Including Clip-type Fastener Patents (Class 52/489.1)
  • Patent number: 7726083
    Abstract: A curtain-type facade structure is described, comprising a fixedly supported substructure of vertical or horizontal basic profiled supports and crossing horizontal or vertical profiled supports mounted thereon, panel holders which are fastened to the supporting profiles, and facade panels which are retained by means of the panel holders. The panel holder is composed of separate components, one of the components being designed as a basic holder and another of the components being designed as an elastic clip. The elastic clip latches with the basic holder and forms a seat for the facade panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Moeding Keramikfassaden GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100107532
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: THERMAFIBER, INC.
    Inventor: James Shriver
  • Patent number: 7694478
    Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: A. Zahner Company
    Inventor: L. William Zahner
  • Patent number: 7690167
    Abstract: Novel structural support framing assemblies and component thereof are described herein for use in residential, commercial, and industrial building construction. Preferred embodiments of the inventive framing assembly include the employment of a variety of structural studs and stud mounts, the studs preferably fabricated of a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Antonic
  • Patent number: 7661235
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an exterior covering capable of withstanding extreme wind loads. In one embodiment, a wind resistant exterior covering includes a first panel fastened to a substrate and a second panel fastened to the substrate. The second panel engages the first panel, and a clip fastened to the substrate is adapted and located to laterally restrain movement of the second panel with respect to the first panel. In another embodiment, a method of engaging panels of a modular exterior covering system includes coupling a protruding portion of a first panel with a respective receiving portion of a second panel. The coupling is such that the first panel is laterally restrained by the second panel and a clip, and the first panel is outwardly restrained by the receiving portion of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Transamerican Strukturoc, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Stoecker
  • Publication number: 20100031597
    Abstract: The present invention provides an outer wall construction apparatus for a building, that is, an outer wall construction apparatus for constructing outer wall of a building having slab between floors or wall surface using stone or metal plate structures including first bracket fixed through anchor bolts inserted into the side of the slab or the wall surface along the side of the slab or the wall surface; fixation beam fixed to the first bracket, substantially vertically projected outward from the side of the slab or the wall surface; horizontal beam fixed to the fixing beam to be horizontally arranged; vertical beam fixed to outward side of the horizontal beam to be vertically arranged, having a hollow along the longitudinal direction thereof and an opening part in the shape of slit along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface thereof; second bracket comprising fixation end fixed tightly to the vertical beam along the outer surface thereof through first bolt of which the head has short side narrower t
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jong Gyoun Baek
  • Patent number: 7640707
    Abstract: A fastening clip configured to secure a first panel to a second panel may include a base supporting a plurality of resilient beams, and a plurality of tangs outwardly extending from an outer surface of each of the resilient beams. The plurality of tangs are configured to securely engage the first and/or second panels. The fastening clip may also include stabilizing flaps on either side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Illinios Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Johnson, Brian M. Parisi
  • Patent number: 7640701
    Abstract: A deflection clip for erection of partitions in office space and commercial use is disclosed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with a left and right clasp that are substantially parallel to the base. The right and left clasps are used to secure the deflection clip to a leg of an open channel track attached to the floor and ceiling. The left and right clasp each have a left and right stud extension tab extending substantially perpendicular from an inside edge of the left and right clasps. The left and right stud extension tabs are used to secure a stud in relation to the open channel track, allowing the ceiling and floor to deflect relative to each other without transferring load to the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Flannery Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7634882
    Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly. The assembly includes at least one first panel with a first side edge turned vertically upward. At least one second panel has a side edge turned vertically upward with the second panel side edge adjoining the first panel side edge. A plurality of clips are installed between the first panel side edge and the second panel side edge. At least one base insert is located between the clips, the base insert having a substantially flat first section installable beneath the first panel, a substantially flat second section installable beneath the second panel, and a plurality of upturned tabs between the first and the second side edge. Adhesive on the first section adheres to the first panel and adhesive on the second section adheres to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs Rainbow Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Benton Briggs, Dean Barkley Briggs, Shahn David Corter
  • Patent number: 7621096
    Abstract: A bracket for use with metal construction framing which is a generally planar construct having a first outer flange and a second outer flange, configured to form a recess between such flanges suitable to engage at least one face of a metal construction stud and to interlock with the stud via at least two non-longitudinal tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas Ellis
  • Patent number: 7614196
    Abstract: Cover pads for use on upright walls, wherein the pad provides an improved internal support which is of simplified construction, for example the center support and the surrounding frame being made of a one-piece monolithic support structure which permits a flexible covering to be attached to the center support and the exterior side surfaces of the edge frame while the covering and support structure are in a flat and planar condition, following which the edge frame is folded and secured into position around the center support. The internal support structure for the pad, when in a flat condition, has voids at the corners so that the covering can be tucked into the corners prior to the edge frame being folded into its frame-defining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony McConnell, Randolph Woellper
  • Publication number: 20090272060
    Abstract: A system for cladding roofs and facades of buildings includes elongated tracks. Each track has opposed lengthwise edges curved inwardly over opposed portions of the track. Each of a plurality of elongated panels has opposed lengthwise edges curved inwardly over opposed portions of the panel. Each panel is adapted to be interlocked between two spaced, parallel tracks. The system also includes fin components. Each fin component has two lengthwise edge portions defining a base of the fin component. A fin depends from the base of the fin component, which is adapted to be interlocked within a track with the fin extending away from the track with lengthwise edges of two proximate panels interlocked between the base of the fin component and the lengthwise edges of the track. Similar systems are provided for corners, overhangs, and jambs as may be encountered in a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: David Lucchesi
  • Patent number: 7600353
    Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Hafner
  • Patent number: 7591115
    Abstract: A tile support arrangement comprising interlocking panels adapted to support thereon a plurality of tiles, battens which support thereon the interlocking panels, the battens secured to load bearing frame members of an inclined roof or a wall of a building, wherein each batten includes an upright portion which supports the interlocking panels in spaced relationship to the frame members and wherein the securing of the battens to the load bearing frame members comprises a plurality of elongated beams having first longitudinal axes and which are secured in end to end relationship upon each load bearing frame member. Each frame member having a second longitudinal axis, the relationship being such that there is alignment of the first and second longitudinal axes, wherein for each load bearing frame member, a lower portion of a batten is sandwiched between facing surfaces of opposing ends of adjacent elongated beams and is secured to at least one of the opposing ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Richard J. Morris
  • Patent number: 7562501
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a module within a structure, e.g. a cold-wall structure, is presented. The apparatus includes a plurality of aligned, movable members defining a plane and having at least one beveled surface in contact with a beveled surface of an adjacent member. Guide wires align the movable members. A guide pin is used to guide the insertion of the apparatus into the structure. A screw mechanism, mounted at one end of the apparatus, engages with a hole in the structure. Rotation of the screw mechanism forces an end of the apparatus into contact with the structure. Continued rotation of the screw mechanism generates a compressive force which induces the movable members to move out of the defined plane in opposite directions relative to adjacent members. Members contact a wall of the structure and the module, thereby clamping the module against the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Dung T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7540119
    Abstract: A point-supported cladding system for finishing the exterior of a building or like structure has a plurality of like rigid box-like glazed cladding units. Each cladding unit includes a rigid spacer frame bounding the cladding unit, a pair of parallel light-transmissive glass lites having a thickness of not more than about 9 mm mounted at their periphery on said rigid spacer frame by means of a resilient seal, and a plurality of first attachment elements provided at discrete attachment points on said cladding unit. The cladding unit is dimensioned and configured to have sufficient rigidity to maintain its structural integrity when supported only at the discrete attachment points. A plurality of complementary second attachment elements are provided for mounting on structural members of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Glazing Technologies Limited (AGTL)
    Inventor: Doug Milburn
  • Patent number: 7509776
    Abstract: A modular storage shed system is provided, including an upper frame assembly having a plurality of vertically oriented posts, each post defining an elongated slot extending axially along at least a portion of a length thereof, a plurality of external wall panels each defining a pair of side edges, each wall panel including a lip extending orthogonally from at least a portion of each side edge thereof and defining at least one aperture formed therein. There is provided a plurality of panel locks having a lock member. The lock member may snap-fit engage the apertures in the lips of the wall panels when the lips of adjacent wall panels are positioned within the slot of a common vertical post and when the lock member of the panel lock is pressed between the adjacent wall panels into the slot of the vertical post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Arrow Group Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Reisman
  • Publication number: 20090025327
    Abstract: A furring strip system with built-in alignment and airspace between interior and exterior walls for ventilation and rainscreen protection. A wall grid system speeds installation. The furring strip system has application to installation of drywall panels, deck applications, and floor applications. The system allows release of moisture from wood and wood plastic composite (WPC) decking via a space between boards. The invention further has application to roof installations with cross bars as well as different types of roofing, and ceiling applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory P. Albracht
  • Publication number: 20090019805
    Abstract: A decking system that consists of a clip that complements a slot in deck planks to securely fasten the deck planks to a substrate such as deck or floor joists, masonry, concrete, wood or any other substrate. Generally, the clips fit into slots cut or formed into the side deck surface boards or alternatively into a keyhole on the bottom of the plank. In one of the preferred embodiments a series of clips are fastened to the substrate with a fastener such as a screw. The clips mechanically grip the plank to secure the plank to the deck joists. Ridges and/or nubs on the clips reduce the occurrence of rot or discoloration of the planks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Marcello Zanelli
  • Patent number: 7409803
    Abstract: A deck system employing a plurality of substantially hidden fasteners to couple the floor boards of the deck to the joists. Each hidden fastener is rigidly coupled to a respective joist and positioned between a pair of adjacent floorboards. Each fastener forms a mating relationship with specially configured sides of the boards to thereby rigidly couple the boards to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Correct Building Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Martin Grohman
  • Publication number: 20080172969
    Abstract: A clip or connector is provided for assembling part of a door or window frame having first and second sheet material frame members to be retained in abutting relationship and in a particular predetermined position relative to each other. Each frame member has a concave channel formation along its length. The clip has a head and a body with a neck therebetween. The head engages with a tight interference or frictional fit within the channel formation of the first frame member and the body engages with a tight interference or frictional fit within the channel of the second frame member, such that the frame members are located and held in their particular predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Kurt Schnepf, Benjamin Gordon Stevens
  • Patent number: 7398623
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, first and second prongs, and a flange. The first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards. The prongs may have concave insertion ends as defined by two spaced-apart insertion points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Tiger Claw, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Martel, David Young Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20080134610
    Abstract: A snap-on attachment structure for attaching a side skin to an upright frame of a wall system. The attachment structure includes resilient attachment strips secured to the rear of the skin and extending along upright edges thereof. Each strip cooperates with a projection formed on an upright frame member and extending vertically therealong. The snap-on strip has a pair of cantilevered spring legs which protrude outwardly in angled relationship. The spring legs adjacent outer ends are provided with coil-shaped head parts which protrude inwardly toward one another. The head parts have hollow arcuate configurations and move into gripping engagement with shallow arcuate recesses formed on opposite sides of the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Rupert Jakob-Bamberg, Robert Steeves, Steven McIlvenna, Kevin T. Domagala, Scott MacDermott
  • Publication number: 20080104918
    Abstract: A cavity wall system and a method of forming a cavity wall including: a wall structure (1); a plurality of outer wall cladding panels (2); and a plurality of discrete mounting elements (4, 5, 6) for mounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure (1) so as to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface (7) and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity (8) between the cladding panels (2) and the wall structure (1); the mounting elements (4, 5, 6) being sized and arranged so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the cavity (8); and the system further including moisture control means defining a moisture control plane to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity (8) into the wall structure (1). The invention also provides a mounting member (4) and a termination member (5) for use as mounting elements in the cavity wall system and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE B.V.
    Inventors: James Gleeson, Jesper G. Jensen, Joseph Emmanuel Zarb
  • Publication number: 20080086962
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a flexible ceiling panel preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum sheet. Each ceiling panel has a generally rectangular shape (corresponding in width to the spacing between the main runners) and is formed with a hem on all four edges. A series of bendable tabs are formed integrally with the hem of the panel. To secure the panel to the associated grid system, the tabs are folded upwardly and outwardly from the panel along two axes to secure the panel to the grid system. Alternatively, a plurality of separate spring clips is used to secure the panel to the grid system. Each clip includes a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel. A second leg extends generally perpendicularly from the first leg and includes a detent extending toward the first leg, the detent being adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec, Thomas E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7210273
    Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: A. Zahner Company
    Inventor: L. William Zahner, III
  • Patent number: 7191570
    Abstract: A batten (100) for mounting cladding sheets to a wall or frame, said batten comprising an elongate channel member having a pair of spaced apart side walls (120, 140) joined by an intermediate web (110), and a corresponding pair of mounting flanges (124, 145) spaced outwardly from the web (110) and extending laterally from the side walls (120, 140), adapted for connection to the cladding sheets (300), and the batten (100) being configured such that stress applied to the cladding sheets (300) in use results in preferential deformation of the batten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: James Hardie International Finance B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Francis Eaton
  • Patent number: 7178300
    Abstract: A latch-type tile mounting system for mounting a tile to the frame of a wall panel. An outwardly extending hook is engaged with the wall panel frame, and includes an outer hook portion. The tile includes a receiver within which the outer hook portion of the hook member is received, and blocking structure that prevents engagement with the outer hook portion. A latch member is movably mounted to the tile over the receiver, and is movable between an open or unlocked position for enabling the outer hook portion to be moved into and out of engagement with the receiver, and a closed or locked position in which the latch member engages the outer hook portion to secure the tile to the frame. The latch member is pivotably movable between its locked and unlocked positions, preferably via a fastener that secures the latch member to the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Elsing
  • Patent number: 7096629
    Abstract: An installation system designed specifically for thin reinforced natural stone panels used as exterior cladding, re-cladding, or over-cladding of buildings is comprised of a series of extruded aluminum shapes which, when properly applied to the back side of the thin reinforced stone panels, provide structural support for the thin panels and facilitate their installation and will also provide the means for the panels to be pre-assembled in order to obtain desired shapes or profiles and to be easily installed on the building. The series, or family, of extruded aluminum shapes are designed to mate or interlock to perform a variety of tasks such as perimeter frames, structural stiffeners, corner angle supports, interlocking sleeves, runner clips which facilitate attachment to various substrates of a building such as steel stud framing, aluminum curtain wall frames, brick or concrete walls or plywood sheathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Francis Cox
  • Patent number: 7062886
    Abstract: A clip to hold panels in place in grid openings in a suspended ceiling. The clip is integrally formed and includes relatively flexible hinges that bias relatively rigid sections against the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: Joseph Auriemma
  • Patent number: 7043884
    Abstract: A stone cladding system for building has a support frame formed by a plurality of spaced-apart upright mullions fixed to an exterior of a building by anchor bracket's with a number of horizontal cladding panel support rails mounted in vertically spaced apart rows on the mullions. Each stone cladding panel is mounted between at adjacent pair of vertically spaced-apart rails with a bottom of the cladding panel seated on the lowermost rail and a top of the cladding panel secured to the uppermost rail by a pair of retaining clips. A bottom of each stone cladding panel is fully supported along its length by the lowermost rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Eurogramco,S. L.
    Inventor: Rolando Moreno
  • Patent number: 7010894
    Abstract: A floor, ceiling or wall covering constituted of a number of successive panels and fixing means for the panels, the fixing means including holders which, by means of fixing parts, retain the panels in a disconnectable manner over a part of the thickness of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Flooring Industries LTD
    Inventor: Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 6993875
    Abstract: The invention concerns a building element[which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Telezygology Inc.
    Inventor: Dickory Rudduck
  • Patent number: 6971210
    Abstract: A grid system for torsion spring mounting of aluminum-framed panels is provided which includes a plurality of main grid beams and spacer bars. The main grid beams support a side load mounting clip formed with a slot in the side of the side load mounting clip to engage a torsion spring held by a spring retainer clip such that the panel is supported by the torsion spring. Disengagement of the torsion springs lowers the panels and permits access to the ceiling grid system above the panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the panel has a multifaceted profile including an edge surface that abuts a corresponding edge surface on an adjacent panel. The peripheral edges of the adjacent panel members diverge above the abutting edge surfaces to accommodate either the alignment fin or the tab of the tile stop and diverge below the abutting edge surfaces to form a reveal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Kliegle, Harry A. Alter
  • Patent number: 6968661
    Abstract: A connection system for securing a wall panel shell to a frame member. The frame member includes a groove and the shell includes a mounting member received within the groove. The shell includes a skin member secured to one or more structural members. Each mounting member is carried by a structural member, and is part of a connector that is separate from and engaged with the structural member. The connector includes a base having spaced apart engagement areas, which are received within spaced apart recesses in the structural member. The structural member defines a flat surface which facilitates application of pressure to bond the structural member and the skin member together using an adhesive. Thereafter, the connector is engaged with the structural member via a snap-on engagement arrangement, to enable the wall panel shell to be mounted to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kopish, Bradley J. Bruggink
  • Patent number: 6951087
    Abstract: The mounting system comprises a grid of vertically upright C-profiles which are pushed with their lower and upper ends into horizontally extending U-profiles. Bracket clips are fitted to outer sides of the mutually opposite legs of the C-profiles. The bracket clips on the profiles are in engagement with rails. Panels are fastened to these rails. An insulating material can be accommodated in the gap enclosed by the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Trespa International B.V.
    Inventor: Kees Hans Weurman
  • Patent number: 6941716
    Abstract: A wall panel tile connector is disclosed. The connector includes an elongated bracket with groups of openings and a number of clips which are attached to the bracket by use of the openings. The bracket has a first portion with an U-shaped cross section, a middle portion with an offset and a second portion. The offset has a slot-like opening and the second portion includes two smaller openings, the three openings being grouped to allow attachment of a clip. Each clip is generally U-shaped with a base and two legs, and a bent tab and offset fingers. The slot-like opening receives one of the legs of the clip. The offset fingers engage in the smaller openings and create an interference fit with the bracket. The tab is resilient and enables the tile to be engaged with a wall panel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kottman
  • Patent number: 6935083
    Abstract: A skirting system for placement around a manufactured or modular home is provided wherein said system comprises a plurality of panels with upper and lower ends wherein the panels abut each other side to side to form a perimeter around the home. A plurality of base pads are provided and placed on the ground for supporting the lower ends of the panels. A plurality of two part channel clips are provided for securing the upper ends of the panels to the home in a manner that allows for vertical movement but provides for substantial support of the panels in a direction transverse to the length of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: C. Michael Chezum
  • Patent number: 6907710
    Abstract: A framed panel (1) consists of a panel (2) mounted in a frame (3). In order to secure the panel, a shock cord (4) is fastened across the panel (2), one or both ends of the shock cord (4) being held in a cleat (6a, 6b), so that the panel (2) is arrested when subjected to shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: FrameGard Anchoring Systems Limited
    Inventor: Simon Trundle
  • Patent number: 6880306
    Abstract: A tile bracket support system that has a tile side support bracket or clip and a tile bottom support bracket or clip attached to the tile without the use of screws or adhesives. The tile side support bracket or clip has tile side edge embedding members and vertical frame member engaging members. The tile bottom support bracket has tile bottom edge embedding members and horizontal frame member engaging members thereby holding the tile affixed to the horizontal and vertical frame members without the use of screws or adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Burken, James C. Fitzgerald, William J. McKibbin, Christian J. Kleppe, Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 6871467
    Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Hafner
  • Patent number: 6854235
    Abstract: Flooring material including floor boards (1) with an essentially square, rectangular or rhomboidal shape. The floor boards (1) are provided with edges (2), a horizontal lower side (5) and a horizontal decorative upper surface (3). The floor boards (1) are provided lower joining lips (10) at two adjacent edges (2) while the two remaining edges (2) are provided with upper joining lips (20). The lower joining lips (10) are provided essentially vertical lower lip surfaces 911) arranged parallel to the closest edge (2). The lower surfaces (11) are intended to interact with mainly vertical upper lip surfaces (21) arranged on the upper joining lips (20). Two joined adjacent floor boards (1) are hereby locked together in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Goran Martensson
  • Patent number: 6837019
    Abstract: A building roof tie for attaching roof trusses and rafters to wood top plates in building structures, such roof tie having a sheet metal body with risers and a bridge for overlapping a rafter and flaps for wrapping on the sides of the top plate. Generally triangular shaped reinforcing wings provide strength and stability, allowing the roof tie to be manufactured from different weights of steel. The roof ties are pitched to conform to a variety of framing applications. A plurality of apertures is formed in the roof tie to provide openings for fasteners for connecting the tie to the wood top plate and rafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony D Collie
  • Patent number: 6805185
    Abstract: A partition for open building space and the like having a frame including at least one substantially horizontal surface. A cover member is configured to enclose at least a portion of the frame. The cover member includes attachment members configured to connect the cover member to the frame. A seal is attached to the cover member and includes a resilient flap which engages the substantially horizontal surface of the frame to inhibit the passage of acoustical and/or optical energy through the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Donald P. Gravel, Douglas L. Hancey, Vladimir Zila
  • Patent number: 6775953
    Abstract: A number of wall panel apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment the wall panel apparatus includes a rectangular frame, two oppositely disposed metal tiles, each tile having a number of attachment and mounting clips whereby mounting of the tiles to opposite sides of the rectangular frame is easily accomplished by locating mounting clips attached to the lower edge portions of the tiles to a bottom frame member and pivoting the upper portion of the tiles so that the attachment clips which are resilient snap into place. A glass wall panel apparatus includes the same rectangular frame, however, top and bottom channels cover the top and bottom frame members of the rectangular frame, each of the channels having hook portions for engaging the top and bottom edges of the glass panes. Also included are side shroud channels and tensioning screws to adjust the channels in relation to the glass panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Burken, Matthew C. Brown, Jeffrey E. Tjebkes, Chad C. Lolling, Peter A. Simmons, Tim B. Wilson, Gordon K. Hartman, Brian D. Meyer, Darren P. Williams, Thomas W. Garrett, Michael J. Frantz, Joseph A. Miller, Matthew R. Hanley
  • Patent number: 6729097
    Abstract: A hollow building panel is provided having a first member, a second member spaced apart from the first member, and at least one support member disposed between and interconnecting the first and second member. At least one groove is formed in the first member exposed surface and the support member is attached to the first member at a vertex formed by the groove. The panel includes a locking assembly whereby two adjacent panels may be joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kartik A. Patel, Darryl C. Bodine
  • Publication number: 20040079038
    Abstract: The panels and mullions of a curtain wall are attached to the frame of the building enclosed by the curtain wall with anchors which permit the frame to shift horizontally and vertically relative to the curtain wall so that the frame and the curtain wall can experience different degrees of racking. Each anchor includes a base member and a displaceable member located in front of the base member. Both members have keyways and are coupled together with a horizontal key that engages the members at their keyways, allowing the displaceable member to shift horizontally relative to the building frame, but preventing it from pulling away from the base member. Each anchor also has a mullion clamp which is attached firmly to one of the mullions. It has a vertical keyway where it is engaged by a key on the displaceable member, thus permitting vertical displacement of the mullion relative to the building frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Robert H. Crooker
  • Publication number: 20040079041
    Abstract: A floor assembly includes a number of spaced apart horizontal support members to which a number of elongated flooring members are attached. The flooring members have features allowing their use in two versions of the floor assembly. In a first version, the flooring members are attached to the support members by clamping blocks having tabs extending over strips extending along opposite sides of the flooring members, which have outer walls extending downward and inward to provide space for the blocks. In a second version, the flooring members are attached by downward extending latching arms that engage upward extending latching arms of clips fastened to the support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Bruno Bergeron, Michael Julius Biro, Ken Gidney
  • Patent number: 6725618
    Abstract: A siding attachment strip and method are provided for retaining a plurality of siding panels to a building structure. The siding attachment strip includes an elongate body, one or more mounting holes, and a plurality of siding top edge clips spaced along the elongate body according to a predetermined siding panel size. A siding top edge clip of the plurality of siding top edge clips is capable of engaging a nailing slot in a siding panel. The siding top edge clip includes a plurality of prongs extending therefrom. A prong of the plurality of prongs includes a substantially right-angled bend in a middle region of the prong. The siding attachment strip further includes a plurality of prong slots formed in the elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to the plurality of siding top edge clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory P. Albracht
  • Patent number: 6718717
    Abstract: A modular wall panel and mounting members for attaching a panel covering thereto. The modular wall panel has one or more flanges that connect to a frame support. A panel covering is tensioned across a face of the frame support and is connected to the flanges by the mounting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: J. Dennis Henderson, Todd Alan Shane