Having Integral Key Patents (Class 52/589.1)
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Patent number: 7441385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: PERGO (Europe) ABInventors: Jorgen Palsson, Ake Sjöberg
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Publication number: 20080216437Abstract: A tile for a synthetic grass system having a top surface with a plurality of trusses, a bottom surface with a plurality of legs extending therefrom. The trusses intersect and form apertures. The top surface has a plurality of sections which are hingedly attached to adjacent sections with expansion members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: FIELDTURF TARKETT INC.Inventors: Jean Prevost, Stephen Murphy
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Publication number: 20080202053Abstract: A tile is for installation with at least another tile on a wall surface having magnetic properties, the tile comprising a rear surface, a front surface and a peripheral edge. The tile rear surface has magnetic properties for magnetic adherence to the surface, and the peripheral edge of the tile defines first and second fastening means, the first fastening means of a given tile for releasable connection to the second fastening means of an adjacent tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Jean-Paul Guy, Stephane Morin
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Publication number: 20080184647Abstract: An improved fabricated hardwood flooring product providing the advantage of a thick wood wear layer similar to a traditional ¾ inch solid wood floor with the dimensional stability characteristics of engineered wood floor products.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Paul Yau
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Patent number: 7401440Abstract: An arcuate component includes, a flexible outer board, a flexible inner board and both a first and a second plurality of arcuate tiles. Tongue and groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of the outer and inner boards lock with mating arcuate tongue-and-groove edges of the arcuate tiles which respectively span between the outer and inner boards. The arcuate tiles also preferably include at least one tongue-and-groove that spans between the outer and inner boards and that mates and locks with a tongue-and-groove formed on an immediately adjacent tile. A series of slots cut across the outer and inner boards between their longitudinal edges increases their flexibility. The mated arcuate tiles constrain the outer and inner boards into an arcuate shape. Alternatively, tongue-and-groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of a plurality of boards mate to form a cylindrically shaped arcuate architectural component such as a column.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Robert F. Hauck
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Publication number: 20080168737Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Patent number: 7395634Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking posts for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Suncast CorporationInventors: Torrence Anderson, Brian Moon, Jed C. Richardson
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Patent number: 7386963Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards has a locking groove which is formed in the underside of and extends in parallel with the first joint edge at a distance from the joint plane, and a portion projecting from the lower part of the second joint edge and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board. The projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove and thus positioned entirely outside the joint plane seen from the side of the second joint edge, the projecting portion having a different composition of materials compared with the body of the board. The projecting portion presents at least two horizontally juxtaposed parts, which differ from each other at least in respect of the parameters material composition and material properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Publication number: 20080120938Abstract: A device and method of producing a building panel with a compressed and curved edge including a press tool, a heat device and a lubricating device and a building panel with a curved edge produced by the device and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Jan Jacobsson, Peter Wingardh
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Patent number: 7377079Abstract: The invention relates to two panel elements which are flexibly connected to one another, at least one profiled lateral edge being provided on each of the panel elements for the flexible connection which, as connecting edges, have a suitable bearing and contact surface for an adhesive strip connecting the panel elements, so that the swivel axis is in the area of the adhesive strip. To prevent a transparent effect in the joint area, the connecting edges have a further profiling which enters a form-locking connection when the connecting edges are turned on one another. Furthermore, the invention comprises the method and the facility for producing the flexibly connected panel elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: W. Lehbrink GmbH & Co. KG, MaschinenfabrikInventor: Hans-Jürgen Burow
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Publication number: 20080115435Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembling whole, for the building of living places or for the area of toys. The whole comprises massive assembling bricks wearing lateral binding grooves, an upper binding groove and a lower binding groove designed for the assembling of the bricks, characterized in that the lateral groove is meant to bear a binding element uniting the bricks two by two. The invention also relates to a lock key for the assembling of two bricks by means of the lateral binding grooves, comprising a strip for key locking which sticks an assembling shim to lateral grip walls inside the binding grooves. The invention is made of wood or of any suitable material. The binding element is made of wood, of metal or of any suitable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Jim Riviere
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Publication number: 20080110125Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge (5a, 5b) locking system prevents separation of the short edges (4a, 4b) during the folding action.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Patent number: 7343717Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
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Publication number: 20070261352Abstract: A double floor with a decorative plate includes a base unit, a corner plate, and a channel plate that are each made of a steel plate, a surface of the steel plate being attached with a woody decorative plate. A claw projecting outside the decorative plate is formed on a face of the corner plate contacting with the base unit by extending one portion of the steel plate. Two cutoff lines are formed in a portion of the decorative plate contacting with the claw in a cutting manner. The claw of the steel plate and a portion of the decorative plate defined between the two cutoff lines can be removed according to necessity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicant: FREE AXEZ CO., LTDInventor: Koji Gabaki
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Patent number: 7249445Abstract: A floor covering includes hard panels having a laminated structure. The panels have an upper surface with a printed decorative layer including a wood pattern. A transparent layer of a synthetic material extends over the printed decorative layer and includes a plurality impressions. The impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Flooring Industries Ltd.Inventor: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
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Patent number: 7243469Abstract: A decorated floor panel having a core with a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; a decorative layer coupled to the top surface of the core, the decorative layer having a desired aesthetic appearance; and a wear layer coupled to and substantially covering the decorative layer for protecting the decorative layer. The wear layer has an exposed wear surface with depressions therein of a variable depth below the wear surface, the depressions being arranged to display a desired texture pattern. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Columbia Insurance CompanyInventors: Robert J. Miller, David M. Brownlee
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Patent number: 7225591Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer or “cross-ply” to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Hangzhou Dazhuang Floor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hai Lin, Xufeng Xu
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Patent number: 7225594Abstract: The present invention relates to a stud system where each respective stud (2) includes flanges (4, 4a) which are directly attached to each other and which constitute an essentially monolithic entity. Said flanges are formed of a wane edge wood material (3) in such a manner that each respective flange includes a bevelled side portion (6) which is directed towards the inner portion of said stud. A side portion is formed as a contact surface (8) for intermeshing co-operation with a corresponding contact surface (8) at an adjacent flange. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such studs where a first flange strip (4) is formed to include a generally toothed first contact surface (8) which is arranged in an inter-mesching disposition with a corresponding contact surface (8) at a corresponding second flange strip (4a). Further, the present invention relates to a method at such stud systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventors: Johan Tore Karlström, Johan Mikael Karlström
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Patent number: 7222465Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christine M. Watson, Brian J. Guhde, Donn R. Vermilion, Thomas E. Grace, Sr., Chris W. Cicenas, Joshua D. Dickman
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Patent number: 7188456Abstract: A tongue and groove cladding panel is described.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GmbHInventor: Franz Knauseder
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Patent number: 7171791Abstract: Floorboard and openable locking system therefor comprise an undercut groove on one long side and projecting tongue on an opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a distance from its tip. Tongue and undercut groove are formed to be brought together and pulled apart by pivoting motion with a center close to the intersection between the surface planes and common joint plane of two adjoining floorboards. The undercut is produced by at least two disk-shaped cutting tools with rotary shafts inclined relative to each other to form first an inner part of the undercut portion of the groove and then a locking surface positioned closer to the opening of the groove. Installation method for a floor of such boards, manufacturing method for manufacturing the undercut groove and a wedge-shaped tool for laying of the floorboards is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Patent number: 7165370Abstract: A manufactured building system has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. Also described is a Method of Transporting the pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors with the partial building coupled there to, to a site. Also described is a Method of Manufacturing a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Inventor: Michael J. Wolfe
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Patent number: 7152379Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer (i.e., “cross-ply”) to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Hangzhou Dazhuang Floor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hai Lin, Xufeng Xu, Ping Sheng Zhang, Hai Ping Cao
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Patent number: 7137229Abstract: Floorboards consisting of a core and a surface layer with decorative joint edge portions which are formed by removing the surface layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Patent number: 7127860Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
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Patent number: 7124549Abstract: An interconnectable panel has a pair of surfaces on a lateral edge that adjoins a second pair of surfaces on a complementary lateral edge of another panel when the two panels are interconnected. The edge profiles are such that the first pair of adjoined surfaces has a cross-sectional contour in the shape of a segment of a circle. The circle has a center lying in the upper sections of the connected lateral edges. The circle also has a radius measured from the center to the first pair of adjoined surfaces. The second pair of adjoined surfaces is spaced away from the center of the circle by a distance greater than the radius. That distance increases in a direction away from the first pair of adjoined surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Fritz Egger GmbH & Co.Inventor: Jurgen Weber
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Patent number: 7121059Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges of two panels engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges in a first direction perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip which is integrated with one joint edge and which projects behind the other joint edge. The strip has an upwardly protruding locking element engaging in a locking groove in the rear side of the other joint edge to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels in a second direction parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels in the direction of the joint.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Tony Pervan
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Patent number: 7104020Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Terry Lynn Suttle
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Patent number: 7093399Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
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Patent number: 7021012Abstract: The waterproof decking is a series of embodiments of extruded panels for forming a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels are provided, each having complementary edges for mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels is provided with a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating edges of the second side and intermediate panels being provided with the mating tongue or groove configuration, depending upon the embodiment. Each of the embodiments includes a depending drip rail which serves to wedge tightly against the opposite wall of the gutter of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventors: Karl Zeng, Bobby Reed
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Patent number: 6968663Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
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Patent number: 6968664Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip may be situated on the bottom side of the groove may be longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
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Patent number: 6966161Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor elements (1) with a mainly triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape, as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with joining members (20), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The flooring material comprises a combination of at least two types of floor elements (1), which types comprises female floor elements (1?) and male floor elements (1?). The female floor element (1?) is provided with a female joining member (21) on at least half of the number of its edges (2) and a male joining member (22) on less than half of the number of its edges (2). The male floor element (1?) is provided with a male joining member (22) on at least two thirds of the number of its edges (2) and a female joining member (21) on less than one third of the number of its edges (2.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Pergo (Europe) ABInventors: Jörgen Pálsson, Ingvar Sylegård
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Patent number: 6948280Abstract: A portable and assembleable enclosure having a floor constructed of a first rigid panel and a second hingedly interconnecting panel, a recessed channel extending about an outer perimeter of the floor panels. A plurality of walls are each constructed of a rigid material and exhibit an annular shaped projection along a first extending side edge. A corresponding and annular shaped recess extends along a second extending side edge and receives, in engaging fashion, a first extending side edge of a succeeding wall and so that the walls may be interconnected along opposing extending edges in addition to being secured to the floor in upwardly extending fashion from within the recessed channel. A peaked roof is constructed of a first rigid panel and a second interconnecting rigid panel and which is secured to an upper perimeter extending edge of the interconnected walls. First and second pairs of triangular shaped and hinged end panels securing to opposite ends of the peaked roof panels and to enclose the structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventors: Dave Marcinkowski, Mary Marcinkowski
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Patent number: 6936332Abstract: The friction stir welding technique disclosed avoids occurrence of a dent in adjoining region extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, thickened parts, which project toward the rotary body joining tool, are provided. The Two adjoining thickened parts form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion, and is inserted in the thickened parts. When the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out. After the joining, the remaining parts of the thickened parts can be machined to form a smooth surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
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Patent number: 6931803Abstract: A modular building system includes a plurality of extruded plastic beams that are stacked and interlocked using a tongue and groove interengagement. Plastic connecting components are provided for interlocking the horizontal beams to a vertical column.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventors: Gary Davis, Wayne Catlett
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Patent number: 6918221Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventor: Robert M. Williams
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Patent number: 6898913Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1?). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1?) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. The invention also relates to a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Valinge Aluminium ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Patent number: 6892497Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The bilaterally symmetrical panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting interlocking posts for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The bilateral symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Suncast CorporationInventors: Brian Moon, Michael Uffner
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Patent number: 6880307Abstract: The invention relates to a panel element for forming a floor covering, consisting of several identical interconnectable panel elements and having the following features: two first sides of each panel element, called the “longitudinal sides”, these sides having a groove and a tongue; the tongue of a panel element which is positioned at an angle with an installation level of a first, identical panel element can be introduced into the groove of the first panel element; the tongue interacts with the groove of the adjacent, identical panel element in such a way that two interconnected panel elements are protected against separating forces which are exerted along both of the axes extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal side of the panel elements; two second sides of the panel element, called the end sides, are provided with fixing means and a groove and tongue, these forming an end-side connection between two adjacent panel elements; the end-side grooves and tongue can be interconnected by means of the panelType: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Hulsta-Werke Huls GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Richard Schwitte, Ansgar Mensing
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Patent number: 6874292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Unilin Beheer BV, Besloten VennootschapInventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
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Patent number: 6872434Abstract: A lumber substitute product formed by two elongated plastic members which are secured together and configured to have the external cross sectional shape of the product for which it is a substitute while providing an internal longitudinal channel adjacent each in which reinforcing member is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Royal Group Technologies LimitedInventor: Vic De Zen
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Patent number: 6865855Abstract: The invention relates to flat and/or elongated building components (1, 2), preferably wooden, and a structure connecting these components (1, 2) in accordance with the groove and tongue principle. Two legs (3, 4) forming a groove (5) branch off from a front face of one of the components (1), and a tongue (6) branching off from a front face of the other component (2) can be inserted into the groove (5). Locking elements (7, 8) hold the components (1, 2) in an assembled position. In accordance with the invention, the locking elements are configured as triangular projections (7) and cavities (8) in facing or adjacent surfaces of the groove and/or tongue.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Kaindl, MInventor: Franz Knauseder
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Patent number: 6857242Abstract: A cushion block for using in a build-up surface formed by strips has two male coupling devices at one end, two female coupling devices at an opposite end corresponding to the male coupling devices, a retaining device protruded from one side thereof and adapted to secure the strip to the corresponding side of the cushion block, and a deformable body connected between the male coupling devices and the female coupling device. The male and female coupling devices are so made such that multiple cushion blocks are connectable in a line in a linking direction by engaging the male coupling devices of one cushion block into the female coupling devices of another. The deformable body is deformable in the linking direction to compensate expansion of the strips due to absorption of moisture.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventor: Jun-Jie He
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Patent number: 6851241Abstract: A floorboard and an openable locking system therefor comprise an undercut groove on one long side of the floorboard and a projecting tongue on the opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a distance from its tip. The tongue and the undercut groove are formed to be brought together and pulled apart by a pivoting motion which has its center close to the intersection between the surface planes and the common joint plane of two adjoining floorboards.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Valinge Aluminium ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Publication number: 20040250495Abstract: Precast concrete paver blocks are provided with interlocking edge joints so that abutting edges of adjacent paver blocks align when the blocks are installed and are maintained in alignment. At each joint, each block includes a tapered projection and a recess. When edges of two blocks are moved to abut each other, the tapered joint projection on each block enters the joint recess on the other block. The taper on the projections move the blocks to align the block surfaces. The edges of the blocks are angled or relieved below the joints to ensure a tight fit at the top of the paver blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Redi-Rock International, LLCInventor: Benjamin R. Manthei
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Publication number: 20040237446Abstract: A substantially planar locating device for locating tiles has a plurality of spacers upstanding from a first side of the device. The second side of the device is substantially planar for placing against a substantially planar surface. The device has a plurality of through holes extending through the device from the first side to the second side. In use, tiles can be placed against the first side of the device and be spaced apart from each other by the spacers. Adhesive can pass from the first side through the through holes to the second side to fix tiles to a surface against which the second side is placed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Anthony D Precey
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Publication number: 20040221537Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventor: Goran Martensson
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Publication number: 20040216418Abstract: An interlockable panel for forming a generally planar surface. Each panel includes a first surface positioned substantially in a plane and a second surface facing opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to and displaced from the first surface. Each surface has a perimeter defined by edges extending between the first and second surfaces. The edges may include male or female edges. Each male edge includes a tongue that extends outwardly from the male edge and a longitudinally extending void that extends inwardly of the tongue. Each female edge includes a groove having a protrusion position within the groove and extending outwardly from the groove generally parallel to the first surface. An adjacent panel may be linked to a fixed panel such that the tongue engages the groove and the protrusion engages the void. The invention also includes a method for assembling a generally planar surface using interlockable panels such as the above-mentioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventor: Oliver O. Stanchfield
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Publication number: 20040182036Abstract: A joint for panels, the panels comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges provided with joining means for positioning the panels towards one another. Predetermined portions of the edges are provided with a layer of polymer. The panels are joined to one another by use of the joining means where the polymer forms a seal in the joint preventing penetration of water into the joint wherein a highly water resistant unit of a plurality of panels is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Ake Sjoberg, Hakan Wernersson, Krister Hansson, Magnus Nilsson, Nils-Erik Engstrom, Sven Kornfalt