Access Portal In Interior Partition; E.g., Into Office Or Storage Space Patents (Class 52/205)
  • Patent number: 10590649
    Abstract: An elongated ceiling grid member and a ceiling grid assembly that includes a plurality of the elongated ceiling grid members are disclosed. The elongated ceiling grid member may include an upper portion, a lower portion and a middle portion that connects the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may include a first pair of spaced and substantially parallel sidewalls having ridged interior surfaces that face each other. Similarly, the lower portion may include a second pair of spaced and substantially parallel sidewalls. Each sidewall of the second pair of sidewalls may include upper and lower ridged interior surfaces, with the distance between the upper ridged interior surfaces being different than the distance between the lower ridged interior surfaces. A plurality of the elongated grid members can be connected at their ends to form a grid of the plurality of elongated grid members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: TATE ACCESS FLOORS, INC.
    Inventors: Rachel Elizabeth Morrison, Daniel Brent Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8983675
    Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one partition in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Patent number: 8959859
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly with seal members disposed between the panel assemblies and the frame assembly. The seal members are unitary seal members able to seal adjacent panel assemblies on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Haan, Karl J. Mead, Ryan Geister, David Michael Kerley, Chuck C. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8959850
    Abstract: A wall entry tunnel for use with a pet door. The wall entry tunnel extends through a structural feature and forms an enclosed passageway connecting the interior and exterior frames of a pet door. The length of the wall entry tunnel adjusts to fit structural features of various thicknesses. The wall entry tunnel includes modular components that facilitate compact packaging and are readily assembled to construct the enclosed passageway with a perimeter sized to match the size of the pet door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Ward, Marc E. Brush
  • Patent number: 8869473
    Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a hatch, a stairwell, the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Publication number: 20140283469
    Abstract: A partition system includes a door adjacent a stile defining a seam there-between and a member extending across the seam for blocking viewing through the seam. Methods of installing partitions systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: DIKRAN BABIKIAN
  • Patent number: 8839578
    Abstract: A panel with multiple openings and brackets can be used to flush-mount multiple components in a wallboard. The panel is installed flush with the wallboard and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is plastered or drywalled to create a uniform appearance. Wall-mounted components can then be installed into the brackets into openings that have been pre-measured and cut to ensure that the components are aligned with precision relative to one another before installation even begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Geoff Spencer, Greg Fetter
  • Publication number: 20140215938
    Abstract: A demountable modular wall system including a series of individual wall panels that can be positioned adjacent to each other. The demountable wall system includes a doorway defined by a pair of spaced vertical posts and a horizontal header. In one embodiment, a sliding glass door is movable along a sliding door track mounted to the horizontal header. A lower trim assembly mounted to the bottom end of the sliding glass door adjusts the overall height of the door. The doorway can also include a pivoting glass door. The pivoting glass door includes a bottom pivot assembly having a bottom clamp adjustably positioned along a bottom end of the pivoting glass door. The adjustable bottom clamp can be moved along the bottom end of the pivoting glass door and receives a pivot pin supported on the floor. A top pivot assembly includes a movable plunger that defines a portion of the pivot axis for the pivoting glass door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: KRUEGER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kopish, Michael Salzman, Nathan A. Quintal, Timothy J. LaFleur, James M. Durand
  • Patent number: 8733294
    Abstract: An animal pen according to the invention comprises an access wall spanning the width of the pen between two side walls. An access door in the access wall is hinged to a vertical hanging post and closes against a vertical slam post. A first of the posts, which may be the hanging post or the slam post, is supported at its top end not by a door lintel extending between the hanging post and the slam post but by a diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said first post and the top of its adjacent side wall, and the second of the posts is supported either by being located at a junction between the access wall and its adjacent side wall or by a similar diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said second post and the top of its adjacent side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Buck
  • Patent number: 8726578
    Abstract: A partition system includes a first pilaster and a door coupled to the first pilaster and rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The door is configurable in a first configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction from the closed position, the second direction opposite the first direction. The door is further configurable in a second configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in the second direction and prevented from rotating in the first direction from the closed position. The door is coupled to the first pilaster to define a seam and prevents a line of sight from being established through the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Mills Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Thielke, Thomas S. Persick, Midchi K. Odya
  • Patent number: 8683749
    Abstract: An adjustable support assembly is provided that includes a front left base support, a front left lower elongated support and a front left upper elongated support. Also included are a front right base support, a front right lower elongated support, and a front right upper elongated support. Such supports are designed to be placed in a structural wall, particularly the structural wall of the cooling tower, wherein an opening would be cut in the wall to receive an entry door. The support assembly provides structural integrity from the lower section of the cooling tower to the upper section of the cooling tower, and allows the door opening to be cut out without loss of such structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Fontes, Lukasz Sztobryn, Justin K Peters
  • Patent number: 8627610
    Abstract: A privacy enhancer is composed of a first strip preferably rigid and a flexible strip. The first strip has a connector located on one edge. An adhesive is provided along the length of the side for attachment to a first or second pilaster of an enclosure. The enhancer includes a second strip preferably a flexible plastic strip preferably nontransparent having a connector located on an edge of the flexible plastic strip. The two connectors are coupled together. The first strip is then attached to the pilaster by contacting the adhesive side of the strip to the pilaster on the side of the pilaster opposite to the direction of movement of the door. The flexible plastic strip closes off the space between the door and the pilaster when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Prime.Line Products Co.
    Inventor: Richard H Crowther
  • Patent number: 8607473
    Abstract: Disclosed are a door for a dryer and a dryer having the same, the door for the dryer having a concave portion or an inclined portion formed at an end surface of a door glass, such that an inner volume of the dryer can be enlarged without increasing the size of the dryer, under consideration of the dryer having the same capacity, resulting in allowing a large quantity of clothes to be dried at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yeon-Sik Choi, Ju-Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 8590229
    Abstract: An inflatable insulator covers an associated attic access hatch to prevent a transfer of heat from a first indoor environment maintaining temperature control and a second indoor environment not maintaining temperature control. The insulator includes at least one air chamber adapted to contain a volume of stationary air. Impermeable layers define the air chamber. Sidewalls extending from a generally planar top wall to remove the impermeable layers from a direct contact with the access hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Shurtech Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis P. Taylor, Brian A. Vulpitta
  • Patent number: 8402699
    Abstract: An office partition system including at least first and second panels and a sliding privacy door guidably supported against the first panel via an elongated horizontal guide. The elongated horizontal guide has a channel that receives the privacy door and a mounting structure for mounting the guide to a horizontal track of the first panel. The elongated horizontal guide has a width that is substantially equivalent to the width of the first panel. The privacy door includes wheels that may support the entire weight of the privacy door. The privacy door may move from a first, open position allowing access to an interior space of the office partition system via an opening to a second, closed position restricting access to the interior space via the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay M. Henriott
  • Publication number: 20130008105
    Abstract: A pre-stressed concrete storage apparatus includes a plurality of panels secured together to form a hollow interior space for storing items. An outer door panel is selectively movable for restricting access to the interior of the apparatus. A secondary metal door and cage assembly is located behind the primary outer door panel for further restricting access to the interior of the storage apparatus. A pulley system is provided for mechanically lifting and lowering the outer door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Matt Thomson
  • Publication number: 20120317899
    Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Allsteel Inc.
    Inventors: Eberhard Von Hoyningen Huene, Michael Salzman, Anneke Struis
  • Patent number: 8112954
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to systems and components for sealing and locking doors, including sliding doors for use with modular walls. A locking system can be configured to secure and release a sliding door. In particular, the locking system can include a sliding door with one or more receiving channels configured to receive a pin extending from a floor's surface. A locking mechanism can be included and configured to selectively drive a shaft to capture and release a pin that has been received by the receiving channel. The sealing system is configured to seal a gap between a modular wall and an adjacent sliding door. In particular, the sealing system can include a connector configured to connect trim to a wall panel wherein the connector includes an integrated gasket seal configured to seal the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens F. Smed, Thomas Alfred Brown, Steven M. van Beveren
  • Patent number: 7963076
    Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ? inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Todd Ryan
  • Publication number: 20110105011
    Abstract: An access door assembly for use in an air-handling unit provides a structural member that prevents over-compression of gaskets by the access door panel for improved gasket life and effectiveness and increases the thermal efficiency properties or the air-handling unit. The access door assembly has a “Z” shaped cross-section and includes a gasket channel and an anti-compression leg having a rim to prevent over compression of the gasket located in the gasket channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Harold J. DUBENSKY, Mark D. MOYERS, Tim J. ROGGE, Todd CARLSON, Robert D. MYERS, Robert E. BENDER, Martin D. WEATHERD
  • Patent number: 7926229
    Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Patent number: 7823363
    Abstract: A method for installing a window in or within a poured concrete wall is disclosed. The method comprises a kit with at least one window block. It also includes a first spacer adapted to abut a first side of the glass block and a second spacer adapted to abut a second side of the window block. The method implementing the kit includes the steps of erecting a wall form comprising of a first and a second form, locating the kit in between the first and second form, placing concrete into the wall form around the window kit, removing the first and second wall forms, and removing the first and second spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Charles R. Boesch, Jeffrey W. Boesch, Stephen J. Boesch
  • Patent number: 7788862
    Abstract: In a door constructed of spaced apart skins mounted on a rectangular frame and reinforced with the core between the skins filled with a plastic foam, a window or door light frame system consists of a two part frame system with a window light permanently installed in one part of the system and the other part releasably adapted to register with the frame part with the window light installed during shipping and rotated when installed to bring the locking elements of the several parts into registry to permanently lock the frame system in an aperture formed in a door with stop means in the locking arrangements to prevent damage to the frame system or the door on which the frame system is installed from excessive compressive forces on the frame parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Plastpro 2000, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirley Wang, Pao Yu Franco An, Wen Hsian Chen
  • Patent number: 7627996
    Abstract: The present invention provides an opening portion periphery decorative member easy in construction, excellent in external appearance and excellent in weather resistance, an opening portion periphery construction structure, and an opening portion periphery construction method. Accordingly, an opening portion periphery construction structure includes an opening portion periphery decorative member 10 to be installed on a periphery of an opening portion 5 of a building, upper, lower, left and right L-joiners 100 to be installed on upper, lower, left and right sides of the opening portion 5, respectively, and upper, lower, left and right frame members 11 each configured to be engaged with the corresponding L-joiner 100 and fixed to a front face 20 of an underlayment member 2. The L-joiner 100 has a front plate portion 101, an inner side plate portion 102, and a joiner side engaging portion 103.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takashi Honda
  • Publication number: 20090282758
    Abstract: A structure such as a storage shed, building, cabinet, storage box or the like has a corner structure comprising a wall panel having a wall portion and a corner offset portion that extends at an angle relative to the wall portion to create a corner. The corner offset portion terminates in a protruding edge. A door pivots between a closed position and an open position such that a recess formed in the door panel receives the protruding edge when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: RUBBERMAID, INC.
    Inventor: Erik Lee Skov
  • Patent number: 7587868
    Abstract: A method of installing a window into a concrete wall. The method includes taking a frame and securing a sub-frame thereto to form a buck. A bracing member is then fastened to the buck and the buck is positioned within a concrete wall form. Once the window is properly positioned and secured in the form the concrete is poured. After the concrete dries the bracing member is removed and a window pane is attached to the frame to create a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Hughes
  • Patent number: 7520094
    Abstract: A mullion for a window frame is formed by two frame members back to back to form the mullion. The facing surfaces are connected by providing aligned first and second recesses therein where each of the recesses has a mouth at the which is narrower than a base and has a connecting member along the aligned recesses with a portion of the connecting member within each recess as a loose fit. Each connecting member has associated with it an insert member with an insert portion between the outer surfaces of the first and second frame members forcing the outer surfaces apart to tighten the connecting member and a cover portion covering a junction between the side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Omniglass Ltd.
    Inventor: Laurecne W. Davies
  • Patent number: 7478502
    Abstract: A structural panel, such as an appliance door, includes first and second frame members each having inner and outer peripheral edges with the inner peripheral edges each defining an opening. At least one of the frames is constructed from synthetic polymeric/copolymeric material. A glass panel has an outer peripheral edge in sandwiched relationship with at least one annular member inner peripheral edge thereby closing the opening thereof, and the two frames are secured together. A second glass panel can be associated with the other frame to close the opening therein, and the glass panels can be in spaced parallel relationship to each other. Alternatively, one of the glass panels can be of a concavo/convex relationship, particularly when the structural panel is a washing machine door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Bienick, Howard Daley
  • Publication number: 20090007504
    Abstract: A partition system includes a first pilaster and a door coupled to the first pilaster and rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The door is configurable in a first configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction from the closed position, the second direction opposite the first direction. The door is further configurable in a second configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in the second direction and prevented from rotating in the first direction from the closed position. The door is coupled to the first pilaster to define a seam and prevents a line of sight from being established through the seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Mark A. Thielke, Thomas S. Persick, Midchi K. Odya
  • Patent number: 7461483
    Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Todd Ryan
  • Patent number: 7448174
    Abstract: A window assembly including a permanent frame portion, a removable frame portion, and a glazing panel sandwiched between. The frame portions are easily installed and include integral releasable connectors accessible using a thin tool inserted into a groove between the two frame portions. The removable frame portion can be removed from the permanent frame portion using a thin tool. With the removable frame portion removed, the insulated glass panel may be easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew R. Krochmal, Benjamin P. Hummel
  • Publication number: 20080202047
    Abstract: A barrier or partition for the inside of a house having upper and lower barrier sections that are adjustable relative to each other such that the barrier as a whole is adjustable in height. The upper and lower barrier sections have paired vertically extending support members that slide relative to each other. At least one pair of vertically extending support members have a pincher or pincher mechanism that squeezes upon one of the vertically extending support members to fix the vertically extending support members in a nonsliding fashion relative to each other. The barrier includes a gate that also includes upper and lower sections and paired vertically extending support members that slide relative to each other. Further upper and lower sections, with or without gates, may be laterally attached or detached to increase or decrease a length of the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Flannery
  • Patent number: 7107736
    Abstract: A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members of injection molded plastic which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The window frame members have engagement elements located about their peripheries which snap together in mating fashion to mount the frame members within the window opening. The engagement elements are also disenageable with a hand tool to separate the frame members and remove the members from the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: National Door Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Barnard
  • Patent number: 7086206
    Abstract: In a door constructed of spaced apart skins mounted on a rectangular frame and reinforced with the core between the skins filled with a plastic foam, a window or door light frame system consists of a two part frame system with a window light permanently installed in one part of the system and the other part releasably adapted to register with the frame part with the window light installed during shipping and rotated when installed to bring the locking elements of the several parts into registry to permanently lock the frame system in an aperture formed in a door with stop means in the locking arrangements to prevent damage to the frame system or the door on which the frame system is installed from excessive compressive forces on the frame parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Plastpro 2000, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirley Wang, Pao Yu An, Wen Hsian Chen
  • Patent number: 7004287
    Abstract: An improved safety ladder and safety window as well as a method for use are disclosed. The ladder is discrete and compact, for convenience. The ladder is stored in a hidden container that is an extension or an addition to a normal window, or made part of an existing window, for example by being housed in a box associated with the window. The inventive built-in safety ladder provides for an easy escape in the case of an emergency. The window may be employed in a double-hung window, casement window, awning, hopper, or any operating window which can be used for egress. The fire escape can be incorporated in wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel, and other types of windows. The box may also be used for housing other items such as emergency escape smoke hoods that are used as breathing apparatus, or as a hidden wall safe to store valuables and can be accessed using a security code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: James Barbara
  • Publication number: 20040226234
    Abstract: A window assembly which includes at least some components which may be assembled in a snap-fit manner. In certain example embodiments, a combination of rotation/pivoting insertion, and a snap-fit assembly engagement of one or more components may be utilized in assembly. For example, a component may be engaged with a portion of another component, and then rotated and/or pivoted about a pivot axis until a portion of the component becomes engaged with a part of the window in a snap-fit manner. The combined use of rotation/pivoting about a pivot axis and snap-fit engagement allows for self-alignment to be realized during assembly thereby simplifying the assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Helmut Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040226232
    Abstract: Assembling window frame assemblies often requires skilled labor at a construction site. Various aspects of the invention provide frame assemblies and methods of installing that may reduce the need of skilled carpenters on-site in some circumstances. In one particular example, the invention provides a window frame assembly that includes a cover, a main frame, and a glazing pane. The cover has a transverse member that includes a mating projection. The main frame has a window opening and a confronting periphery. The confronting periphery includes a peripheral recess and a guide, with the peripheral recess being sized to telescopically receive a portion of the cover mating projection. The guide may include an outwardly flared guide surface that is adapted to guide the leading edge of the mating projection into the recess. The presence of the guide can greatly facilitate assembly of the cover and the main frame in a window housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Comfort Design, Inc.
    Inventor: David Engebretson
  • Publication number: 20040216400
    Abstract: A plate-like cover element for the opening of a building comprises two mutually opposite visible sides which are each provided with a plurality of glass fields (G). The glass fields are each delimited by regions (10, 11) made of a metallic material. Regions (10, 11) consisting of metallic material which delimit a plurality of glass fields (G) are formed on both visible sides by a sheet-metal plate (Bv, Bh) each in which the cut-outs (A) delimiting the glass fields (G) are incorporated by means of a cutting method and between which a glass pane (15) is arranged which extends substantially over the entire surface of the sheet-metal plate (Bv, Bh) prior to the incorporation of the cut-outs (A). The glass fields (G) each have a size which prevents the penetration by persons. The glass pane (15) and the sheet-metal plate (Bv, Bh) are arranged within frame elements enclosing the cover element in circular fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Heinrich Salzer
  • Publication number: 20040211132
    Abstract: In the combination of a frame guard device and the frame of a window or door, wherein the window or door is fitted in a wall having an exterior wall layer with a sill, the frame has a lower horizontal member adjacent the sill. The device has a base extending from the lower horizontal member of the frame and a compressive member extending from the base, and the compressive member has a datum surface disposed between the lower horizontal member of the frame and the sill. The distance between the base and the datum surface defines a force-absorbing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Gabriel Petta, Rolf Joseph Ohrstrom
  • Publication number: 20040083678
    Abstract: A frame assembly is formed of two molded sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly being identical to the other. Each sub-assembly has a perimeter wall having an inner surface facing an opening and an outer surface to face a edge of an aperture in a partition. A first edge of the wall confronts a surface of the window while a flange projects outward from the outer surface of the perimeter wall. A plurality of joining elements are fixed to and project normally from the flange. Each joining element includes an alignment element and a locking surface to engage a similar surface on an aligned joining element of a confronting sub-assembly. The joining elements are arranged in a pattern that permits any two sub-assemblies made in the same mold to be permanently snapped together without the use of any separate fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
  • Patent number: 6658803
    Abstract: An access door is suitable for installation in a structure such as a building and allows ready access to an enclosed region of the structure. The access door includes a door frame that can be mounted on the structure and that forms an access opening. A panel removably covers the access opening on an exterior side of the door frame. Two parallel connecting links are pivotably connected both to the door frame and to the panel in a manner permitting the panel to be moved from an open position where the access opening is uncovered to a closed position where the panel covers the access opening. A frame member connects the two links together in a rigid manner. One or more threaded fasteners can be used to detachably connect the panel so that it is secured in the closed position. In one embodiment, a single screw can detachably connect the panel to a pivotable connecting frame that includes the two links. In another version, the panel can be detachably and directly connected to the door frame by fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Novera Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerzy Marek Szyjkowski
  • 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
  • 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: 20020095886
    Abstract: The roof window assembly comprises a main frame component and a window component including a glazing element. In order to reduce the influx of light an external screening accessory is provided. The screening accessory comprises an elongate housing extending in parallel with the top and bottom members of the frame and from which a screening member is retractable by movement parallel to the side members of the frame. An end member connected with a free end of the screening member extends throughout the width of the window frame and includes engaging means at either end of the end member for engagement with a transverse inwards recess in the outer side of each side member of the window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Claes Lindgren, Birgitte Hansen, Samuel Howard Darmer, Morten Falk Reventlow, Brent Moller, Lars Erdmann
  • Patent number: 6415553
    Abstract: A privacy screen assembly for work spaces of the type having spaced-apart partition panels forming an opening for user ingress and egress therethrough. The privacy screen assembly includes a privacy screen defining a lower edge, and at least one roller mounted adjacent the lower edge for movably supporting the privacy screen on a trackless floor surface. An attachment member is configured to movably interconnect the privacy screen with a first partition panel. The attachment member positions the privacy screen in an offset position relative to the first partition panel. The privacy screen is movable between an open position wherein the privacy screen is disposed alongside at least a portion of the first partition panel, and a closed position wherein the privacy screen closes off at least a substantial portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Krayer, Jr., Mark D. Swets, Troy A. Wyman, Joseph T. Graceffa, Jon D. Schiff
  • Patent number: 6363663
    Abstract: A screen assembly is adapted to connect to a partition of the type having at least one upright frame member with openings in opposite side faces thereof to receive support hooks of hang-on accessory units. The screen assembly includes a sheet member defining at least one side edge, and a bracket is connected to the sheet member adjacent the side edge. The bracket includes a first member configured to extend around at least a portion of a first side of the upright frame member. The first member includes a connector adapted to engage the openings in the first side face of the upright frame member. The bracket also includes a second member configured to extend around at least a portion of a second side of the upright frame member. The second member includes a connector adapted to engage openings in a second side face of the upright frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Kane, Alan E. Rheault
  • Patent number: 6338223
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Stahl
  • Patent number: 6314691
    Abstract: An inspection opening frame includes frame components each of which is provided with a support portion extending along the inner surface of an inspection opening, a front wall holding portion projecting outward from the front surface of the support portion, a rear lid holding portion projecting inward from the rear surface of the support portion, a front lid holding portion projecting inward from the front surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about a hinge, a rear wall holding portion projecting outward from the rear surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about another hinge, and locking portions each having a hook and a projection for disengageably locking the front lid holding portion and the rear wall holding portion in holding positions. The inspection opening frame can be easily mounted at the inspection opening without using a backing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fukuvi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyozaburo Takagi, Kazuhiko Kise, Shinjiro Yagi
  • Publication number: 20010018814
    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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Walter Degelsegger
  • Patent number: 6201687
    Abstract: A modular furniture wall system includes active telecommunications equipment and wire management in an open office architecture and effectively provides a telecommunications closet as part of the office furniture. Slip-fit styled U-shaped members are attached to vertical frame members which form a rectangular opening within the furniture frame. L-shaped members are adjustable connected to each other and between the U-shaped members for providing a channel for routing wire between extending legs of the L-shaped members and a spaced support for the mounting of standard electrical equipment. Opposing pairs of shelf elements are carried by opposing surfaces of the U-shaped member and the L-shaped member, respectively, with each of the opposing pair of shelf elements having a horizontal surface for supporting equipment such as active telecommunications switches, patch panels and cross-connects with their front surfaces facing upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: American Access Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Murray