With Joining Means Of Dissimilar Material And Separate From Unit Patents (Class 52/582.1)
  • Patent number: 7152383
    Abstract: A blind connection for joining foam core panels which comprise a central sheet of foamed resinous material having top and bottom rails and veneers bonded to opposite sides of the central sheet and the rails. The rails having abutting side edge faces with matching slots formed along the length of the side edges. Te slots have undercut retaining surfaces which are engaged by retaining surfaces formed on a joining member which is inserted into these slots in joining the panels in assembled relation. The use of modified joining members in connecting foam core panels that are in angled relation to each other is also described. Wear resistant retaining surfaces may be provided for slots in the foam core by solid polymer liners. Additionally a method customizing panels on an installation job site is provided through the use of portable electrically powered saw to cut a panel to a desired width and a portable electrically powered router to form and undercut slot for receiving a joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: EPS Specialties Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: E. Lee Wilkinson, Jr., Edgar L. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7080489
    Abstract: A shanty and a system and method for assembling the same are provided. The shanty may be assembled, disassembled and re-assembled using the same components of the shanty. The shanty may have panels which may be removably fastened to each other to assemble the shanty. A first type of panel may be a wall panel. A second type of panel, namely, a roof panel, may be attached to the wall panel to provide a ceiling for the shanty. The panels may be substantially planar in shape. Moreover, the panels may have a length defined between a first end and a second end wherein a section of each of the panels at the first end extends toward the second end. To assemble the shanty, the section of a first panel which extends toward the second end may be fastened to the section of a second panel which extends toward the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Metal Design Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Jedrzejewski
  • Patent number: 7073303
    Abstract: The invention contemplates a system of interconnecting notched composite articles so as to create a surface therefrom. A joint segment having an edge configured to be received into a plurality of notches within juxtaposed composite articles and a fastener engaging the joint segment so as to anchor the joint segment to a support system underlying the joint segment interconnects the composite articles. Further disclosed is a method of installing composite articles involving fastening a first joint segment having opposing edges to a structural support system, aligning a composite article having a first notch on at least a portion of a first surface of the composite article and a second notch on a second surface of the composite article such that the first joint segment edge is received into the first notch, and fastening a second joint segment having edges to the structural support system such that the second joint segment edges engages the second notch on the second surface of the composite article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Elk Composite Building Products
    Inventor: Charles Baker
  • Patent number: 7062885
    Abstract: The present invention foundation kit is generally comprised of prefabricated modular components and hardware, which can be used for easily and efficiently constructing a foundation for a moderately sized building such as a house. In another aspect, the present invention kit can be seen as embodying a variety of optional modular components that can be used for constructing steps, landings, and/or decks. In still another aspect the present invention can be seen from the perspective of the methods used in fabricating the components of the kit and for constructing a significant portion of a building from the kit including the kit's associated optional components. In another embodiment the kit is designed to have prefabricated modular wall panels that could be used in the construction of a building having a concrete slab base or foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: George H. Dickenson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7021019
    Abstract: A panel includes coupling elements arranged so that two panels an be connected to one another by a form-fit connection at the same time in a first direction perpendicular to the common joint and in a second direction parallel and perpendicular to the common surface of the panels. The panels may be used to provide a laminate flooring. The form-fit connection achieves greater security during assembly with reference to any enlargement of cracks and inaccuracies when laying parquet flooring. Laid parquet flooring elements no longer slip relative to one another even when subjected to relatively large stresses, thereby avoiding damage and the need for follow-on work. The coupling element is preferably designed as a separate synthetic material clip in the shape of the letter H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Knauseder
  • Patent number: 7021010
    Abstract: A structure such as a demountable building (10) including a base (11), a plurality of modular units (12–17) which are arranged for connection to the base (11). Each unit is fitted out with functional elements to enable that unit to perform a predetermined function in the operation of the building (10). Each unit (12–17) and its associated functional elements being operative to be connected to, or removed from, the base (11) as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Aaron Smith Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron Michael Smith, Michael Radford Smith, Adam Shipway
  • Patent number: 6996945
    Abstract: A self interlocking block system wherein blocks with one or more apertures are interconnected by inserting a hollow peg through the aligned apertures of two vertically adjacent blocks such that a portion of the hollow peg extends into the aperture of the top block and a portion of the hollow peg extends into the aperture of the bottom block, resulting in a vertical shaft extending from the top row of blocks through the bottom row of blocks to the base surface. The vertical shafts may be filled with one or more vertical support bars and/or filler material to provide additional support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Steven E. Doty
  • Patent number: 6993877
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 6990780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure which is arranged at two abutting structural panels (1, 2) so that said structural panels are connected with each other, comprising two pairs of clamping plates, with one of said pairs of clamping plates being fixed to one structural panel (1), and the other pair of clamping plates being fixed to the other structural panel (2). The two pairs of clamping plates abut against each other with one of their clamping plates (3, 4), and the two abutting clamping plates (3, 4) are provided with mutually aligned, undercut longitudinal slots (5) which receive a connecting plate (6) connecting the abutting two clamping plates (3, 4) with each other and being fixed to the two clamping plates (3, 4) by means of fasteners (7) which extend through said connecting plate (6). Thus, a mounting structure is provided whose manufacture is relatively easy and cost-efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Casma S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mirko Marinoni
  • Patent number: 6955020
    Abstract: A floor covering panel made of a hard laminated assembly including a wood-base core includes coupling parts formed in one piece with the core, wherein the coupling parts provide locking elements for preventing the drifting apart of coupled panels in directions perpendicular to the mutual edges along which the panels are coupled and perpendicular to the mutual edges and parallel to a plane including coupled floor panels, and further wherein the mechanical locking elements include an upper surface portion of the tongue extending toward the panel upper side and cooperating with a portion of an upper wall of the groove in which the tongue is coupled in locking relationship, and wherein a portion of the upper surface of the tongue includes the surface sloping away from the panel upper side in a distal direction of the tongue at the distal upper end area of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer BV, Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 6952905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for connecting two or more panels of stone together. In one embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises a connector having a body with a first and a second end and at least two symmetrically orientated slots, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end. The invention is further comprised of at least two bolts, each such bolt having a shaft for attachment into a stone panel and a head protruding from the surface of the stone panel, the outer edge of the head having a consistent diameter suitable for insertion into the open end of a slot on the connector wherein bolt head is inserted into the open end of the slot and moved through the slot to a secure position proximate to the enclosed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Richard N. Nickel, Mike Nickel, Kim Giebelhaus
  • Patent number: 6951237
    Abstract: A sectional door including, a plurality of panels pivotally joined to each other, the panels including a facer having a front surface, a first joint member and a second joint member extending rearwardly of the facer, a pair of end stiles received at lateral extremities of the panels and placed in supporting relation thereto, the stiles having a recess adjacent one of the joint member, a hinge receiver located adjacent the recess and a hinge pivotally coupled to one of the panels at the hinge receiver and fastened to another of the panels at the end stile, wherein the recess provides a clearance for pivoting movement of the hinge and the storage or stowage of door components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventor: Willis J. Mullet
  • Patent number: 6945001
    Abstract: A building using pieces of structural facing is capable of simplifying the operation of construction and exalting the feasibility of construction, applicable to all conceivable portions of a building, and capable of liberally cutting the cost incurred in the construction. Each of the pieces of structural facing 2 is constituted of a heat-insulating sound-insulating core material 3 coated on both sides thereof with an outer panel 5 and an inner panel 6 both made of a steel sheet and connected to the framework of a building 1 and concatenated with adjoining pieces of facing 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Masao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6935085
    Abstract: A universal stud for use with demountable wall partitions and demountable ceiling panels is provided. A base having a first end and a second end is provided. The base has sufficient structure for removably engaging a demountable wall partition and/or a demountable ceiling panel. A plurality of arms extend from the base. Two arms and the base define a channel for receiving either the demountable wall partition or the demountable ceiling panel. The universal stud can be oriented vertically to accept a demountable wall partition, or, can be oriented horizontally to receive either the demountable wall partition or the demountable ceiling panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: William Franklin Little, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6928779
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer BV, Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 6925764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tile for laying in enclosed spaces, and especially but not exclusively for installation in so-called damp rooms, such as bathrooms, toilets, basements, but also entrance halls, conservatories and verandas. The tile according to the invention is characterized in that it consists of at least one decorative plate and one base plate which is fixed to it by foam or by an adhesive, and in that the base plate recedes behind the contour of the decorative plate(s) on at least one side. The invention may further provide a connecting strip for use between adjacent tiles, or a preferably flat heating element located between the decorative plate and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Josef Hrovath, Hugo Lenhard-Backhaus
  • Patent number: 6922964
    Abstract: A floorboard system includes a plurality of floorboards, wherein each of the floorboards is a rectangular floorboard provided with long edges and short edges and having a floorboard body provided with an integrated long edge locking system and an integrated short edge locking system for mechanical joining, both vertically and horizontally, the floorboards, along the long edges thereof and along the short edges thereof. The long edge locking system differs from the short edge locking system in respect of at least one of material composition and material properties. And, at least one of the long edge locking system and the short edge locking system includes a separate element which is integrally connected with the floorboard body at the factory and is made of a material other than that included in the floorboard body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Valinge Aluminium AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 6918221
    Abstract: A deck panel includes a generally planar body portion having an upper surface and first and second side surfaces on opposed sides of the upper surface. An elongated tongue extends outwardly from and along the first side surface. An elongated groove is defined in and extends along the second side surface, the groove being adapted to receive a second tongue. The deck panel is formed of a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Robert M. Williams
  • Patent number: 6901709
    Abstract: A system for skirting manufactured homes or similar buildings with modular concrete panels. The concrete panels are placed in edge-to-edge relationship about the perimeter of the building, and are secured to the rim joist by metal keys that interfit with adjoining edges of the panels. The lower edges of the panels are secure to the ground by cast-in tie-down straps through which stakes or other fasteners are driven. Each panel includes a wire rod reinforcement frame embedded in the concrete, and recessed areas for reducing weight. The panels may also include vent grills, flood vents and other openings. The panels are cast in pairs using a mold assembly having a stationary inner bulkhead and hinged outer bulkheads that pivot outwardly to release the panels when the concrete is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Richard G Imus, Richard S Imus, David A Imus
  • Patent number: 6880305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a strip for a building board (2), exhibiting a board body (S) which is formed with a gripping stud (24). The strip (10) extends from the body (S) and from which are formed gripping elements (26, 28), which are bent round the gripping stud (24) for mechanical fastening of the strip (10) to the body (S), as well as a locking element (12) for enabling mechanical joining of the board (2) to similar boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Valinge Aluminium AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 6874291
    Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardised in modular dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Ralf D. Weber
  • Patent number: 6871467
    Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Hafner
  • Patent number: 6871465
    Abstract: A modular system includes a first panel having a first channel and a second panel having a second channel. A first coupler is mounted in the first channel, and a second coupler is mounted in the second channel. Each coupler includes a middle portion extending from the base and having an edge rounded at least locally to a thickened end of the edge. The middle portion has a length extending beyond the first channel in which the coupler is mounted and into the second channel when the first panel is abutted with the second panel. The couplers are mounted in opposing fashion to cause interference among the thickened ends when the panels are abutted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Mathew G. LaBruzza
  • Patent number: 6862857
    Abstract: A device for connecting and locking structural panels, particularly floor panels, having a groove forming an upper lip and a lower lip over the entire length of at least one lateral border and with a tongue formed on the opposite lateral border corresponding to the groove. To lock panels that have been connected, the tongue is provided with at least one projection and the groove exhibits at least one indentation on the lip that faces the projection, which device is characterized by the indentation being longer than the projection, and on its lateral border (I3, I4) the lip provided with at least one indentation exhibits at least one recess reaching back to the indentation. The length of the recess is at least as great as the length of the projection, and seen in the longitudinal direction, the recess and the projection occupy positions that are staggered, one relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kronotec AG
    Inventor: Detlef Tychsen
  • Patent number: 6854233
    Abstract: A partition panel system that requires no tools, is easy to handle and is quickly assembled. The partition panel system includes a panel of barrier material surrounded by a frame and several sets of connectors. Each connector of one set of connectors has an “H” shaped configuration for attaching to panels for linear alignment of the panels. Each connector of another set of connectors a configuration for attaching panels at right angles. Other angles may be used by providing variation connectors. The connectors are inexpensive because they may be made from extrusions that are cut to a predetermined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Terry W. Pitsch, Sean A. Ross
  • Patent number: 6854232
    Abstract: A weldment connector for use with castable concrete slabs, each of the slabs including a length, width and depth and having at least one opposing and extending edge. The weldment connector has a substantially elongated and planar shaped front face and first and second legs which are both integrally formed with and extend from opposite end locations of the front face. The legs further extend in a combined axial and rotationally offset fashion relative the front face and each includes a horizontally extending and vertically spaced apart component with passes either above or below a mesh screen associated with the concrete slab. Additional features of the weldment connector include the width of the extending legs increasing, from a first end associated with the interconnecting and planar shaped front face, to outermost extending ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Robert M. Snauwaert
  • Patent number: 6843025
    Abstract: A construction kit from which a do-it-yourself can erect a stable, strong structure whose predetermined geometry is maintained even when the structure is subjected to stresses. The kit includes a plurality of beams, a set of rectangular panels and two end frames. To assemble the structure, the beams are arranged to bridge the end frames and to snap-lock or screw onto the corners thereof to form a skeleton in which the beams are in parallel relation. The beams are profiled to form internal tracks for slidably receiving the panels, each panel being supported between a pair of adjacent beams to define a wall of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
    Inventor: Haggai Paz
  • Patent number: 6837084
    Abstract: An interlock unit (10) for use with at least one other like unit (11) to form an interlock mechanism has a top face (13) and opposed pairs of side walls (12) with at least one runner bar (17, 18) mounted in the unit for lateral sliding movement. An actuator (14, 15, 22) is supported on the top face (13), to effect lateral sliding movement of the runner bar (17, 18). One wall of the unit is provided with one part (27) of a two-part connector with the other part (33) on the opposed wall whereby two similar units may be joined together by relative sliding movement of the two units in the plane of the side walls (12). Joining together of two units (10, 11) in this way also joins together the runner bars (17) or (18) of the two units such that sliding motion of the runner bar (17) of one unit (10) is transferred to the runner bar (17) of the connected unit (11), for at least one direction of sliding movement of the runner bars (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Fortress Interlocks Limited
    Inventors: Simon Bailey, Timothy Christopher Stubbs, Justin Titus Tun
  • Publication number: 20040261348
    Abstract: A shaped-section slat device comprising a shaped-section slat (1) having a visible face (10A) and two longitudinal edges having male and female assembly means (18, 20). The male assembly means (18) are connected to the visible face (10A) via an intermediate zone having a plane visible margin (22) set back relative to said visible face (10A), said male assembly means themselves being set back relative to said visible margin (22). Each of the longitudinal edges of the slat is provided with a groove in which an assembly strip can be inserted so that it projects from said groove over a width greater than the depth of the other groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Vulin
  • Publication number: 20040255540
    Abstract: A pieced flooring includes at least four rectangular floorboards connected to one another. Each floorboard includes four edges each having a series of dovetail tenons laterally extending from the edges of each of the floorboards and a dovetail mortise defined in the floorboard between every two adjacent dovetail tenons for complementally receiving a corresponding one of the dovetail tenons of an adjacent floorboard. Each floorboard includes four corners each having a cutout defined in the floorboards such that an opening is centrally defined in the pieced flooring relative to the at least four floorboards that are connected to one another. At least one insertion is fixedly inserted into the opening and having an area greater than that of the opening to prevent the insertion from detaching from the pieced flooring and to promote the connection between the floorboards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Hui Li Wang
  • Publication number: 20040250494
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of playthings, construction sets, etc., assembled using connective non-adhesive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dmitriy Leonidovich Osiatinskiy, Sergey Mikhailovich Zakharov
  • Publication number: 20040244325
    Abstract: A disengageable connector for interconnecting panels includes a longitudinally extending connector body. The connector body including a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least one footing member extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base. The footing member is shaped and dimensioned to compress the upper surface of a resilient pad positioned beneath the connector and the panels. The connector is used in conjunction with an interlocking flooring system. The interlocking flooring system includes a plurality of flooring panels, each flooring panel including a plurality of edges. A first connecting member is provided for connecting adjacent flooring panels and a second connecting member is provided for connecting adjacent flooring panels. The first connecting member is the same as the connector described above and is different from the second connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040206039
    Abstract: A spacer in a construction element (1) comprises an inner thread (5) provided in the construction element (1), a spacer screw and a support foot (6). The spacer screw has a thread for cooperation with the inner thread (5). The support foot (6) is intended for abutment against a support surface. The distance between the support foot (6) and the construction element (1) is adjustable by rotation of the spacer screw. The support foot (6) has a first engagement means (9) by means of which it is fixable in the construction element (1). The spacer screw and the support foot (6) have mutually corresponding engagement means by means of which the spacer screw is fixable in or on the support foot (6). The first engagement means of the support foot (6) is releasable from the construction element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Goran Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20040206038
    Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 6805185
    Abstract: A partition for open building space and the like having a frame including at least one substantially horizontal surface. A cover member is configured to enclose at least a portion of the frame. The cover member includes attachment members configured to connect the cover member to the frame. A seal is attached to the cover member and includes a resilient flap which engages the substantially horizontal surface of the frame to inhibit the passage of acoustical and/or optical energy through the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Donald P. Gravel, Douglas L. Hancey, Vladimir Zila
  • Patent number: 6799404
    Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least two panel elements which are configured for contiguous placement adjacent to one another. Each of the panel elements defines a hollow internal passageway. The panels are configured to permit a contiguous placement whereby the respective passageways of the panels are brought into registration with one another. A connection element is positioned within one of the passageways. The connection element is accessible through a slot defined within the sidewall of the panel wherein the connection element resides. The connection element is slidable whereby it may be displaced partially into the second panel element. The connection element is thereafter actuatable whereby its lateral dimension is decreased to form a pressure fit union with the interior sidewalls of the two passageways. In its spatially decreased configuration, the connection element provides a means of interconnecting the two panel elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Daw Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Spransy
  • Publication number: 20040182034
    Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain said grooves for receiving portions of said top into said grooves; and, (c) at least one compressive element located on aid device, with at least a portion of said at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from said imaginary center line and way from said vertical support member, wherein said compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under predetermined compressive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Harry W. Eberle
  • Publication number: 20040154235
    Abstract: An emergency and temporary building system is shown. The system allows for a flexible building approach where a variety of structures can be built from the same basic components. The system allows a building to be quickly erected with a few basic tools. Components of the system are assembled using three basic clips. Components of the building system include a flat square panel and a plank having a slanted edge that can be clipped to the panel and to other planks to make a frame to contain the panel. Doors, windows, screens, plumbing and electrical connections can be made by replacing the standard flat panel with special panels for each application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Johnson
  • Patent number: 6769217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disengageable interconnecting flooring system for use in forming a temporary or permanent flooring surface on top of a support structure from individual flooring panels. The system includes two or more flooring panels comprising a top wear surface and a bottom surface for contact with the support structure. The panels have at least three edges and all edges have recesses formed therein. The system further comprises a connector having a base and a projection extending vertically from the base. The projection extending from the base is shaped to be received in a disengageable vertical connected fashion into the recesses of the panels. Preferably, the connector is comprised of a base having a projection extending the entire length thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the connector and panels further comprise means for connecting the panels in a disengageable horizontal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas John Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040144056
    Abstract: A deck plank is co-extruded from an extrusion die which receives molten plastics materials supplied from three separate plastic extruders to provide the plank with opposite sides having different colors. Preferably, the base plank is extruded from a lower cost material such as reground scrap polyvinylchloride (PVC), and thin PVC cap layers are co-extruded on opposite sides of the base plank in different colors. Opposite edges of each plank have longitudinally extending grooves for receiving hidden fasteners in the form of screws extending through short flat tie pieces or a continuous sealing tie strip projecting into the opposing grooves of adjacent planks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Dayton Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip G. Morton, David A. Stammen, Todd J. Hamilton, Scott A. Ricke
  • Patent number: 6766622
    Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of floor panels (1) based on a fiber-like material bound by a binding agent, more particularly MDF or HDF, which, at least at their edges, are connected to each other by means of a connection, more particularly a tongue-and-groove connection (2-3) which connection consists of coupling parts which are made in one piece with the floor panels and is shaped in such a manner that the floor panels (1) are locked glue-free in the direction parallel to the plane of the floor covering and transverse to the connection, as well as in a direction perpendicular to this plane, characterized in that, at least at the location where the floor panels (1) cooperate with each other, a sliding agent (12-12A) is provided at least on one of the floor panels (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Publication number: 20040139677
    Abstract: A modular assembly of a plurality of elongate modules with a uniform cross-section and at least one adjacent module engagement surface with an elongate groove extending the length of the module. Adjacent modules of the assembly are laterally linked together with their engagement surfaces abutting each other and connectors mounted in the grooves of each adjacent module spanning therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Francesco Mulas, Ciro Gucciardi
  • Publication number: 20040139680
    Abstract: A modular foam construction system utilizes polystyrene materials and consists of a set of building panels, of predetermined shape, which are configured to define a structure when the panels are arranged and aligned together in accord with a plan or set of instructions. Panels are locked together by coupling together a set of predefined interlock slots, formed into each panel at particular locations, with a set of corresponding interlock keys configured for friction fit insertion into the juxtaposed interlock slots. The keys are oversized to promote a binding surface friction fit between slot and key and both keys and slots are formed with angled sides to promote a pulling force directed towards the bottom of a slot to promote and increase a surface friction fit between slot and key along the slot bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Gary W. Hambright
  • Publication number: 20040139676
    Abstract: The system relates to a system for joining flat, relatively thin members that adjoin one another along their narrow face, the members having grooves incorporated into the narrow faces that are parallel to the surface and have groove walls that are parallel to each other, and the joining element being inserted into the grooves of two adjacent members and bridging the partition gap between the members in the manner of an external tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Franz Knauseder
  • Patent number: 6763643
    Abstract: Flooring material comprising board shaped floor elements (1) which are provided with edges (2), a lower side (5) and a decorative upper surface (3). The floor elements (1) are intended to be joined by means of separate joining profiles (10). All four edges (2) are provided with one notch-like groove (4) each. The grooves (4) are arranged parallel to its respective edge (2). The joining profiles (10) are provided with lips (11) arranged in pairs. The lips (11) are intended to each be received by one of the grooves (4) so that the floor element (1) with the grooves (4) at the adjacent edges (2) will be guided or fixed vertically via the lips (11) of a joining profile (10). The lips (11) are joined by a middle section (12) of the joining profile (10). The grooves (4) are furthermore provided with an undercut (46) while the lips (11) are provided with hooks (16) that matches the undercut (46) whereby adjacent floor elements (1) will be guided or fixed horizontally via the undercuts (46) and the hooks (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Göran Mårtensson
  • Publication number: 20040134153
    Abstract: A closure assembly is provided that includes first and second intersecting members such as a rail and stile. The rail and stile are engaged with one another forming a butt joint, preferably a corner. Male and female keys are respectively secured to the rail and stile with the keys forming a dovetail interlocking relationship with complimentary tapered surfaces. A fastener is received by the keys to expand the tapered surfaces forcing the rail and stile to be drawn into further engagement with one another at the butt joint. The interlocking tapered surfaces produce a stronger joint and eliminate any gap that might result at the joint as the threaded fastener is installed. The door is assembled by securing the male key to the rail. The stile is aligned with the rail and the second key is inserted into a pocket in the stile. The male and female keys are interlocked and a fastening element is installed into the keys to expand the keys and draw the rail and stile into further engagement with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Vilhauer
  • Publication number: 20040128935
    Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Ole Sorensen, Paul Philip Brown
  • Publication number: 20040123548
    Abstract: A panel connector system is provided and includes a plurality of panels and panel connectors. Each panel includes panel sidewall extensions, lips extending from the sidewall extensions, and cross-walls. The sidewall extensions, lips, and cross-walls define outwardly opening edge channels. The panel connectors include a base and a member extending generally transversely from the base. The base includes a base plate and a contact element. The arm portion includes a generally longitudinal slot, a ledge or protruding portion and a spring portion. A male seating surface extends from the ledge and a female seating surface is present on the spring portion. The clip base plate is fastened to the panel cross-wall and one of the lips is disposed in the clip slot when the clip is attached within the edge channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dixon Gimpel, Timothy Cota, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20040123546
    Abstract: A concrete forming panel system having at least two rectangular panels wherein each panel has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. Each panel has at least one opening along each sidewall and the panels are adapted to be positioned in a side-by-side relationship so that one sidewall of each panel abuts against the sidewall of the adjacent side panel and, upon doing so, the opening in one sidewall of the first panel registers with the opening in the abutting sidewall of its adjacent side panel. An elongated pin is slidably mounted to each panel and movable between an extended position in which the pin extends through registering openings on adjacent panels, and a retracted position in which the wall pin is retracted from said registering openings. A latch is pivotally mounted to the pin so that, with the wall pin in its extended position, the latch pin extends through a transverse opening in the pin to lock the sidewalls of the adjacent panels together against relative movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Durand Forms Incorporated
    Inventors: Hugh Gary Stull, Jerald Rodger Bartrum, David Howard Hackett, Byron Edward Blakeslee
  • Patent number: 6754992
    Abstract: A connector for providing a load supporting connection between a first “supporting” structural member and a second structural member supported thereby comprises a flange and an integral web formed with one or an array of two or more spaced slots. The flange may also be formed with an array of spaced slots. In a preferred embodiment, the slots of the flange have a lower portion dimensioned to receive a head of a stud which projects from a surface of the supporting member and a coextensive upper portion dimensioned to receive the shank of the stud. The slots of the web have an upper portion dimensioned to receive a head of a stud which projects from a surface of the supported member and a coextensive lower portion dimensioned to receive the shank of the stud. In a preferred embodiment, the width of each shank receiving slot portion is less than the width of the respective stud head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: The Steel Construction Institute
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Byfield, Bassam Adeeb Burgan