Including Clip-type Fastener Patents (Class 52/489.1)
  • Publication number: 20040065024
    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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Kottman
  • Publication number: 20040045244
    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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Hafner
  • Publication number: 20040035074
    Abstract: The present invention is a partition system having improved vibration dampening characteristics. The partition system includes a frame having elongated support posts and a plurality of tiles being mounted to the posts via a plurality of mounting elements. Each tile has opposite first and second sides, opposite top and bottom edges, and opposite side edges. The mounting elements each have a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted and configured to releasbly mount to the post and the finger portion is configured to extend away from the post when the body portion is mounted to the post. The tiles have a pair of hook members mounted to the first side of the tile. The hook members are adapted and configured to hook onto the finger portion of the mounting elements. The tiles also have a pair of resilient clip members which are adapted and configured to releasably attach to the finger portion of the mounting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Simion Stanescu, Vadym Vasylchenko, Piotr Otrebski, Bohdan Wozniak
  • Patent number: 6694681
    Abstract: A floor assembly having a plurality of elongated extrusions and a cooperating snap connector that is secured to a rigid underlying support. Each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members, each of the outer leg members being connected to an adjacent inner leg member by horizontal support member. Each inner leg member includes a retaining tab extending therefrom. The snap connector includes an elongated base portion and a pair of flanges attached to opposed major sides of the base portion. The retaining tabs cooperate with the bottom section of the flanges to mechanically secure the extrusions to the snap connector. The snap connector is secured to the rigid underlying support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Thermal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Andres
  • Patent number: 6688065
    Abstract: An athletic floor assembled on a foundation having a capacity to absorb vibration, eliminate dead spots, and remain stable and resistant to the damaging effects of moisture which comprises discrete sections of reproducible subflooring constructions which are separated from each other so there are gaps between every section which prevents the ripple effect transmission of vibration forces which combines a wood nailing bed underlayment engaged inside the open face of a c-channel support system in which such engaged components are held in fixed elevation over the foundation and supported on strips of resilient material, and further comprising anchoring clips having a vertical riser member and engagement tabs at a top and which are engaged to the channels inside deflexure slot aperture cut in the channels and engaged to the foundation by fastening tab means at the bottom end and adapted to permit the entire floor construction to experience slidable vertical deflexure movement as limited by the limits of the defle
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Robert X. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20030221384
    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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    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: 6655099
    Abstract: A clip is used to fasten a wall panel to a frame rail. The clip is fitted to the rail and has paul-like tabs which locate in apertures in a side wall of the rail. Corresponding apertures are provided on the edge of the wall. When the edge of the wall is inserted into the clip, the pawl-like tabs snap-fit through the apertures and into the apertures, thereby captively retaining the wall to the rail. Alternatively, the clip may be formed integrally with a rail by pressing out a flap from a side wall of the rail. Each flap has a pawl-like indent. Corresponding apertures are provided on the edge of a wall sheet. When the edge of the wall sheet is inserted between the flaps and the rail, the pawl-like indents locate in the apertures, thereby captively retaining the wall sheets to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Spanbilt Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Grahame Trenoweth
  • Patent number: 6651398
    Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Composite Wood Specialties Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl H. W. Gregori
  • Patent number: 6647690
    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 with 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 lip 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 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Goran Martensson
  • Publication number: 20030208978
    Abstract: A wall plate support frame has a plurality of square flanges, a plurality of channels formed between the square flanges, a large number of oblong holes, a plurality of adjustment seats, and a plurality of adjustment blocks. Each of the adjustment seats has two sockets to receive the corresponding adjustment block. Each of the adjustment blocks has two bevel prongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Shun-Teng Chen
  • Patent number: 6640502
    Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6640512
    Abstract: A siding panel is supported by a hanging guide while that siding panel is being maneuvered into a desired position with respect to a support surface. The hanger is attached to the support surface and includes a pocket which accommodates an edge of the siding panel. Once the siding panel is supported by the hanging guide, the siding panel is fixed to the support surface. Once the siding panel is fixed to the support surface, the hanging guide is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Charles T. Kinnaman, Pamela Kinnaman
  • Patent number: 6629392
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a structure which is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of prefabricated buildings. The structure uses a uniquely formulated exterior wall panel that is bonded to a frame of support members. A connecting member may be used to accommodate support members having a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes. The structure may have a unique cementitious composition that allows it to be fire and insect resistant and generally impervious to moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Marcus J. Harrel, Michael J. Schimpf
  • Publication number: 20030182881
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting an electrical junction box within a wall frame. The bracket has a junction box support portion adapted to be connectable to the electrical junction box and a cable support portion extending from the junction box support portion. The cable support portion has a cable securing portion that receives and automatically secures the electrical cables in the cable support portion, thereby fixing the electrical cables a desired distance from the junction box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Denier Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denier, Charles H. Bull, Joseph P. Kallmeyer
  • Patent number: 6622448
    Abstract: Hold-down clips for insulation. The clips have U-shaped bases for wrapping about the exposed edges of framing members such as 2×4s, 2×6s, 2×8s, and 2×10s, and the like, that are used under roofs, ceilings, floors and walls. The clips have side extending arms that abut against the insulation materials and can include protruding portions which further press the insulation material in place. The U-shaped bases can further include inwardly protruding bent tabs, dimples, and spike portions for further locking the clips to the framing members. The clips can be easily installed without the need for tools such as hammers, nail guns, and staple type guns, as well as not need any additional fasteners such as nails, screws, and staples, in order to be installed. An optional through-hole in the base portion can allow for an extra fastener to be used where the through-hole provides direct guidance for placing the optional fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Sonne
  • Patent number: 6619002
    Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Patent number: 6612077
    Abstract: A display board which comprises a thin panel member adapted to be supported on an office wall partition to closely overlie a cover of a partition. The display board is preferably coupled to an internal frame of the partition by a mounting bracket which extends laterally inwardly over the top of a cover into engagement with the internal frame. With an inner surface of the display board lying on an outerface of the cover coupling to the framework to merely provide for support against vertical downward movement of the display board can be sufficient. Mounting separate brackets which extend from the framework outwardly above a cover are advantageously provided for ease of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Parshad
  • Publication number: 20030121226
    Abstract: There is provided a flooring system for hardwood floors comprised of a plurality of elongated slats wherein the slats are held in position by a plurality of connectors, each connector having a base secured to a substrate, a vertical portion extending upwardly from the base, and a generally horizontal portion extending into a groove formed in a side wall of the elongated slat. The system permits the slats to be installed with a minimum of labor and also permits removal of the slats and their later re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Manuel Bolduc
  • Publication number: 20030110727
    Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Karl H. W. Gregori
  • Publication number: 20030101673
    Abstract: A deck system with a deck clip. The deck system may include deck boards in which narrow channels may be formed in opposing side edges. The deck boards may be placed side by side during construction of a deck. The deck boards may be formed of composite building materials such as mixtures of wood flour and polyethylene. A rotatable deck clip may be used to fasten the deck boards to the deck joists. The clip may have a first overhang member and a second overhang member and may be wider in a first horizontal dimension and shorter in a second, perpendicular horizontal dimension. When the clip is rotated into a first position, its first and second overhang members may extend into the channels of adjacent deck boards to hold the deck boards securely in place. Removal of the deck boards may be accomplished by rotating the clip ninety degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. West, John T. Forbis
  • Patent number: 6536175
    Abstract: An assembly of panels and jointing elements, in particular for the technical field of building, wherein each panel (11, 12), taken in section, comprises an alveolar structure, determined by a plurality of ribs (14) and arranged between two main outside surfaces (10, 28, 29), extensions (15, 16) obtained at opposed ends of each panel (11, 12), and a jointing element (13, 113) adapted to receive an extension (15, 16) of each of two adjacent panels (11, 12) firmly engaging them, wherein both each extension (15, 16) and the jointing element (13, 113) are provided with reciprocally engaged inclined surfaces (20, 21, 24, 25) facing inwards and facing each other, and wherein the jointing element (13) is U-shaped and is provided with a pressing element (19) that centrally extends inside it and arranges in wedged engagement between outside facing walls (17, 18) of the two extensions (15, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Politec Polimeri Tecnici S.A.
    Inventor: Cosimo Conterno
  • Publication number: 20030051431
    Abstract: A clip for attachment to the flanges of a structural steel member for purposes of securing sheet material to the member is comprised of a rectangular-shaped clip of lightweight sheet material having opposite sides and opposite ends and enclosing an open center portion. A clip element is formed from a protrusion of the sheet metal material and extends outwardly from the clip and terminates in a free end which is spaced from the clip to create an open space to partially receive a flange of a steel member. The clip element is positioned with respect to the clip so that the clip dwells outwardly of the flange when mounted thereon. The clip element is comprised of a spring-like material so as to be able to frictionally engage the flange. The clip has a plurality of protruding frictional elements thereon to enhance the frictional engagement of the clip to the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Donavon G. Bousquet
  • Publication number: 20030041540
    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: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Donald P. Gravel, Douglas L. Hancey, Vladimir Zila
  • Patent number: 6510635
    Abstract: A frame system for displaying panels such as signs, artwork, photographs, text etc., on a surface such as a wall. Two long tracks have fasteners for fastening them to a surface. Two corresponding cover bars are shaped to slide longitudinally over the tracks while being retained on the tracks. The cover bars have lengthwise grooves for supporting edges of one or more panels between opposite cover bars while allowing the panels to slide along the grooves. Caps are fastened over the ends of the cover bars with removable, tamper resistant, fasteners to prevent the cover bars from being slid out of the tracks until the caps are removed. The system may be mounted on a surface with the tracks horizontal, vertical or any angle in between. While the tracks will ordinarily be mounted parallel to each other, they may be mounted at angles to each other to accommodate panels of shapes other than rectangular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Sign Matrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan C. Rudolph, Carol K. Honeysett
  • Patent number: 6510666
    Abstract: A connector that securely ties together sheathing and the underlying structural members on a building. The connector consists of a rafter web on the bottom that can be attached to the vertical face of a structural member. A right angle bend connects to a normal web that aligns against the edge of sheathing. Another right angle bend connects to an offset web and sheathing web that can be attached to the broad surface of sheathing and underlying member. The connector can fit on a variety of thickness or shape of sheathing, and a variety of beam widths. The connector helps prevent and transfer uplift and lateral forces during strong winds and seismic movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030009973
    Abstract: A wood floor assembly includes wood floors, joint bases, soft pads, and U-shaped clips. The wood floor has a first elongated side protruded with an insertion flange, and a second elongated side recessed with an insertion groove. The insertion flange has a bottom edge recessed with a first insertion snap groove, and the insertion groove has a bottom edge recessed with a second insertion snap groove. The joint base has a first side protruded with an insertion block and a second side recessed with an insertion recess. The joint base has a top face protruded with a first locking plate and a second locking plate. The first locking plate is formed with a first locking hook portion and a second locking hook portion. The U-shaped clip is clamped and positioned two adjacent joint bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chiu-Ying Lee
  • Publication number: 20020189171
    Abstract: A display board which comprises a thin panel member adapted to be supported on an office wall partition to closely overlie a cover of a partition. The display board is preferably coupled to an internal frame of the partition by a mounting bracket which extends laterally inwardly over the top of a cover into engagement with the internal frame. With an inner surface of the display board lying on an outerface of the cover coupling to the framework to merely provide for support against vertical downward movement of the display board can be sufficient. Mounting separate brackets which extend from the framework outwardly above a cover are advantageously provided for ease of connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Parshad
  • Patent number: 6460311
    Abstract: A fixture having a lateral width which is larger than an interval between a couple of neighboring studs is to be fixedly attached to the neighboring studs so as to bridge the couple of neighboring studs, when a joint portion between the vertical sides of neighboring siding boards arranged horizontally does not coincide with the position of any of said studs, thereby fastening the joint portion of a couple of neighboring siding boards by making use of the second fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nichiha Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20020134033
    Abstract: The invention is a glazing panel wall system having unique and advantageous glazing clips. The clips, several different embodiments of which are described, serve to hold the glazing panels and frame member face covers in place. The system comprises the various glazing clips; interconnected frame members, each frame member having recesses adapted for containing glazing panels and a channel adapted for engaging the clips; and face covers which are placed over the front face of the frame members. The invention thus provides a convenient, time-saving, and very effective way of constructing a glazing panel wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ishikawa, Tsutomu Ito
  • Patent number: 6427408
    Abstract: A wall system including a plurality of rectangular rigid prefinished panels mounted on a wall support structure with main runners and cross runners. The main runners serve to lock the panels onto the support structure and with the cross runners serve to prevent the panels from warping due to adverse moisture conditions. The main runners are configured to space the panels from the wall support structure to encourage uniform humidity conditions at the front and rear of the panels. Clips that secure the panels to the main runners are fixed adjacent the top and bottom panel edges at different setoffs to obtain an advantageous nesting of panels for reduced packaging volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Commercial and Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Krieger
  • Publication number: 20020095897
    Abstract: An above-grade decking system having a plurality of deck members overlying a plurality of joists with clip member connectors connecting the deck members to the joists. The present decking system is particularly adapted for use with concrete composite materials that are shaped into construction materials and testured to resemble wood or stone products. The clip members are shaped to hold the deck memebers onto the joists. The clip members fit into slots in the deck memebers and are attached to the joists using commonly available connectors. The deck memebers can be shaped and configured to fit together with the clip memebers therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffry L. Summerford
  • Patent number: 6418693
    Abstract: A flooring assembly and fastener therefor comprises flooring planks, preferably made of recycled lumber, and a clip fastener arranged between opposing longitudinal edges of the planks. The planks, in one embodiment, use tongue and groove construction. The clip is Z-shaped in cross section, one end portion of the clip catching the groove of a plank with the other end portion acting as a base for fastening to the joist. The clip fasteners are spaced along each joint and adjacent joints to retain the planks on the joists while permitting the planks to expand and contract at rates different than the joists themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Ballard International Distributing Co.
    Inventor: James S. Ballard
  • Patent number: 6397533
    Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Hornberger, Jon W. Gayhart, Andrew Mansfield, Yung Tse
  • Patent number: 6393783
    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. 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 member attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall member 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 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Emaus, David B. Martin, Richard C. Weise
  • Publication number: 20020059766
    Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Karl H. W. Gregori
  • Patent number: 6381913
    Abstract: A stud for construction of fire resistant and seismic resistant shaft walls (10), including but not limited to elevator shafts and stairwells. The claimed metal stud is used for constructing shaft wall assemblies which can withstand vertical, and horizontal movements due to seismic forces, wind sway, and inter-story drift resulting from gravity and the rotation of the earth. This stud comprises: an anterior flange (11); posterior flange (14) which is longer than the anterior flange (11) possessing a plurality of parallel horizontal fastening slots (17) along the length of the posterior flange (14); and a vertical web (18) connecting the anterior flange (11) and posterior flange (14) in parallel forming a generally J-shaped channel. The longer posterior flange with fastener slots permits the construction if the shaft wall assembly solely from within the shaft cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Ross Herren
  • Publication number: 20020043037
    Abstract: A fastening system for attaching an expandable building panel or surface covering system to a substrate is provided. The fastening system includes at least one slip clip which, when utilized, allows for longitudinal movement of the building panel, while substantially preventing transverse movement. Typically, a spring clip will be used in combination with the slip clip to apply pressure to the panel, thereby allowing expansion and contraction of the panel in a longitudinal direction while eliminating gaps between the adjacent end-to-end panels. A method of installing building panels using the described fastening system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: William C. Dorsey, Kartik A. Patel, Darryl C. Bodine
  • Patent number: 6336302
    Abstract: A panel connector for connecting adjacent longitudinal ends of a pair of longitudinally-extending elongate panels, where each panel has a pair of upstanding inturned flanges on opposite lateral sides of a central web portion, the panel connector comprising a base member with a first central body having, on laterally opposite sides, a first pair of marginal edges adapted to be engaged between the opposite inturned flanges of each of the elongate panels when the first central body overlies the central web portion of each panel and a hold down member with a second central body having, on laterally opposite sides, a second pair of marginal edges adapted to be engaged between the opposite inturned flanges of each of the elongate panels when the second central body overlies the first central body and wherein the base member and the hold down member are movable relative to one another and a locking clip for use with a paneling assembly comprising a main locking clip for use in a paneling assembly comprising a main b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Antonius Hendricus Brugman, Hans Kurt de Goey
  • Patent number: 6314699
    Abstract: A deck system with a deck clip. The deck system includes deck boards in which receiving chambers are formed. The receiving chambers are formed in both opposing side edges of each deck board, and each chamber is defined in part by a lip edge. The deck boards are placed side by side during construction of a deck, closely spaced, such that the lip edges of adjacent deck boards define a narrow channel space therebetween in which a rotatable deck clip is placed. The clip has a first overhang member and an opposing second overhang member and is thereby wider in a first horizontal dimension and shorter in a second, perpendicular horizontal dimension, and is rotatably attached to the deck joists by a screw or other fastening device. When the clip is rotated into a first position, its first and second overhang members extend into the receiving chambers of adjacent deck boards and engage with the lip edges of each chamber to hold the deck boards securely in place upon the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. West
  • Publication number: 20010034993
    Abstract: A pre-manufactured joist and beam support for concrete walls to be poured, particularly those utilizing a permanent, secondary non-structural material as forms essentially adjacent to the concrete, comprised of a U shaped rigid member, rigid anchor members extending therefrom and so as to cause a sufficiently large hole to be created in the secondary material in which the support is inserted and which essentially does not interfere with the flow of concrete being poured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Jerome A. Harber
  • Publication number: 20010022058
    Abstract: An assembly of panels and jointing elements, in particular for the technical field of building, wherein each panel (11, 12), taken in section, comprises an alveolar structure, determined by a plurality of ribs (14) and arranged between two main outside surfaces (10, 28, 29), extensions (15, 16) obtained at opposed ends of each panel (11, 12), and a jointing element (13, 113) adapted to receive an extension (15, 16) of each of two adjacent panels (11, 12) firmly engaging them, wherein both each extension (15, 16) and the jointing element (13, 113) are provided with reciprocally engaged inclined surfaces (20, 21, 24, 25) facing inwards and facing each other, and wherein the jointing element (13) is U-shaped and is provided with a pressing element (19) that centrally extends inside it and arranges in wedged engagement between outside facing walls (17, 18) of the two extensions (15, 16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Cosimo Conterno
  • Patent number: 6289646
    Abstract: A metal fixture assembly for installation of vertical sidings to fix the siding to a furring, which is capable of providing a construction of the installation having excellent appearance and weathering, and a method using the metal fixture assembly to facilitate the installation. A metal fixture assembly for installation of a vertical lower siding and a vertical upper siding vertically adjacent to each other on a furring is positioned therebetween. The metal fixture assembly includes a fastening metal fixture to be fixed to the furring, an upper metal fitting provided between the fastening metal fixture and the upper siding and fittingly fixed on a bottom portion thereof, and a lower metal fitting provided between the fastening metal fixture and the lower siding and fittingly fixed on a top portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morimichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6279286
    Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board sidings, which comprises a flat substrate; first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction; a third upright portion formed along a longitudinal direction of the flat substrate; a locking portion formed along a distal end of the third upright portion; and a slot formed in the substrate and extending laterally from one side to the other of the substrate; wherein the siding boards are adapted to be fastened between distal ends of the first and second upright portions and the locking portion formed along a distal end of the third upright portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Nichiha Corp.
    Inventor: Mamoru Ichihashi
  • Publication number: 20010015042
    Abstract: A flooring assembly and fastener therefor comprises flooring planks, preferably made of recycled lumber, and a clip fastener arranged between opposing longitudinal edges of the planks. The planks, in one embodiment, use tongue and groove construction. The clip is Z-shaped in cross section, one end portion of the clip catching the groove of a plank with the other end portion acting as a base for fastening to the joist. The clip fasteners are spaced along each joint and adjacent joints to retain the planks on the joists while permitting the planks to expand and contract at rates different than the joists themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: Ballard International Distributing Co.
    Inventor: James S. Ballard
  • Patent number: 6260324
    Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system having a plurality of upright wall panels serially connected one with the other by an intermediate upright support post. The height of each wall panel is adjusted by modular panel extension assemblies which are mounted on base panels supported by lower support posts and include extension posts connected to the lower support posts so as to be arranged coaxial therewith. Spaced apart pairs of the extension posts are connectable to a cross rail at upper ends thereof which defines a downwardly extending generally U-shaped extension frame. A serially adjacent pair of extension frames shares a common extension post which is connected to both of the cross rails thereof, where the base panel and the extension panel assembly disposed thereon respectively define base and beltline raceways for workstation cabling. Additional extension posts can be inserted into the upper ends of extension posts already positioned so as to vertically extend the height of the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Miedema, Robert Fox, Richard Klamfoth, Cheryl Crozier, Deborah Trichler
  • Patent number: 6260321
    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: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Intellectual Exchange PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Dickory Rudduck
  • Patent number: 6256941
    Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system includes an improved acoustic and tackable cover pad. The cover pad includes an interior molded panel which is compressed about its peripheral edges wherein the compressed edge sections provide the required rigidity for the cover pad. While edge rails are provided in these edge sections, the edge rails are not rigidly connected to each other but instead are adhered to the molded panel. The edge rails are provided for mounting the cover pad to a wall panel frame and provide rigid edge areas to which a cover fabric is adhered. The molded panel is formed of a fiberglass having layers of a scrim material embedded therein for tackability. The molded panel further includes a compressed mounting region which has an increased rigidity to facilitate mounting of receptacle bezels thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Yu, Harv Pastunink, Steven Heyer
  • Patent number: 6237295
    Abstract: A flooring assembly and fastener therefor is comprised of a plurality of elongated flooring planks, with each flooring plank having on opposing ends a tongue-containing first longitudinal edge and a groove-containing second longitudinal edge. The flooring planks are arranged on a plurality of a supporting members, so that the tongue-containing end of a first flooring plank will engage the groove-containing end of a second flooring plank. The assembled flooring planks are securely held in place by a clip unit which is comprised of a base, at least one fastening means, a leg portion extending vertically from said base and a free, distal end portion sized to be positioned between the lower face of the tongue end of a first flooring plank and the upper face of the grooved end of a second flooring plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Ballard International Distributing
    Inventor: James S. Ballard
  • Patent number: 6233886
    Abstract: A floor assembly includes at least two elongated extrusions disposed adjacent to each other where each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members that are connected by a connector which engages the inner leg member and the outer leg member of one of the extrusions and the outer leg member and the inner leg member of the other extrusion. The connector includes a base and first and second end flanges where the first end flange engages the inner leg member of one of the extrusions and the second end flange engages the inner leg member of the other extrusion. A method of making a floor assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Thermal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Andres
  • Patent number: 6230469
    Abstract: A method of transforming a non-beveled edge of a wallboard panel into a beveled edge to form a recessed flush butt joint when installed. This method will not mar or damage the bonded paper coating on the panel and will not interfere with the manufacturers structural strength of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Wayne R. Sandstrom