Framing To Receive Door, Doorjamb, Or Window Sash Patents (Class 52/204.1)
  • Patent number: 6647673
    Abstract: A standardized arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. The two-sided angled cuts are preferably standard right-angled notches and end cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard J. Smerud
  • Patent number: 6647677
    Abstract: A window assembly that includes an outer end inner frame assemblies. The outer frame assembly has two horizontal frame members and two vertical frame members. The inner frame assembly includes two horizontal inner members that are slidably mounted to the horizontal frame members. The inner frame assembly also includes two vertical inner members that are mountable on the vertical frame members with fastener members. The outer frame assembly and the vertical and horizontal inner members sandwich or entrap a garage panel with an aperture and a transparent panel to define a window. The outer frame assembly includes a longitudinally and peripherally extending rib member with longitudinal cut-outs. The horizontal inner frame members include longitudinal slots that receive the rib member. Fasteners are used to mount the two vertical inner members to the two vertical frame members keeping the garage panel and the transparent panel sandwiched in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Allen Berger, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030208972
    Abstract: In combination with a door in which the door includes two spaced apart solid plastic stiles and at least two spaced apart solid plastic rails and in which the two solid plastic stiles and the at least two solid plastic rails are connected together to form a rectangle having an opening defined by the distances between an inner edge of the solid plastic rails and the solid plastic stiles. At least one of a screen and a glass are dimensioned to cover such opening. Further, there is a means for fastening the screen and/or glass in a position to cover the opening. The improvement comprises at least one of the two solid plastic stiles and/or two rails having a lengthwise void formed at a predetermined location therein. A non-plastic reinforcing member is fitted in the lengthwise void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: SNAVELY FOREST PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Eric A. Reppermund
  • Patent number: 6643988
    Abstract: A frame assembly for creating a flush corner appearance is disclosed. The frame assembly includes first and a second members. The first member has a plurality of sides that extend between a first and second end such that one side defines an opening extending thereinto from the first end. The opening defines a pair of lateral flanges for engaging the second member. The second member includes a plurality of sides that extend between a first and second end. The second member also includes a first connector extending from a first side and a second connector extending from a second side. A first tab extends from the first connector and is moveable between a straight position and a bent position such that the first tab guides the first member into engagement with the second member when the first tab is in the bent position. A second tab extends from the second connector and is flush with the first end of the first member when the members are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: AMSCO Engineered Products
    Inventors: Laurence P. Armstrong, Steve K. Laumann
  • Patent number: 6637158
    Abstract: An entryway system includes an elongated threshold assembly and a pair of plastic jamb boots attached to the ends of the threshold assembly. The jamb boots have flat level upper surfaces and a pair of jambs having square-cut bottoms are secured to the jamb boots and extend upwardly from the threshold assembly. A head jamb completes a door frame. The jamb boots are formed with integral drains that receive water from within the threshold cap channel of the threshold assembly and direct it away from the entryway. The plastic jamb boots prevent rotting and eliminate the need to mill the bottoms of jambs with haunches configured to fit the threshold assembly. Stops are provided in one embodiment at the bottoms of the weather strip kurfs to position the bottom ends of weather strips above the sill of the threshold to prevent weather strip wicking and consequent leakage in wind-blown rains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Endura Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Bennett
  • Patent number: 6632999
    Abstract: A floor grommet for use in building and office structures supplied with air conditioning via under floor plenum. Directed flow of conditioned air is optimized by limiting the escape of air from the plenum into the space above the floor by leakage through floor openings provided for power cables, data cables and the like. Specialized floor grommets installed in the cable openings are comprised of a surrounding frame mounting sealing elements comprised of thin, flexible elements which are anchored at one end in the grommet frame and extend toward the center of the opening, from each side, to effectively close the opening against significant flow of conditioned air from the plenum below. Cables passing through the grommet opening cause minimal deflection of the flexible elements to limit the escape of conditioned air. Preferably, the resilient, flexible elements are filamentary in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Triton Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur T. Sempliner, Jonathan Brill, Kenneth Brill, Robert Sullivan, William Pitt Turner, IV
  • Patent number: 6622441
    Abstract: The present invention is a window frame wherein all of the structural members are formed with the same substantially identically-shaped configuration a metal extrusion. A plurality of structural members are arranged to form a supporting structure. Each structural member has a U-shaped channel defined by a base portion having a first arm and a second arm spaced apart on opposite lengthwise sides of said base portion. The first and second arms extending from said base portion have end portions turned inward and extending in a direction toward said base portion. Fasteners detachably secure the plurality of structural members into a configuration adapted to detachably mount a translucent barrier within the supporting structure formed by the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Allan S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030167709
    Abstract: Door and glazing frames include intumescent material positioned in a dado that is formed in a jamb side surface. Trim materials are positioned over the intumescent material to improve the appearance of the frame and to prevent tampering with and damage to the intumescent material. The jamb trim is preferably made of a cut hardwood panel having a thickness that allows heat to be transmitted to the intumescent material in the event of a fire so that the intumescent material will expand and fill a clearance space between the frame and the door or glazing. The expanded intumescent material inhibits the transmission of smoke and heat between the door and door frame. After expanding, the intumescent material will char and solidify, which may provide an added benefit of structural support for the door and or glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Washington Hardwoods Co., LLC
    Inventors: Jim Harkins, John Gaydos
  • Publication number: 20030159375
    Abstract: A windowed sash of the type having a window pane supported in a window sash. The window sash consists of elongated profiled polymeric members interconnected by weld seams at joints therebetween. The window sash is adapted to be mounted in a frame. Holes are provided in contact with the weld seams interconnecting the elongated profiled polymeric extruded members for distributing, at least partially, stress sustained by the window pane and the window sash when subjected to shocks, so as to prevent at least one of the weld seams, the elongated profiled polymeric extruded members and the window pane from cracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tetsuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6606831
    Abstract: Fire rated door or fire rated window to prevent the spread of smoke and fire which is suitable for use in the region of a fire protection partition, said fire rated door or fire rated window comprises a mobile frame with a filling compartment consisting of fire resisting material, and the mobile frame is partially or completely surrounded by a stationary frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co., KG
    Inventor: Walter Degelsegger
  • Patent number: 6606832
    Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Richardson, Bennie Reed Downing
  • Patent number: 6606833
    Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Richardson, Timothy Carson, Raymundo Calderon, Jeffery Nicholson, John Nazarian, Charles E. Crown
  • Patent number: 6588155
    Abstract: A door frame and gusset system for adjustably attaching a strike plate to a door frame. The door frame includes an emboss indentation having slots and tabs. The tabs engage and align a gusset mounted on the back side of the door frame opposite the strike plate. The gusset has threaded holes for engaging screws which attach the strike plate to the gusset through the slots in the emboss indentation. The gusset also has slots which engage the tabs to allow the gusset to move horizontally with respect to the frame and prevent vertical movement of the gusset with respect to the frame. The slots in the emboss indentation allow relative movement of the gusset and strike plate with respect to the door frame to adjust the position of the strike plate. A separate dust box may also be incorporated between the gusset and the door frame. In addition, integral gusset and dust box assembly may be used in connection with the door frame and gusset system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Dunbarton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Theune, Blake S. Seymour, Oscar E. Hughes, Wendell E. Floyd, James R. Linville, David C. Allis
  • Patent number: 6588159
    Abstract: A jamb assembly for a door and/or window opening in a wall, wherein a jamb member and a fascia member are mechanically connected, by various expedients that do not involve making a screw of nail hole in the fascia member. Such expedients include protrusion-and-groove connection and adhesive attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Cotton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6568137
    Abstract: The rigid, generally planar, rectangular first sheet, at least one rigid sheet spacer mounted along, so as to protrude from, a first long edge of the first sheet, and a generally “U”-shaped first channel formed along a second long edge of the first sheet, where the second long edge is opposite the first long edge. The first channel opens towards the sheet spacer so as to define a cavity therebetween and along the length of the first sheet. The first channel is sized so as to fit over, as an end cap on, an exposed long edge of a door frame member such as a door jamb or a center frame member of for example a double width door when so fitted, a distal side wall of the first channel, distal from the first sheet, is mated to a first side of the exposed long edge of the door frame member. The first channel includes a channel spacer protruding into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Alexander Ballantyne
  • Publication number: 20030089053
    Abstract: A support structure such as, for example, a door jamb and a window jamb. In one embodiment, the jamb is formed from a first stud that has a web and two first flanges and a second stud with a second web and second flanges. The first stud has at least one first hole through the first web and the second stud has at least one second hole through the second web. The first and second studs are oriented such that at least one first hole is aligned with at least one second hole and a stud engager is inserted through the aligned holes to retain the studs in abutting contact to form the jamb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: William L. Elderson
  • Publication number: 20030079423
    Abstract: A mine door leaf of hollow construction with the hollow infilled with a fluent filling material which, when solidified, attaches to the enclosing components of the door leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6550193
    Abstract: A split door jamb having a support frame and a trim frame utilize a unique mounting system. The support frame includes two vertical side frame members connected by a laterally-extending top member. Each side frame member includes a plurality of adjustable fasteners for mounting the side frame members to walls defining a door opening. One frame member has at least one hinge pad for carrying a door or similar object to cover the opening. The support frame carries outwardly-extending tongues and tongue fasteners adjacent to the tongues. The trim frame has two vertical side trim members connected by a laterally-extending top trim member. The trim frame carries a tongue receiving cavities that receive the tongues extending from the support frame. Each trim member also carries fasteners for complementary connection with the support frame fasteners to adjustably connect the trim frame and support frame together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Lee Potts
  • Publication number: 20030056444
    Abstract: A flashing assembly includes an outer flange that covers a portion of a wall around a rough opening and a weather strip that engages the rear surface of a nailing flange of a door or window. An outer flap is bonded to or integrally formed with the outer flange. Once a window or door is installed in the rough opening, the outer flap is adhesively sealed over a nailing flange. In one embodiment of the invention, the flashing assembly also includes an inner lip that fits within the rough opening. The inner lip may include a raised water or air dam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Dale S. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 6532703
    Abstract: A portable screen door for positioning in an apartment doorway. The portable screen door includes a frame having a first side bar, a second side bar, a top bar and a bottom bar. A screen extends between and is attached to the first side bar, the second side bar, the top bar and the bottom bar. The screen extends along each of the bars. A first support holds the frame in a doorframe. The support is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first side bar of the frame is hingedly coupled to the support. At least one biasing member removably biases the support against the doorframe. The biasing member is removably extendable from one of the ends of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Alan K. Barrens
  • Publication number: 20030046885
    Abstract: The invention provides a window frame construction system (10) comprising an inner frame (12), an apertureless outer frame (18) provided with at least abutment surface (22) projecting towards said inner frame (12) and a plurality of aligning connector units (26) for attaching said inner frame (12) inside said outer frame (18), said unit comprising, a hollow body (28) attachable to said inner frame (12), a nut plate (34) engageable with said inner frame (12) and having an internal screw thread (36) matching an externally screw-threaded portion of said hollow body (28), whereby said hollow body (28) may be adjusted to project a desired distance outwards from said inner frame (12) towards the outer frame (18), and a first rotatable member (40), insertable in a hollow body (28), wherein said first internal rotatable member (40) is provided with a projection (42), an end portion (44) of which faces outwards towards said outer frame (18) for effecting engagement and alignment between said inner and outer frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Aharon Tavivian
  • Patent number: 6530183
    Abstract: An adjustable door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is to be adapted to fit door openings of different sizes. The door frame assembly utilizes co-extrusion technic for the components, including PVC foamed plastics frames, a corner connecting metal piece, a U-shape reinforced metal piece and co-extruded soft strips. The corner connecting metal piece fixes two adjacent frames such as the left and the top to form a “ ” type frame, and then to be joined with the bottom threshold to complete this door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is height or width adjustable by cutting off parts of the side frames to change the dimensions of the door to fit the door openings for different sizes of various buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Wang Chen Kuei-Yung
  • Publication number: 20030041536
    Abstract: A window frame system with transparent, tinted, or translucent window frames is provided. The window frame itself is transparent, tinted, or translucent, instead of merely the enclosed glass window. Because the frame of the window is light permeable, additional light may pass through the window frame yielding an increase in the overall brightness of the window. Additionally, the structural and environmental integrity of the window is preserved because the window frame remains solid. A transparent screen may also replace a conventional screen to further increase light transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Frank J. Tortorella
  • Patent number: 6526708
    Abstract: A removable and reusable door frame guard for installation over and providing temporary protection to door trim attached to a door jamb. The guard includes a relatively rigid elongate upright member of shock absorbing material with an L-shaped cross section for covering adjacent bottom, front and inside portions of a vertical door jamb to be protected, and an expandable clamp means is secured to an upper end of the upright member and dimensioned in position for expanding and thereby engaging a bottom surface of a horizontal door header to hold the upright member in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Briane L. Hartley, Edwin R. Malacki
  • Publication number: 20030024179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stud component of a cleanroom wall system that, in addition to supporting wall panels also supports a door, thereby doing away with the need for a separate, standard doorframe. Thus, the universal nature of the wall and door stud components substantially reduces the material and labor cost associated with acquiring and constructing doorframes in a cleanroom wall system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis O. Cates, Roger K. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6510661
    Abstract: The plastic back-up shear plate is laterally disposed with a spring fit into the outwardly facing mouth of a metal window frame. The mouth is defined by the window frame. The shear plate has laterally disposed opposite outer edge portions which are interlockable on corresponding outer wall elements of hollow body metal window frame. In a perpendicular direction, the back-up shear plate has opposing edge portions which interlock on window frame mouths having a slightly different dimension. The shear plate is constructed and arranged to fit, with appropriate change in orientation, window frames of two different mouth openings. Multiple window frame mouths, on different window frames, are accommodated by a multiple sided back-up plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Store Front Supplies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Gorman
  • Publication number: 20030005652
    Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Burns, Morris & Stewart Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Richard C. Hagel
  • Publication number: 20030005651
    Abstract: The present invention is a window frame wherein all of the structural members are formed with the same substantially identically-shaped configuration as, for example, in a metal extrusion. A plurality of structural members are arranged to form a supporting structure. Each structural member has a U-shaped channel defined by a base portion having a first arm and a second arm spaced apart on opposite lengthwise sides of said base portion. The first and second arms extending from said base portion have end portions turned inward and extending in a direction toward said base portion. Fasteners detachably secure the plurality of structural members into a configuration adapted to detachably mount a translucent barrier within the supporting structure formed by the structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Allan S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030000161
    Abstract: A device for a door or partition, especially a glass panel, includes a part for fitting to the door or partition, a cover for fitting to the part, and a hook and pile fastener joining the part and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: DORMA GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilfried Kletscher
  • Patent number: 6494001
    Abstract: Procedure for the installation of a landing door, in which a threshold module is mounted on the lower edge of a door opening of the elevator shaft, whereupon side posts are mounted at the edges of the opening and a lintel connecting the side posts as well as an overhead supporter for the suspension of the door panels are mounted in the upper part of the opening. The equally long side posts are mounted on top of the threshold module while the side posts are connected to each other by the lintel mounted on top of them. The overhead supporter is lifted up onto the lintel and fixed to the wall by its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Ketonen, Jori Hägg, Harri Anttila
  • Patent number: 6490831
    Abstract: Profile for window and door frames which is formed by an outer metal profile (1, 2), a plastic profile (3, 4), a resin layer (5) and an inner wood fillet (6, 7). The plastic profile (3, 4) is coupled to the metal profile (1, 2) thanks to two plastic wings (8, 9) on the elastic profile engaged in grooves on the metal profile. The plastic profile (3, 4) is engaged to the wood fillet (6, 7) by the resin layer (5) which fills a channel formed by spacing the metal profile apart from the plastic profile by an arm between the two profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Strato S.r.l.
    Inventor: Bruno Candusso
  • Patent number: 6492590
    Abstract: A liquid-proof enclosure includes first and second casing members engaging each other to define an interior space for receiving, retaining and protecting an electrical device. Each casing member has a mating flange engaging each other to encase the electrical device. A rib is formed along the mating flange of the first casing member and a corresponding slot is defined along the mating flange of the second casing member for receiving and engaging the rib thereby attaching the first and second casing members together and increasing length of a possible leakage path between the first and second casing members. An opening is defined between the first and second casing members. At least a circumferential slot is defined along a circumferential wall of the opening. A cable retainer retaining a cable forms ribs received in the slot of the opening for attaching the cable retainer to the first and second casing members and to prevent liquid leakage into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Ching Chi Cheng
  • Publication number: 20020174610
    Abstract: An improved sidelight and transom entryway system able to meet stringent building codes in hurricane prone coastal regions and other regions is provided. The entryway system comprises a frame formed of a sill, a pair of vertical jambs, a head jamb, a transom mull below the head jamb, and at least one mull post extending upwardly from the sill to a top end attached to the transom mull. The mull post and transom mull define a door opening, at least one sidelight panel opening, and a transom opening. The mull post and transom mull have cores formed of a multiple ply truss that extends continuously from a position adjacent the outside edges to a position adjacent the inside edges of the mullions. The trusses may be formed of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) or with plies of wooden material and at least one ply of non-wooden material such as plastic, composites, fiberglass, or metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Endura Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. Bennett, Victor T. Massey
  • Publication number: 20020174611
    Abstract: This door and frame for electronic component cabinets features a peripheral vent with a baffle that substantially encompasses the entire 360-degree periphery of the door. This vent and baffle combination provides ventilation for the purposes. of the electrical equipment when the door and frame are mounted to an electronic component cabinet. It also helps to avoid dust invasion and helps to eliminate dangers that can arise due to the insertion of objects into the cabinet by small children. In addition, it is invisible from the front of the component cabinet and is sleekly attractive from the front and side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Deborah A. Laun, Robert L. Naas
  • Patent number: 6479119
    Abstract: A self-adhesive laminate for sealing window frames includes an aluminum layer having a first side and a second side, a polyester layer adhered to the first side of the aluminum layer, an adhesive layer adhered to the second side of the aluminum layer, and a release paper overlying the adhesive remote from the aluminum layer. This laminate reduces or eliminates the overheating problems common in prior art tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: MFM Building Products Corp.
    Inventor: Robert S. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20020162298
    Abstract: The present invention provides a building material derived from straw, such as rice straw, that has significantly improved fire-resistance properties over traditional cellulose-based materials. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of fabricating a board from milled rice straw. The milled rice straw is blended with a binder to form a mixture. The mixture is then formed into a mat with sufficient size to achieve a predetermined board thickness and density. The mat is then pressed into the board. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fire resistant board that includes milled rice straw, a resin binder, and a fire retardant material such as an organic phosphate, zinc borate, aluminum tribydrate, sodium silicate, or even rice hulls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher S. Churchill, Charles V. Likes, Theodore J. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20020157342
    Abstract: The invention concerns a layout of shop window profiles (1, 2), assembled edge to edge, by their ends, (e1, e2), whereas said layout comprises means for fastening said profiles together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Jean Bourly
  • Patent number: 6467226
    Abstract: An improved window frame is provided. The window frame utilizes one or more locking panels coupled to the frame body via a living hinge. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the window frame includes a plurality of frame segments extending between respective corners of the window frame. Each of the frame segments defines a cross section comprising a frame body including a locking structure catch formed therein, a frame locking structure arranged to engage the locking structure catch, and a locking panel secured to the frame body via a living hinge. The living hinge is arranged to permit the first locking panel to pivot relative to the frame body between a closed state and an open state. The locking panel is arranged to engage the frame body and define a window securing dimension between the frame body and the locking panel upon pivoting to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Fukuvi USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Charles Dodson, Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Publication number: 20020148178
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems for a fire resistant rated fenestration including curtain wall systems for multiple story buildings capable of withstanding a seismic load. Fire resistant panels are mounted in a fire resistant mullion where the mullion may be one element, or may have an inner structural shell and an outer shell. A barrier of fire resistant material is disposed between the inner and outer shells. A sealer compound or a fire resistant compressible filler seals the space between the mullion and the fire resistant panels. The inner structural shell member is connected to an elastic panel fastener that is connected at its opposite end to fire resistant panels. The fastener allows the fire resistant panels to move in response to a seismic load without damage to the mullion or panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: F. Aziz Farag
  • Publication number: 20020139071
    Abstract: A climate seal frame member assembly for constructing a frame around an ingress/egress door to a structure. The assembly includes an elongate, two-part member where one part is extruded from a foamed PVC material and the other part is milled from an elongate piece of lumber. The PVC member is exposed to the outdoor environment when installed, and the milled wood part, isolated from the outdoor weather by a weather-strip, provides a wooden surface for receiving paint or stain. The cross sectional shape of the PVC part is extruded to incorporate a door stop and a tongue for engaging with a matching grove milled into the wooden part. The system is formed by extruding the PVC member, milling the lumber, applying an adhesive where the PVC member joins the wooden member, joining the parts along the edges having adhesive, and nailing the two members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis Banford
  • Patent number: 6449917
    Abstract: A suspended acoustical ceiling access panel system includes a door frame for supporting a standard ceiling tile and hanger assemblies in the form of pivot brackets that are pivotally attached at each of opposite sides of the door frame near one end of the frame. The pivot brackets are formed to be easily slid over standard ceiling grid members and releasably clamped to the grid members while pivotally supporting the door frame. The door frame is also provided with latch members at an end of the frame opposite from the end pivotally attached to the pivot brackets and ceiling grid members. The latch members can be manually positioned to engage a ceiling grid member when the access panel system is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Sullivan Research & Development LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Sullivan, III
  • Publication number: 20020124494
    Abstract: One piece integrally molded frame members that fit against each other to form a support frame having an article retaining recess therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Royal Group Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Vic De Zen
  • Publication number: 20020121058
    Abstract: A corner protector is provided for protecting a corner of an object. The corner protector includes first and second spaced sidewalls. Each sidewall includes an outer edge having a notch formed therein in order to allow sidewalls to flex. A connection element interconnects the first and second sidewalls such that the inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls define an object receiving cavity therebetween. Support shoulders are provided within the object receiving cavity of the corner protector to support the corner of the object when inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Gratz
  • Publication number: 20020121053
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a roof window frame with two opposite parts (1) determining the window height, having in their outer side wall on their full length a rectangular recess (2) with a supporting surface (2a) facing the roof, and having through fixing holes (3) between the frame surface above the glazing plane and the parallel supporting surface (2a) of the recess (2). The method of embedding and fixing the window frame in the roof following the invention includes inserting the window frame in an opening of matching size in the roof surface so that the supporting surface (2a) of the recess (2) in the side parts (1) rests on the rafter framing elements of the roof, and then screwing it down to these elements with screws inserted in the through holes (3) in the side parts (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Ryszard Florek
  • Patent number: 6438911
    Abstract: The sizable plastic back-up shear plate is laterally disposed with generally a spring fit into the outwardly facing mouth of a metal window frame. For windows having smaller mouths, the shear plate is cut along a discardable edge portion. The outwardly facing mouth is formed and defined by the window frame elongated hollow body and particularly by outer wall elements which face each other in an opposing manner. The plastic back-up shear plate has laterally disposed opposite outer edge portions which are interlockable on corresponding outer wall elements of hollow body metal window frame which wall elements define the mouth of the window frame. An intermediately disposed locking lip is utilized on smaller frame mouth after cutting or separating off the bread away edge portion. The plastic back-up shear plate has a lateral dimension slightly larger than the lateral mouth dimension and thereby achieves a spring fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Store Front Supplies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Gorman
  • Publication number: 20020112420
    Abstract: A universal door frame includes a top jamb, strike jamb and hinge jamb. The strike jamb has two strike openings for receiving one full door or two half doors. The hinge jamb has four hinge locating areas for receiving two or four hinges. The profiles of the strike jamb and hinge jamb are identical so that they can be placed for position for a left hand door or a right hand door, and the door can be either a full door or a door made of an upper door and a lower door. The ends of the strike jamb and hinge jamb are identical such that either end can engage the ends of the top jamb to permit a door to swing inwardly or outwardly depending on the interrelationship of the strike jamb, hinge jamb and top jamb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Toe Phomphakdy, Marty Deland
  • Publication number: 20020112410
    Abstract: A door suspension assembly includes a ferromagnetic flat plate horizontally extending from a support rail adapted to be attached to a door frame above a doorway or entrance portal. Two supporting blocks each have an opening in which a cylindrical bearing with an axial hole is located. The supporting blocks are attached to a door panel. Connectors extend downwardly from the flat plate and support a tube that extends through the holes in the bearings. A magnet array is supported by an upper plate attached to upper ends of the supporting blocks with a small magnetic gap between the magnet array and the flat plate such that the magnet array generates a magnetic force lifting the supporting blocks and the door panel. A primary of a linear motor is attached to the upper plate between the supporting blocks and cooperates with a secondary located in the interior of the tube to move the door panel relative to the flat plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Tian Zhou, Jean-Marie Rennetaud
  • Publication number: 20020112421
    Abstract: An entryway system includes an elongated threshold assembly and a pair of plastic jamb boots attached to the ends of the threshold assembly. The jamb boots have flat level upper faces and a pair of jambs having square-cut bottoms are secured to the jamb boots and extend upwardly from the threshold assembly. A head jamb completes a door frame. The jamb boots may be formed with integral drains that receive water from within the threshold cap channel of the threshold assembly and direct it away from the entryway. The plastic jamb boots prevent rotting and eliminate the need to mill the bottoms of jambs with haunches configured to fit the threshold assembly. Plastic mull post boots also are provided for supporting square-cut bottom mull posts in sidelight or double door entryways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Joel S. Bennett, Victor T. Massey
  • Publication number: 20020108325
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a structural reinforcement system for reinforcing and securing an opening in a building/structure. The movable panel is further adapted to augment the shear stiffness of the building/structure when the panel is disposed in a closed position, such that the overall wall with the structural reinforcement system in accordance with the present invention has shear stiffness equal to or better than a uniform shear wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: John Hulls, Rory R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6430889
    Abstract: A finish mounted framed building element such as a window or doorway sidelight or the like is mounted in a space provided in rough framing structures in a wall, by inserting facing sheets, preferably of sheet metal, into the framing jambs up to a variable depth in slots provided at the perimeters of the door or window frame opening. The space between the sheets can be substantially confined as a foaming composition is injected and permitted to expand and cure in place. The foam locks the sheets to the framing jambs of the window or doorway sidelight, etc. This provides a wall panel with a correctly sized and correctly positioned internal opening, for example to receive a window frame or doorway sidelight or other insert structure. The invention also supports or reinforces the window or doorway generally, for example to support the hinged side of a door jamb adjacent to a door sidelight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Signature Door Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Eugene Nixon, Sr.