this floor structure is laid upon the ice. The recess dividers effectively seal the geometric recesses creating sealed pockets which trap ambient air thus creating a thermal insulating effect which substantially prevents the coldness from the ice from penetrating the sheets to the topsides and prevents condensation from forming on the topsides making it safe for the users to move about upon this floor structure unlike other floor structures which are used on ice. In addition, this floor structure does not stick or freeze to the ice unlike the other floor structures, because it has a substantially smaller surface area which is in direct contact with the ice, making it much easier to remove and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: SpaceAge Synthetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Brenot, Arnold G. Althoff, Randy M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6199340
    Abstract: An elongate modular decking plank is provided for assembly on a supporting subfloor together with a plurality of like planks to form a decking structure. The decking plank has a top wall spaced-apart from a bottom wall, and opposing laterally spaced downwardly converging side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls. An integrally-formed flange extends outwardly from the bottom wall on one of said sides of the decoding plank. The flange includes a fastening portion for receiving fasteners therethrough to the supporting subfloor to mount the decking plank on the supporting subfloor, and a connecting portion for connecting the plank to an adjacent like plank in a manner which permits limited lateral and angular adjustment between adjacent planks. The plank is preferably extruded from high-impact polymeric material, such as PVC plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: L.B. Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Harry H. Davis
  • Patent number: 6170212
    Abstract: A deck system including cooperating plastic planks, fastener covers and end caps. Each of the plastic planks has at least one channel in the upper surfaces which extends the length of the plank. Each channel includes at least one pair of opposed ledges. Each fastener cover is configured for insertion into one of the channels. The fastener cover is an elongate member having an upper face portion and a pair of legs downwardly depending from the upper face portion and extending substantially the entire length thereof. The fastener cover includes a pair of upper laterally projecting flanges and a pair of lower laterally projecting flanges. When a fastener cover is inserted into a channel, the pairs of upper and lower flanges receive the at least one pair of ledges with a gap sufficient to accommodate displacement of the fastener cover arising from ice expansion in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Suchyna, Robert G. Kearful
  • Patent number: 6148577
    Abstract: A new modular floor protection mat system for protecting a variety of sizes and types of floor surfaces from contaminants such as dirt, petroleum products and thawing compounds and the like falling off of vehicles parked on the floor surface. The inventive device includes at least one floor protection mat module having a mat portion and a perimeter lip portion. An elongate perimeter strip member mounts over the perimeter lip portion of the floor protection mat module to connect the mat module to other similar mat modules and allow a vehicle to roll over the perimeter lip portion of the mat module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: John J. Smolenski, David A. Lepley