Multiple, Finite Keys (e.g, Perpendicular Sawtooth) Patents (Class 52/591.2)
  • Patent number: 11554521
    Abstract: A system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mold for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: PAVESTONE, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Karau
  • Patent number: 11479960
    Abstract: A plurality of wall cells rest upon an underlying cementitious foundation and form a perimeter of the vault. Each wall cell has two lateral sides with mating surfaces thereon which are of complementary undulating shape with adjacent lateral surfaces of adjacent wall cells. The wall cells have different thicknesses and widths to provide desirable wall thickness for a different portions of the oncology vault. A door assembly formed of specialized wall cells and with a pivoting door element are also included within the wall. A ceiling is provided above space inboard of the wall cells. This ceiling is formed of separate ceiling slab elements. The slabs are stacked in at least one layer. In one embodiment, multiple layers of slabs are stacked with seams between slabs of each layer offset from each other. In another embodiment, lateral sides of the slabs have a complementary undulating shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Weller Construction, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey James Weller
  • Patent number: 10899049
    Abstract: A system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mold for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: PAVESTONE, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Karau
  • Patent number: 10454162
    Abstract: In one example, an antenna radome may have at least a first face that includes a plurality of surface features, where the plurality of surface features may include at least a first ridge and at least a first depression, and where the plurality of surface features may be oriented longitudinal along the antenna radome. In another example, an antenna radome may have at least a first face that includes a plurality of surface features, where the plurality of surface features may include at least a first ridge and at least a first depression, and where the plurality of surface features may be oriented transverse along the antenna radome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Quintel Cayman Limited
    Inventors: Byron Dean Proshold, Ching-Shun Yang, Peter Chun Teck Song, David Edwin Barker
  • Patent number: 10190320
    Abstract: One variation of an exterior cladding system includes a set of panels including a first panel and a second panel, each panel in the set of panels including: a face; an upper flange extending from an upper edge of the face and defining a receiver; a hang tab extending from the upper flange substantially parallel to the face, offset from the face by a first depth, and defining a fastener bore; a lower flange extending from a lower edge of the face; a lock tab extending from the lower flange opposite the upper flange by a first height and offset from the face by a second depth less than the first depth; and a striker extending from the lower flange opposite the upper flange by a second height less than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BŌK Modern LLC
    Inventors: Russell Naylor, Hearee Chu
  • Patent number: 9863119
    Abstract: A wear member for attachment to a surface of a machine is provided, the wear member a body having an outer layer and a base layer. The outer layer including a plurality of channels formed in an outer surface. The base layer is attached to an inner surface of the outer layer. The base layer is divided into a plurality of base layer pieces, each of the plurality of base layer pieces including at least one interfacing edge. The plurality of base layer pieces are assembled together such that each interfacing edge of each of the plurality of base layer pieces is opposite an interfacing edge of another of the plurality of base layer pieces so as to define at least one gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Susan Graham, Bart A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9808734
    Abstract: A dovetailed building block includes a block body having a plurality of side surfaces. The side surfaces are constructed in an order of having a side surface with a dovetailed recess next to another surface with a dovetailed projection. The dovetailed projection of one said block body can engage the corresponding dovetailed recess of another said block body in a 90-degree cross manner. Thereupon, while in stacking a plurality of the block bodies, variety of secured and stable three-dimensional curved configuration can be built through angular engagement of one dovetailed projection of one block body and another dovetailed recess of another block body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Mei-Tsu Lin
  • Patent number: 9744697
    Abstract: A system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mold for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: PAVESTONE, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Karau
  • Patent number: 9670668
    Abstract: A masonry system having masonry elements which can be laid one on top of the other. Each masonry element has at least one spacer to which two panels are fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: METTEN Stein + Design GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Josef Metten
  • Patent number: 9650784
    Abstract: Embodiments of modular building units (blocks) are disclosed that can be stacked to provide insulating concrete forms (ICFs). The blocks are formed of a foamed polymer material, such as foamed polyurethane. The blocks, when assembled together in an ICF, are configured to form one or more vertical columns of concrete and one or more horizontal beams of concrete intersecting the one or more columns, in a manner of post and beam construction. The blocks can be tightly interlocked with other blocks in a construction process. The disclosed blocks can include significant interior space for rebar and concrete to be inserted to construct the structure. Molds and methods for producing modular units are also disclosed. The molds and methods enable rapid production and removal of modular building units from the molds. Methods of constructing structures using the modular building units are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: THERMAGREEN SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Max Jensen
  • Patent number: 9441373
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel glue laminated timber, or glulam, that simulates the appearance of solid sawn wood. The glulam can be utilized as both a structural and aesthetic element for glass doors and windows as well as other structural applications where appearance might be a consideration. It can also be utilized in furniture making and wood working applications where thick solid furniture-grade exotic hardwood can be utilized and can be difficult to obtain. The lams are stacked along the length of the glulam providing a solid wood outer surface as the widest surface of the glulam. At least one lam is stacked transversely and inset from opposing longitudinal edges to form the appearance of a solid wood surface and cover lamination seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory Header
  • Patent number: 9394688
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to improvements to composed stave flooring, methods for the production thereof and the corrective maintenance of same. The improvements allow corrective maintenance to be performed without negatively affecting the physical aesthetic and functional properties thereof. The flooring comprises a sight substrate and a base substrate, with the sight substrate having a minimum practical thickness of 4 mm and the base substrate having a minimum practical thickness of 12 mm, the two substrates being assembled using adhesive and securing means that distribute the adhesive uniformly between both substrates, thereby rendering the flooring more durable and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Roberto Ortega Pérez
  • Patent number: 9074850
    Abstract: Ballistic walls include a plurality of interlocking blocks formed of a bullet-resistant material, a first portion of the periphery of each block having a protruding tongue, a second portion of the periphery of each block defining a groove sized to receive the tongue, and the tongues and grooves of adjacent blocks being mated to each other to form an interlocked structure. Each block may be formed of a stack of panels having a first surface panel, a second surface panel, and an interior panel, wherein the interior panel is offset from the first and second surface panels to form the tongues and to define the grooves. Each block may be formed of a stack of five panels offset from each other. The blocks may be arranged in a running bond, such that the vertical seams of one course are offset from the vertical seams of an adjacent course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: William Lee Bergiadis
  • Patent number: 9068348
    Abstract: A modular construction block comprises a masonry block shell including first and second opposing side walls, and an intermediate cross-web formed between the side walls. Each of the first and second side walls comprises first and second opposing end edges, a relatively thin wall section extending from the cross-web to the first end edge, and a relatively thick wall section extending from the cross-web to the second end edge. The relatively thick wall section of each side wall tapers from the cross-web toward the second end edge of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Concrete Company
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Newsome, Jody Ryan Wall, William Clyde Meade
  • Patent number: 8793957
    Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Wennberg
  • Publication number: 20140150369
    Abstract: A fastening system for floor panels, which has profiles on small faces of the panels. Opposite retaining profiles match so that similar panels can be interlinked. The panels have opposite first retaining profiles configured so on a panel in first line, a new panel can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel to the installed panel at an angle relative to the installed panel and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel. The panel has opposite second retaining elements that have corresponding hook elements. A hook connection can be established by a hook element of the new panel and hook element of a panel already installed in second line by swiveling the new panel. Every hook connection is associated with an additional locking element that prevents the release of the hook connection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: AKZENTA PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen HANNIG
  • Patent number: 8733057
    Abstract: A basic insulation covering for arrangement between a subfloor and walkable floor coverings that can be laid thereover is described. The arrangement comprising a plug-in connector at at least two sides of the basic insulation covering elements for smooth and expansive connection of the basic insulation covering elements, the plug-in connector having a structured or profiled surface at least in sections on at least one side on borders of the plug-in connector that engage in one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Selit Dammtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Seitner
  • Patent number: 8307596
    Abstract: A key member or key for joining muntin or spacer bars in a dual pane window include an insertion end for frictional engagement in the open ended passage of a spacer bar and a projection end comprised of axially extending, spaced prongs that include teeth or serrations that enable interlocking with projecting prongs of a like key member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Allmetal, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent R. Catalano
  • Patent number: 8266857
    Abstract: A flooring system includes multiple polymeric panels that are interlocked into a floor system and then covered with a material such as carpet and artificial turf. A top surface of the polymeric panels includes barbs to hold the material from moving laterally during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Barlow R. David
  • Patent number: 8191328
    Abstract: A hardwood floor with a flexible locking mechanism is disclosed. The floor board has a male locking apparatus on one end and a female locking apparatus on the opposite end. Two adjacent floor boards are engaged by sliding the male locking apparatus of one floor board into the female locking apparatus of an adjacent floor board. The female locking apparatus includes a flexible lower lip that moves downward when the male locking apparatus engages the female locking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: David C. Liu
  • Patent number: 8046968
    Abstract: A multi-layer floor panel unit, which can be assembled with a plurality of similar units to form a floor which is capable of repeatedly being disassembled and reassembled at different times and/or in different locations, includes a pressure-resistant and wear-resistant upper layer; a pressure-resistant lower layer, attached to the upper layer, and having grooves at vertical edges of the lower layer; and connecting strips in the grooves, for connecting adjacent multi-layer floor panel units, the connecting strips having horizontal legs with thickened portions thereon, the thickened portions being for clamping the connecting strips in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Kellner
  • Patent number: 8006460
    Abstract: Surface coverings, such as floor coverings, with an interlocking design are described. Methods of making the surface coverings are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Mannington Mills, Inc., Novalis Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Hao A. Chen, John M. Whispell, Ji-Min Wan
  • Patent number: 7930865
    Abstract: A method of installing an interlocking floor system includes surface preparation, assembly of the polymeric panels making up the interlocking floor system and affixing a turf material over the polymeric panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: David R. Barlow
  • Patent number: 7739848
    Abstract: An insulated building panel includes a male connector configuration as well as a female connector configuration that are both formed of generally bent surfaces. The male connector as well as the female connector extends outwardly from the side faces of an insulating foam core so that the foam is protected from damage. The male connector is formed by bending the metal edge into a generally U shaped configuration with the outer edge of the U bent downwardly towards the interior of the panel. The female connector is bent back almost towards itself and terminates in a curvilinear gutter portion. The female portion includes a detent edge that defines a shallow receptacle into which a male detent edge is inserted so as to lock the male and female connectors in a nested position, thereby securing two panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Kathy Trout
  • Patent number: 7631470
    Abstract: In a heliport of the present invention, a plurality of long deck materials are arranged and joined to form a planar member having an approximately plane structure. The planar member is placed on a structure such as a space framework that can float on water, or on another floating structure. The planar member can serve as a top surface of a heliport surface or as a foundation for the heliport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Aero Facility Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motomi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7516587
    Abstract: Multiple polymeric panels molded as a rigid integral body having a planar top surface and a bottom grid structure are interlocked together mechanically along side edges. Each side edge has alternating upwardly and downwardly facing steps with concave dimples on one and mating convex projections on the other for securely interlocking adjacent panels to each other. The steps of adjacent panels interlock with each other to form a complete floor system. The multiple polymeric panels can be molded to simulate flooring materials such as brick or overlaid with sections of linoleum, carpet, synthetic grass, tile or wood flooring. Alternately, the assembled panels can be covered with a sheet of decorative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: David R. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20080222974
    Abstract: A deck system includes a plurality of spaced apart cross members, at least one wood plank extending perpendicular to the cross members and at least partially forming a support surface, and a plurality of decking extrusions supported on the cross members and extending perpendicular to the cross members. Retainers secure the decking members to the cross members without the use of mechanical fasteners. The decking extrusions limit movement of the wood plank relative to the cross members in a direction away from the cross members to secure the wood plank to the cross members without the use of mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael T. Perkowski, Michael J. Blakely, Michael J. Comella
  • Patent number: 7028434
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined amount of flexibility through the use of auxiliary supports. Further stability is provided by one-piece ramp corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Pixterra, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman, Kim D. Kendall
  • Patent number: 6925770
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sorensen Research and Development Trust
    Inventors: Jens Ole Sorensen, Paul Philip Brown
  • Patent number: 6915613
    Abstract: A concrete form unit includes opposing sidewalls which are preferably made of foamed plastic or other insulating material. Articulated spacers extend between and connect the sidewalls, and are capable of folding about themselves both at an elbow situated between the sidewalls, and also at their junctures with the sidewalls. The folding ability of the spacers allow the sidewalls to convert between a collapsed state wherein the sidewalls are in close adjacent relationship and the spacer links are oriented at least substantially parallel to each other and at least substantially parallel to the sidewalls, and an expanded state wherein the sidewalls are in distant spaced relationship with the spacer links being oriented at least substantially parallel to each other and at least substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls. The collapsed form unit therefore assumes an overall box-like shape, and therefore the collapsed form units are easily stored and shipped with minimal lost storage volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Cellox LLC
    Inventors: Terry K. Wostal, Steven J. Paske
  • Patent number: 6820384
    Abstract: A foam block concrete form having a pair of opposing foam panels spaced parallel from each other, and retained in opposing fashion by a plurality of transverse ties therebetween. Each panel has opposing longitudinal edges having engaging means formed therealong for removably retaining a longitudinal edge having similar engaging means formed therealong when adjacent thereto. The plurality of substantially planar include a web portion separating a pair of opposing flange members encapsulated within respective opposing foam panels along a respective lateral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Reward Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Edward Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6782672
    Abstract: A sandwich panel structure comprises a slotted panel and a tabbed panel. The slotted panel includes a slotted panel core body and a first slotted panel facesheet. The slotted panel core body defines a first slotted panel side with the first slotted panel facesheet disposed adjacent thereto and including a plurality of first slots. The tabbed panel includes a tabbed panel core body and a first tabbed panel facesheet, the tabbed panel core body defining a first tabbed panel side with the first tabbed panel facesheet disposed thereto. The first tabbed panel facesheet includes a plurality of first tabs disposed along a first joint edge with each of the first tabs respectively sized and configured to be received by a respective one of the first slots upon insertion of the first tabs into the first slots for joining the tabbed panel to the slotted panel at the first joint edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Alliance Spacesystems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Staats
  • Patent number: 6751912
    Abstract: A tile flooring system composed of modular interlocking tiles. Each modular interlocking tile is adapted to be coupled to another modular interlocking tile. Each tile includes a body having a playing surface, two male interlocking sides, and two female interlocking sides. Each also tile includes an interlocking mechanism coupled to the male interlocking sides and the female interlocking sides. The interlocking mechanism is adapted to allow the modular interlocking tile to be connected to the another modular interlocking tile in a staggered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Spider Court, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Stegner, Brian Bondy, Steven Reko, David Thornton, Michael Vermast
  • Publication number: 20040065031
    Abstract: A cornerboard assembly comprises an interlocking, opposite direction joint between cornerboard millwork components. Dual male members extend from the end of one of the respective components, forming an opening between the members. The male members and opening formed between the members have planar outer surfaces. The second component comprises an end with a single male member which is configured to be inserted into the opening of the first component. The male member of the second component and the other surfaces at this end also have planar outer surfaces. The planar outer surfaces of the two cornerboards components are configured to be positioned adjacent to each other, in surface to surface contact. An exterior construction glue or similar adhesive is placed on the planar surfaces to fixedly and permanently secure the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Steinberg, Kenneth S. Bernstein, Claudio O. Lagar, Jose R. Martos
  • Patent number: 6665993
    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. The A-type connectors are interlockable with the B-type connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sorensen Research and Development Trust
    Inventors: Jens Ole Sorensen, Paul Philip Brown
  • Patent number: 6578324
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined amount of flexibility through the use of auxiliary supports. Further stability is provided by one-piece ramp corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: R & J Marketing and Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman, Kim D. Kendall
  • Publication number: 20030009971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a joining system and method for floorboards, e.g. for parquetry. The joining system comprises floor boards intended to be joined with each other, wherein a first board (A) has a protrusion fitting into a recess in a second board (B). The protrusion on the first board comprises hooks (1) with intermediate slots (2) or chamfers. The recess (11) in the second board (B) is delimited on the top side by a solid edge (3), and on the bottom side by an edge having heads (4) dimensioned to be inserted through the slots (2) of the first board (A). The invention will replace the traditional groove and tenon technique. By providing slots or chamfers in the protrusion corresponding to the tenon, and corresponding cuts in the lower limiting edge of the groove, the boards can be joined in a substantially vertical or transversal movement and then be locked by a horizontal movement in the longitudinal direction of the boards. At the same time, the protrusion is shaped like hooks engaging the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ulf Palmberg
  • Patent number: 6493996
    Abstract: A prefabricated room module (1) is provided for use in the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab (2) of generally rectangular shape in plan, and load bearing walls (3,4) formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner (5). The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab (2) and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls (4) which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls (3) the module may be open or include a further wall (7) which can have an access opening (10) therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod (9) installed in a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab (2) have projecting tongues (11) and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Simon Alexander, James Sanderson Tasker
  • Patent number: 6405495
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined volume in the areas formed by adjacent cross pieces of the mat. Longitudinal connectors are configured so that the matting connected to half the connector comes away relatively easily while the matting connected to the other half of the connector is held tightly to the connector. Ramp structures are arranged on all outside edges of the mat system. Different connection arrangements between the mat and the ramps are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman
  • Patent number: 6357194
    Abstract: The tapered dovetail joint is a method of joining two boards, or other rigid materials such as particleboard, wafer board, etc., by a unique type of modified dovetail joint. The modification to the classic dovetail joint includes tapering the dovetail pins as well as the dovetail tails with the same angle of taper in the same direction. The mating of this tapered dovetail joint will be greatly facilitated due to these corresponding tapers. The tapered nature of this joint minimizes difficulties in assembly due to the wedging action that takes place as the two boards are brought into union to create the joint. This wedging action allows the joint to be assembled even when there is moderate damage to the tails or pins including swelling—due to moisture, from the time of manufacture to time of assembly, impact damage, as well as minor manufacturing tolerance deficiencies in cutting of the pins and tails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Archie Valejo Jones, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020020123
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined amount of flexibility through the use of auxiliary supports. Further stability is provided by one-piece ramp comers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman, Kim D. Kendall
  • Patent number: 6253520
    Abstract: A structure for use in structural, load bearing construction is made from cold rolled shapes and/or shaped from structural grade sheet metals or structural shapes. The structure includes interlocking box trusses containing core members held by four web members in perpendicular alignment and pairs of parallel spaced chord members as well as facing units. Each web member and each chord member has a plurality of alternating, tapering, and projecting teeth and transverse strikes on transverse edge faces and at least one of the opposing primary faces. Each projecting tooth has a shape of a truncated pyramid with a taper on three sides of an inverted trapezoid base and with orthographic projection of a greater side, and has facets joined with at least one primary face at obtuse angles, a distance between the facets at the juncture with the primary face being less than at other respective facets. Chord members are aligned and interconnected with respective chord members of adjacent box trusses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Edward E. Houk
  • Patent number: 6176059
    Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Robert A. Cantarano, Peter Fleischhacker