Cupola Or Skylight Patents (Class 52/200)
  • Patent number: 11960190
    Abstract: System for controlling tinting of one or more zones of windows in a building based on clear sky models for the building site maintained on a cloud network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Zedlitz, Ranojoy Dutta, Yuyang Ying, Erich R. Klawuhn, Stephen Clark Brown
  • Patent number: 11927019
    Abstract: A roofing system including a plurality of roofing panels that can be releasably secured to rafters or other supports of the roof by connectors. In embodiments, the connectors can include first and second connectors, each of which can include a plate with a projection extending therefrom, and with the plates defining flanges on each side of the projection. The plates of the first and second connectors are configured to seat on and at least partially extend along one of the rafters of the roof structure and along exterior facing surfaces of adjacent ones of the roofing panels to releasably secure the roofing panels to the rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventor: James A. Svec
  • Patent number: 11850942
    Abstract: Embodiments of an article comprising a cold-formed glass substrate in a curved shape, a plurality of separate mechanical retainers, and a frame are disclosed. The cold-formed glass substrate has a first major surface, and a second major surface opposing the first major surface. In one more embodiments, the plurality of separate mechanical retainers are attached to the second major surface of the cold-formed glass substrate. The mechanical retainers may be attached to the frame to define a position for each of the plurality of mechanical retainers, such that the mechanical retainers define the curved shape. Embodiments of processes to form such articles are also provided. Such processes can include attaching a plurality of separate mechanical retainers to a flexible glass substrate such that the glass substrate maintains its flexibility, and attaching the mechanical retainers to a frame, such that the mechanical retainers attached to the frame define a cold-formed curved shape for the flexible glass substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Cheng-Chung Li, William Michael Seiderman, Yawei Sun
  • Patent number: 11608640
    Abstract: A roofing system including a plurality of roofing panels that can be releasably secured to rafters or other supports of the roof by connectors. In embodiments, the connectors can include first and second connectors, each of which can include a plate with a projection extending therefrom, and with the plates defining flanges on each side of the projection. The plates of the first and second connectors are configured to seat on and at least partially extend along one of the rafters of the roof structure and along exterior facing surfaces of adjacent ones of the roofing panels to releasibly secure the roofing panels to the rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventor: James A. Svec
  • Patent number: 11598318
    Abstract: An assembly and method are provided for preventing exposure of personnel to an opening defined by a surface of a wind turbine. Accordingly, a hatch assembly is arranged adjacent to the opening. The hatch assembly includes a frame structure and a support structure. The frame structure includes a plurality of frame members arranged together to at least partially surrounded opening the plurality of frame members further define a passageway for receiving the support surface. The support surface is slidable between a first position and a second position. The support surface occludes the opening defined by the surface of the wind turbine when the support surface is in the first position and occludes the passageway defined by the plurality frame members when in the second position so as to prevent exposure of personnel to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Demianovich, James Eric Reed, Gary Wayne Holladay, Owen Devlin Gauthier
  • Patent number: 11177764
    Abstract: There is proposed an apparatus used for holding solar panels and a roof structure, including an elongate rail member, an elongate capping member movably connected to the elongate rail member, a plurality of interconnected adjustment devices, and a drive mechanism. The adjustment devices are spaced apart along a length of the elongate rail member and are configured to move the elongate capping member relative to the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is configured to control the movement of the adjustment devices to affect the clamping of the solar array panels between the elongate capping member and the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is adjustable from a single location along the elongate rail member, such as from an end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Ferris, Howard Kohler, Myles Kohler
  • Patent number: 11155997
    Abstract: Roof forming element, a plurality of which may form a roof of a building, comprising base part comprising an elongate roof plate of a polymer, a cover for covering the roof plate, and coupling means for coupling the roof forming element in use to further, neighbouring roof forming element, the base part comprising an elongate reinforcement part comprising a strip comprising polymer and unidirectional fibers, bonded to the base part at the interior side of the base part and extending in the length direction along the length of the base part, the elongate reinforcement part covering at least a part of the width of the base part, the strip of the elongate reinforcement part having a higher Young's modulus than the base part, or at least a part of the base part to which the elongate reinforcement part has been bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Roland Van Giesen, Henrica Norberta Alberta Maria Steenbakkers-Menting
  • Patent number: 11118356
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a skylight protection assembly to protect a skylight of a roof. The skylight protection assembly comprises a frame superposable to a mounting surface of the roof to surround at least partially the skylight and securable to the roof, the frame comprising at least one frame member having a roof-engaging portion, a screen-supporting portion and an outer side; a protection screen engageable with the screen-supporting portion of said at least one frame member to define with the frame a skylight protection chamber configured to contain the skylight. The frame member comprises an upper frame member, the outer side of the upper frame member having a water-flowing profile considered in a plane substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the roof. The present disclosure also concerns a method for protecting a skylight of a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CIELLA INC.
    Inventor: Serge Rivest
  • Patent number: 11078671
    Abstract: A middle flashing assembly for use in a roof window arrangement with a first roof window located above a second roof window when seen in the direction of inclination of the roof structure is disclosed. It comprises a middle flashing member configured for extending between the roof windows and having at least one engagement section configured for engagement with a connector element extending from the first roof window towards the second roof window. It further comprises an edge supporting rail and an edge gasket both extending on the interior side of the middle flashing member in parallel with a longitudinal edge. The edge gasket is located between the middle flashing member and the edge supporting rail in the mounted state. An end section extends beyond the middle flashing member in the length direction for engagement with the connector element. A method for weather-proofing a roof window arrangement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Torben Krogsgaard Allesen
  • Patent number: 11035120
    Abstract: Curtain wall including mullion profiles, transom profiles and panels, where the mullion profiles extend vertically, with the transom profiles being fixed at right angles to the mullion profiles, where the transom profiles and the mullion profiles define rectangular openings. The panels are placed in the openings to close these openings, where the panels are secured by means of first glazing beads, that are attached to the mullion profile by means of first attachment aids, where the first attachment aids and the mullion profiles are designed to attach the first attachment aids to the mullion profile, where the first attachment aids and the first glazing beads are designed to snap the first glazing beads onto the first attachment aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Stephanie Catharina R. Claeys, Laurens Leonard J. Claeys, Nausikaa Els P. Claeys
  • Patent number: 10988932
    Abstract: An end closure for a cladding for a first roof window forming part of a roof window arrangement mounted in an inclined roof structure, where said first roof window is above a second roof window when seen in the direction of inclination of the roof structure and where a middle flashing member is arranged between the roof windows is disclosed. The end closure comprises an end plug having a male connector section configured to be inserted in a hollow section of the cladding and an end gasket configured to come into a sealing engagement with the middle flashing member. The end gasket is arranged at the interior side of the end plug and extending from one side surface to the other. The end closure may further include a covering plug configured for interconnecting the end plug with a covering extending along a lower edge of the first roof window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Torben Krogsgaard Allesen
  • Patent number: 10917040
    Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
  • Patent number: 10913227
    Abstract: A frame structure, a method for manufacturing the same and a device is provided. The frame structure includes at least one frame bar, an injection cavity and a plastic material; the injection cavity is located in an interior of the frame bar and extends in a length direction of the frame bar, and the plastic material is filled in the injection cavity, wherein an expansion coefficient of the plastic material is lower than an expansion coefficient of the material from which the frame bar is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zifeng Wang, Yan Ren, Lei Cao
  • Patent number: 10889990
    Abstract: A skylight cover is provided that includes a light transmitting body including first and second integral lenses. The first and second integral lenses define polygonal perimeters, each polygonal perimeter having a first element and a second element residing therein, the first and second elements disposed adjacent to each other in each instance. The skylight cover may include a plurality of ridges and creases, the individual, respective ridges and creases disposed in advantageous configurations. The cover may likewise include a plurality of surfaces, some optionally parallel and some optionally co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Steve Roy Kastner
  • Patent number: 10889986
    Abstract: A cupola body fabricated from extrusions preferably includes a bottom frame, a first top frame, a second top frame and eight side rails. The bottom frame includes four bottom rails attached to each other with bottom fasteners. The first top frame includes four first top rails attached to each other with top fasteners. The second top frame includes four second top rails attached to each other with the top fasteners. A bottom of the eight side rails are attached to the bottom frame with side fasteners and a top of the eight side rails are attached to the second top frame with the side fasteners. The four bottom rails include a bottom glazing channel. The eight side rails include a side glazing channel. The four second top rails include a top glazing channel. The glazing channels are sized to receive four glazing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: PLYCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy E. Freehauf
  • Patent number: 10745912
    Abstract: This invention relates to architecture techniques, and more particularly to an assembled double steel-concrete composite shear wall embedded with a damping interlayer, which includes a double steel layer, a double damping interlayer and a concrete layer. The shear wall is formed by bolted bar joints. The double steel layer includes two first steel plates which are arranged along a length of the assembled double steel-concrete composite shear wall in a parallel manner and two second steel plates along a width of the assembled double steel-concrete composite shear wall. The double damping interlayer includes a first damping interlayer which locates between the first steel plates and the concrete layer and a second damping interlayer which surrounds the bolted bar joints and is surrounded by a steel tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Chunwei Zhang
  • Patent number: 10626597
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a dry seal system for use with a wall comprised of exterior insulated wall panels wherein the dry seal system is used to seal the joints between the exterior insulated wall panels. The dry seal system generally comprises a seal assembly for sealing a joint between horizontally adjacent exterior insulated wall panels and may further comprise a horizontal seal for sealing vertically adjacent exterior insulated wall panels. The seal assembly generally comprises a first connector, a second connector and a vertical seal, wherein the first connector is attached to one exterior insulated wall panel, the second connector is attached to another exterior insulated wall panel, the vertical seal is positioned between the first connector and the second connector and the first connector engages the second connector to provide a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: INVENT TO BUILD INC.
    Inventor: Michael R. Strickland
  • Patent number: 10519665
    Abstract: According to the invention, a skylight including a frame is disclosed. The skylight may include a frame. The frame may include a vertical curb and horizontal flashing integral with, and extending away from, a bottom of each exterior side of the vertical curb. The frame may also include a first vertical member extending upward from the horizontal flashing which extends from a first exterior side of the vertical curb, and a second vertical member extending upward from the horizontal flashing which extends from a second exterior side of the vertical curb, where the second exterior side is opposite the first exterior side. The frame may further include a first horizontal member extending from the first vertical member, and away from the vertical curb, as well as a second horizontal member extending from the second vertical member, and away from the vertical curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Innovations Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Patent number: 10513851
    Abstract: The present disclosed subject matter is a curved reflective skylight curb insert which intercepts and reflects low sun elevation angle sunlight, thereby minimizing glare and providing more uniform illumination within the building below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: David Gelbaum
  • Patent number: 10443229
    Abstract: A strap system comprising a plurality of straps. Each strap comprises a central body configured to extend within the first reinforcement channel, an outward jog at an upper end of the central body with an upper offset body extending therefrom, and a lower overlap portion extending from the central body opposite of the upper offset body. The lower overlap portion is positionable within the first reinforcement channel, while the upper offset body extending along the first end wall overlying the first reinforcement channel, whereupon positioning the first strap in operable position relative to the second strap directs the upper offset body into overlying position relative to the lower overlap portion of the second reinforcement channel, to, in turn, provide for the coupling therebetween by a fastener directed therethrough. A bracket member with a strap system, and a building system with a strap system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Architectural Products, LLC
    Inventor: G. Matt Krause
  • Patent number: 10415261
    Abstract: An outrigger beam support that comprises a fall protection anchor that comprises a plate, an anchor post coupled with a first side of the plate, and at least one member on a second side of the plate, the member being substantially perpendicular and spaced inwardly from the plate's perimeter, and the plate and/or member(s) may have holes to accommodate fasteners. The outrigger beam support further comprises a support post with a first end that operatively couples with the anchor post, and a second end of the support post is attached to a beam holder adapted to hold an outrigger support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell Allen, Gary Hardy
  • Patent number: 10373467
    Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting breach events by residents of an assisted living facility includes: defining an access perimeter containing a first space and excluding a second space within a facility, the first space and the second space separated by a door; assigning the first individual access perimeter to a first resident, in a set of residents, occupying the facility; maintaining the door in an unlocked state by default during a first period of time; tracking locations of resident wearable devices associated with residents, in the set of residents, within the facility during the first period of time; and, in response to a first location of a first resident wearable device associated with the first resident falling inside the individual access perimeter and within a threshold distance of the door at a first time during the first period of time, triggering the door to enter a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: PHILIPS NORTH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Vikram Devdas, Shane McNamara, Christopher Pang, Richard Heaton, Niall Walsh
  • Patent number: 10349489
    Abstract: An adaptable skylight includes a frame facing an interior of an enclosure having an opening for allowing light to pass. An opacity-control pane adjacent the opening allows a variable amount of light to pass, and an artificial light source illuminates the frame. An aircraft skylight assembly includes a variable pane, an artificial light source for illuminating portions of the skylight assembly, and a controller configured for adjusting an amount of external light transmission through the variable pane and an amount of artificial light illumination. An internal ambiance lighting system includes the adaptable skylight having a dimmable pane for providing transmission of a variable amount of external light into an enclosure, the artificial light illuminates the frame surrounding the adaptable skylight, and the controller automatically adjusts external light transmission through the adaptable skylight and illumination of the frame based on a lighting preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Textron Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Robinson, Frank Joseph Rowe, Todd Alan Thisius
  • Patent number: 10294671
    Abstract: A prefabricated skylight and curb assembly and method for installing and fabricating same is disclosed. The skylight and curb assembly of the present invention may include a roof curb, a skylight, and a locking cap. The roof curb may define an outer perimeter and an inner open perimeter. Further, the roof curb may include a lower end for securing to a roof structure and an upper end for rigidly securing the skylight. The locking cap may include a retainer and a cover. The retainer may be disposed on the outer perimeter of the roof curb between the upper and lower ends. The cover may be adjustably secured to the retainer so that the cover may be moveable between a generally vertical position and a generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Max LaForrest Sargent, Charles Joseph Rimsky, Steve Roy Kastner, Brian Jefferson Burkes
  • Patent number: 10145117
    Abstract: A skylight shade device and skylight mounted on a roof of a building includes a roof and a skylight installed on the roof. A shade element including photovoltaic cells is positioned to occlude at least a portion of high angle sunlight through the skylight dome without occluding low angle sunlight through the skylight dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Bilbrey, Bruce Edward Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 10087635
    Abstract: A curb-mounted skylight designed for mounting on a framing protruding from the roof and forming part of its construction. The skylight has a glazing unit (1) and a support frame (2), where the distance (H2) from the skylight support surface to the outermost edge of the protective wall (22) of the section profile of the support frame (2) is not longer than the distance (H1) from the skylight support surface to the outside surface of the glazing unit (1). There is an adhesive sealing joint (5) between the glazing unit (1) and the protective wall (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: FAKRO PP Sp. z o. o.
    Inventors: Łukasz Mucha, Łukasz Stokłosa, Warcław Majoch
  • Patent number: 10072420
    Abstract: A roof window comprising an insulation member for sealing a gap between at least part of a roof window frame and at least part of a frame of an aperture in a support structure for receiving the roof window frame. The insulation member having a first out of use configuration and a second in use insulating configuration and an arrangement for activating the insulation member between the out of use configuration and the in use insulating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Keylite Roof Windows Limited
    Inventors: Sean Coyle, Aaron McCloskey
  • Patent number: 10053878
    Abstract: A rooftop fall protection anchor that comprises a horizontal plate, an anchor connection on the top of the horizontal plate, and at least one vertical member on the bottom of the horizontal plate. The horizontal plate and vertical member(s) are designed to butt against the building framing, and have holes to accommodate fasteners to attach the horizontal plate and vertical member(s) to the building framing. The anchor connection may have at least one opening to attach a connection device of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Darrell Allen, Gary Hardy
  • Patent number: 9982435
    Abstract: A glazing panel roofing system includes a glazing panel and glazing panel brackets configured to clamp upon one of the side edge surfaces of the glazing panel. The glazing panel includes two flat face surfaces and two side edge surfaces. The glazing panel brackets are configured to clamp upon one of the side edge surfaces of the glazing panel. Each glazing panel bracket includes a base clamping feature including a base gripping feature surface configured to abut a first surface of the flat face surfaces, a top clamping feature including a top gripping feature surface configured to abut a second surface of the flat face surfaces, and a threaded fastener securing the top clamping feature to the base clamping feature, wherein torque applied to the threaded fastener changes a clamping force applied between the top clamping feature and the base clamping feature upon the glazing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: David Miller, Frank Kosciolek
  • Patent number: 9976308
    Abstract: The present subject matter comprises a simple, passive skylight dome with relatively tall partially vertical sides comprising partially transparent material which diffuses the transmitted light, and a mostly opaque sun shade near the top of the relatively tall partially vertical sides. The partially vertical sides are able to better intercept sunlight from low sun elevation angles than conventional horizontal skylights. The mostly opaque sun shade is able to block sunlight from high sun elevation angles to prevent such sunlight from entering the building below the dome. By enhancing the collection of low-sun-elevation-angle light, the subject matter improves the daylight performance of the skylight early and late in the day, and all day in the winter months. By reducing the collection of high-sun-elevation-angle light, the subject matter reduces the solar heat gain near solar noon in the summer months, thereby reducing air conditioning loads and related costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Entech Solar Inc
    Inventor: David Gelbaum
  • Patent number: 9920532
    Abstract: A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, the framing members having an upper support surface for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. A structural thermal break connected to each framing member provides a lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne Conklin
  • Patent number: 9915062
    Abstract: A movable enclosure is configured to selectively enclose an area. The enclosure includes at least one side wall and an end wall attached thereto. The side wall comprises a number of individual panels that are independently movable along a track secured to the ground. The panels are selectively collapsible such that they may travel along the track and overlap one another when in a collapsed or stowed position. The enclosure may be configured in any number of intermediate positions wherein the panels are partially collapsed. Roof panels may be attached to the side walls for movement therewith, or alternatively, the roof panels may operate independent of the side walls to extend and retract between an open and collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Convertible Living LLC
    Inventors: Kent Harry Forsland, Michael Dennis Peters, Luke Duane Schraw
  • Patent number: 9909318
    Abstract: The present invention is a curb assembly system for modifying a metal building. The apparatus comprises a plurality of mounting brackets, at least two caps, at least two side rails, at least two end panels, and a plurality of screws. The mounting brackets are placed on support structure of the building, one of the at least two end panels is placed at the low point of the building, one of the at least two side rails is placed on the edge of an existing building panel, the at least two caps are placed a determined distance from each other, another of the at least two side rails is placed parallel to the first side rail, and another of the at least two end panels is placed at the high point of the building, such that there is created a “curb” comprised of the side rails and caps which can support an device or feature that is secured thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: EZY-CURB, LLC
    Inventor: G. Paul Nelson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9874018
    Abstract: A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. The framing members have an upper support surface and a main gutter. A structural thermal break connected to each framing member provides a lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable. Support blocks extending on each rafter have drainage channels that lead to the main gutters in the framing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne Conklin
  • Patent number: 9797140
    Abstract: A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. The framing members each have a vertical portion and support assembly extending inwardly, including an upper support surface, a lower support surface, and a vertical step therebetween. A glass setting block made of a rubbery material rests upon the upper support surface, vertical step, and lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Wayne Conklin
  • Patent number: 9765522
    Abstract: A skylight shade device includes a skylight having a skylight dome and a shade element. A surface area of the shade element is smaller than the surface area of the skylight dome and positioned generally centrally within the surface area of the skylight dome to occlude at least a portion of high angle sunlight through the skylight dome without occluding low angle sunlight through the skylight dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Bilbrey, Bruce Edward Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9752332
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 9677279
    Abstract: A load support structure supports a load on a metal panel roof. Such load support structure includes multiple closure members including opposing side rails, and optionally end closures. The rails are mounted on roof panel ribs. Cavities can be disposed inwardly of the outer perimeter of the support structure as defined by the closure members, in upper portions of the closure members. Rods may be inserted through slot-shaped openings, into the cavities. Cross-section dimensions of the rods are less than the widths of the cavity openings. Either the rods are compressed, or the cavity openings are expanded, or both, so as to enable manually inserting the rods into the cavities. Elongate thermal breaks may be installed at and adjacent the cavities, to assist in controlling thermal conduction through the closure members, between the outside environment and the enclosed space above the roof opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: T&M Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pendley, Michael J. McLain
  • Patent number: 9598854
    Abstract: A corner bracket for assembly of two boards of a window mounting collar into a collar corner and for affixing said window mounting collar to an exterior face of a building façade so as to surround a window opening, said corner bracket; comprising two holding plates and two base arms, all four adapted for extending in planes parallel with and having back surfaces abutting the exterior face of the building façade in an affixed position of the collar. The bracket further comprises two flanges and two abutment plates adapted to extend away from said exterior face in an affixed position of the collar. Each abutment plate is positioned at a mutual distance from and in parallel with an associated said flange, each abutment plate being connected to the associated said flange via an associated said holding plate; so as to be able to hold said boards together to form said window collar corner, each board being received between a respective flange and its associated abutment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Hans Henrick Ter-Borch
  • Patent number: 9546485
    Abstract: A curb assembly is provided for mounting on a sloped, standing seam metallic roof, in order to provide support for a roof fixture, such as an exhaust fan or skylight. The curb assembly includes a box-like structure mounted atop the roof in surrounding relationship to a roof opening. The curb assembly further includes an underlying, below-roof frame assembly. Specialized upper and lower end connection structure serves to securely mount the curb assembly to the metal roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Standard Sheet Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek M. Mills, Brian H. Blackmore
  • Patent number: 9540818
    Abstract: A technique for installing a skylight at the ridge of the roof is used to redirect water away from the skylight by using a flashing member. Side rails containing a notch in the upper end are configured to receive a flashing member proximate the ridge of the roof. The flashing member redirects water away from the skylight without the use or installation of a diverter to reroute the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Richard R. McClure
  • Patent number: 9534389
    Abstract: A window system for mounting in an inclined surface of a building, said window system comprising a frame structure and a sash structure each defining a substantially rectangular unit with an inner opening, and where a transverse element extending between side members of the sash structure forms a yoke (25) in connection with the pane element (1) and acts as a support of the pane element to transfer at least part of the load of the pane element to the side members (22) of the sash structure (2). At least one glazing support (14) may be mounted on the yoke (25), each glazing support (14) preferably comprising a substantially plane abutment portion (141) in contact with the pane element (1) and a first engagement portion (142) adapted to engage the yoke (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Jacob Lysemose, Michael Nygaard
  • Patent number: 9534390
    Abstract: Metal panel roofs, and load support structures for supporting loads on such roofs. Side rails provide primary support for loads on such roofs. The side rails can be fabricated from sheet metal or can be extruded. A side rail includes a standing seam cavity which is lowered, and covers, the standing seam. Side walls of the standing seam cavity. An upstanding web extends up from the cavity, and lower shoulders may extend laterally, optionally downwardly, from the walls which define the cavity, on either one side, or both sides, of the cavity. Building roof insulation can extend up through an aperture in the roof, surrounded by such load support structure, and extend up to the top of the side rail, thus providing a thermal break between the load support structure elements and the space surrounded by the load support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: T&M Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pendley, Michael J. McLain
  • Patent number: 9453343
    Abstract: A skylight mounting system and assembly is disclosed. The skylight mounting system of the present invention may include providing skylight assembly components and mounting such components to create the skylight assembly of the present invention. The components of the skylight assembly may include an upper frame having a downwardly extending upper channel, a lower frame having an upwardly extending lower channel, a connector clip, a gasket having a first and second gutter channel, and a lens. The lower frame may be secured to the gasket, the connector clip may be secured within the lower channel of the lower frame, the lens may be secured above the first and second gutter channels of the gasket, and an inside leg of the downwardly extending upper channel may be inserted into the connector clip secured within the lower channel of the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: James Eric Brinton, Charles Joseph Rimsky, Michael James Waters, Max LaForrest Sargent, Jeffrey Joseph Ronan, Alan John Ruhoff, Steve Roy Kastner, Gregory Foster Collins, Brantlee Burnett Nickles
  • Patent number: 9447626
    Abstract: A method for forming a sill pan is provided that includes the measurement of a width and length of an opening sill to be sealed. A piece of flexible sill pan material is cut based on the measured opening sill. Fold lines and cuts are created in the piece to form the sill pan. The resulting sill pan is readily formed to have at least one attribute of self-adherence, draining without shims, nail hole self-sealing, and provision of dams without resort to frame cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Exterior Research and Design, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Colin R. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9407198
    Abstract: A support structure for solar panel includes first supports, second supports, first platens, second platens, and optoelectronic units. Two first diversion grooves are formed in an upper part of the top protrusion, and second diversion grooves are respectively formed in the side protrusions. One end of the second support is connected to one side of the first support, and the third diversion grooves is formed in an upper part of each second support. The first platen is disposed on the upper part of the first support. The second platen is disposed on the upper part of the second support. The optoelectronic unit is disposed between the first platen and the first support, and is disposed between the second platen and the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Skylight Energy International Inc.
    Inventor: Shou-Jen Shih
  • Patent number: 9322177
    Abstract: A skylight system including a support frame and an apex patch fitting that together support a plurality of glass pieces joined together in a selectable shape. The support frame includes a sill and a setting chair that are arranged to support the base portions of the glass pieces. The apex patch fitting may be of selectable shape and includes an upper and lower member to retain the peaks or corners of the glass therebetween. The apex patch fitting includes one or more positioning keys to align and secure the glass pieces. A method of making the skylights includes the use of an apex retainer tool to maintain the apex patch fitting in a fixed position while placing glass pieces on it. Multiple apex patch fittings can be used for a skylight, including a skylight that is ridge shaped or hipped ridge shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bellwether Design Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Maguire, William J. Wright, Brian J. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9316000
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting loads on a sloping metal panel roof includes first and second side rails, an upper diverter, and a lower closure. An upstanding web of the upper diverter extends upwardly from the panel flat. An elongate lower flange extends from the upstanding web and is disposed against the metal roof panel. Opposing rib mating webs are on opposing sides of the lower flange. On a first side of the lower flange, a diversion leg of the lower flange is between the upstanding web and one of the rib mating webs. On the second side of the lower flange, the second rib mating web meets the upstanding web. The lower flange extends from the upstanding web to a distal end thereof up-slope of the lateral leg. The lower flange and the first and second rib mating webs can, collectively, define a common distal end of the upper diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Pendley, Michael J. McLain, Richard McClure
  • Patent number: 9222265
    Abstract: An insulating system comprises a cover and a generally rigid attic sealing member. The cover defines an interior chamber, and the interior chamber is filled with insulation. The cover further forms a cavity in the bottom of the cover, where the attic sealing member is received into the cavity. Together, the system raises the insulating value (R-value) of an area above an attic opening to a minimum R-value level required by many building codes. The cover may be filled with insulation through a slit or passage extending along the top of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Yankee Insulation Products, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew James Richmond, Mark James Richmond
  • Patent number: 9212489
    Abstract: A guard assembly for a skylight. The assembly includes rails positioned on opposing sides of a skylight frame, connected by tension members that act to pull the rails laterally toward each other, causing the rails to clamp onto the skylight frame. The assembly can be coupled to the skylight without need for penetration fasteners that can cause the skylight to leak. The rails and tension members can be custom sized to proper dimension at a work site. In one embodiment, the guard assembly includes modular reinforcement components that spread out local clamping forces over a large area to mitigate the generation of yield and creep stresses that would otherwise cause the guard assembly to loosen over time. The guard assembly includes a guard structure that extends over the skylight and, in various embodiments, can be readily removed from the guard assembly for servicing of the skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Safety Rail Company, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Erickson