Extending Between Spaced Coplanar Edges Of Panels Patents (Class 52/468)
  • Patent number: 6341457
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. In one embodiment, each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. In another embodiment, inner wall members are attached to the opposing sides of the frame members, and outer wall members are thereafter attached to the inner wall member. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each outer wall member. The wall panels are connected to each other with a connector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad D. Aerts, Phil E. Carpenter, Ernest C. De Leon, David B. Martin, Jack R. Nyenhuis
  • Patent number: 6324806
    Abstract: A covering for a suspended ceiling grid system particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cap that can be snap fit onto the main runners of cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6308485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel comprising a plurality of panel members (1) applied parallel to each other to a backing (2), spacers (4) which are applied to the backing between adjacent panel members in order to position the same (11) spaced from each other by a gap, as well as cover members (5) which are applied over the gap between two adjacent panel members and which have a width which is greater than the width of a spacer. The spacers (4) have a thickness which is different from that of the panel members (1) and on their rear face the cover members (5) exhibit a groove (6) or a ridge which is essentially as wide as the spacer and exhibits opposite limiting edges (8) which in coaction with edge portions of the spacer and of adjacent panel members respectively, achieve centering of the cover member over the spacer and the gap. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags AB
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 6253516
    Abstract: An improved wall stud assembly used to form a prefabricated partition or wall assembled within the interior space of a warehouse factory or other building structure, and comprising first and second elongate stud members, each having a joining part and a panel receiving flange disposed along each longitudinal side of the joining part. Preferably each of the joining parts of the stud members include a plurality of punched holes and extruded holes formed therein and relatively oriented to allow interconnecting fasteners to be applied to the stud member from either side of the stud assembly. The stud members are assembled so that joining parts are disposed in spaced, substantially confronting relation to one another and with the punched holes on the first stud member generally aligned with the extruded holes of the second stud member, such that at least one fastener element extend initially through a punched hole on the first stud member and subsequently into one of the extruded holes on the second stud member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Anthony F. D'Andrea, Manfred Mantay
  • Patent number: 6230385
    Abstract: An elongated wedge shaped spline can be used for joining work pieces in a dovetail joint. It can be used in joining a work piece, such as molding in a dovetailed joint. A divider track having a base support and a pair of spaced apart flanges extending at a right angle from the front surface of the base support is first affixed to a surface. The wedge shaped spline is positioned between and in abutment with the upper portion of the spaced apart flanges. A fan shaped mortise on the back surface of a work piece is positioned over the wedge shaped spline between and abutting the upper portion of the spaced apart flanges. Pressure is applied on the front surface of the work surface of the work piece for seating the work piece on the divider track, thereby forcing the wedge shaped spline between the flanges and spreading the flanges. The spread apart flanges engage the side walls of the fan shaped mortise for joining the work piece in a dovetailed joint with the divider track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6219984
    Abstract: Interconnectable formwork elements for casting vertical concrete structures adapted to interconnect to one another along their longitudinal sides to create a formwork for casting concrete to form a wall other vertical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Francesco Piccone
  • Patent number: 6219982
    Abstract: Variable gaps between adjacent concrete panels are covered and sealed by a T-shaped body of extruded semi-rigid plastics material and which includes a one piece cover section and stem section of generally uniform wall thickness. The stem section has a set of parallel spaced flexible fins projecting from each side at an angle of 45° towards the cover section, and the fins increase in width from the distal end of the stem section towards the cover section. Each fin has parallel spaced triangular gripping ribs on its side facing away from the cover section for gripping opposing concrete surfaces defining gaps ranging generally from ½″ to 1¼″. In one embodiment, the cover section has a slightly crowned intermediate portion with tapered opposite edge portions, and in other embodiments, the intermediate portion is curved or configured to cover gaps defined within outside and inside corners formed by adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Miller-Valentine Construction Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt S. Eyring
  • Patent number: 6202382
    Abstract: Two generally co-planar panels (4) are supported almost edge-to-edge by an intermediate beam (1). A coupling member (2) is captive to the beam (1) by interengaging longitudinal formations (6, 11) and provides an interlocking engagement (12, 18) for the edges of the panels (4). Opposite the coupling member (2) the beam (1) is proud of the panels (4) and receives and retains a cap (3) which seals against the panels (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Politec Polimeri Tecnici S.A.
    Inventor: Cosimo Conterno
  • Patent number: 6182403
    Abstract: A roof unit is constructed in such an arrangement that a plurality of combination solar battery and roof panels, each having flanges at two opposite sides, are placed adjacent to each other with clearance on a joining/fixing member, the adjacent combination solar battery and roof panels are fixed to the joining/fixing member in the clearance by a removable fixture, and a removable cap is placed in an upper part of the clearance. This arrangement simplifies the work at a work site, decreases the construction cost, and decreases work errors. In addition, measurement or replacement of each module can be made even after mounting, thus providing a practical vertical-roofing roof excellent in maintainability and also in wind endurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Mimura, Kimitoshi Fukae, Akiharu Takabayashi, Masahiro Mori, Takeshi Takada
  • Patent number: 6170212
    Abstract: A deck system including cooperating plastic planks, fastener covers and end caps. Each of the plastic planks has at least one channel in the upper surfaces which extends the length of the plank. Each channel includes at least one pair of opposed ledges. Each fastener cover is configured for insertion into one of the channels. The fastener cover is an elongate member having an upper face portion and a pair of legs downwardly depending from the upper face portion and extending substantially the entire length thereof. The fastener cover includes a pair of upper laterally projecting flanges and a pair of lower laterally projecting flanges. When a fastener cover is inserted into a channel, the pairs of upper and lower flanges receive the at least one pair of ledges with a gap sufficient to accommodate displacement of the fastener cover arising from ice expansion in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Suchyna, Robert G. Kearful
  • Patent number: 6105317
    Abstract: A mounting system that is capable of effectively draining the rainwater off the roof, while enabling easy installation of the solar battery modules. The mounting system is adapted to install on the roof an array of the solar battery modules each of a panel-like configuration with a rectangular frame. The system includes a plurality of vertical rails which are secured to the roof and extend along a roof sloping direction towards eaves from a ridge of the roof for holding the solar battery modules between a laterally spaced pair of the vertical rails in a spaced relation from a roof sheathing. Each of the vertical rails is formed on opposite sides thereof respectively with stepped shoulders which extend the full length of the vertical rail for supporting thereon the frame of the laterally adjoining solar battery modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Tomiuchi, Yosuke Noda, Kenji Osaka, Shigeki Takeda, Tomohide Yoshida, Shinji Urano, Takayoshi Akai, Norihisa Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6088983
    Abstract: Elongate metal roof panels with interlocking edge formations combine to establish a roof system. A center panel having matching edge locking formations and positioned at a mid-point on a planar roof section couples to a first series of elongate metal roof panels extending leftward and couples to a second series of elongate metal roof panels extending laterally rightward. Members of the first and second series of panels are similar in structure and include complimentary locking edge structures, but couple in opposite orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Michael L. Applebee
  • Patent number: 6076322
    Abstract: An improved wall stud assembly used to form a prefabricated partition or wall assembled within the interior space of a warehouse, factory or other building structure, the assembly comprising a first elongate stud member and a second elongate stud member, each having a joining part and a panel receiving flange disposed along each longitudinal side of the joining part. Preferably each of the joining parts of the stud members include a plurality of punched holes and extruded holes formed therein and relatively oriented to allow interconnecting fasteners to be applied to the stud member from either side of the stud assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Anthony F. D'Andrea, Manfred Mantay
  • Patent number: 6076328
    Abstract: Connection apparatus for connecting frame members and panel members is provided for constructing a storage building primarily from sheet metal. The apparatus utilizes connecting members that may be made from thermoplastic or metal materials. The number of threaded fasteners and time required to assemble the storage building is reduced dramatically from that of prior designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Arrow Group Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott N. Danhof, Christopher G. Ross, Phillip A. Green, Colin A. Chong, David A. Holley, Jeffrey L. Hall, Michael A. Spicer
  • Patent number: 6026621
    Abstract: A muntin for attachment to a construction block structure is constructed of a tubular member having a top and a bottom. A channel extends along the length of the bottom. At least one prong, having a generally triangular head extends outwardly from the channel. The muntin is placed into a grout groove of the construction block structure such that the prong and head are received within the grout and the grout seeps into the channel. Once the grout dries, the muntin is securely held to the construction block structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Myles A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5937599
    Abstract: Interior construction system for a sanitary area which has plate-shaped wall elements made of glass. The wall elements can be either straight or curved into a radius. The wall elements are connected positively and non-positively to a load-bearing element or stay pipe. Fastening locators on the stay pipe pass through a boring in the wall element and secure the wall element by the use of a fastener on the end of the fastening locator. A panel profile is attached to the stay pipe to conceal the joint formed by the wall elements. The panel profile has an enlarged cross-section at the end of its legs wherein a gasket resides in a groove and forms a seal at the wall elements. The interior construction system for a sanitary area has glass wall elements which are attached to stay pipes at differing angles. The joints of the wall elements on the stay pipes are hidden and sealed by panel profiles which are attached to the stay pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolf Gerischer, Angela Oedekoven-Gerischer
  • Patent number: 5918437
    Abstract: A wall panel system in which individual panels are arranged in vertically adjacent horizontally extending courses. Runners are mounted on the supporting subwall and provide means for establishing alignment between panels and horizontally extending courses. In the first embodiment, an interlocking joint is provided in which clips are used to provide interlocking and provide uniform spacing between adjacent panels. Another embodiment provides battens along the joint between the adjacent horizontally extending courses. Still another embodiment provides battens extending along all the joints between adjacent panels. Various types of trim strips are also disclosed for providing a finished edge in corner appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Commercial and Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Dobija
  • Patent number: 5881522
    Abstract: A wall panel system in which individual panels are arranged in vertically extending rows and horizontally extending courses. Support rails or runners are mounted on the supporting subwall to establish vertical and horizontal alignment of the panels. The rails include panel positioning surfaces extending into the joints between the panels to locate adjacent panels. In one embodiment the positioning surfaces close the joint and provide a finished joint-trim appearance. In another embodiment, the positioning surfaces extending along vertical joints support battens that close the joint and provide a finished joint-trim appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Commercial & Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Dobija
  • Patent number: 5822940
    Abstract: A structural, insulating, insect resistant, dimensionally stable composite wall panel for building construction comprising a regular tetragonal body of polymer foam having two opposing primary wall surfaces bounded on its sides by two parallel side walls and on its ends by two parallel end walls; and at least one light metal gauge hollow stud in the body, each light metal gauge stud extending at least from one end wall to the other end wall and parallel to the side walls of said body, the polymer foam extending into the center of the stud to secure the stud to the body, at least one side wall of each stud forming a portion of the same primary wall surface of said body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Steven Carlin, Robert M. Dresslar
  • Patent number: 5806261
    Abstract: A head track for combination with a post and/or panel of a wall system, comprising an elongated extrusion comprising an elongated body and a pair of integral elongated wings extending normal to the body, the body having a T-slot located between the wings, the wings each having an elongated gasket secured thereto and protruding toward each other to define a receiving space therebetween for sealed engagement with the post and/or panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Plascore, Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Huebner, Amy V. Schouman
  • Patent number: 5806270
    Abstract: A method of floor construction with a grid system utilizing 1) a plurality of floor grid members interconnected to create a floor grid member assembly; 2) a plurality of floor tile members mounted on respective ones of the floor grid members; 3) a plurality of cushion pad members having one associated with each respective floor tile member; 4) grout strip members mounted within grout receiving grooves in the floor grid members and about the floor tile members; and 5) a tile setter tool member is used to mount a floor tile member between the grout strip members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Albert Solano, Jason Solano
  • Patent number: 5799460
    Abstract: An interlocking roofing system includes, in combination, a plurality of shingles and a plurality of interlock strips. Each of the plurality of shingles includes a planar rectangular body having a first face, a second face, and four sides. Horizontal rows of shingles are interlocked by interlocking a single zigzag reentrant edge on a third side adjacent the second face of one horizontal row of shingles with a double zigzag reentrant edge on a first side adjacent the first face of another horizontal row of shingles. Each of the plurality of interlock strips includes an elongate planar rectangular body having a first face, a second face, and four sides. Shingles are laid in parallel spaced relation with the fourth side of a first shingle adjacent the second side of a second shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Brian Dary
    Inventor: Dan Velling Jensen
  • Patent number: 5749197
    Abstract: Panel members each have a panel body which is disposed between a pair of planar facing members. The panel members are secured together edge-to-edge by means of first and second channel members each of which has a pair of arms joined by means of a web. The arms of each channel member engage in troughs formed along the edges of the facing members of each of two adjacent panel members. The assembly is secured by fastening means which extend between the panel members to fasten together the channel members. The resulting joint is rigid and fire-resistant and provides maximum thermal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Reddie & Grose
    Inventor: Colin Kenneth Jolly
  • Patent number: 5735096
    Abstract: A face mounting infilling system for walls and linings of buildings. The infilling elements are designed at their ends in such a way that they may be clamped to the upper edges of lower linking units, which in turn are designed in such a way that upper linking units may be snap-locked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Akraplast S.R.L.
    Inventor: Reinaldo Krass
  • Patent number: 5694727
    Abstract: A wall panel system in which individual panels are arranged in vertically extending rows and horizontally extending courses. Support rails or runners are mounted on the supporting subwall to establish vertical and horizontal alignment of the panels. The rails include panel positioning surfaces extending into the joints between the panels to locate adjacent panels. In one embodiment the positioning surfaces close the joint and provide a finished joint-trim appearance. In another embodiment, the positioning surfaces extending along vertical joints support battens that close the joint and provide a finished joint-trim appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Commercial and Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Dobija
  • Patent number: 5655346
    Abstract: A structural mounting system for mounting of structural components includes a base section and a co-operating section each of which in use is secured to a respective structural component and which are assembled together. The base section in cross section includes an undercut and the co-operating section in cross section includes a leg, having a toe projecting laterally to engage the undercut. When the sections are being coupled together the co-operating section is rotated about its longitudinal direction relative to its final position so that lateral movement of the toe to engage beneath the undercut requires the co-operating section to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the base section to adopt its final position. Spaced linear restraint points and a rotation restraint point together defining a triangle of points of contact to make the assembly of sections rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Eric Holmes, Ian Howe
  • Patent number: 5651225
    Abstract: A method and device for joining two pieces of sheet material using a unique joinder device are disclosed. The joinder device comprises first and second flange portions and a rib disposed between and interconnecting the flange portions. The rib extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the flange portions so that, when the joinder device is employed to join two pieces of sheet material, each of the flange portions lies flat against an interior side of the pieces of sheet material and the rib is disposed between the adjacent, abutting ends of the pieces of sheet material. Fasteners are driven from an exterior side of, and through, the pieces of sheet material so that distal ends of the fasteners are anchored in holes which are preformed in the first and second flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Allan T. Leeks
  • Patent number: 5644884
    Abstract: A wall panel system in which individual panels are arranged in vertically adjacent horizontally extending courses. Runners are mounted on the supporting subwall and provide means for establishing alignment between panels and horizontally extending courses. In the first embodiment, an interlocking joint is provided in which clips are used to provide interlocking and provide uniform spacing between adjacent panels. Another embodiment provides battens along the joint between the adjacent horizontally extending courses. Still another embodiment provides battens extending along all the joints between adjacent panels. Various types of trim strips are also disclosed for providing a finished edge in corner appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Commercial and Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Dobija
  • Patent number: 5623800
    Abstract: A wall panel system includes various components that permit the wall panel system to be removable in its entirety after installation. The wall panel system is also adjustable to accommodate variations in mounting surface dimensions. Components of the wall panel system include slotted backing boards configured to retain the panels in place, mounting boards and molding caps. Panels of the system are sandwiched between the mounting boards and molding caps and are attached to slotted backing boards and decorative molding for panel securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Marietta Millworks
    Inventor: George Shinkosky
  • Patent number: 5581967
    Abstract: A flooring adapter device for providing a transitional flooring surface between two flooring materials of different heights. The flooring adapter device includes a generally planar central portion which is sloped relative to a base portion. The sloped central portion provides a surface having a gradual rise (or descent) between the two flooring surface materials joined by the flooring adapter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Duramax, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerald L. Glatz
  • Patent number: 5501754
    Abstract: A method of assembling a raised dry-floor wherein floor panels are laid by using in combination a group of unit supporting legs each comprised of a rod-shaped leg member and a supporting plate mounted on the upper end of the rod-shaped leg member in such a manner that it may be moved up and down to adjust the level thereof, and a group of square and/or rectangular floor panels. The method comprises the steps of disposing a plurality of unit supporting legs on the surface of a foundation floor at prescribed pitches corresponding to the configuration of the floor panels, disposing a plurality of floor panels leaving prescribed gaps therebetween in such a manner that they may be supported at their marginal portions by the unit supporting legs, and then disposing a gap bridging member in each of the gap portions between the floor panels. The levels of the floor panels can be set even by adjusting the supporting plates of the unit supporting legs, after the floor panels are laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Taisei Electronic Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Hiraguri
  • Patent number: 5477643
    Abstract: A panel edge-finishing accessory which is useful as an expansion joint between two drywall panels comprises three integrally joined, elongate strips, namely two relatively rigid, lateral strips and a relatively pliable, middle strip, which may be respectively coextruded from polyvinyl chloride having different durometer hardnesses. Each lateral strip has a broad portion with a distal edge and a proximal edge, a rib with a distal edge and a proximal edge merging with the proximal edge of such lateral strip, and a tear-away flange joined integrally to the distal edge of the rib at a preferentially weakened juncture. The middle strip has a zig-zag profile and is joined integrally at each of its opposite edges to the distal edge of the rib of one of the lateral strips. The ribs extend so as to be generally normal to the lateral strips and are used for guiding a tool used to apply drywall-finishing material over the lateral strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Trim-Tex, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Koenig, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5461834
    Abstract: A two-piece solarium panel cap comprised of a top and bottom member, wherein the bottom member is bridged across adjacent solarium panels to provide a water seal. The top member is selectively secured upon the bottom seal member to seal the fasteners from the environment. Both pieces can be comprised of resilient polyethylene material which is much less expensive than conventional aluminum or galvanized metal weather stripping. Further, the present invention is easy to use and can be manufactured in a variety of colors. Two embodiments are shown, one adapted for being disposed over an interface between two solarium panels, and a second embodiment adapted about a single solarium panel forming a corner of a solarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Stanley B. Carlberg
  • Patent number: 5423157
    Abstract: A longitudinally assembled roof structure capable of exhibiting increased strength against a wind pressure and preventing rainwater from entering connection regions between the roof plates due to a capillary action and blowing of rainstorm against the connection regions. A plurality of the roof plates which are formed into a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction are longitudinally connected to each other, to thereby assemble the roof structure. The roof plates include a flat plate body, lateral rising connection sections provided on both lateral sides of the plate body, and longitudinal connection sections provided on both longitudinal ends of the plate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Gantan Beauty Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5417020
    Abstract: A wall panel system in which individual panels are arranged in vertically adjacent horizontally extending courses. Runners are mounted on the supporting subwall and provide means for establishing alignment between panels and horizontally extending courses. In the first embodiment, an interlocking joint is provided in which clips are used to provide interlocking and provide uniform spacing between adjacent panels. Another embodiment provides battens along the joint between the adjacent horizontally extending courses. Still another embodiment provides battens extending along all the joints between adjacent panels. Various types of trim strips are also disclosed for providing a finished edge in corner appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Michael J. Dobija
  • Patent number: 5388379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a covering for the raised surrounding edge of a roof having holders (1) and covering profiles (11), in which single-piece, angle-shaped holders (1) possess flat surfaces (5, 6) on their shanks (3, 4), which externally grip in dose contact over the end borders (9, 10) of the covering profiles (11) and hold the profiles firmly in position against the raised roof edge. The covering for the raised surrounding edge of a roof is extremely simple to assemble because, after mounting and adjustment of the holder (1), the end of the covering profile (11) is simply pushed in behind the flat surfaces of the shanks of the holder (1), eliminating any need for extra work of fastening the profile (11) to the border of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Erhard Lamberti
  • Patent number: 5384996
    Abstract: An architectural joint system is disclosed, which incorporates a slidably supported arched cover plate to span the open space between two relatively movable structural units. The edge margins of the arched cover plate are slidably received in housings, mounted at the adjacent corners of the structural units. The housing assemblies are formed of base members and cover members assembled to define a narrow gap for the reception of a thin cover plate, and an enclosure for receiving the edges of the plate. The cover members are uniquely designed to have an outwardly and upwardly convergent taper, extending over a substantial distance of at least about two times the thickness of the cover member. The arched plate is of a shallow, upwardly convex contour, closely conforming to the long convergent taper of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Pawling Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 5381638
    Abstract: A building panel formed of two surface layers of metal or plastic spaced by an insulating core of polyurethane foam. Each panel has a male side edge and a female side edge which can be joined in side by side fashion to form an extended building structure. A cover strip can be installed between adjacent panels to mask the junction line between panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Arnes Plat AB
    Inventor: Arne Andersson
  • Patent number: 5363620
    Abstract: A stone/mount combination being mountable to a wall. The stone/mount combination consists of a stone and two mounts. The stone has two parallel edges in each of which a slit is defined. Each mount has a body, a number of fine perpendicularly extending from an edge of the body and a flange perpendicularly extending from an opposite edge of the body. The flange formed on each mount is secured, by means of an adhesive material, in a corresponding slit defined in the stone. Each fin defines a number of apertures. A plurality of screws are inserted through the apertures. A plurality of screws are inserted through the apertures defined through the fins and are further secured to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Han-Du Liu
  • Patent number: 5297372
    Abstract: An elastomeric seal for connecting two relatively movable architectural structures, such as floor sections, is constructed to optimize resistance to failure of the elastomeric element, in either adhesion or cohesion modes. An elastomeric seal, and an underlying support plate are provided with gently undulating, somewhat sinusoidal surface configuration, with the elastomeric element being of downwardly convex configuration and of relatively maximum thickness in its center, and of downwardly concave configuration and relatively less thickness in regions spaced on either side of center. Widthwise stretching of the elastomeric element tends to be concentrated in the regions of downwardly concave configuration, being thus not only distributed but also located away from areas of maximum vertical stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Pawling Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 5287675
    Abstract: A wall stud assembly for a wall of an in-plant/portable building wherein the wall includes interfitting wall stud assemblies and wall panels is disclosed. The stud assembly comprises first and second stud members, each of which is generally U-shaped in cross-section and has an open side and a base side. In addition, a strut is positioned longitudinally between the first and second stud members and affixed to the base sides of the stud members, with the open sides of the stud members facing outwardly. Each stud member has laterally extending flanges. The flanges of one stud member are in spaced generally parallel relation to the flanges of the other stud member to sandwich a wall panel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Porta-Fab Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne R. McGee
  • Patent number: 5263294
    Abstract: An extension joint for use with wall boards simulating tiles embedded in grout. The extension joint is disposed between two adjoining wall board panels and simulates a grout line. The wall joint comprises a long narrow strip of material having two spaced apart base sections and a raised ridge section connecting the two base sections. The top outer surface of the ridge section is concave to simulate a grout line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Trayco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Koenig, Douglas F. Hutchings, David W. Gibbard, Richard C. Manwell
  • Patent number: 5259162
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to architectural joint systems, and particularly to an improved multi-functional cover device, arranged to span the gap between two adjacent, spaced apart architectural structures, such as walls or ceilings. The cover system comprisies a multi-functional cover plate element can be secured by a variety of means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Pawling Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 5228254
    Abstract: A domountable wall system is disclosed suitable for use as a clean room enclosure. Wall panels are provided with a pair of upwardly extending top flanges and a pair of downwardly extending bottom flanges. A head track affixed to the ceiling has a pair of longitudinal, downwardly opening recesses divided by an inner wall carrying resiliently flexible gaskets directed laterally into each of the recesses. The top flanges of the wall panel are inserted within the recesses straddling the gaskets and forming a seal therewith. A floor track is affixed to the floor directly below the head track. The bottom flanges of the wall panel rest atop ledges on the floor track spaced above the floor. The wall panel, and the top flanges within the recesses, may be raised and lowered and the bottom of the wall panel swung in and out for installation and demounting of the wall panel. The gaskets are advantageously formed as dual durometer extrusions. Special constructed batten strips and corner posts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Plascore, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5218797
    Abstract: A modular prefabricated panel enclosure system comprising a plurality of spaced apart posts, each post including a lower support bracket and an upper support bracket. Prefabricated wall panels are located between each set of spaced apart posts such that the lower corners of the panels are supported by the lower brackets and such that the upper corners of the panels are retained by the upper brackets. The lower support brackets support the deadload weight of the wall panels while the upper and lower brackets laterally support the wall panels. Pilaster panels are attached to the upper and lower brackets on each side of the wall panels to provide continuity between the adjacent wall panels. The panel system may be erected by hand without the use of lifting devices and may be disassembled and reassembled into various different configurations as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: PPA Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George D. Kruse
  • Patent number: 5155952
    Abstract: A glazing profile strip (1) which has a foot (9) with a toothing (10) for anchoring the strip (1) on a spacer (2) connected to the structure (4) of the building, has a slot (11) in that foot (9). This slot initiates at the outside (12) of the two sealing lips (6) protruding from the foot (9) and first forms a though-like enlargement (13). This enlargement serves for receiving a filler profile strip (17) that is connected to the sealing lips (6) only by thin bridges (18). The slot then continues below that enlargement by forming a narrow portion (14) having a flared mouth (141) and terminates in a larger groove (15). The narrow portion (14) is formed by two ribs opposed to each other which have a lower side (25) formed as an undercut. That side (25) serves as a rest for a head of a replacement filler profile strip which is inserted into the slot. Prior to this insertion, the present filler profile strip (17) is removed by separating its thin bridges (18) from the walls of the enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Mero-Raumstruktur GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Norbert Herwegh, Wolfgang Kemmer
  • Patent number: 5129138
    Abstract: A modular drywall is erected wherein a metallic framework is initially formed including spaced vertical rails integrally and orthogonally mounting respective horizontal and vertical rails at upper and lower terminal ends respectively of the vertical rails. Drywall panels are subsequently fastened to forwardly projecting ends of the framework and subsequently filler strips are provided wherein the filler strips are formed to encompass and bridge gaps between drywall panels. The filler strips include a planar forward strip mouting a rearwardly extending longitudinally aligned projecting strip with a magnetic strip mounted to a rear end surface of the projecting strip to secure each filler strip to an associated metallic rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Jay Stensrud
  • Patent number: 5125201
    Abstract: Joints and connector mechanisms for use in a modular wall system which consists of a series of interchangeable panels that may be combined in various ways in order to create a business environment encompassing of a series of private offices. A joint is adapted for disposition between two sections of a movable wall for interconnecting the sections. Each section includes a panel having an elongated vertical edge defines by a pair of spaced parallel walls. The joint generally comprises two elongated vertical posts each including a mounting strip for mounting the posts to the edges of adjacent panels. A pair of spaced parallel tongues extends outwardly from the mounting strip away from the edge of the panel. First and second flexible connecting strips have first and second flange-receiving portions. In use, each of the strips is positioned between adjacent tongues of the first and second posts for receiving the tongues in each of the flange-receiving portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Clestra Hauserman, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank T. Pieters, Joseph J. Smith, Hermann Ziss
  • Patent number: 5112475
    Abstract: System for mounting screen and other panels in vibrating and other screening apparatus in which longitudinal channel members interposed between laterally adjoining panels and anchored to apertured longitudinal supports, have space normally upright flexible sides each yieldably flexing inwardly in response to pressing of a panel edge thereagainst for seating the edge in an external groove in the channel side, the channel side, the channel member containing a longitudinally coterminous cavity opening upwardly through a relatively restricted slot, and the panel edge being releasably lockable in the channel groove by a T-shaped lock member having a stem insertible in said cavity through the slot for forcing the flexed side to return to upright edge-locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Conn-Weld Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Henry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5107647
    Abstract: A framing system suitable for the assembly of thin panels such as glass or acrylic, which might be used in the construction of greenhouses, sun rooms, pool enclosures, wind screens or other non-insulating applications. The framing system consists of a unique three piece design which makes it particularly suitable for application to plastic materials such as ABS or PVC. The three piece design consists of an main supporting beam with a toothed slot to accept a correspondingly toothed extension of a T-shaped cover strip. The cover strip acts only to retain the supported panel against the beam. The beam supports the entire weight of the panelling. The beam is grooved along its edge in order to mate with a correspondingly shaped connector block. The connector block serves to connect adjacent beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Ben Danielewicz