Z- Or U-strips, Aligned Flanges Forming Major Faces Patents (Class 52/579)
  • Patent number: 11946262
    Abstract: A panel for composing a floor covering or wall covering. A panel system including at least one panel. A method of composing a covering, in particular a floor covering, by using a panel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: i4F Licensing NV
    Inventors: Eddy Alberic Boucké, Pieter Renaat Karel Devos
  • Patent number: 11846113
    Abstract: A tongue and groove panel connecting system including a plurality of panels configured to be mounted to a fence and attached thereto by means of fasteners. Each panel includes a tongue at the front side and a groove at the rear side thereof. When mounted, a first panel's groove receives the tongue of an adjacent panel, thereby interconnecting and securing one another onto the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: Jean Marco Palmegiani, Jean Claudio Palmegiani
  • Patent number: 11655648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a parking platform for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motorized parking apparatus for a motor vehicle. Profile parts are provided which are arranged next to each other along a longitudinal direction and preferably are connected to each other and form a parking space for the motor vehicle. The profile parts each comprise a base region and a projecting region projecting therefrom. In order to provide a generic parking platform with high stability and increased user friendliness for a vehicle operator, the profile parts each comprise a profile section which has at least one base region and at least one projecting region, as well as a covering section which is arranged next to the profile section and is connected thereto. The covering section of a profile part covers at least one projecting region of an adjacent profile part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Woehr Autoparksysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Ignacio Vinas Rausell
  • Patent number: 11578483
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wall assembly comprising a novel structural lattice frame comprising vertical studs and outwardly located horizontal furring spaced with thermal isolation pads therebetween at the framing intersections, foam insulation encapsulating the furring and at least a portion of the vertical studs, and an exterior air- and water-resistant barrier-protected sheathing fastened to the outward side of the horizontal furring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Back-Lattice Wall Systems, LLC
    Inventor: G. David Schoenhard
  • Patent number: 11359385
    Abstract: A bathroom floor waterproofing system includes: a flat floor panel made of stainless steel; at least one drainage unit provided at the floor panel; side walls formed by bending a pair of opposite edges of the floor panel upwards; and a fastening unit comprising a male fastening plate formed by bending one of the edges of the floor panel upwards so as to be perpendicular to the floor panel and a female fastening plate into which the male fastening plate of an adjacent bathroom floor waterproofing system is detachably fitted and coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Yeong Geun Yoo
  • Patent number: 10787200
    Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle (10) includes a load support deck (44) comprised of a plurality of laterally adjacent deck pieces (46). Each deck piece includes in transverse cross section a plurality of elongated cavities (56) in which respective support members (100) may be selectively longitudinally positioned. A frame (128) includes a support and mounting arrangement for one or more suspension subframes (142) that each include a wheel supporting axle (144). Brace plates (168, 170, 172) operatively connect with frame rails (130, 132) and lateral support ribs (140) to reinforce the frame structure and attach the suspension subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: EXTREME TRAILERS LLC
    Inventors: Leslie A. Smith, Jr., Ryan L. Rummell
  • Patent number: 10549795
    Abstract: A floor securing apparatus comprises a riser slot formed in a floor riser transverse to a longitudinal axis of the floor riser, the floor riser configured to support a floor sheet and a key including a locking head and at least one anchor tab, wherein the key is slidable into the riser slot transverse to the longitudinal axis of the floor riser, wherein the key is configured to engage a portion of the floor sheet to prevent vertical movement of the floor sheet relative to the floor riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Wabash National L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 10190308
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a structure for coverage formed by various structural elements, in particular a main element comprising one piece (stringer), said stringer (1) comprising in its basic embodiment a steel plate approximately 1-2 mm thick, conformed in a characteristic way by a tool in a continuous process, said shape essentially longitudinal, comprising several holes (5, 7) and pairs of fins (9), also known as shields in your extension, arranged modularly in a characteristic fashion in a basic pre-determined pattern, the piece (stringer) (1) being capable of being made in several lengths, being connected to one another by connecting plates (6) of characteristic geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto De Almeida Borges
  • Patent number: 8898970
    Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy and provides inside corner flashings useful for flashing photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic roofing elements are disposed in a staggered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Jenkins, Christopher C. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8826609
    Abstract: A deck plank has at least one base, a top board and two reinforcing ribs. The at least one base includes a carrier board and a plurality of support columns. The support columns extend from a bottom surface of the carrier board. The top board is mounted on a top of the at least one base and has two receiving cavities therein for receiving the reinforcing ribs. To construct a deck, a plurality of deck planks are placed side by side on the ground. The top boards are spaced from the ground by the support columns of the base such that the moisture from the ground does not penetrate the top board to cause the top board to become damp and rot. In addition, the top board is structurally reinforced by the reinforcing ribs to prevent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hudson Hardware & Plastics Co., Limited
    Inventor: Tsu-Kang Chang
  • Patent number: 8443576
    Abstract: A casing member for assembly with an opposed identical casing member to encase a post includes an elongate body portion having spaced apart first and second side edges extending lengthwise of the body portion. First and second connectors are adjacent the first and second side edges respectively, and extend lengthwise therealong. The first connector includes a first tongue protruding from the body portion along a tongue axis. The second connector includes a groove bounded at least partially by spaced apart first and groove second sidewalls joined to the body portion. The first groove has a groove axis parallel to both the groove sidewalls and the tongue axis. The first tongue is inter-engageable with the first groove of the opposed identical casing member and the first groove is inter-engageable with the first tongue of the opposed casing member so as to secure the two casing members together about the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Alpa Lumber Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Petta
  • Patent number: 8394451
    Abstract: The invention relates to connection elements comprising a tongue (3) and a groove (10), and an additional locking element (6) which is connected thereto in a non-positive manner, which consists of a plastic or adhesive material and is especially embodied as a bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kronoplus Technical AG
    Inventor: Maik Moebus
  • Patent number: 8245466
    Abstract: A framing system for a new or existing wall, structure and/or the like is provided that uses just one type of unit or member for various framing applications, namely serving as a framing stud and framing plate or track—i.e. a universal framing unit. The universal framing unit is formed from a single piece of metal as a three-wall member having a front wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall. The first lateral wall is continuous with a first lateral side of the front wall via a first curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular relative to the front wall, while the second lateral wall is continuous with a second lateral side of the front wall via a second curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular relative to the front wall. A first slot is formed in the first curved transition and extends from a first end of the universal framing unit a first length along the first curved transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Building Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: William Arthur Wright
  • Patent number: 8037654
    Abstract: A floor structure includes a plurality of structural metal components that each have: a plate-shaped supporting portion that is laid either perpendicular or oblique to an installation surface; a plate-shaped top flange that extends from a top end portion of the supporting portion in parallel with the installation surface; a plate-shaped bottom flange that extends from a bottom end portion of the supporting portion in parallel with the installation surface and in the opposite direction from the top flange, wherein the structural metal components are laid on a flat surface in parallel with each other such that the top flange of one of the mutually adjacent structural metal components covers the bottom flange of the other of the mutually adjacent structural metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Hanya, Nariaki Nakayasu
  • Patent number: 8037655
    Abstract: A floor structure includes a plurality of structural metal components that each have: a plate-shaped supporting portion that is laid either perpendicular or oblique to an installation surface; a plate-shaped top flange that extends from a top end portion of the supporting portion in parallel with the installation surface; a plate-shaped bottom flange that extends from a bottom end portion of the supporting portion in parallel with the installation surface and in the opposite direction from the top flange, wherein the structural metal components are laid on a flat surface in parallel with each other such that the top flange of one of the mutually adjacent structural metal components covers the bottom flange of the other of the mutually adjacent structural metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Hanya, Nariaki Nakayasu
  • Patent number: 7892631
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a lightweight board with two thin-walled top layers and at least one core layer located between the top layers and connected to these, and a process to manufacture this. The process to manufacture the invented lightweight board is characterised by a first process stage in which a groove is made in at least one longitudinal side of the lightweight board, a profile strip is inserted in a second process stage into the groove in the lightweight board and a further profile strip is attached in a third stage on the previously attached profile strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Rehau AG & Co.
    Inventor: Dieter Bauer
  • Patent number: 7802414
    Abstract: Panels and their modules, such as for walls and roofs, are disclosed that provide armored shelter for protecting people and equipment from ballistic projectiles and mortar attacks. Each module is made from multiple co-parallel plates arranged in a stack, spaced apart, and held together along their sides by side elements. This is done in such a way that, when assembled side-by-side or end-to-end into panels, adjacent modules overlap one another to prevent straight-through seams yet allow any damaged module to be removed and replaced without moving adjacent modules. Space within a module, between plates and sides, can contain energy absorbing material in a variety of shapes. Plates serve as structural flanges, and side elements comprise structural webs, to permit each module to function as a structural beam. With such designs, the modules and panels are easily and quickly inserted and/or removed individually by a sequence of simple manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Allen Nolte, Donald L. Selke
  • Patent number: 7793469
    Abstract: A sanitary cove base including an outer wall and an inner wall that are separated from each other by a plurality of longitudinally-extending web members creating a plurality of hollow channels between the inner wall and outer wall is disclosed. Each of the hollow channels is separated from the next adjacent hollow channel by one of the web members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: William R. Murphy, Jr., James L. Wood
  • Patent number: 7770354
    Abstract: A lightweight cementitious panel/tile is provided with increased bending stiffness and less weight than conventional construction panels. The cementitious panel is constructed of a cementitious surface (which may be reinforced with wood fiber or other materials) supported by an integrated stiffener grid on the underside to absorb stresses and loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Thuan H. Bui
  • Publication number: 20100154335
    Abstract: In a holding device (1) by means of which one or more panes of glass (2) forming a balustrade (3) is/are supported on a wall (4) or ceiling (5), consisting of a carrier rail (7) holding or supporting the panes of glass (2) and of a holding plate (9) attached to the ceiling (4) or the wall (5), with the carrier rail (7) held in a horizontal direction on the holding plate (9) by means of a U-shaped hook-in pocket (25) projecting from the carrier rail (7), the manufacturing costs for the holding device (1) are to be minimised and the installation complexity for attaching the holding device (1) should be kept as low as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Bernhard Feigl
  • Patent number: 7661228
    Abstract: Panels and their modules, such as for walls and roofs, are disclosed that provide armored shelter for protecting people and equipment from ballistic projectiles and mortar attacks. Each module is made from multiple co-parallel plates arranged in a stack, spaced apart, and held together along their sides by side elements. This is done in such a way that, when assembled side-by-side or end-to-end into panels, adjacent modules overlap one another to prevent straight-through seams yet allow any damaged module to be removed and replaced without moving adjacent modules. Space within a module, between plates and sides, can contain energy absorbing material in a variety of shapes. Plates serve as structural flanges, and side elements comprise structural webs, to permit each module to function as a structural beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Allen Nolte, Donald L. Selke
  • Patent number: 7628000
    Abstract: A protective wall (1) for shielding against laser beams, in particular those stemming from welding machines, wherein the protective wall (1) contains light-alloy shaped sections (10-13) that are essentially rectangular and incorporates chambers that are formed by interior walls (2), and profilings that are formed on the front and/or side, wherein the light-alloy shaped sections (10-14) are lined up and connected side wall to side wall in an individually removable manner to form the protective wall (20, 22; 21, 23; 24, 25) in such a way that the profiling on the side is implemented step-like from a front wall (26) to a back wall (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Helmut Kahl
  • Publication number: 20090293395
    Abstract: A juncture system for structural insulated panels includes magnesium oxide moldings and/or components made of cementitious materials that are shaped to join structural insulated panels (SIPs) with inorganic faces. The various components employ “standard” shapes to make for a minimum of parts and made of materials for adequate strength. For example, connecting shapes are made of magnesium oxide reinforced with the fiberglass. Thickness of the shapes approximate the same thickness as the outside face used on the magnesium oxide SIP, thus simplifying construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: William H. Porter
  • Publication number: 20090283658
    Abstract: A spacer assembly adapted to prevent the formation of acoustical short circuits in a building ceiling, floor and/or wall assembly. The spacer assembly includes a support member and is adapted for spacing and supporting a finished interior building element in acoustic isolation with respect to a structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Keene
  • Publication number: 20090266005
    Abstract: A building accessible to persons, comprising at least one wall element at least substantially made of corrugated material, as well as at least two profiled connecting elements for fitting the wall element therebetween, each connecting element comprising a profile having an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section for receiving edges of the wall element between the legs of the U-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Jan Reinier Karel Snel
  • Patent number: 7562505
    Abstract: A siding panel assembly for covering an exterior building wall includes a first elongated component and a second elongated component. The first and second components are adapted to be connected at a joint. The joint allows the first and second components to slide laterally relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Edward W. Tohanczyn, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090165410
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wall system comprising a building wall with an insulating layer, said building wall being the facade wall of a building or an inner wall, said insulating layer comprising insulation panels each insulation panel having first and second substantially parallel major surfaces. The second major surface is facing the building wall, and the insulation panel has at least three, preferably four, minor surfaces, where a slit is made in a minor surface and extending substantially parallel with the major surfaces. The insulation panel is positioned between at least two profiles, each profile having a base portion substantially parallel with and in contact with a part of one minor edge surface of the insulation panel and a flange portion substantially parallel with the major surfaces of the insulation panel and extending into said slit in the minor surface of the insulation panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Willem Gerard George Wuts
  • Patent number: 7520092
    Abstract: A resin deck board has a top surface with a plurality of water drainage channels spaced from one another extending axially in the top surface of the board. The top surface of the board also includes a plurality of feed channels which are angled relative to and which intersect with the drainage channels. The drainage channels penetrate to a depth at least as great as that of the feed channels into the top surface of the board to promote water from the feed channels to drain in to the drainage channels which then carry the water off of the top surface of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: Ray Showers, John Showers
  • Patent number: 7493738
    Abstract: A lightweight cementitious panel/tile is provided with increased bending stiffness and less weight than conventional construction panels. The cementitious panel is constructed of a cementitious surface (which may be reinforced with wood fiber or other materials) supported by an integrated stiffener grid on the underside to absorb stresses and loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Thuan H. Bui
  • Patent number: 7493729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved commercial rooftop enclosure that utilizes a roof and wall panel design incorporated with structurally bent rails connecting the panel assemblies to each other and to a corrugated panel steel base. This forms the enclosure into a torsion box style building wherein the strength of the enclosure is derived from its overall “unibody” style construction. With this design the rooftop enclosure offers a lower overall profile, reduced weight and increased structural strength over its conventional counterparts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Middleton Semmes
  • Patent number: 7441385
    Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member. The floor elements are alternatively provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge also is provided with male vertical assembly joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: PERGO (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Jorgen Palsson, Ake Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 7383665
    Abstract: A header arrangement has an elongated, lower, and substantially horizontal flange with a downwardly open U-shape for embracing a wall structured along at least part of the length of the lower flange, an elongated, and substantially vertical web connected along and extending upwardly from the lower flange, and an elongated, upper, and substantially horizontal flange connected along an upper edge of the vertical web and also having a U-shape. Web stiffeners and end stiffeners are engaged to the flanges and web to brace the header arrangement against static and dynamic loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond C. Frobosilo
  • Patent number: 7356970
    Abstract: A metal building is disclosed that employs interlocking vertically extended panels of improved configuration including improved insulated wall panels, unique corner constructions, and unique window and door arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond C. Frobosilo
  • Patent number: 7069614
    Abstract: A bridge is constructed using simply structured, longitudinal, modular deck sections or cells that are fabricated in a shop and shipped to the jobsite for quick assembly and erection. Each section has generally horizontal upper and lower members and at least one generally vertical member connected between the upper and lower horizontal members. The sections may be C-shaped, Z-shaped, or shallow U-shaped, and are connected in series. The upper and lower horizontal members of each section overlap respectively portions of the upper and lower horizontal members of the adjacent section to form overlapped regions. The connection sections define a plurality of closed cells. Open cells at the ends may be closed using appropriate end section(s) that may be shallow C-shaped or J-shaped. The sections are roll-formed or press braked from metal sheets or plates. The sections are connected together to form a multi-cell box girder bridge module by mating and welding or bolting the overlapped regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Manufacturers Equity Trust
    Inventors: Eugene Sivachenko, Jiri Strasky
  • Patent number: 6939422
    Abstract: A method for building a sheet pile wall includes providing a first sheet pile having a leading sheet pile interlock with an interlock chamber, driving the first sheet pile into the ground while protecting the interlock chamber from ground material and providing a second sheet pile having a trailing sheet pile interlock with an interlock head. The method further includes coating a fixing agent as a surface layer on the interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock, engaging the coated interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock in the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock and driving the second sheet pile into the ground so that the trailing sheet pile interlock interlocks with the leading sheet pile interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Arcelor Rails, Piles & Special Sections
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Moulin, André Rix
  • Patent number: 6755004
    Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: American Pre-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas Power, Jr., Carol Power
  • Publication number: 20040111997
    Abstract: A foam wall panel system with a unique Z-shaped wall panel connection device. The Z-shape of the wall panel connection device provides cavities on each side which accept the angled edges of foam wall panels that fit within the cavities. Adjacent foam cores having angled edges are secured into the cavities on opposite sides of Z-shaped wall panel connection devices to form a continuous foam wall. The Z-shaped wall panel connection device can be fabricated from a single sheet of material, or other suitable materials, and can replace metal wall studs. The folded corner edges of the Z-shaped wall panel connection device, and the edges of the foam cores, are rounded to avoid damage to the foam wall panel during the installation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Marko Gigiakos
  • Patent number: 6658808
    Abstract: A structural building module is provided as a generally rectangular, hollow, extruded, interlocking tubular element formed of a plastic material. The module has two opposed first sides and two opposed second sides extending along a longitudinal axis. Two flanges project from one of the second sides of the element parallel to the first sides and extend along the longitudinal axis for the length of the element. Two recessed areas extend along the longitudinal axis for the length of the element from another of the second sides of the element and aligned with the two flanges. The flanges of one module interlock with the recessed areas of an adjacent module. Structures made with the modules may be assembled easily and quickly. Individual modules have a high stiffness to weight ratio, rendering the modules particularly appropriate for low cost residential housing, auxiliary buildings such as garden sheds or garages, or emergency huts or shelters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: SCAE Associates
    Inventors: Thomas S. Doherty, William A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6631599
    Abstract: A panel insert for attaching objects to a precast panel surface. The insert is made from a one-piece elongate body of plastic and comprises one or more attachment securing chambers that form a secure engagement with an attachment, where the attachment preferably includes architectural or related decorative features. At least one inward-facing spine can be included on the insert to help secure the insert to the panel. Preferably, the secure engagement between the decorative attachment and the attachment securing chamber is in the nature of an interlocking, male-female connection, where such connection may include either numerous shaped members on complementary surfaces to form a frictional fit, including a permanent snap-fit, or complementary trapezoidal shapes so that a protrusion, or detent, on the decorative attachment may be slid or pressed into the chamber for either a removable or permanent locking arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fukuvi USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Publication number: 20030182889
    Abstract: A panel insert for attaching objects to a precast panel surface. The insert is made from a one-piece elongate body of plastic and comprises one or more attachment securing chambers that form a secure engagement with an attachment, where the attachment preferably includes architectural or related decorative features. At least one inward-facing spine can be included on the insert to help secure the insert to the panel. Preferably, the secure engagement between the decorative attachment and the attachment securing chamber is in the nature of an interlocking, male-female connection, where such connection may include either numerous shaped members on complementary surfaces to form a frictional fit, including a permanent snap-fit, or complementary trapezoidal shapes so that a protrusion, or detent, on the decorative attachment may be slid or pressed into the chamber for either a removable or permanent locking arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Patent number: 6619006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roofing shingle, which can surely prevent water such as rainwater from leaking through a roof. A roofing shingle has a rectangular plate (11) provided with first through fourth seam portions (11a-11d). The first and second seam portions (11a, 11b) are positioned in a pair along opposite side edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to a plane of said plate. The third and fourth seam portions (11c, 11d) are positioned in a pair along opposite end edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to the plane of said plate. The roofing shingle comprises a waterproofing sheet member (20) having a sheet (21) with its configuration greater than that of said plate and adhesive layers (22a, 22b) provided on both sides of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Muneyasu Shirota
  • Publication number: 20030056460
    Abstract: There is provided an engineered wall system which comprises at least one monolithic precast concrete foundation wall panel having top, bottom and opposing side edges. Each of the panels comprises a plurality of integral ribs, evenly spaced along a length of the panel between the side edges. The ribs are vertically oriented and project inwardly when the panel is in position as part of a building wall and a first and second outermost rib form each of the opposing side edges. There is a plurality of sleeve apertures located in the top edges and axially aligned in the opposing side edges and ribs and alignment means on the first and second outermost ribs to align adjacent ones of the panels. Attachment means on the first and second outermost ribs to secure together the aligned adjacent panels is also provided, as well as installation support pads attachable to the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Bradford F. Rivington
  • Patent number: 6497080
    Abstract: A structural member “(10)” comprises a generally Z-shaped cross section. Two flange members (14, 16) are bonded to opposite sides and opposite ends of a diagonal web “(12)”. Each flange member “(14, 16)” has one surface “(28)” which is bonded to the web “(12)” and at least two additional surfaces “(30, 32)” at right angles to one another. The cross section of the web is six sided, each end of the cross section including a side which is continuous with one of the right angled sides of its associated flange member and another side which acts as a side load bearing surface for the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Don Robin Brett Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20020083673
    Abstract: A parquet board with a groove and tongue edge profile comprising a projecting tongue (14) on at least one edge of each parquet board (10,12) and a receding groove (16) on at least one opposite edge of the parquet board. The top edge of the tongue (14) is provided with a projecting locking lip (24) running in the longitudinal direction of the tongue, and there is a corresponding locking recess (26) running in the longitudinal direction of the groove in the bottom edge of the groove-boundary-forming top groove cheek (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Volker Kettler, Bernd Schneider, Wolfgang Wienstroer
  • Patent number: 6385941
    Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: America Pre-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas Power, Jr., Carol Power
  • Publication number: 20020007608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1′), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 6324796
    Abstract: A decking system for placement on a subassembly having at least two spaced apart joists. A plurality of elongated tubular elements for placement in lateral interlocking engagement with each other transversely of and spanning the distance between the joists. Each of said plurality of elements having a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side walls connecting said top and bottom portions. The top portion extends laterally beyond the first side wall and has formed thereon a downwardly extending longitudinal flange. The bottom portion extends laterally beyond the second side wall and has formed thereon an upwardly extending longitudinal wall defining an upwardly opening channel adjacent the second side wall adapted to receive therein in watertight relation the downwardly extending longitudinal flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Homeland Vinyl Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall N. Heath
  • Patent number: 6170223
    Abstract: A panel assembly of the present invention comprises a stringer and a plurality of sheet panels each having a curved portion extending downward at one side thereof and a curved portion extending upward at the other side thereof. The stringer has on the top thereof a plurality of panel engaging portions adjacent to one another, each having upstream side convex portion, around which the curved portion of the sheet panel extending downward is hooked, a downstream side concave portion, into which the curved portion of the sheet panel extending upward Is fitted, and a planar portion extending from the upstream side convex portion to the downstream side concave portion. The planar portion of the panel engaging portion of the stringer is inclined downward from the upstream side convex portion to the downstream side concave portion. An upper portion of the concave portion of the panel engaging portion having a groove, into which a tip end of the curved portion of the sheet panel extending upward is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Gomeigaisha Kurose & Co.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Kurose
  • Patent number: 6148577
    Abstract: A new modular floor protection mat system for protecting a variety of sizes and types of floor surfaces from contaminants such as dirt, petroleum products and thawing compounds and the like falling off of vehicles parked on the floor surface. The inventive device includes at least one floor protection mat module having a mat portion and a perimeter lip portion. An elongate perimeter strip member mounts over the perimeter lip portion of the floor protection mat module to connect the mat module to other similar mat modules and allow a vehicle to roll over the perimeter lip portion of the mat module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: John J. Smolenski, David A. Lepley
  • Patent number: RE41140
    Abstract: A decking system for placement on a subassembly having at least two spaced apart joists. A plurality of elongated tubular elements for placement in lateral interlocking engagement with each other transversely of and spanning the distance between the joists. Each of said plurality of elements having a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side walls connecting said top and bottom portions. The top portion extends laterally beyond the first side wall and has formed thereon a downwardly extending longitudinal flange. The bottom portion extends laterally beyond the second side wall and has formed thereon an upwardly extending longitudinal wall defining an upwardly opening channel adjacent the second side wall adapted to receive therein a watertight relation the downwardly extending longitudinal flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Homeland Vinyl Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Heath