Auxiliary Imperforate Panel-like Shield Attached To Main Panel, Barrier, Or Frame Patents (Class 52/202)
  • Patent number: 6327819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a face grating including bearer members having a large number of holding projections formed at predetermined intervals along their longitudinal dimension. The bearer members are fixed to the exterior wall above and below or to the left and right of a building window with the holding projections facing outwardly. A plurality of elastic panels are formed in a substantially channel-like shape with curved portions at their opposing longitudinal edges and are mounted on the holding projections of the bearer members with the holding projections pushed inwards. Elastic covering members have a large number of push-in projections formed at predetermined intervals for fitting into spaces between mutually adjacent panels at positions corresponding to the bearer members or in the vicinity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Goumei Kaisha Kurose Shouten
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Kurose
  • Patent number: 6325085
    Abstract: A flexible material is included within a structure to prevent wind borne missiles or debris from penetrating the confines of the structure. The flexible material may be included within the confines of a building in a free standing form or incorporating one or more interior walls of the building or structure. The flexible material may be attached to the exterior of a structure to cover openings in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Targus International Company
    Inventor: Ted Gower
  • Publication number: 20010042348
    Abstract: A window screen system is described in which the screen or mesh periphery has secured to it a strip of hook and loop fastener material and the corresponding window frame has secured to it a mating strip of similar fastener material. The strip of fastener material on the outer edge of the mesh is aligned with and placed against the mating fastener strip which has been previously secured to the appropriate location on the window frame. Each side edge of the mesh can be stretched and then applied against the window frame, whereupon the mesh is held tightly in place on the window frame. No separate frame for the mesh is required. The mesh can be easily removed for cleaning, transport or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: DAVE B. LUNDAHL
  • Patent number: 6314690
    Abstract: A high strength window screen frame that includes an extruded metal frame that fits within a window opening in a building. The frame is made up of a plurality of window frame units, each defining an opening and covered with mesh. A standoff leg portion of the window frame units provides a standoff separation of the mesh from a glass pane so that when objects strike the mesh and deflect the mesh, the glass pane is not impacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: CPI Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn T. Lilie, Fred B. Arehart
  • Patent number: 6314684
    Abstract: The present invention provides the incorporation of a sheet locking device, a small gutter, and a mesh attachment device in a single unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a device for active multi-locking of sheets and surfaces made of plastic, nylon, paper, similar sheets, or thin surfaces is provided. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a right angled shape serves as an angle for the frame of the structure to which the device is attached. Further, the present invention also incorporates the use of a small gutter that can collect and drain water vapor that may accumulate on the roof of a hothouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Itzik Aviram
  • Publication number: 20010037616
    Abstract: A method of protecting glass panes in window structures installed in buildings includes applying a polymeric foam layer to the glass pane before the storm has arrived and peeling the polymeric foam layer from the glass pane after the storm has passed. The polymeric foam layer can be a polyurethane foam, provided as a one-component system or a two-component system, and the polyurethane foam can be sprayed onto the exterior surface of the glass pane to prevent damage thereto including shattering while absorbing energy from wind-borne debris. A window structure installed in a building includes a glass pane mounted to a frame with a polyurethane foam layer disposed thereon for protection of the glass pane during storms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Diamond
  • Patent number: 6308475
    Abstract: A sill for supporting a wall panel such as window panels for a modular solarium comprises a forward or outer sill, an intermediate rail, an inner channel, and an inner flange. The intermediate rail extends laterally inward from the outer sill. The rail includes a ramp and a raised surface. The ramp defines an outermost portion of the rail and extends upwardly from the outer sill to the raised surface. The rail terminates at the channel. The channel extends laterally between the rail and the flange. The bottom of a wall panel fits over the rail and has an inner leg which extends into the channel. Fasteners secure the inner leg on the wall panel to the inner flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Modern Builders Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Crish, II, Jack Marstellar, Mark Back
  • Patent number: 6308474
    Abstract: Embodiments of a door and doorway shield system are shown and described, each including at least one hook for hanging or gripping onto a portion of the door or the doorway. The shield preferably hangs on the door by a J-shaped hook portion that extends substantially along the entire top edge of the shield. The shield preferably includes a protective portion which extends across the space between a door and a doorway and across the trim molding of the doorway to substantially cover, or hook on, the front trim molding of the doorway. In embodiments which hook on the trim molding, the trim hook holds the shield in place to provide resistance to impacts pushing the shield off of the door. A J-shaped hook portion may also be provided on the bottom of the shield, to allow for connection to the bottom of the door or for turning the shield up-side-down for use both left-hinged and right-hinged doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Roger D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6305132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a four piece molded acrylic kit and method for trimming an interior window. Each piece is oversized in order to be cut down and fitted onto the existing window jamb. The pieces overlap and create a water barrier once the kit is sealed. Each piece is dimensioned, arranged, and interconnected to cover the window jamb and the wall surface that circumscribes the window opening. The pieces are attached to the window jamb by butyl tape and finished with silicone and a sealant finisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6295773
    Abstract: A device is provided which enables one or more objects to be secured to a structure, where the device passes through a hole in one or more structures located between the object, and the structure to which attachment is desired. The device is particularly useful for attaching window protection devices, such as rolldown shutter tracks and sheets of plywood. The device can be screwed, or otherwise attached, to wood structural framing which are concealed beneath veneer, such as bricks and other masonry. The other end of the device receives a tool which allows such an installation, and also the removal of the device. The other end also receives a fastener, such as a bolt, which secures the material or the track to the end of the device, the end of the device being substantially flush with the exterior veneer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Louis Karl Alty
  • Patent number: 6293059
    Abstract: A system for protecting a window or other opening to a building against hurricane-force winds, including: (a) four or more bolts, screws or rods; (b) four or more wedge brackets, each wedge bracket having a longitudinal slot along its centerline, and an aperture at the base of and continuous with the slot, the aperture having a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt head, sloped sides along the slot, the slope along the sides decreasing from the top of the slot to the aperture at the bottom of the slot; and (c) one or two rectangular-shaped protective panels, each panel being of slightly larger length and width than the opening to be covered, each panel having an aperture in each corner area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Robert F. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6289642
    Abstract: A method of protecting glass panes in window structures installed in buildings includes applying a polymeric foam layer to the glass pane before the storm has arrived and peeling the polymeric foam layer from the glass pane after the storm has passed. The polymeric foam layer can be a polyurethane foam, provided as a one-component system or a two-component system, and the polyurethane foam can be sprayed onto the exterior surface of the glass pane to prevent damage thereto including shattering while absorbing energy from wind-borne debris. A window structure installed in a building includes a glass pane mounted to a frame with a polyurethane foam layer disposed thereon for protection of the glass pane during storms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Aranar, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Diamond
  • Publication number: 20010015038
    Abstract: The “S” storm shutter system is a new type of protection from wind storms and other weather phenomenon. It uses a series of low-profile “S”-shaped interlocking panels. These panels are secured by straps on either side which are then tightened by fixing them to the wall. This creates a protective system whose profile is significantly less than any other system on the market today. Because of this low profile, the wind resistance is drastically reduced. In addition, once the initial anchors are installed, this system requires no tools to assemble or disassemble. This is an important factor when considering the time constraints in preparing for an oncoming storm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Roberto Theodore Cadalso
  • Patent number: 6272800
    Abstract: A protective device is provided to prevent humans from accidentally falling through openings in roofs or floors, including the domes of curb-mounted skylights and temporary utility chases that are surrounded by a raised curb. The protective device is secured to the raised curb by clamps that do not penetrate the curb, skylight frame, floor or roof, and therefore do not compromise the water-tight integrity thereof. In the case of an opening type skylight, by securing the protective device to the curb, no interference is contributed to the skylight to hinder the opening mechanism of the skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Peter R. Phinney, Timothy L. Ahner
  • Patent number: 6263625
    Abstract: A storm-panel attachment system has at least one storm-panel bracket (1) with an attachment tongue (2) that fits slidably in at least one attachment housing (3) mounted proximate an edge (4) of a building aperture (5) to be storm-paneled. Oppositely disposed proximate a second edge of the building aperture, at least one additional storm-panel bracket has an attachment tongue that fits slidably in at least one other attachment housing. The storm-panel brackets each have at least one brace-attachment appendage (7) to which at least one panel-supportive brace (8) or other panel bracing is fastened. The brace-attachment appendages are sized and shaped for attachment of braces such as two-by-four boards or other structural members to which storm paneling (6) such as plywood sheets, fibrous sheets or aluminum sheets can be nailed, screwed or otherwise affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Ray A. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20010002529
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: CHARLES R. CYPHER
    Inventors: ALFRED D. COMMINS, ROBERT C. GREGG, WILLIAM F. LEEK, KAREN W. COLONIAS, ARTHUR R. LINN
  • Patent number: 6230455
    Abstract: A high strength window screen frame that includes an extruded metal frame that surrounds a window opening in a building. The frame defines an opening. A screen plate portion of the extruded metal frame is provided on the frame proximate the opening. A flange portion of the extruded metal frame is provided on an outside of the frame away from the opening. A beveled surface on the flanged portion is provided to improve the appearance of the metal frame. A screen plate stiffener is removably affixed to a back side of the extruded metal frame to secure a screen to the frame. Heavy duty mesh screen is preferably used with a high strength window screen frame of the invention. The flanged portion of the window screen frame is bolted to an exterior wall surrounding a window opening of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: CPI Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred B. Arehart, Glenn T. Lilie
  • Patent number: 6223490
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scuttle hole cover comprising a sleeve and an insulating cap. The sleeve extends into the attic through the scuttle hole and includes a locking mechanism for locking an insulating cover in place. The insulating cap includes a mating locking mechanism and, when inserted into the sleeve, locks into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Robert Wessley, Neil Van Boxtel
  • Patent number: 6219978
    Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a window or door during severe storms. A panel, cut to fit in a window frame, is held in place by the action of the slide-arm-and-bolt assemblies described herein. A rubber gasket can be used along one side of the panel in place of some of the slide-arm-and-bolt assemblies. Different embodiments of the assembly are described for mounting along the sides or at the corners of the panel. A “clip-on” assembly is also described. Wind resistance is enhanced by tightening the assemblies until the panel bows outward. Optional security features are disclosed to prevent unauthorized removal of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Herman C. Wood
  • Patent number: 6209271
    Abstract: A guard assembly for a framed opening in a structure includes mounting brackets attached to the framed opening. Each bracket has three angled flanges forming an intersection channel for retaining a grid work member extending between the mounting brackets. The grid work member is compressively urged into the intersection channels and further secured by locking screws extending through one of the angled flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 6205723
    Abstract: A window assembly in which the frame of the window assembly provides support for both a window and a protective shield with such support comprising an inwardly facing saddle which supports the window within the frame and an inwardly facing casing and retainer adjacent the saddle which releasably retains the protective shield and the window within the frame with the shield extending over and protecting the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Transit Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Farrar, Jesse E. Shepard
  • Patent number: 6199330
    Abstract: A skylight protector having a support frame covered by a protective mesh and including positioning members for positioning the protector relative to a skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Charles L. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6189264
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a storm shutter system. The system utilizes a track above an opening, a shutter that is held by the track that covers the opening, a retainer that in conjunction with the track acts to hold the shutter in place, a means for retaining the shutter once the shutter has been installed. The shutter system can be deployed from the inside and is therefore very useful in protecting windows above the ground floor. The storm shutter system is useable with various types of windows including stacked windows and horizontal sliding windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Oscar DiVeroli
  • Patent number: 6182405
    Abstract: A window frame provided with a tapered sub-sill that is mounted on the wall and via a plurality of spaced spacers tapered in the opposite direction to support the main frame sill element in its substantially horizontal position. The use of the tapered sub-sill and tapered spacers permit the sealing membrane positioned between the wall structure and the wall facing to pass therebetween and provide a good seal and provide a solid base for the main sill. In the preferred arrangement, a snap in seal is connected to the outside bottom edge of the sill and forms a seal between the facing layer and the sill and provides a projecting flashing to redirect rain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Marzeu Artistic Aluminum LTD
    Inventor: Edmond Carl Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6182402
    Abstract: An apparatus for the viewing of an inmate in a cell while preventing the inmate from determining if he is being observed includes a frame enclosure with means for securing the apparatus about a cell window attached to the frame structure. A two-way mirror is attached to the frame enclosure and disposed proximate the cell window. A sheet of light attenuating material is disposed in the frame enclosure in planar alignment with respect to the two-way mirror a predetermined distance therefrom to darken the area intermediate the two-way mirror and the sheet of light attenuation material. Means for viewing through the two-way mirror are provided which include a lens or a video camera and display. An optional slot allows for manual positioning of the lens to permit optimum viewing into the cell. The means for securing includes a plurality of magnets disposed around the perimeter of the frame enclosure or by use of a hook and loop fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Duco Van Aalst
  • Patent number: 6167656
    Abstract: “A security window assembly comprising a frame having four members and a pane member securable within the frame. The bottom member of the frame contains a milled groove. The top member of the frame contains a stepped groove having a first groove of a first depth and a second groove of a second and deeper depth. The pane is installed by sliding it into the second depth groove to allow it clearance to then be installed in the bottom member groove. The pane can only be removed by sliding it into the second depth groove which removes the pane from the bottom member groove. When in place in the window, the pane is positioned within the bottom member groove and within the first depth groove of the top member. Clamps hold the pane in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fortress Security Windows Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Devlin, Mark J. DiNoto
  • Patent number: 6155009
    Abstract: A low cost, reusable, easily installed and removed, locking security system and method for protecting the glass in windows and doors. The bottom panel of the preferred embodiment is installed from the outside of the building against the bottom part of a glass window or door with at least one locking-pin suction cup. The top panel or panels are then rotated upwardly away from the bottom panel and secured successively against the upper part of the glass with cord-release suction cups which are individually pressed into place for best adhesion. Removal of the system is accomplished by unlocking the padlock on each locking-pin suction cup, and raising the bottom panel to reveal release cords attached to suction cups behind the It next adjacent upper panel. A downward force then applied to each of the exposed ends of the release cords, breaks the gripping connection between the associated suction cup and the protected glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Martin Rangel Pena
  • Patent number: 6141921
    Abstract: A weather barrier kit is provided comprising double-faced tape used to bond a film to a window frame and a folded and rolled sheet of film having a stiffening band and strip of adhesive across the top. The provision of a stiffening band with adhesive thereon across the top of the film allows one to apply the film squarely, without stretching and without the need of measuring beforehand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Manco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Leeuwenburgh, Randy T. Lear
  • Patent number: 6141932
    Abstract: A metal deck roof repair module system that does not disturb the existing roofing membrane or insulation. The roof repair module has a surface profile similar to that of the existing deck, is installed from below the roof deck, and is jacked into mating position with the bottom surface of the existing roof deck. The repair module comprises two elongated frame angles pre-welded to a piece of corrugated sheet metal. The module is ultimately supported between two adjacent roof beams through support angles which frictionally engage the roof beam. A jacking lever comprised of a handle, an oval-shaped head, and a pin extending from a perimeter of the head, lifts the module to the existing deck by camming against a lower edge of the frame angle. A guide bolt extends through the frame angles and the support angles to prevent lateral movement of the module as it is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Padraig M. Tarrant
  • Patent number: 6138738
    Abstract: An external screening mechanism for a pivotable skylight window comprises a web of a screening material which is wound on a spring-biased roller and is connected with a bottom bar which is guided in side guide rails and connected via a cord drive with an unrolling drive unit. The side guide rails for the bottom bar run along the parts of the frame side portions situated above the axis of rotation and the parts of the sash side portions situated below the axis of rotation, and an essentially rod-shaped support arrangement is attached to and extends across the screening web and is led in the side guide rails so that, in a position of use for the screening mechanism, it is positioned at or close to the axis of rotation in parallel therewith. The device may be provided with an arrangement for retightening and smoothing the web in the fully drawn position and during rewinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: VELUX Industri A/S
    Inventors: Brent Moller, Ulrik Ulriksen
  • Patent number: 6131354
    Abstract: Hurricane shutter hardware for patio doors, picture windows, and other large openings on a house. The hardware consists of mounts that are permanently attached to a house, and brackets that are mounted to a shutter cover. The mounts are composed of unique metal bends that are configured to fit on a wide variety of homes and lock onto the brackets which are attached to shutters. The brackets have distinctive shapes which allow almost any type of material to be used as a shutter cover. The mount and bracket are quickly and easily locked together after a hurricane warning, covering a window with a shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6122868
    Abstract: An accordion shutter system comprising a plurality of continuously extruded, substantially rectangular accordion shutter blades having opposing vertical sides wherein one vertical side of each the shutter blade consists of a male end and the opposite vertical side of each the shutter blade consists of a female end such that the male end of adjacent the shutter blades interlocks with the female end of the shutter blade therein forming a triple interlocking hinge; means for laterally deploying and stacking the accordion shutter system; means for connecting the shutter blades to each other when the accordion shutter system is fully deployed; and means for connecting the shutter blades to a horizontal or vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Vladimir John Knezevich
  • Patent number: 6119756
    Abstract: A window insert suitable for insertion into a conventional window insert receptacle includes a frame and a blind assembly mounted to the frame. The frame defines an opening, and is adapted for insertion into the window insert receptacle. The blind assembly can include a plurality of slats which cover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Window Accessory Company Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J Tatro
  • Patent number: 6101771
    Abstract: A system holds a panel in a held position adjacent to an opening, with the opening being defined by at least a first surface. The system includes a plurality of panel docks mounted on the at least first surface about the opening, with at least two of the panel docks being positioned on substantially diametrically opposite sides of the opening. Each of the panel docks includes: a base; an intermediate portion mounted on the base and having an aperture in which securing means is positioned to secure the base to the at least first surface adjacent to the opening; and an arm extending from the intermediate portion for applying a force to a respective portion of the panel to hold the respective portion between the arm and the at least first surface. The panels are secured by the panel docks to cover the opening without the need for fasteners or securing mechanisms directly engaging the panels and without the panel docks being visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Luminator L.P.
    Inventor: Wallace R. Aikens
  • Patent number: 6089301
    Abstract: A decorative window covering provides privacy on sliding glass doors or windows without altering the walls surrounding the door or window. These privacy screens are functional as well as decorative and can remain within a sliding window or door frame when opening or closing the window or door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: MaryAnn Smith
  • Patent number: 6082062
    Abstract: A security attachment system for windows having laminated film covering the glass panes. The system includes positioning two-sided tape that overlaps both an edge portion of the film and a side portion of the adjacent window frame. A hollow flange track having a right-angled cross-sectional shape is positioned over the tape. The flange track has a stepped up bottom which fits about the raised pre-existing spline between the glass and the side frame. Screw type fasteners are inserted into the flange to it to the sides of the window frame. A snap on cover plate with bulbous shaped prongs fits over a longitudinal opening in the flange track. Flange tracks and their respective cover plates are provided for each of the four edges where the window frames meet the glass panes. The security system increases the tensile strength of the glass and film cover and is useful against projectiles and during hurricane storm conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael J. Alflen
  • Patent number: 6079475
    Abstract: A security screen with a main frame having radial sections which interconnect with radial sections of a subframe when the screen is closed to strengthen the screen and increase its resistance to displacement due to sustained or impact loads. Brackets attached to the radial sections of the main frame have pins aligned to fit into holes in the radial sections of the subframe when the screen is closed. The brackets and pins serve to prevent the radial section of the main frame from bending inward under a force applied to the screen cloth by effectively combining the strength and rigidity of the main frame and subframe. Thus, the force required to displace the screen cloth a given distance is increased. The increase in strength and rigidity is accomplished without increasing the dimensions of the screen or its supporting structure. Also, the brackets serve to inhibit the security screen from being pried open. Other means to interconnect sections of the main frame and subframe are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Kane Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Morgan, Richard Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6079473
    Abstract: The removable screen for covering a building opening includes elongated channels configured for attachment to building structure defining a large building opening; and a screen member configured for releasable attachment to the elongated channels. The screen member includes a screen panel permitting light and air to pass there through but preventing insects from passing therethrough, and border strips attached to three sides of the perimeter of the screen panel. The border strip is configured to slidably engage the elongated channels to retain the screen member over the garage door opening. An elastic strip is attached along at least one side of the perimeter, and a zipper attached between the border strip and the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Wade A. Ackerson, II, Daniel J. Davis, II
  • Patent number: 6079168
    Abstract: A partially transparent storm shutter for protecting glass windows, doors, and similar building openings from damage due to wind forces and wind driven flying objects is formed of a plurality of adjacent corrugated sheet metal and transparent protective, impact resistant sheet panels rigidly connected together along their respective adjacent edges. Special connector members are utilized to connect the transparent panel or panels to the corrugated sheet metal panel(s) and special connector members may be utilized to connect together adjacent transparent panels used in the storm shutter. The transparent panels may be formed of tough, impact resistant, polycarbonate plastic sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: D. Scott Shaver
  • Patent number: 6061981
    Abstract: An air conditioner cover, for covering an air conditioner having an air conditioner face, comprising a main housing defining a main cavity which is sized to cover a portion of the air conditioner rearward of the air conditioner face. The main housing has a front panel, four peripheral walls, and a mouth opening opposite the front panel. A flange extends perpendicular to the peripheral walls at the mouth opening. A seal comprising four angled gaskets extends around the mouth opening, each angled gasket extending from one of the peripheral walls and having a triangular cross section. The angled gaskets allow the air conditioner to easily slide into the mouth opening until the air conditioner face meets the front panel, but resists removal therefrom, to hold the air conditioner cover securely upon the air conditioner. The front panel has a decorative covering to match the decor of the room in which the air conditioner is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Orlando Nieves
  • Patent number: 6055977
    Abstract: Disclosed is a window construction for a heater, which generally has a frame and at least one panel fitted on the frame. The frame and the at least one panel are usually made of different materials having different expansion coefficients. An expansion compensator made of bimetallic material is provided to the window located between the frame and a distal portion of the at least one panel to otherwise contact the frame. The expansion compensator compensates the differential expansions occurring between the frame and the at least one panel as the heater temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Thermic Investment
    Inventor: Gerard Linard
  • Patent number: 6052957
    Abstract: Insert (10) is formed from sheet (12) which is slidably held in slit (16) formed in compressible resilient covering (14). Stiffening member (22) is contained in the core of material (14) and has a slit (24) also slidably holding sheet (12). A compressible resilient insert (90) is contained in stiffening member (22). Corner members (26) slidably engage adjacent stiffening member (22) and sheet (12). Insert (90) and covering (14) compressibly hold sheet material (12) in frame (60). Fasteners (30) are used to urge members (22) toward frame (60) thereby further compressing member (14) to close any gaps with frame (60). A quadruple sealing effect is achieved as a result of: 1) the insert (90) between edge (15) and member (22); 2) the clamping action of member (22) on sheet (12); 3) the clamping action of covering (14) on sheet (12); and 4) the compression of covering (14) between frame (60) and member (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Walter W. Minnich
  • Patent number: 6029414
    Abstract: A seismic fixture clamp enables light fixtures and the like to be securely affixed to the T-bars of a suspended ceiling system, thereby ensuring that the fixtures do not separate from the T-bars in the event of an earthquake generating seismic shocks to the suspended ceiling system. The seismic fixture clamp, although easily and quickly installed, adds structural strength to the overall T-bar framework to reduce or prevent twisting and separating of the T-bars, and includes support lips configured to securely affix light fixtures to the T-bars, thereby strengthening the suspended ceiling system against seismic shocks without requiring additional wires or chains to secure the fixtures directly to an overhead structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Frank A. MacLeod
  • Patent number: 6029409
    Abstract: Embodiments of a door and doorway shield system are shown and described, each including at least one hook for hanging or gripping onto a portion of the door or the doorway. The shield preferably hangs on the door by a J-shaped hook portion that extends substantially along the entire top edge of the shield. The shield includes a protective portion which extends across the space between a door and a doorway and across the trim molding of the doorway to substantially cover, or hook on, the front trim molding of the doorway. In embodiments which hook on the trim molding, the trim hook holds the shield in place to provide resistance to impacts pushing the shield off of the door. A J-shaped hook portion may also be provided on the bottom of the shield, to allow for connection to the bottom of the door or for turning the shield up-side-down for use both left-hinged and right-hinged doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Roger D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6014841
    Abstract: A cover apparatus (10) is provided which is easily and quickly installed, is simple to use, and is cost effective for selective closing of an attic opening (14) and for providing a thermal and dust barrier. The cover apparatus (10) preferably includes structure (12), adapted for placement over an opening (14) defined by peripheral wall or ceiling surfaces (16), and a plurality of snap fasteners (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for detachably coupling the structure (12) to the surfaces (16). The structure (12) includes a panel (20) presenting an inboard face (22), continuous, circumscribing sidewalls (24) extending from the inboard face (22) of panel (20), and a continuous, circumscribing flange (32) extending transversely and outwardly from the outer margin (28) of the sidewalls (24). The flange (32) includes an outermost lip (36) configured for firmly engaging the surfaces (16) when the structure (12) is coupled to the surfaces (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: George W. McCoy, Jr., George W. McCoy, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6012257
    Abstract: A mounting for a window and at least one shield for protecting the window. In a typical embodiment, the window is rectangular, such as a bus window, and the shield is a thin flexible sheet of plastic. The window is mounted on elastomeric seals in a metallic frame and held in place by a second set of elastomeric seals. The shield is placed in a pre-formed trench of the inner elastomeric seals which creates an air gap preventing contact between the shield and the window. An inwardly curved and flexible lip extending above the trench is capable of bending back to conform to the surface of the shield when installed to form a water tight seal and to help hold the shield in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Transmatic, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey K. Caplette
  • Patent number: 6009929
    Abstract: A new exterior skylight solar screen cover for engaging a skylight to prevent excessive heat build-up in a space below a skylight which has a frame, the solar screen comprising a frame member dimensioned for coupling with the exterior of the skylight. A plurality of louvers laterally extend within the frame member and a solar screen panel is dimensioned for being received within the frame member. The solar screen panel comprises a peripheral frame that is positioned on an inwardly extending lip of the upper frame section of the solar screen cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Tim Linderman, Jon Benson
  • Patent number: 5996292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shutter system and its panels in which at least one panel is formed of corrugations, and in which the subject panel is perforated. Ideally, the perforation is employed in a panel having an isosceles trapezoidal rib, with the perforations running the full length of the face of the rib. The adjacent panels are secured by a wide variety of means often implying a keyhole slot at the top and the bottom of each panel to engage a fastening means which is secured to the structure being covered. Different mountings including direct mountings, of course, are contemplated. The panels, whether perforated or not, are formed from essentially the same material and as a consequence thermal expansion and contraction between adjacent panels is accommodated by the mutual expansion and contraction of each, thereby requiring only accommodation of the shutter system with regard to the opening in the dwelling which it closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: George Anthony Hill
    Inventors: George Anthony Hill, Larry H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5950398
    Abstract: A pass-by insulating glass window unit for replacing single glazing including a sealing assembly sandwiched by glazings having dissimilar plane surface dimensions. One glazing, the exterior glazing, has the plane dimensions of the single glazing it replaces. The other, the interior glazing, and the sealing assembly have plane dimensions slightly smaller than the dimensions of the window opening. The pass-by insulating glass window unit is assembled with each of the four edges of the exterior glazing extending equidistantly outwardly from the aligned edges of the sealing assembly and the interior glazing. The thickness of the sealing assembly is predetermined to provide an enclosed insulating space of optimum insulating value. For use in double hung window sashes, the thickness is chosen to assure passage of the movable window openings, and to position the interior glazing to be in approximate alignment with the plane of the interior surface of the wood sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce M. Hubbard
  • Patent number: RE36975
    Abstract: An attic hatchway cover wherein a tent-like structure having side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall each having a flange structure are arranged to engage and for securement to a hatchway opening framework employing mounting strips, such that fastening structure secures each mounting strip to each associated flange and simultaneously to the framework. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a preferred embodiment, the .Iaddend.top wall of the cover employs a flap member selectively securable to the top wall and displaceable therefrom by use of a generally U-shaped zipper to disengage the flap relative to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Steve L. Williams