Module Or Panel Having Discrete Edgewise Or Face-to-face Connecting Feature Patents (Class 52/578)
  • Patent number: 5493830
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timber element and a procedure for manufacturing such a timber element. The timber element (14b) is composed of at least two heavy wooden blanks (2) fitted one upon the other and glued to each other by their substantially horizontal faces. As taught by the invention, each wooden blank (2) is provided on at least on horizontal face with a guiding recess (6; 6a, 6b) longitudinal to the wooden blank and vertical, for guiding the crackling to occur vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Honkarakenne Oy
    Inventor: Reino Saarelainen
  • Patent number: 5490361
    Abstract: An interconnectable modular panel of rectangular shape having longitudinal right-angle connecting recesses in opposed end walls thereof. An elongated connector member is secured in the connecting recess with a portion of the recess defining an abutment end wall portion which is dimensioned and adapted to receive and rest on an outer surface of another elongated connector member of a connecting element to be secured to the recess. The panel is also provided with other type connector members along the opposed side edges thereof to connect with other panels positioned edge to edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Gingras
  • Patent number: 5471804
    Abstract: A building system using prefabricated building panels preferably with a foam core and the fastening components and raceway components used therewith which may be substantially incorporated during prefabrication. An improved method for the assembling of a building or structure which building preferably uses foam core structural wall, floor, ceiling and roof panels. Locking mechanisms are used and integrated with a raceway system. The raceway system is comprised of components which are used in conjunction with the locking mechanisms to form utility carrying raceways and to securely connect wall panels together in edge-to-edge relationship to form walls including structural walls and curtain walls, roof panels to form the roof and to connect the wall panels and roof panels together to result in a complete structure. The raceway system is preferably included and integral with the locking mechanisms of the building system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Amos G. Winter, IV
  • Patent number: 5442891
    Abstract: A root-control barrier apparatus and method employing living hinges, such hinges forming parts of various types of root-control barriers including single-elongate, closed-loop polygonal with different numbers of sides, and curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Deep Root Partners, L.P.
    Inventor: Leonard N. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5425214
    Abstract: A modular floor is constructed from rectangular panels which interlock with one another along their long sides. Each panel is provided with an upwardly-facing surface along one of the longer sides and downwardly-facing surface along the other of its longer sides. The downwardly-facing surface of one panel rests on and is supported by the upwardly-facing surface of an adjacent panel. Each panel may be provided with supporting feet generally below its upwardly-facing surface. The supporting feet, which are preferably detachable from the panels, may be of fixed height or may be adjustable. Two types of adjustable foot are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Expo Floors Limited
    Inventors: Andrew R. Truelove, Stephen Crutchley, Michael J. Smith, Peter Owen
  • Patent number: 5418992
    Abstract: A support plate for a bridge or ramp with a drive lane has two longitudinal supports forming lateral sides of the support plate. A plurality of transverse members is arranged parallel to one another and connected between the two longitudinal supports. The transverse members have an upper surface forming the drive lane. The transverse members are hollow and have a quadrangular cross-section. The transverse members have a first and a second sidewall, whereby the second sidewalls face the first sidewalls of neighboring ones of the transverse members. At least one angle member is connected to each second sidewall, the angle member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg rests at an is fixedly connected to the second sidewall and the second leg projects laterally from the second sidewall for supporting the neighboring transverse member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Kurt Alten
  • Patent number: 5411782
    Abstract: A plurality of plastic panels or planks (12) are connected to each other in side by side relation by interfitting male and female connectors (28, 30) to form a planar structure such as a cover (10). The male connector (28) has opposed outer planar surfaces (32, 34) in contact relation to opposed inner planar surfaces (46, 48) on a female connector (30) to minimize any relative pivoting or articulating movement between adjacent panels (12). Adjacent panel sections (15A, 17B) are hinged to each other about hinges (35E) to permit the panel sections (15A, 17B) to be folded against each other for stacking. Alternatively panels 14C, 14D may be linked together for stacking. A side support (16) is secured to the sides of the cover (10) to cover and to support a side of a panel where such side is not connected to another panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Barry M. Jarvis, Carolyn E. Morse
  • Patent number: 5402616
    Abstract: A metal weldment and method of manufacturing the same in which the metal weldment is embedded in a concrete slab-type structural member. The weldment has a central plate having a planar, weldable surface along an edge of the concrete slab, the weldable surface is perpendicularly disposed to the horizontal plane of the concrete slab. There are a pair of outstanding arms extending from the weldable surface and which are embedded in the concrete slab. The outstanding arms have a constant height across their length and support a steel reinforcing mesh at a predetermined height during the concrete slab casting operation. A blockout is provided to the mold during the casting operation to keep the top edge and front surface of the weldable surface free and clear of concrete. This provides for thermal expansion of the weldable surface and minimizes cracking and spalling of the concrete during welding. The blockout is removed from the mold after the concrete has hardened and can be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: JW Peters & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Klein
  • Patent number: 5400560
    Abstract: An element of an office panel includes a back support member closed at either end by molded end pieces. The molded end pieces in combination with the back support member define a front opening recess into which a filler material is inserted. A decorative facing material is applied over the filler material and attached to the back support member and the molded end pieces, whereby the facing material forms a finish face of the element. With this arrangement, the back support member is more easily manufactured, as it is open at either end and the molded end pieces can easily be inserted within the back support member to effectively close the member and provide a complete support for the element. According to an aspect of the invention, the molded end pieces include molded components thereon by means of which the element can be effectively supported by an office panel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems
    Inventors: John Hellwig, Tori Kasdorf
  • Patent number: 5387456
    Abstract: There is provided a method for producing extruded, optical-quality, transparent panel units having integral flange members for joining to adjacent, similar panel units. The method includes the steps of extruding a substantially flat strip of suitable plastic material, calendering the extruded strip by pulling it in the still hot, pliable state through a calender, at least the central portion of the strip being smoothened to an optical-quality transparency and the marginal portions of the strip being provided with at least one sawtooth-like, continuous projection on at least one face of the marginal portions, controllably heating the strip at a limited zone on the one face to render the zone pliable, using bending rolls to bend the marginal portions at substantially a right angle, so as to turn them into flange members, the inside corners formed by the bending rolls between the central portion and the marginal portions being rounded, and finally, cutting the flanged panels to required length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dan Pal
    Inventors: Nir Ben-Zvi, Shaul Giovoni
  • Patent number: 5348778
    Abstract: Sandwich elements in the form of slabs, shells and the like, consisting of facings and a rigid polyurethane foam core can be joined together in an airtight and watertight manner when they are provided with edge profiles which are cast from casting materials forming flexible polyurethane foam and which have a groove and a tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Knipp, Dieter Skoupi
  • Patent number: 5295726
    Abstract: A sidewall panel for securement between posts associated with a truck bed. The panel is defined by a generally rectangular ringlike frame having generally parallel top and bottom edge rails which are rigidly joined together by vertically extending edge rails. Corner members couple the horizontal and vertical edge rails together. The interior of the frame is occupied by a sheet of stiffening material, such as a rigid plastic foam sheet. Opposite sides of the panel are defined by thin covering sheets of hard material, such as rigid plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Carter Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan T. Carter, Kirk A. Myers
  • Patent number: 5287671
    Abstract: A construction panel with edges adapted to be coupled together includes a horizontal flat plate and a first edge rib coupled to an edge of the flat plate and extending orthogonal thereto. The first edge rib has a male coupling member with a first cross-section and a first portion extending parallel to the flat plate. A second edge rib is coupled to another edge of the flat plate and extends orthogonal to the flat plate and parallel to the first edge rib. The second edge rib has a female coupling member with a second cross-section and a second portion extending parallel to the flat plate. The female coupling member is adapted to be coupled to the male coupling member of an adjacent construction panel so that the first and second portions are adjacent and parallel. Preferably, an intermediate rib is coupled to the flat plate and extends parallel with and between the first and second edge ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ueki Kokan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuo Ueki
  • Patent number: 5259164
    Abstract: A wall capable of rapid assembly and dismantling is disclosed, which includes a plurality of detachable boards, each of which are connected to at least one other of such detachable boards on an adjacent facing side. Coupling elements for connecting each of the plurality of detachable boards to another of such board are included, each of which permit at least a part of the facing sides of the plurality of detachable boards, which extend in a vertical direction, an infinitely variable swiveling action about an axis extending parallel to the facing sides of the plurality of detachable boards. The coupling elements extend perpendicularly to a swiveling axis and in the direction of the swiveling axis and are fastened edgeways laying flat to each of two detachable boards which are adjacent one another. The coupling elements act as a spacing piece along the facing side of each of the detachable boards and extend perpendicular to the swiveling axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Martin Wiese
  • Patent number: 5196255
    Abstract: An extruded slat defined by a series of longitudinal cavities disposed in a side-by-side relationship. Typically, the longitudinal cavities total in odd numbers so that fastening can be achieved through a single cavity. The slat is fabricated from plastic resin, is light in weight, is readily cut and can be arranged into a variety of configurations. Assembly between the ends of abutting slats is usually accomplished by an interconnecting pin(s) between communicating cavities. Each longitudinal cavity is also adapted to receive a rod, a cable, or the like, serving for example, reinforcing, communication and/or communication purposes, or other uses involving concealment and/or security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: John M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5185981
    Abstract: A joint for insulating panels is disclosed. Each panel has an exterior metal plate and an interior metal plate, between which an insulating filling material is inserted. One end of the interior metal plate has a depression which extends along a flange towards the interior of the panel. The other end of the interior metal plate has a projection corresponding to the depression, the projection extending along a flange towards the interior of the panel. The relationship between the height of the depression/projection (B) and the thickness of the panel (A) is ##EQU1## At least one of the surfaces of the panels abutting each other has an elastic isolating element positioned between the exterior metal plate and one of the flanges of the interior metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Perfil en Frio, S.A.
    Inventor: Joaquin L. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5181362
    Abstract: An interlocking building block, to be used in constructing walls and building frames, the building blocks being adapted to be securely engaged without the need to use extra layers of cement. The interlocking building blocks include a series of ridges and channels disposed along the top and bottom surface of the block and at opposite distal ends, which are structured and disposed to be correspondingly fitted with the ridges and channels of adjoining blocks, thereby forming a secure interlocking structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Rafael C. Benitez
  • Patent number: 5172534
    Abstract: A construction set is made up of a plurality of detachably chainable links capable of being pivotally attached to one another to form stable geometric structures. Detents are provided at a plurality of pivot positions so as to preferentially hold the engaged links in stable and precise positions relative one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: ADL Partners
    Inventors: Ronald E. Milner, Eric D. Plambeck
  • Patent number: 5165213
    Abstract: An inexpensive modular partition wall is provided by panels which include a substantially planar, rectangular central part bordered on opposite sides by substantially planar, rectangular side parts having connector members on opposed sides and integral therewith. Each connector member is generally V-shaped with one arm truncated so as to fit under a line of locking tabs on a like connector member into which it is inserted. Two connectors can be joined together hermaphroditically in the sense that a first connector can be inserted into a second connector or the second connector can be inserted into the first to give the same effect. Panels connected to one another to form a wall can persist or alternate in the gender of their connectedness. Construction of a wall proceeds extremely rapidly, since there are no screw-fastening steps to make. Top and bottom channel members may be employed to increase the rigidity of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventors: Harry F. Finch, Geza J. Szayer
  • Patent number: 5154030
    Abstract: A modular living space partitioning system uses a variety of wall panel and wall posts structures, all including several units of a basic structural interface component consisting essentially of a post defining a central interconnecting strip which is oriented at a 45 degree angle with the direction of any wall or panel and two lateral flanges having a equal width corresponding to .sqroot.2 of two times the width of the strip. The basic element can be used on the lateral edges of panels as connectors, or combined two, three, or four at a time to create two, three or four-way right angle connecting pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Harms
  • Patent number: 5140913
    Abstract: A railway car body structure has a panel assembly forming at least part of a side, the roof, an end or the floorplate. Each panel has inner and outer spaced metal sheets and a cellular metal core bonded to the sheets and maintaining them spaced apart. To join the panels, a metal connecting member is joined to at least one of the inner and outer sheets by continuous metal-to-metal bonding and has a projection for use in welding the panel to the neighboring panel. The projection extends in the lateral direction of the panel and is of material thicker than the general sheet thickness of the sheets. A frame member of the body structure may be welded to the panels at the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michifumi Takeichi, Sumio Okuno, Masato Okazaki, Morishige Hattori
  • Patent number: 5107652
    Abstract: Improved construction module comprising a reinforced or prestressed concrete slab (10) having a generally prismatic outer shape in which two of the parallel opposite edges thereof are provided with a plurality of mutually aligned protuberances (10') staggered on opposite edges. The surfaces forming the upper and lower edges are provided with channels (13, 13') which allow modules placed one above the other to be coupled by inserts fitted into the channels. The protuberances (10') on opposite parallel surfaces have aligned bores (11) in which rods (11') are insertable to allow several modules to be coupled together side by side and edge to edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Innovacions Tegnologiques S.A. I.T.S.A.
    Inventor: Ricardo R. Sosa
  • Patent number: 5058349
    Abstract: A system of surface tiles for flooring or the like, and the method of their installation. The tiles each include a backing board, a number of spaced parallel stationary slats fixed on the backing board, and a longitudinally movable slat in each space between successive stationary slats and dovetailed between them. The movable slats are movable to stagger their ends relative to the ends of the stationary slats, and to extend from one tile to the next to interlock the tiles. Tiles are installed by: a. placing a number of tiles in a longitudinal row; b. moving the movable slats of a single working tile to desired staggered positions relative to the stationary slats; c. cutting the working tile transversely into tow end pieces; d. placing one of the end pieces on one end of the row with its cut edge outward of the row; e. moving the movable slats of the row to fill empty spaces between stationary slats; and f.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Michael J. Conrad
  • Patent number: 4903453
    Abstract: A construction method for fabricating structures and a system of building blocks utilized in the method is presented. The blocks are hollow and may be skeletal and formed from heavy gauge strips or molded. They include at least two sub-assemblies joined by interconnecting webs with provisions for single subassemblies to square off wall edges. Each skeletal subassembly includes upper and lower frames joined together by a plurality of structural columns perpendicular to the planes of the upper and lower frames. The upper and lower frames are dimensioned to form interfitting male and female receptacles that permit the blocks to be interconnected. D-lance snap fit structures are provided in the upper and lower frames so that an assembly of blocks with structural integrity may be created by snapping together courses of blocks with each course staggered relative to the adjacent course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Bob G. Newsom
  • Patent number: 4901496
    Abstract: Assembly apparatus for the connection of two roof beams at the level of the ridge, for providing frames and structures, comprises two cast members (1, 1') identical to each other, each being disposed fixedly partially in the interior of the upper end of each roof beam (2, 2'). The cast member (1) is disposed head to tail with respect to the cast member (1') and the two members (1, 1') each have a protruding portion (3, 3') spaced a substantial distance from a recess (4, 4'). The protruding portion (3, 3') of each member (1, 1') engages in the recess (4', 4) of the other member (1, 1') to provide two connections (3, 4' and 3', 4) between the beams (2, 2'), these connections being disposed closely adjacent respective ends of the beams (2, 2') and coacting to ensure the assembly and securement of the roof beams (2, 2') by mere insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Bator S.A., Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Andre Fritz, Jean Gerlinger
  • Patent number: 4757658
    Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Charles E. Kaempen
  • Patent number: 4748783
    Abstract: An insulated panel for rolling closures. The panel has a front wall and a back wall joined by side walls, and is filled with insulation. The side walls have thermal breaks formed by spacers. The size of the spacers can vary to vary the thickness of the panel. The panel has a hinge socket formed in the back wall adjacent one side wall. An extension of the back wall, projecting past the other side wall, carries a hinge pintle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Martinray Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: H. M. Robert Labelle
  • Patent number: 4640437
    Abstract: Insulating panels or plates are formed along their opposite longitudinal edges with a cylindrically segmental projection and a cylindrically segmental groove receiving the projection, both of these formations being preferably formed as extruded polyvinyl chloride shells. The arc length of the groove is greater than 180.degree. but less than that of the projection so that the plates can be interfitted and angularly offset to fit around a vessel, the angular adjustability allowing the plates to be accommodated to greater and lesser curvatures of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Kremsmunster, Austria
    Inventor: Rudolf Weingartner
  • Patent number: 4606161
    Abstract: A self-supporting wall is formed by assembling tubular elements with a longitudinal portion having a concave arc-shaped cross-section by means of joints being link plates of two different types. One type, with a central raised portion and two bored pins, and the other, with a lower spacer member and two dead-end hole pins, alternately link together the elements placed side by side, through plug members adapted to fit into a central passage of each element and to be coupled to said pins of the plates. The partition wall can thus assume a variety of polygonal or arc-shaped patterns with no need of being anchored to the floor or to the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Sacea S.a.s. di Tirinnanzi Giampietro & C.
    Inventor: Isao Hosoe
  • Patent number: 4593513
    Abstract: A building block or panel having the shape of a right parallelepiped having two opposed major faces (11), the remaining faces being edge faces which are formed to interlockingly engage with the edge faces of similar building blocks wherein two pairs of adjacent edge faces at opposed sides of the block are each formed with an elogate recess (13) extending from the respective corner of said adjacent edge faces to an intermediate location on each edge face, each edge face being formed with an elongate projection (15) which is able to be received in the recess (13) of a corresponding block; the one end (17) of each projection (15) adjacent the respective recess (13) being contoured to define at least a portion inclined at an angle of less than 90.degree. between the face and the base of the respective recess wherein the other end of each projection (15) has a face of a complementary configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Frank Stratton
  • Patent number: 4580385
    Abstract: An improved wall panel clip includes a retainer plate and a hook member extending from the retainer plate for insertion into a slot to retain a wall panel against an upright. The hook forms a notch having a narrow opening and a wider inner width. The surface of the hook adjacent the narrow opening engages a surface of the upright when the hook is positioned in the slots so that a portion of the upright penetrates into the slot. Engagement of the hook with the surface of the upright resists inadvertent movement of the clip relative to the upright to retain the panel in position on the upright. The clip preferably includes a plurality of such hooks projecting from a spacer plate that extends from the retainer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventor: Frank P. Field
  • Patent number: 4567698
    Abstract: A space divider system adapted to partition an interior space into working sub-areas wherein desks, cabinets, and other work components are integrated with partition walls formed by modular panels that are interlocked in a spatial pattern defining the desired sub-areas or work stations. Each panel includes a frame whose corners have recesses therein bordered by side ledges. To join two or more panels in side-by-side relation to create a planar partition wall, sandwiched between the adjoining vertical sides of the panels is a standard having a longitudinal row of slots on opposing faces thereof and a threaded socket at either end. The panels are locked together at their top and bottom by a clamp which bridges the complementary side ledges of the panels and is secured to the standard by a screw received in the end socket. To join one panel at right angles to another, use is made of a four-sided connector post whose ends are notched to create a ledge on each side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Knoll International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew I. Morrison
  • Patent number: 4559894
    Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The structure is formed by applying a coating of a polyester or epoxy resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester or epoxy resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester or epoxy resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single, somewhat-resilient, weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Thom McI, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4519724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for elastically assembling two identical pieces, wherein one of the ends of a piece comprises two lugs between which is disposed a bar in the form of an arc of circle, while the opposite end of this piece comprises a flange provided with two notches in which are engaged the lugs of a second, identical piece while the convex face of the bar abuts against the inner face of the flange. Beads on one piece engage in notches of the other piece to complete the assembly. The invention is particularly applicable to games and toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Majorette
    Inventor: Jean L. Ribas
  • Patent number: 4517239
    Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface and method of providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The method includes applying a coating of a polyester resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single somewhat-resilient weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Thom-McI, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4459062
    Abstract: A plasma arc spray overlay of cladding metals is used over joints between clad metal pieces to provide a continuous cladding metal surface. The technique permits applying an overlay of a high melting point cladding metal to a cladding metal surface without excessive heating of the backing metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventor: Oliver W. Siebert
  • Patent number: 4443986
    Abstract: The specification discloses an office landscaping system comprising a plurality of wall panels supported on a support structure. The support structure comprises a plurality of frames each including a plurality of gussets extending outwardly therefrom, the gussets in turn each defining an upwardly opening slot. Also provided are clamping means for clamping together adjacent gussets on adjacent frames to secure the frame together. Mounting studs extend from each panel into the gusset slots to releasably suspend the panels on the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Stow/Davis Furniture Company
    Inventors: Paul L. Propst, Larry P. Gzym, Ralph Murrel, Donald A. Richardson, Carl B. Hinrichs
  • Patent number: 4372522
    Abstract: A sectional wall form system is disclosed for forming concrete walls or the like. Basically, the wall form system comprises a plurality of channel panels which are serially connected together in a side-by-side relationahip by means of a plurality of lock brackets. Each lock bracket comprises a substantially rectangular configuration dimensioned to closely fit between the side portions of the channel panels. A pair of L-shaped locking rods are welded to the underside of each of the lock brackets and extend from one edge thereof. A pair of locking apertures is located in the other edge of each of the lock brackets. During assembly, the channel panels are placed in a side-by-side relationship. An intermediate lock bracket is placed in a position substantially parallel to the side portion of an intermediate channel panel enabling the locking rod to engage into respective apertures in the side portion of the intermediate and the succeeding channel panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Inventor: George Simeonoff
  • Patent number: 4369610
    Abstract: An external revetment panel for the thermal insulation of buildings. The panel comprises a shell having upper and lower edges in parallel stepped relationship with the surface, the depth of the lower step being smaller than that of the upper step, the edge of the upper step being bent into a channel section, and the web thereof being formed with holes; gapping means provided on at least one of the stepped edges of the panel; at least one bracket fixed to the free flange of the channel section; and a layer of insulating material fixed to spacing means which are in turn secured to the internal surface of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: Luchaire S.A.
    Inventor: Daniel Volan
  • Patent number: 4362426
    Abstract: Each road surface element (1) has a cut-out portion (3), which is delimited by means of section (4b) of a plate (4). The cut-out portion (3) is traversed by a bolt (6). A locking piece (2), which has two catches (26) on its lower side is inserted into the chamber formed by the cut-out portions of two adjacent elements and is then rotated so that the catches (26) come to rest beneath the bolts (6). The two elements are then locked together and forces are transmitted through the two locking portions and the catches (26) to the bolt (6) and thus from one element to the other. The upper surface of the locking piece (2) is level with the surface of the two elements.Application more particularly to the production of temporary road surfaces, for example, during road detours or for use in construction excavations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Inventor: Willi Ruckstuhl
  • Patent number: 4360553
    Abstract: A rectangular sandwich panel comprises two skins with an insulating material, such as foam, sandwiched therebetween. Two spaced apart arms form a double tongue on each of two adjacent circumferential edges of the panel and a cooperable double groove is formed along the other two adjacent circumferential edges, whereby, without additional coupling means, the panel can be assembled on all sides by a tongue and groove connection with adjoining panels. At the corner of the panel, where two double tongues meet, the arms of the double tongues are cranked so that the spacing between the arms forming the double tongues is increased by the thickness of the arms, to accommodate the arms of double tongues of an adjoining panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Hugo A. J. Landheer
  • Patent number: 4267769
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a prefabricated knockdown clean room which may be readily assembled without tools in a minimum of time. The apparatus includes a plurality of building segments which cooperate with each other in assembled relationship and certain of such segments include means for moving air under pressure through a filter media which removes substantially all micro-organisms from the air within the apparatus to supply Class 100 air to a restricted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Environmental Air Control, Inc.
    Inventors: George B. Davis, Robert W. Irving
  • Patent number: 4266381
    Abstract: An extruded treadway includes a plurality of interlocking panels having upper surfaces which include nonskid members of pyramidal shape disposed in rectilinear configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Pullman Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Deller
  • Patent number: 4222695
    Abstract: Floor matting includes rectangular panels each having a plurality of rows of upstanding hollow bosses. Some of the bosses are located along two sides of the panel and laterally project beyond the sides, and the other two sides of the panel carry a complementary number of upstanding projections insertable into the bosses along the side of an adjacent panel to retain the two panels in side by side relationship. The matting also includes retainers each having a flat base with apertures positioned to correspond with the disposition of the bosses on the panels to enable the base to be mounted on one or more panels with bosses extending into the apertures. Each retainer also has a retainer member projecting upwardly from the base for engagement with an article placed on the matting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventor: Anthanase K. Sarides
  • Patent number: 4120919
    Abstract: Novel quick opening removable tray sections or deck plates for trays of fluid contact vessels having foldable closures or covers adapted to rest upon frame members which coact to form perimeters of one or more polygonal, preferably quadrangular, complementary openings in each tray. Each cover has at least a pair of closure panels hingedly connected at their adjacent inner margins. Opposed outer lateral or side margins of closure panels, which overlie complementary lateral or side frame members in spaced relationship, extend in the same general direction as their adjacent inner margins. At least one of opposed outer lateral margins is slidably confined whereby cover is removable upon elevating closure panels at their hinged inner margins and simultaneously sliding said outer lateral panel margins toward each other and out of confinement so as to permit folding of said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Assignee: Glitsch, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. McClain
  • Patent number: 4075803
    Abstract: Split duct terminator apparatus is provided at the cable entrance of a subterranean manhole for receiving a plurality of cables extending between subterranean manholes along a cable path carrying electrical signal conductors for the transmission of telecommunication messages. A plurality of modules are provided at the cable entrance to the manhole to encircle and immobilize a plurality of conduits or ducts carrying the cables which laterally enter the vault while the cables are maintained in position and in service. The modules are positioned about the plurality of cables at a working distance from a splice case. Split duct sections encircle the cables where the cables appear at the manhole, but the duct sections are terminated at the manhole walls. Once positioned about the duct sections containing the cables, the modules are joined together in a composite structure. A coagulated mass which permeates the structure binds the modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignee: Formex Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: John Alesi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4067162
    Abstract: A lattice portion of elastomeric material comprises a generally rectangular framework for sealing at least one cladding panel in a building construction. The lattice portions have at least one member protruding from each corner of the rectangle and being an extension of a side of the rectangle. The lattice portions are preformed, assembled on a structure of a building and joined together to form a continuous lattice by forming junctions between adjacent lattice portions or between lattice portions and intermediate spacing which may connect the lattice portions. The completed lattice is attached to the building and cladding panels inserted into the lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: BTR Industries Limited
    Inventor: Ronald Howorth
  • Patent number: 4048059
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a new type of pallet rack having decking panel retainers for positively securing the pallet rack structure to the pallet rack in unitary assembly so that the pallet rack structure cannot become accidentally disengaged from the supporting beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: Aurora Equipment Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Evans
  • Patent number: 4028858
    Abstract: Strips of lumber of equal length are disposed laterally side by side to provide a substantially square block and are secured together at their corresponding ends by a metal channel strip employed as a staple with at least one flange of the metal strip driven into and embedded in the said ends and extending substantially across the end of the block. A central pin is provided in at least one side of the block for insertion into a mating recess in the adjacent side of the next block when assembling the blocks to provide a deck or floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Inventor: Erwin G. Rehbein
  • Patent number: 3992841
    Abstract: Large projection screens, of which planetarium domes are typical, may conveniently be made up of a plural of prefinished panels, at least one edge of at least some of which panels overlaps another panel in a lap joint construction so that edges of the panels have a minimal effect upon light directed upon the screen from any angle. Panel edges overlapping another panel are tapered from a generally uniform thickness to substantially reduced thickness at the edge in a relatively short distance compared to panel dimensions and made to conform to and lay against the other panel. The panels are preferably made by a method which may involve either first shaping or finishing the projection surface of the dome panel. Each edge which will overlap another panel is then chamfered on the surface opposite the finished surface to form the taper. Finally the chamfered edge is deformed so that it will lay against and conform to the panel which it overlaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Inventor: Robertson Ward, Jr.