Tie Between Block-type Units Patents (Class 52/379)
  • Patent number: 7225590
    Abstract: A brick tie for interconnecting a brick wall with a back-up wall comprised of a plurality of spaced apart studs and a wall board secured to the studs wherein each stud includes a pair of opposed side flanges and a web formed between the flanges. The brick tie includes a plate having a series of spikes projecting from a backside. The spikes are adapted to be pushed into and through a portion of the wallboard so as to at least partially support the plate on the wallboard. Further, the plate is positioned on the wallboard such that it aligns with one side flange of a stud. Further, the brick tie includes a series of fasteners that are extended through the plate, through the wallboard and into the side flange of the stud. A loop or tie holder is secured or formed on the front of the plate. A tie is at least partially confined in the loop and the loop is of such a size that the tie can be vertically adjusted within the loop when the plate is secured to the wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, John G. Eberdt
  • Patent number: 7171788
    Abstract: A connecting device for joining a wall to a building frame, or for joining walls, comprises a hook member. The frame can comprise steel beams, or also comprise a truss having an open web, and a slide rail attached to the truss' chords in a generally plumb orientation. Embodiments of the hook member substantially encircle one or more slide rails and thereby retain the rails. Other embodiments fit within a channel attached to solid steel webs, or concrete frames. The device's other end is positioned over a course of masonry units, and when embedded in mortar, the cells of the masonry units do not require grouting. Other connecting device embodiments comprise an anchor member securely joined to the member, the connecting device providing multiple points of attachment with the masonry, or multiple members joined to the anchor member. The connecting device can be used for new construction, and in renovations using currently existing steel and concrete frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Bronner
  • Patent number: 7114695
    Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: W. Michael DeLoach, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7073300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforced concrete section (1, 23, 26–28) comprising two commercially available pre-cast floor elements (2, 3) of the same type. Each element consists of a substantially rectangular concrete slab (4, 21) and at least one lattice girder (5, 7) attached thereto. The two pre-cast floor elements are arranged in a laterally reversed manner so that their concrete slabs (4, 21) are situated parallel to and at a distance from each other and their lattice girders face one another. The pre-cast floor elements (2, 3) are fixedly attached to one another by their lattice girders (5–7). The reinforced concrete section (1, 23, 26–28) can be used with site-mixed concrete to rapidly produce a foundation for a building on the building site, without erecting the shuttering and dismantling the shuttering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Udo Sohns
  • Patent number: 7055289
    Abstract: A system for making a structural connection includes a structural member, a plurality of strips for engaging the structural member and securing devices for securing the strips to a building structure that supports the structural member. The method of making the structural connection includes the steps of providing the structural member, inserting a segment of the structural member into the hollow of a building structure, and securing the structural member to the building structure with two or more strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Masonry Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Guth
  • Patent number: 7024831
    Abstract: A concrete floor system used in a building structure and a method of making floor components used with the floor system. The concrete floor system, if installed on grade, provides for expansion and contraction due to expansive soils and eliminates cracks, which heretofore occurred in poured concrete slab floors. The concrete floor system includes a plurality of parallel concrete beams. The beams can be made up of hollow concrete blocks for reduced weight and receiving a tension cable therethrough. Also, the beams can be either solid pre-cast beams, solid pre-cast, pre-tension beams or solid pre-cast, post-tension beams. Opposite ends of the cable are held on end plates inside recessed ends of each hollow beam. The ends of the beams are adapted for mounting next to the inside of the sides of a building foundation wall. The beams can be in a range of 5 to 20 feet and greater in length depending on the dimensions of the concrete floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Ryan Clark, Lawrence J. Hug, Michael J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 7017318
    Abstract: A high-span anchoring system is described for a cavity wall incorporating a wall reinforcement combined with a wall tie which together serve a wall construct having a larger-than-normal cavity. Further the various embodiments combine wire formatives which are compressively reduced in height by the cold-working thereof. Among the embodiments is a veneer anchoring system with a low-profile wall tie for use in a heavily insulated wall. The compressively reduced in height wall anchors protrude into the cavity through the seams, between insulation strips, which seams seal thereabout and maintain the integrity of the insulation by minimizing air leakage. Further, the eye wires extend across the insulation into the cavity between the wythes, and each accommodates the threading thereinto of a wire facing anchor or wall tie with either a pintle inserted through the eye or the open end of the veneer tie. The veneer tie is then positioned so that the insertion end is embedded in the facing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7007434
    Abstract: A prefabricated, supporting building structure element, such as wall elements (11), floor structures (47) or the like includes a reinforced concrete slab (13) having a plurality of discrete, parallel, horizontally separated, not mutually joined, longitudinally extended stiffening plate elements (15), each having a web (17) with a first longitudinal edge portion (21) embedded in the concrete, such that a considerable portion of the web (17) protrudes freely, substantially perpendicularly from a first side defining surface of the concrete slab (13). The longitudinal edge portion (21) exhibits a substantially wave shaped corbelling from the plane of the web (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Erik Danielsson
  • Patent number: 6964136
    Abstract: A flashing and weep apparatus allows for simple installation and accurate placement windows and doors in cavity wall construction. In a first embodiment, the flashing and weep apparatus is a two-panel extrusion that has a flashing panel that acts as a non-porous support for the masonry veneer. This embodiment also includes a second panel which is joined at a generally right angle to the first panel to be juxtaposed against the outer face of the inner wall in the cavity wall construction. Weep channels are formed between the two panels and allow for the drainage and dissipation of water and other moisture in the cavity wall system. In a second embodiment, membrane is initially attached to and draped along the lower portion of the inner wall immediately above the sill or lintel. The membrane extends across the cavity spacing between the walls to underlie the masonry components forming the outer veneer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: PACC Systems I.P., LLC
    Inventors: P. Michael Collins, Steven E. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6964137
    Abstract: Elements of laminar bodies (1) made of metal or other material are disclosed, so shaped as to be inserted into straight undercut notches (3) made on plates and/or tiles (2). The laminar bodies (1) have such a sufficient length to protrude from straight undercut notches (3) and so shaped as to allow to be joined to each other or with another interposed body (9) through bolts (8) or the like or by means of joints, welding and the like, so as to form a single body (21) adapted to be anchored strongly to the plate and/or tile (2) allowing said plate to be safely and simply fixed to the structures supporting the facing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Massimiliano Frascari
  • Patent number: 6962028
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of masonry article comprises a contoured first header, a contoured second header, a contoured front face, a back face, a contoured lower base and an upper base. The plurality of masonry articles has a plurality of holes extending from the lower base to the upper base. The contoured first header couples to the contoured second header of another plurality of masonry articles and the contoured lower base couples to the upper base of the other plurality of masonry articles so that an outward face of a portion of a wall assembled with the plurality of masonry articles has a mortar-like vertically oriented gap and a mortar-like horizontally oriented gap. A plurality of corner masonry article and plurality of alternative corner masonry articles similar to the plurality of masonry articles permit assembly of a portion of a corner section of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Aldo Banova
  • Patent number: 6955015
    Abstract: A wall is constructed from precast concrete blocks stacked in tiers in which adjacent blocks are secured together to increase the strength of the wall. Anchors are embedded in the tops of at least some of the blocks. The ends of the blocks have vertical grooves which form a vertical opening when the ends of two blocks abut. The blocks in the tiers are offset so that the openings between blocks in one tier are positioned above the anchors on the blocks on the adjacent lower tier. The blocks in each tier are secured together by a tensioned cable extending through aligned passages in the blocks. Locking members are placed in the openings to secure the ends of the abutting blocks to an anchor in an adjacent lower block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Redi-Rock International, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Manthei
  • Patent number: 6892501
    Abstract: An improved key for a dry wall block system is provided with a plurality of longitudinal flanges and a common web. The keys are adapted to engage with slots in the ends of building blocks to align and join the blocks and provide improved stability during the erection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Smart Masonry (Holdings) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: William John Davis
  • Patent number: 6865857
    Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Josep Maria Adell Argiles
  • Patent number: 6857234
    Abstract: A plumbing system and method for plumbing a control joint in a masonry wall. The plumbing system comprises: a bracket mountable to an interior wall surface, wherein the bracket includes an extension having a guiding system; and a vertically oriented plumb rod that can be engaged through the guiding system and placed within the control joint as the masonry wall is erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony J. Goudreau, Elio Stocchetti
  • Patent number: 6851239
    Abstract: A high-span anchoring system is described for a cavity wall incorporating a wall reinforcement combined with a wall tie which together serve a wall construct having a larger-than-normal cavity. Further the various embodiments combine wire formatives which are compressively reduced in height by the cold-working thereof. Among the embodiments is a veneer anchoring system with a low-profile wall tie for use in a heavily insulated wall. The compressively reduced in height wall anchors protrude into the cavity through the seams, between insulation strips, which seams seal thereabout and maintain the integrity of the insulation by minimizing air leakage. Further, the eye wires extend across the insulation into the cavity between the wythes, and each accommodates the threading thereinto of a wire facing anchor or wall tie with either a pintle inserted through the eye or the open end of the veneer tie. The veneer tie is then positioned so that the insertion end is embedded in the facing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Ronald P Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6840019
    Abstract: A spacer is provided that includes at least one rail of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like that runs along a top surface of a modular construction material such as a brick or block. At least one transverse rail is connected to the length-running rail. The transverse rail is also constructed of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like and runs width-wise along the top surface of the brick/block. Connected to the rails is a number of spacing studs that define a desired mortar depth. The spacing studs may include removable clips that are configured to engage the rails. Accordingly, the clips have a height equal to the desired mortar depth. The present invention may alternatively include a kit comprising the rails, clips, and bricks/blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas J. Berg
  • Patent number: 6837013
    Abstract: Wall system employing lightweight precast concrete wall panels. The precast wall panels include a concrete slab and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel bent sheet metal channels that are partially embedded in the slab. Each wall panel can be coupled to a support wall by extending self-tapping screws through metallic wall framing members and the channels at locations where the framing members and channels cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Joel Foderberg, Gary Foderberg
  • Publication number: 20040182029
    Abstract: A spacer is provided that includes at least one rail of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like that runs along a top surface of a modular construction material such as a brick or block. At least one transverse rail is connected to the length-running rail. The transverse rail is also constructed of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like and runs width-wise along the top surface of the brick/block. Connected to the rails is a number of spacing studs that define a desired mortar depth. The spacing studs may include removable clips that are configured to engage the rails. Accordingly, the clips have a height equal to the desired mortar depth. The present invention may alternatively include a kit comprising the rails, clips, and bricks/blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Berg
  • Patent number: 6735915
    Abstract: An masonry anchor is disclosed for anchoring two spaced apart masonry walls together to form a single wall structure. The masonry anchor includes a ladder or truss type support frame for positioning on top of a mortar joint in one wall, and a bracket having a pair of elongate arms connected by a cross-member affixed to the support frame. The cross-member is angled for providing two spaced apart points on the cross-member for contacting the support frame and affixing the cross-member thereto. The elongate arms extend transversely from the support frame and are sized to extend into the space between the two walls. Each of the arms have an eye portion formed at the end opposite the cross-member to receive a connecting member connected to the second wall. The support frame and the bracket reside in the same horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Masonry Reinforcing Corp. of America
    Inventor: Ralph O. Johnson, III
  • Publication number: 20040083667
    Abstract: An masonry anchor is disclosed for anchoring two spaced apart masonry walls together to form a single wall structure. The masonry anchor includes a ladder or truss type support frame for positioning on top of a mortar joint in one wall, and a bracket having a pair of elongate arms connected by a cross-member affixed to the support frame. The cross-member is angled for providing two spaced apart points on the cross-member for contacting the support frame and affixing the cross-member thereto. The elongate arms extend transversely from the support frame and are sized to extend into the space between the two walls. Each of the arms have an eye portion formed at the end opposite the cross-member to receive a connecting member connected to the second wall. The support frame and the bracket reside in the same horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6694692
    Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated wall elements which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. Retaining elements slidably engage connecting members and wall elements in diagonal relationship. Connecting members include engagement means for cooperating with notches in rigid panels which are disposed against the interior surfaces of flat walls formed by the formwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Francesco Piccone
  • Patent number: 6668505
    Abstract: High-span and high-strength anchors and reinforcement devices for cavity walls combined with interlocking veneer ties are described which utilize reinforcing wire and wire formatives to form facing anchors, truss or ladder reinforcements, and wall anchors providing wire-to-wire connections therebetween. These combine wire formatives which are selectively and compressively reduced in height by cold-working. The masonry anchor have eye wires accommodating the threading thereinto of a wire facing anchor or wall tie with either a pintle inserted through the eye or the open end of the wall tie. The wall tie is then positioned so that the insertion end is embedded in the facing wall. The masonry anchor is embedded in a bed joint of the interior wythe. For high-strength applications, specific wire formatives are used which employ materials that benefit from the cold-working of the metal alloys to meet the unusual requirements demanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Ronald P Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6665992
    Abstract: A concrete construction block includes a pair of opposing spaced apart concrete side panels, a plurality of fasteners carried by the concrete side panels and arranged in pairs, and a plurality of panel couplers extending between respective opposing pairs of fasteners for holding the concrete side panels in an opposing spaced apart relation. Each panel coupler includes a pair of support plates secured to respective fasteners and an attachment member extends between the support plates. The support plates strengthen the concrete construction block under load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Alexander Hew
  • Patent number: 6658810
    Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: W. Michael DeLoach, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20030221386
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing masonry walls made of open-celled blocks without the need for mortar between individual blocks or courses of blocks using individual C-shaped bracketed pieces that lock adjacent blocks together. The open-celled blocks must have recessed notches between the cells to receive the brackets. An alternative E-shaped bracket structure allows for defined spacing between blocks that may be used to create curves in the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Barry L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 6553737
    Abstract: A spacer is provided that includes at least one rail of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like that runs along a top surface of a modular construction material such as a brick or block. At least one transverse rail is connected to the length-running rail. The transverse rail is also constructed of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like and runs width-wise along the top surface of the brick/block. Connected to the rails is a number of spacing studs that define a desired mortar depth. The spacing studs may include removable clips that are configured to engage the rails. Accordingly, the clips have a height equal to the desired mortar depth. The present invention may alternatively include a kit comprising the rails, clips, and bricks/blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas J. Berg
  • Patent number: 6513300
    Abstract: A wall cladding anchorage has a rod with ends loosely enveloped by fabric sleeves. The wall is drilled to receive one end and the cladding is drilled, or otherwise formed with a cavity, to receive the other end. Either the wall or the cladding may have the anchorage fixed first, by grout being injected to expand the sleeve and seep through it to bond to the drilling or cavity wall. Then the cladding is offered up and the other sleeve likewise expanded, the grout being injected via a duct leading between the cladding and the wall. Instead of a single part rod, there may be two elements, such as a tube and a rod that screws into it, each with a sleeve so that the cladding or wall need not have significantly projections until shortly before the cladding is fixed. It is also possible to have a single sleeve over the whole rod and inject grout into its central zone, between the wall and cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Intec Trading
    Inventor: Peter James
  • Patent number: 6502362
    Abstract: An anchoring device for components made of concrete comprises an elongated section which is associable with a concrete component so as to protrude from the component with at least one of its longitudinal sides and with at least one portion of its lateral faces, which extend from the longitudinal side. Engagement regions are provided in this portion of the lateral faces of the section and form a plurality of possible engagement positions, mutually spaced along the longitudinal extension of the section, for a coupling element which is detachably associable with the portion of the section that protrudes from the component. The coupling element has at least one engagement region which forms a plurality of possible engagement positions, mutually spaced parallel to the longitudinal extension of the section, for an element for connecting the coupling element to another component or another element to be rigidly coupled to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
  • Publication number: 20020116889
    Abstract: A corner web member is disclosed that may be used for making corner structures in building form systems, such as systems used to construct concrete walls. When used for this purpose, the corner web member is preferably at least partially disposed within a side panel that forms a corner section of the form system used to construct walls. The present invention further includes methods of manufacturing the corner structures and methods of using the same to construct buildings. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: ECO-BLOCK
    Inventor: James D. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020100239
    Abstract: A wire tie and a hardware system for supporting a masonry veneer wall with a structural support element. The wire tie is formed from a unitary wire body having a pair of central portions connected with each other by a connecting portion at a first end, and connected with flange portions and reverse extension portions at a second end. The hardware system also includes an anchor for attaching the wire tie to the structural support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Heckmann Building Products, Inc. and DL Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6351922
    Abstract: An adjustable wall tie for securing together spaced wythes such as a masonry veneer wall to a structural masonry wall of block-like construction. The wall incudes a tension anchor and a generally J-shaped single-ended hook adapted to engage the tension for vertical adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Blok-Lok Limited
    Inventors: William S. Burns, Kenneth G. Banks
  • Publication number: 20010054270
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a masonry anchor for tying a masonry veneer wall to a stud back-up wall having an outer covering, the anchor comprising a generally planar anchor plate having an outer coupling end for connection to a veneer tie wire and an inner anchoring end for securement to the back-up wall. In one embodiment, the anchor plate has struck-out tabs extending laterally from the anchor plate, intermediate the coupling end and the anchoring end. The outer coupling end of the anchor is insertable through a slot opening cut into the outer covering adjacent a stud in the back-up wall until the tabs engage the outer covering of the stud back-up wall to provide for proper spacing of the coupling end from the back-up wall. In a second embodiment of the masonry anchor, at least the outer coupling end is of a corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Patent number: 6332300
    Abstract: A coupling tool for a double wall is proposed which makes it possible to join an inner and an outer wall together without selecting places while ensuring a sufficient joint strength. The coupling tool is formed by an anchor formed by superposing two metallic plates so as to be spreadable, and a wire of a required length mounted to one end of the anchor. The wire is fixed to the anchor so as to protrude from an end opposite to the tip of the anchor. Since the anchor can be driven into the inner wall at any position, the outer wall can be fixed to the inner wall by use of the coupling tool without selecting places and number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Wakai & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Wakai
  • Patent number: 6318040
    Abstract: A corner web member for an insulated concrete form system having a corner panel the corner web member comprising: a corner flange member, a bridging member, and a plurality of support struts, the proximal end of each support strut connected to the lower surface of the corner flange member and the distal end of each support strut connected to the top edge of the bridging member. The corner web member may also have a support flange member that is connected to the bottom edge of the bridging member. The corner web member is partially disposed within the corner panel so that the corner flange member and the proximal end of each support strut are integrally formed within said first side panel to be embedded therein. Further, a portion of said corner web member extends through the interior surface of said corner panel into the cavity between the two opposing corner panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: James D. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6308478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device enabling reinforced concrete elements (1, 2) to be linked by means of metal cables, certain portions of which are inserted into the just made concrete (1) while the cable portions which are not inserted protrude into the enclosure formed by the second contiguous concrete element (2). The first concrete element (1) presents a reinforcement which terminates in the area of contact with the second concrete element (2). In parallel or extension to said reinforcement of the first concrete element, pieces of metal cable (4) are inserted so as to provide either spaces for locating the cable free ends in the first concrete element, or passages in the enclosure formed by said first concrete element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Pfeifer Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Richard Kintscher, Ralf Avak
  • Publication number: 20010029717
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite modular building block with a connective structure between the outer and inner wall. The inner and outer walls of the composite modular block units may be made of cement, clay brick, or similar materials. The connective structure is made of a different material than the walls of the composite block and may be formed per the requirements of each block. In one embodiment, the connective structure may comprise two or more individual connective struts connecting an outer and an inner wall of a modular block. A panel member cooperating with the struts may be inserted between the outer and inner walls to form two separate cavities between the blocks when these are assembled into a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: John G. Spakousky
  • Patent number: 6279283
    Abstract: A veneer anchoring system discloses a low-profile wall tie for use in a wall having an inner wythe and an outer facing wythe. The wythes are in a spaced apart relationship and form a cavity therebetween. A combination of a wall anchor and a low-profile wall tie member is provided. The veneer anchoring systems hereof incorporate low-profile wall ties adapted for use with a dry-wall inner wythe and for use with a masonry block inner wythe. The masonry anchor has a truss portion with eye wire extensions welded thereto. The eye wires extend into the cavity between the wythes. Each eye wires accommodates the threading thereonto of a wire wall tie through the open end of the wall tie. The wall tie is then positioned so that the open end is utilizable as part of the facing wall tie. The masonry anchor is embedded in a bed joint of the interior wythe. The facing wythe is anchored by mounting in bed joints of the exterior wythe the open end of the low-profile wire formative wall tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6212841
    Abstract: For holding brick cladding to a stud frame structure, the brick-tie is a one-piece moulding in plastic. The moulding has a vertical arm, which is secured to the stud by a nail, and a horizontal arm, which is mortar'd between courses of bricks. The nail is located near the junction between the arms, and the junction is chunky enough to be inflexible. The bridge, which spans the space between the bricks and the stud, is also thick enough to be inflexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: J R Plume Construction Ltd.
    Inventor: John Robert Plume
  • Patent number: 6209281
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a masonry anchor for tying a masonry veneer wall to a stud back-up wall having an outer covering, the anchor comprising a generally planar anchor plate having an outer coupling end for connection to a veneer tie wire and an inner anchoring end for securement to the back-up wall. In one embodiment, the anchor plate has struck-out tabs extending laterally from the anchor plate, intermediate the coupling end and the anchoring end. The outer coupling end of the anchor is insertable through a slot opening cut into the outer covering adjacent a stud in the back-up wall until the tabs engage the outer covering of the stud back-up wall to provide for proper spacing of the coupling end from the back-up wall. In a second embodiment of the masonry anchor, at least the outer coupling end is of a corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Patent number: 6202375
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a concrete building system with a method for fabricating composite panels using an improved design plastic connector and assembling them at the construction site to a structure which will be shotcreted on both sides to a concrete building which is highly insulated, is fire and termite proof, hurricane, earthquake and flood resistant and fulfills the requirement for flexible design. The Composite Panels are composed of two concrete layers, enclosing an insulative foam core. The skins are reinforced with wire mesh as structurally required and are connected through the foam core by structural highly insulative plastic connectors using the snap connection on both ends of the connectors so they form a tri-dimentional system and hold the wire mesh in place for the onsite shotcrete application, which includes an application of fiber for shrinkage and cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Rolf Otto Kleinschmidt
  • Patent number: 6195946
    Abstract: A construction form for building an insulated concrete reinforced wall includes separable and independently usable lintel block and post block sections, made from injection molding Styrofoam. The lintel block section includes a channel extending horizontally and fully along its top portion. The channel includes multiple knock-out plugs within the bottom wall. The lintel block section also has multiple parallel and vertically spaced apertures with one end opened at a lower end, and extending upward to a closed end terminating at one plug within the bottom wall of the channel. The post block section is stackable with the lintel block section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lott's Concrete Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnnie P. Lott, Cornelius P. Van Horn, Kenneth C. Van Horn
  • Patent number: 6178711
    Abstract: Generally large, typically eight feet by two inches by ten or sixteen or twenty-four inches, sidewalls for modular concrete forms are easily, efficiently and economically produced by cutting and by routing sheet-type polymeric material, preferably polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam. Metal connecting members are produced in standard sizes by cutting and bending sheet steel and/or wire. The sidewalls and connecting members are transported to a building site tightly and compactly in pieces, and then flexibly assembled into precision wall forms at the site with good efficiency at any scale. The wall forms so assembled define a cavity into which reinforcing steel rod, electrical and/or communications conduit, plumbing, etc., may be entered. Concrete is poured into the cavity to create a wall having the form sidewalls as its permanent surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, Alex Laird
  • Patent number: 6164029
    Abstract: A slabstone positioning device has a metal positioning plate, an upward bent portion connected to the metal positioning plate, and a triangular downward protrusion disposed on the upward bent portion. At least a nail fastens the metal positioning plate on a cement wall. A slabstone has four slant recesses. An adhesive is applied on each slant recess. Each slant recess receives the upward bent portion of the slabstone positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Yu-Hong Lee
  • Patent number: 6148576
    Abstract: A wall which is energy conserving, particularly useful for a prison or other types of buildings, has a security inner structural element structure which may be formed of concrete blocks, the outer facings of which are formed with vertical sockets shaped as mortise grooves. Spaced outwardly from the inner structural element is a decorative weatherskin element, the inner faces of which are also formed with vertical sockets. Horizontal spacers interconnect the inner and the outer elements so that there is a space therebetween. The spacers have enlarged heads at either end which are received in the sockets, then twisted and hold the two elements a given distance apart. The space between the two walls is filled by pouring insulating material such as polyurethane foam. Alternatively the outer structural element may be formed of clay bricks or other facing materials, one end of the spacers being paddle shaped to fit into the mortar joint between courses of bricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Janopaul, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6131360
    Abstract: An anchor body has an inner portion adapted for connection to a back-up wall, an outer portion adapted for connection to a masonry wall and an intermediate membrane flange. The membrane comes into contact with the membrane flange of the membrane side. The membrane flanges on the anchor insure continuity of the membrane without the need for any additional caulking or other application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Brook Van Dalen & Associates Limited
    Inventor: Mark Van Dalen
  • Patent number: 6128883
    Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring bricks to a wall includes an anchoring bracket which is mounted adjacent to the wall and a receiving slot in the bracket for receiving a brick support therein. The anchoring bracket is secured to the wall using threaded fasteners. The brick support includes a supporting flange and a mounting flange mounted in an L-shaped orientation. The receiving slot supports the mounting flange therein such that the supporting flange extends laterally outward from the wall for supporting the bricks thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Lathico Industries
    Inventor: Michael Hatzinikolas
  • Patent number: 6112489
    Abstract: A monocoque concrete structure includes a core structure comprised of foam panels presenting opposite sides and arranged in a desired shape of the monocoque concrete structure. A layer of concrete is applied to each of the opposite sides of the core structure to form a double monocoque concrete structure having a load bearing concrete shell on each of the opposite sides of the core structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Monotech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Zweig
  • Patent number: 6101776
    Abstract: A sub-floor system for installing a monolithic slab using precast cementitious sub-floor panel sections. The panel sections are placed over the spaced-apart, parallel joists of the floor frame. Each panel has beveled edges which abut the beveled edges of its adjacent panels. The beveled edges between adjacent panel sections thus define a V-shaped seam area. Importantly, the panels are dimensioned such that the beveled panel edges running parallel to the joists are substantially on center over the joists. This allows for the insertion of anchors through the seam areas and into the joists. The anchors are only partially implanted into the joists so that the anchor heads project upwardly between the panel sections. The seam areas are then filled with an adhesive filler material, resulting in a high strength monolithic slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Cerad Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl G. Conley
  • Patent number: RE36676
    Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for a cavity wall construction has a non-water absorbent body formed with circuitous paths therethrough making the body water-permeable. The collection device has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but insufficient to permit mortar and other debris to pass therethrough to weep holes or other water channels covered by the collection debris. The device may be freely placed on the wall base within the cavity to cover the opening of a weep hole, or may also be placed on existing wall ties within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Tom Sourlis