Facer Formed To Simulate Multiple Units Patents (Class 52/314)
  • Patent number: 6112492
    Abstract: A roofing shingle includes organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the single having a top surface, two side surfaces, an upper end, and a lower or butt end, defining a cavity on the underside of the shingle, with ribs positioned within the cavity. When applied to a roof, the shingle has the appearance of wooden shake shingle and provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Wells, James C. Wintgens, Roger A. McFarland
  • Patent number: 6105329
    Abstract: A trilaminated roofing shingle comprising:(a) an anterior layer consisting essentially of a rectangular, granular surfaced shingle sheet having an undivided headlap portion and a butt portion comprising a plurality of tabs of an average given breadth separated by spaces approximately 0.50 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Building Materials Corporation of America
    Inventors: Alfredo A. Bondoc, William R. Carroll, Frederick W. Sieling
  • Patent number: 6079177
    Abstract: A ceiling panel assembly is provided which connects directly to ceiling joists. The assembly has a plurality of ceiling panels and connecting hardware. Each ceiling panel has at least two oppositely disposed edge regions forming recesses. The edge regions of adjacently assembled ceiling panels define grooves with their respective recesses. The connecting hardware is adapted to connect each ceiling panel in the defined grooves directly to the ceiling joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Halchuck
  • Patent number: 6050042
    Abstract: A shingle roll system for shingling a roof structure quickly and easily. The system includes an elongate shingle sheet having top and bottom surfaces, a pair of opposite end edges and a pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the shingle sheet. The shingle sheet has a dividing line extending between the end edges of the shingle sheet which divides the shingle sheet into exposed and coverage portions. The exposed portion has a width about five-sixths the width of the coverage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: James Durachko
  • Patent number: 6050040
    Abstract: A tile for superposition over a horizontal floor comprises a thin flat metal plate of uniform thickness with a plurality of apertures extending laterally therethrough in spaced relation to one another and to the edges of thereof and having a non-metallic insert in each of the apertures of a thickness less than the thickness of the metal portion of the tile and having an upper surface disposed below the upper surface of the metal portion of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Craig S. Jones
  • Patent number: 6038827
    Abstract: A trilaminated roofing shingle comprising:(a) an anterior layer consisting essentially of a rectangular, granular surfaced shingle sheet having an undivided headlap portion and a butt portion comprising a plurality of tabs of an average given breadth separated by spaces approximately 0.50 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Building Materials Corporation of America
    Inventor: Frederick W. Sieling
  • Patent number: 6035588
    Abstract: A deck plank comprised of a wood replacement material. The deck plank includes a top surface, a first leg, and a second leg. The top surface has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first leg is attached to the first end portion, and the second leg is attached to the second end portion. The first leg extends downward from the top surface, and it has a tongue and an outer surface. The tongue has a first limb and a second limb which are joined together to define a recess. The outer surface defines a channel that extends along the tongue. The second leg also extends downward from the top surface, and it has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion define a groove, and the tongue is adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent, substantially similar deck plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Burch E. Zehner, A. Anthony Groh, Philip H. Stobart
  • Patent number: 6023905
    Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 6021611
    Abstract: A roofing shingle includes organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the single having a top surface, two side surfaces, an upper end, and a lower or butt end, defining a cavity on the underside of the shingle, with ribs positioned within the cavity. When applied to a roof, the shingle has the appearance of wooden shake shingle and provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: James R. Wells, James C. Wintgens, Roger A. McFarland
  • Patent number: 6014847
    Abstract: A laminated roofing shingle having staggered shadow lines comprises an underlay and an overlay attached to an underside of the overlay. The overlay has a plurality of spaced-apart tabs. An opening is defined between each one of the tabs. Portions of the underlay are exposed through the openings between the tabs. A layer of granules is disposed on the tabs and the underlay. The layer of granules on a lower portion of the overlay and on an upper portion of the overlay are substantially uniform in color and darker in color than the granules the remainder of the tabs and the underlay. The darker layers of granules produce staggered shadow lines which enhance the three-dimensional appearance of a roof surface upon which the shingles are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5996300
    Abstract: An assembly including rolled shingle roofing material that can be easily installed on a roof and a special handling tool. The tool reduces the strain of carrying the roofing material and of raising to the roof. The roofing material includes a membrane attached by pressure-sensitive adhesive to a plurality of standard flat roofing shingles so as to create a continuous array of shingles which can be formed into a roll or rolled onto a spool. This membrane also serves as a release sheet to prevent thermally-activated adhesive present on the shingles from causing them to stick together in the roll. Alternately, roofing material pre-cut with slots to resemble shingles is rolled together with a release sheet placed on the bottom of the material so as to isolate a thermally-activated adhesive applied thereto from other surfaces. In the assembly, either type of roofing material can be used with the special handling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: H. Lee Hamlin
  • Patent number: 5992102
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a structure unit comprising a lightweight cellular resign block and plural bricks laid thereon. A cellular resign block 1 is integrally molded from suitable foamable resign so as to include vertical grooves 3 at the transversely opposite extremities, a vertical bar passage 5 at the transversely middle, and mortar wells 8 extending on the upper end of the block 1. Brick 20 is adhesively laid on surface of the block 1 using elastic mortar to form a structure unit A. Vertical reinforcing bars are inserted into vertical grooves 3 as well as into the middle vertical bar passage 5 and then mortal is poured into the mortar wells 8 to carry out work of masonry. For the blocks in every other stage, portions of vertical partitions 4 extending above the mortar wells 8 are broken away to form horizontal bar supports. Thus, a desired exterior structure such as wall, gatepost or the like in the same manner as with concrete blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Toyo Exterior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetuya Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5987831
    Abstract: A building product has an exposed surface provided by a multiplicity of linearly extending parallel asymmetric depressions of saw tooth configuration. Thus, a coloured exposed surface appearance apparently changes colour as relative positions of the building product and viewer change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Marlux N.V.
    Inventor: Louis Lamberts-Van Assche
  • Patent number: 5950382
    Abstract: A method of making a flat-skinned door which simulates a three-dimensional molded skin door, and corresponding product, are disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying a basecoat(s) to the door skin, applying a woodgrain puff-ink to the skin over the basecoat in order to simulate woodgrain patterning, utilizing a printing roll(s) to print a photographic image on the door which simulates a three-dimension molded door skin, and forming a hardened non-stainable polymerized coating over the image applied by the printing roll(s). In such a manner, a flat skinned door may be made which simulates a three dimensional molded skin door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: MDF Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph A. Martino
  • Patent number: 5937601
    Abstract: A chimney is constructed from a plurality of precast chimney blocks. Each of the chimney blocks is of unitary construction and contains one or more decorative surfaces having the appearance of a simulated brick or stone pattern. The chimney blocks are made of a hardenable construction material that is poured into a mold containing a plurality of cavities and projections which form the decorative pattern that is projected onto the surfaces of the formed chimney block. The chimney blocks are stackable so that they may be used to construct chimneys of varying heights. Multiple chimney blocks are stacked upon one another and secured together using mortar or other material capable of holding the blocks firmly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Robert L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5934035
    Abstract: The modular pillar is assembled by overlaying precast brick layers, one on top of the other to form a pillar of such layers. Each layer has a depression, groove, channel, cut-out, or the like, of recessing one of its horizontal surfaces for interlocking mating with a corresponding elevation or protrusion on the adjacent horizontal surface of the next adjacent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Anker Brick Pillars Ltd.
    Inventors: Finn A. Rasmussen, Bo A. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5924263
    Abstract: A glazing bar system for utilization within glass panel roofing. A support beam has upper and lower capping located thereon. An end cap is disposed along an end of the support beam so as to present a finished appearance when a lower end of the support beam is aligned along an eaves portion of a building structure. A bracket is secured to the end of the support beam by means of a screw inserted through a screw port of the support beam. The end cap having L-shaped projections forming two channels which allow the end cap to be slidingly engaged over ends of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 5922235
    Abstract: An individual bracket for holding and securing an object to the surface of a construction form for embedding the object in a settable material, such as concrete, and exposing the face surface of the object in the finished construction. The bracket has an outer configuration formed from a plurality of side and end perimeter members that defines a recess that correspond with the outer configuration of the object. The perimeter members have a flat outer surface extending at right angles to the form and an inwardly extending flange which is parallel and in contact with the form. An upwardly curved inner surface extends from the flange to the outer edge of the flat outer surface which forms one-half of a mold to form a grout line when two brackets are connected together. The actual mold can be any shape desired to provide the various types of grout lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Samuel C. Scott, William C. Scott, III
  • Patent number: 5918435
    Abstract: A three dimensional border for providing a decorative appearance as a crown molding or chair rail that can be installed and removed without damaging the wall or the border. The border has an elongated panel, preferably made of styrofoam, with a front face and a rear face. A form is attached to the front face of the panel with a surface upon a which a decorative treatment can be applied. The rear face is attached to the wall by nails or hooks set in the wall forming a recess in the rear face of the panel as the border is pressed against the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignees: Sam H. McGowen, Janette M. McGowen
    Inventor: Janette M. McGowen
  • Patent number: 5918434
    Abstract: A simulated panel door structure formed from a flat surface door utilizing an endless groove formed along the flat surface and etched to a uniform depth. The endless groove possesses a base surface and first and second side walls extending outwardly from the base surface. The second side wall of the groove is positioned outside the first side wall toward the periphery of the door. An insert having a lower surface and first and second side walls positions within the endless groove such that the lower surface of the insert lies adjacent the base surface of the groove. The first side wall of the insert lies adjacent a beveled surface of the veneer and extends no further outwardly than the flat surface of the door. The second side wall of the insert lies adjacent the second side wall of the groove. The insert further includes a lateral surface spanning the first and second side walls with a depression therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: American Building Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ballantyne, Grant T. Bennett, Douglas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5901517
    Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Kermit E. Stahl, Michael J. Noone, George W. Mehrer
  • Patent number: 5900180
    Abstract: A disposable object form line for use in horizontal casting of building panels from settable material in which at least one side has an exposed face of embedded objects. The object form liner is comprised of a thin support sheet having an adhesive coating on one side. A closed cell plastic grid having ridges which define openings sized to fit the outer perimeter of the intended objects is provided. The grid is adhered to the adhesive coating on the support sheet. Retarder strips may be inserted in each opening to prevent contamination of the face of the object during the pouring process. The form liner is placed in the bottom of a horizontal mold. The objects, such as bricks, are positioned in the openings provided in the layout form liner and the settable material is poured into the mold to form a construction panel. After setting, the panel and disposable form liner are removed from the mold and the liner is stripped from the panel to expose the objects embedded in the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Samuel C. Scott, Mark Allison Scott
  • Patent number: 5899033
    Abstract: A hub assembly (10) for use in arranging muntins (22) across a window pane includes at least first and second covers (12, 14) which are snap-fit and frictionally held together and which define at least one arcuate track (70) that is adapted to slidably receive carrier members (20) for interconnecting the muntins (22) to the hub assembly (10). The arcuate track (70) coacts with the carrier members (20) to retain the carrier members (20) in selective angular positions about the hub assembly (10). The hub assembly (10), which is semi-circular in plan view, can be selectively attached directly to a window frame, or to another similarly constructed hub assembly (10) to form a circular overall hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Lake Country Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony W. Merchlewitz
  • Patent number: 5884445
    Abstract: A unitary paving block having an exposed surface in use having a multitude of markings to simulate individual, random paving elements has a periphery with a shape which enables the block to be laid with other similar blocks in an irregular, substantially unrepeated paving array. The shape of the periphery of the blocks is such that the blocks can be laid with each block angularly moved with respect to each other and/or laid in staggered relationship with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Oldcastle, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Woolford
  • Patent number: 5884444
    Abstract: A raised wall panel which includes a frame, a raised panel and a molding positioned between the two. The frame, having four frame members, is arranged in a "picture frame" configuration and attached to plywood fixed to a wall structure. The frame members are constructed of a base material, such as composition board or inexpensive plywood, which is covered by a decorative wood veneer. The raised panel is positioned within the frame using a spacing tool to ensure that the open area between the frame and the raised panel is uniform and the raised panel is attached to the plywood. The raised panel is also constructed of a base material which is covered by a decorative wood veneer. The molding has a built-up frame portion having a frame lip and a built-up panel portion having a panel lip. The molding is then positioned between the frame and the panel section such that the frame lip overlaps the frame member and the panel lip overlaps panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Craig H. Harris
  • Patent number: 5853835
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a laminated and beveled safety glass panel. More particularly, the safety glass panel comprises a panel having the appearance of a leaded glass panel that meets safety glass requirements. The glass panel is preferably constructed by taking an outer panel and bonding to it an inner glass panel, preferably annealed, having a glass joiner therebetween. At least one groove is machined into the outer glass panel and/or the inner glass panel simulating separate glass panel sections. Within the groove a bead, preferably formed of lead, is adhesively placed thereby yielding an overall beveled and leaded appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Scott J. Leniton
  • Patent number: 5848505
    Abstract: A surprisingly durable, strong, outdoor window shutter without functional louvers or slats, which is substantially comprised of polyvinyl chloride, is described. The shutter preferably has a center panel onto which is laminated two back vertical members. This is preferably in the shape of a rectangle with two opposite edges into which stepped projections have been cut. The shutter preferably also has two vertical side members, each having a channel containing a strengthening rod. The vertical side members have stepped arms which fit closely over the stepped projections. Mortise and tenon joints are formed at the point of connection between the stepped projections and the stepped arms. The strengthening rods and the mortise and tenon joints serve to strengthen the shutter. Additional strength is provided by horizontal members affixed to the top, middle and bottom of both the front and the back of the shutter. These shutters have excellent structural rigidity and can last for many years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Barry Woodrow Taylor
  • Patent number: 5836572
    Abstract: Artificial stones (10) are molded in a predetermined number of different shapes and a substrate (20) is expansion-molded from foam plastics. Artificial stone receiving recesses (22) are molded integrally with the substrate (20) so as to be paired with the respective artificial stones (10). The artificial stones (10) are adhesively inserted into the corresponding receiving recesses (22) so that such insertion may serve to provisionally prevent the artificial stones (10) from scaling off or falling off before setting of adhesive agent. A protruding rib (21) bordering and defining the respective artificial stone receiving recesses (22) serves also as a joint base adapted to support the overlying joint mortary (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Exterior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5836128
    Abstract: A tongue and groove deck plank made from a wood replacement material. The deck plank is substantially hollow, and generally rectangular. It has a horizontal top and bottom, a tongue on one edge, and a groove on the other. When the tongue of one deck plank and the groove of another are placed next to one another, a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove. A deck may be made from the deck planks. The deck has a support, and at least one wood replacement deck plank attached to the support. The deck preferably includes a starter strip attached to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: A. Anthony Groh, Philip H. Stobart
  • Patent number: 5836123
    Abstract: A prefabricated vinyl-siding corner block is provided for use as a corner on a building. The vinyl-siding corner blocks have raised portions that are formed to resemble structural building materials such as brickwork, stone, wood, stucco, or other materials used for surface elements of buildings and recessed portions formed to resemble a stone surfaces of a course of mortar or cement. The vinyl-siding corner block is preferably formed to have the appearance of stone blocks with a quarried, sawn or sculptured appearance. The vinyl-siding corner block is formed to facilitate interaction with readily available conventional siding materials and may be readily attached to the frame of a building with the minimum of tools and labor and thus contributes to the achievement of a relatively low construction cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Francesco Gulino
  • Patent number: 5791102
    Abstract: A cruciform joint of glazing bars comprising a glazing bar extending between and perpendicular to an aligned pair of glazing bars. Each glazing bar has a central load bearing portion (16) which has a solid snapfit formation (22) at one end, interconnected to a solid end portion (23) by a hollow mid-portion (21). A base portion is interlocked with the solid end portion (23) and a clamping section is snap-fitted onto the snap-fit formation (22) so that a respective pane of glazing material can be clamped therebetween. The aligned pair of glazing bars are connected by a key (19) which is placed through a keyhole (18) in the intervening glazing bar and which extends into the hollow mid-portions (21) of each of the aligned pair. The keyhole (18) is formed solely through the hollow mid-portion (21) of the glazing bar, and the key (19) is inserted through the aperture (18) and then rotated and snap-fitted into a locked setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Gary Sheath
    Inventors: Gary Sheath, Colin Leslie Poynder
  • Patent number: 5761861
    Abstract: A lightweight stone-work column apparatus (20) including a side wall assembly (20) formed from a plurality of stone-work pieces (32) in side-by-side relation. A mortar material (31) is adhesively mounted to the collective backsides and joints (20) of and between the stone-work pieces (32). This mortar material (31) is supplied in a relatively thin radial depth dimension, relative the longitudinal axis (30), while being sufficient thick to support and bond together the plurality of stone-work pieces (32) together as a unit. A tube member (45) is positioned in a cavity (46), formed by the stone-work pieces (32) and the mortar material (31), in an orientation extending from the first opening (47) to the second opening (48). A polymer backing (20) positioned in a gap between an outer surface of the tube (45) and the backside of the mortar material (31) for strengthening of the collective stone-work pieces (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Charles Mark Brackett
  • Patent number: 5761865
    Abstract: A component shutter assembly and method of forming same. The assembly comprises a one-piece molded plastic, integrally formed shutter panel. The shutter panel may be molded in a small plurality of standard lengths and then one or both ends thereof cut to shorten the shutter panel to a specific, desired length once it is determined what-specific length of shutter is needed for a particular application. An independent, integrally formed end panel may then be secured to one or both ends of the cut shutter panel and ultrasonically welded thereto to form a finished component shutter assembly having a particular desired length and the appearance of a one-piece, integrally formed shutter. Embodiments directed to raised panel and louvered shutters are disclosed, as is a removable center panel section which may be used in connection with the louvered shutter panels if it is desired to provide a mid-panel section which is offset from the mid-point of the overall length of the shutter panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Nicholas Gerald Ward, Clyde George Allen
  • Patent number: 5755068
    Abstract: A veneer panel (10) has a relatively thin veneer layer (12) secured to a relatively thick supporting base (16) to form a generally rectangular veneer panel blank. The outer veneer layer (12) is then grooved in a predetermined pattern with longitudinally extending grooves (30) and transversely extending grooves (34) in the veneer layer forming veneer rows (30). At least one end of the veneer panel (10) is cut across its entire thickness to form projecting end portions (32B) of varying lengths corresponding to the veneer rows (30) and defining slotted spaces (36) between the projecting end portions (32B). A complementary projecting end portion (32B) of an adjacent panel is provided and the end portions (32B) on complementary panels are interfitted to form a staggered joint defined by a plurality of transverse grooves across the entire width of the panels similar to the remaining grooves (30, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Fred I. Ormiston
  • Patent number: 5735094
    Abstract: An ornamental coating and process for applying the coating to a substrate includes mixing a first batch of liquid mortar composed of sand, cement and an aqueous solution of acrylic resin, and trowelling or spraying a first layer of the liquid mortar onto the substrate and allowing the liquid mortar to cure. A second batch of liquid mortar is mixed which is the same as the first except that it contains a color pigment contrasting with the color of the first batch. A template defining a pattern of grout lines is placed over the cured first batch and the second batch of liquid mortar is trowelled or sprayed over the first batch and the template as a second layer and allowed to cure only to the extent that the second layer is firm, but not hard. The template is then removed, removing any part of the second layer immediately above the template thus exposing lines of the cured first batch which then appear as grout lines between areas of colored mortar which appear as bricks, flagstone or tiles etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ultra-Tex Surfaces, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis F. Zember
  • Patent number: 5722209
    Abstract: A process for cutting out decorative, artistic designs, and the three-dimensioned decorative and artistic products produced thereby which are incorporatable into articles of manufacture. The process creates relief designs by angle cutting, at predetermined and variable cut-angles and predetermined and variable cut-widths. The decorative cut-out piece, cut from a base piece, is one-directionally removable and one-directionally insertable into the aperture created when the piece is cut from the base piece. The cut-out piece inserts into the corresponding aperture a distance which is determined by a combination of cut-angle and cut-width. The maximum cut-angle and the maximum cut-width is limited by the thickness of the base piece. The cut width is substantially equal to the saw blade cut width or the width of the cut produced by any appropiate cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Peter C. Delaney
    Inventors: Peter C. Delaney, Ronald C. Goodnow
  • Patent number: 5713561
    Abstract: A structure such as a gate post, gate wing or fence of reduced weight to allow easier transportation and installation of the same, as well as to facilitate the fixation of artificial stones. Artificial stones are molded in a predetermined number of different shapes and a substrate is expansion-molded from foam plastics. Artificial stone receiving recesses are molded integrally with the substrate so as to be paired with the respective artificial stones, which are inserted into the corresponding recesses so that such insertion may serve as a provisional fixation to prevent the artificial stones from falling or scaling before setting of the adhesive agent bonding the artificial stones to their receiving recesses. A protruding rib bordering and defining the receiving recesses serves as a joint base adapted to support the overlying joint mortary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Exterior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5711125
    Abstract: A wood door system (10) provides enhanced weather durability for use on outdoor wooden storage buildings. The door system includes trim (30) and one or more movable doors (40). Wood trim members (32, 34) cover a gap between the exterior wall of the wooden storage building. Movable door members (40) are operably attached to the wooden storage building. Bracing members (42, 44, 46) are attached to movable door members (40) to strengthen said movable door members. Wood trim members (32, 34) and bracing members (42, 44, 46) also provide a decorative feature for the wood doors system (10). The wood trim member (32) and the bracing members (42, 44, 46) have an upper surface tapered outwardly and downwardly from the wooden storage building wall to prevent precipitation and contamination from collection on said upper surfaces. Such shedding of precipitation serves to wash any airborne contaminants from said surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: John Schooling
  • Patent number: 5704182
    Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventor: Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5685523
    Abstract: The invention aims to make outdoor structure such as gate post suitable for mass production by achieving weight reduction of such structure so that the structure can be manually transported, installed, on one hand, and by facilitating adhesive fixation of artificial stones, on the other hand. A substrate of the structure is molded from foam plastics and a nail is partily embedded in each artificial stone during a process of molding this stone so that the nail may partily project out from the rear surface of the artificial stone. Adhesive mortar is applied to the substrate and/or the artificial stone and then the artificial stone is pressed against the substrate so that the nail may penetrate the substrate and thereby the artificial stone may be adhesively fixed. In this manner, the structure is effectively weight-reduced and the nail is held by the substrate under an elasticity of the foamed plastics until the adhesive mortar is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Toyo Exterior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5678376
    Abstract: A universal intercept clip connects a muntin bar to a supporting frame member of a window. The clip includes a muntin bar connecting portion, a supporting frame member connecting portion and connecting structure for removably connecting the muntin bar connecting portion to the supporting frame member connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: James P. Poma
  • Patent number: 5678377
    Abstract: Spacer frame assembly for an insulating glass unit comprising a plurality of spacer frame elements connected to form a generally planar polygonal frame. Each frame element defines an impervious outer peripheral wall and first and second lateral walls, integral with the outer wall, extending inwardly from opposite outer wall sides parallel to the frame plane. The outer wall and lateral walls extend substantially continuously about the frame polygon and are joined adjacent their ends by connecting structure. The connecting structure comprises a connecting tongue continuous with and projecting from an end of one frame element. The other frame element end has a tongue receiving structure and the element ends are telescopically joined. Muntin bars are secured to the frame elements by latching structures which assure quick muntin bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Glass Equipment Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund A. Leopold
  • Patent number: 5667190
    Abstract: A disposable bracket for holding and securing an object to the inside surface of a construction form for embedding the object and exposing its face surface in a settable material, such as concrete. The bracket has a plurality of perimeter members that corresponds to the outer edge configuration of the object. The perimeter members include an inwardly extending flange which supports the perimeter edge of the object. The bracket perimeter can be closed or open and can have cross reinforcing members, if desired. The cross-section of the perimeter members making up the bracket can include a curved convex outer surface extending upwardly and outwardly from the flange to a flat surface perpendicular to the flange. The perimeter member forms one half of a grout line mold formed in between adjacent objects embedded in the finished wall. The interior of the perimeter member can be hollow to allow flexure between the outer flat surface and the inner flange supporting the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventors: Samuel C. Scott, William C. Scott, III
  • Patent number: 5666776
    Abstract: A shingle having a headlap section and a buttlap section with at least one portion of the buttlap section having a relatively uniform color and another portion of the buttlap section having a color gradient or gradation from light to dark. An illusion of depth or thickness is created on the portion of the buttlap section having the color gradient. The buttlap section defines in part the exposed weather surface of the associated shingle. The relatively uniform color portions may be formed on tabs or dragon teeth and the color gradient formed on a backer sheet disposed beneath the tabs. Openings between adjacent tabs expose the color gradient to view. A plurality of horizontal striations may be used to establish the desired color gradient from light to dark. The amount of tone and contrast may be selected to create the desired illusion of depth or thickness. The amount of contrast may be varied depending upon the color selected for each shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Elk Corporation of Dallas
    Inventors: Casimir Paul Weaver, Matti Kiik, William J. Schultz, Patrick T. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 5664385
    Abstract: A roofing shingle having a series of closely adjacent areas of granules, the areas being of differing colors. To achieve a sharp visual demarcation between the adjacent areas, narrow slots are formed in the transition areas between adjacent areas of granules. The slots extend substantially the entire height of the portion of the shingle which will be exposed when the shingle is mounted on a roof. Preferably the headlap area of each shingle is coated with dark colored granules which will show through the slots when the shingles are installed, to accentuate the visual demarcation between adjacent differently colored areas of granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: IKO Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Koschitzky
  • Patent number: 5634307
    Abstract: A stone-like coating is applied to architectural structures to closely simulate stonework both as to appearance and feel, the coating being applied in successive layers, with the outer surface of the coating being sculpted, configured or colored to imitate the appearance of stonework. The coating is provided by an aqueous composition comprising about one part by weight portland white cement, about 0.9 to 1.1 parts by weight white silica sand, about 1.8 to 2.2 parts by weight limestone sand, and about 0.9 to 1.1 parts by volume acrylic liquid solution. The aqueous composition is capable of being adhered to an exterior surface of a structure, and, upon curing, solidifies into a layer of stone-like composition exhibiting high compressive strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Larriberot, John L. Krisman
  • Patent number: 5622019
    Abstract: A translucent panel is provided to simulate the surface of a glass-block matrix. The panel is impressed with a rectangular grid to simulate the perimeter of a plurality of glass blocks in a matrix and with a texture pattern simulating the pattern or texture of glass blocks. Two panels are mounted in a window frame in a spaced parallel configuration to simulate a glass-block window. An interior partition or wall is constructed with panels on either side of an interior framework. The partition is finished by suitable end caps, corner pieces and top caps. The translucent panel is preferably made by feeding a hot sheet of glass or plastic between two opposed rollers each having a suitable pattern thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Joe Dorough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5620278
    Abstract: A four sided tile, particularly for paving, flooring or cladding includes a first side edge, a second slide edge parallel with shorter than the first side edge, and third and fourth side edges which are not parallel. The length of the shorter side edges is the same and the sum of their length is equal to the length of the larger side. The side edges are preferable curved with radii of equal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Shapes & Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Cameron J. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5615523
    Abstract: A roof includes a roof deck and a plurality of roofing shingles where the roofing shingles have the appearance of a wooden shake shingle and comprise organic, resinous material in, preferably a plastic material, an amount within the range of from about 16 to about 24 percent by weight, and a filler material in an amount within the range of from about 76 to about 84 percent by weight. The roof provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Wells, Denise A. McLaine, James C. Wintgens, Roger A. McFarland, Arthur Blinkhorn
  • Patent number: 5611186
    Abstract: A shingle is provided having a headlap section and a buttlap section with at least one portion of the buttlap section having a relatively uniform color and/or value and an adjacent portion of the buttlap section having a value gradation from light to dark. A plurality of horizontal striations with transition stripes disposed between adjacent horizontal striations may be used to establish the desired value gradation. An illusion of depth or thickness is created on the portion of the buttlap section having the value gradation. The buttlap section defines in part the exposed weather surface of the associated shingle. The relatively uniform color and/or value portions may be formed on tabs or dragon teeth and the value gradation formed on a backer sheet disposed beneath the tabs. Openings between adjacent tabs expose the associated enhanced value gradation to view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Elk Corporation of Dallas
    Inventor: Casimir P. Weaver