Enclosure Including Flaccid Nonmetallic Or Foraminous Surfacing Patents (Class 52/63)
  • Patent number: 7231954
    Abstract: A portable barrier panel for providing privacy to a screened area comprises a plurality of vertical support tubes. The portable barrier panel further comprises a plurality of elongate legs having an adjustable length. The elongate legs attached to a lower portion of the vertical support tubes, such that an angle ? exists between the elongate leg and the vertical support tube axis. The angle ? is adjustable. The portable barrier panel further comprises an elongate horizontal framing member having first and second ends that are supported by top two different vertical support tubes. The portable barrier panel further comprises an opaque curtain mounted to the horizontal framing member and at least one of the vertical support tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Craig S. Green
  • Patent number: 7188636
    Abstract: A portable enclosure apparatus is provided with a frame assembly having a bottom wall, an upper frame member and a single pair of vertical support members. The support members are easily length adjusted by a single user to vary the height of the system while in use. The frame assembly can be quickly disassembled for convenient storage and transport. A cover envelopes the frame assembly to complete the enclosure. A portable dust collector can be coupled with the cover to secure airborne debris moving into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Kanne, Brian Kenkel, David Kanne, Jimmy Judd
  • Patent number: 7134444
    Abstract: A portable enclosure, easily erectable and collapsible, to provide environment control and prevent contaminants from being released from the enclosure. The enclosure provides a flexible envelope attached to the interior of the space defined by vertical and horizontal supports which can be erected and collapsed. When erected the enclosure functions as an anteroom and has removable panels in the sides and top. In use, the enclosure is sealed against a vertical or horizontal surface to be worked on and a panel from the side of the enclosure is opened and closed to provide access to the surface by the user. When collapsed the enclosure is a package approximately the size of an average golf club bag which is easily portable to another location. Ducting is provided to which negative pressure pumps are connected to maintain negative pressure within the enclosure and draw contaminants into the pump and then into a closed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Mintie Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Mintie, Jose Guadalupe Munoz
  • Patent number: 7127861
    Abstract: A multi-purpose structure, especially useful as a greenhouse or other plant-protective structure, comprising; (a) a framework comprising a plurality of vertical supports, said vertical supports being arranged in rows that extend the entire width of the structure, wherein each of said rows contains at least two vertical supports having substantially the same height, said framework further comprising a plurality of connecting members that connect the vertical supports in a row to one another at junction points located at the tops of said supports; the framework further comprises a plurality of permanent cross strips extending perpendicularly to said connecting members; (b) at least one flexible sheet adapted to be weaved through said connecting members and extending the entire length of the framework so as to form at least a part of a roof of said framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center
    Inventors: Avraham Arbel, Oded Yekutieli, Itzhak Kleinmann, Mordechy Barak, Hagai Beres
  • Patent number: 7089951
    Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilever beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilever beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut or otherwise secured over the entire structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Donald W. Bogart
  • Patent number: 7017306
    Abstract: A containment assembly such as a down flow containment assembly including a barrier means between the processing zone and the operator breathing zone at least a first part of which is provided with flexible gloves for access to and maneuverability in the processing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Carlisle Process Systems Limited
    Inventor: Martyn Ryder
  • Patent number: 6994099
    Abstract: A shelter having an internal frame comprised of a roof supported by legs. A canopy covers the roof of the frame to provide protection from the elements. The canopy is taughtly held onto the frame by cords which pass through sleeves in the front and back of the canopy and attach to the corner legs of the frame. To tension the canopy onto the frame, the corner legs are twisted to tension the cords and, in turn, the canopy. Upon tensioning the canopy, the corner legs are locked in the rotated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: OPAC, LLC
    Inventor: Brian L. Goldwitz
  • Patent number: 6944989
    Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: John Bradley
  • Patent number: 6941704
    Abstract: A deployable structure includes a structural mechanism consisting of a plurality of rigid links 1 connected together by rotational joints 2 to form an array of Bennett linkages 20. The Bennett linkages 20 are interconnected so that the structural mechanism, including all the Bennett linkages 20, has a single degree of mobility. The structural mechanism has a profile with a curvature that varies during movement to deploy the structure from a state in which its profile is flat to a state in which its profile is curved. This allows is very convenient as the structure may be assembled, stored and/or transported in the flat state, prior to deployment into the curved state. As such the structure has many application including the frame for a tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Yan Chen, Zhong You
  • Patent number: 6939255
    Abstract: A collapsible batting cage having a support base (e.g., a front end, a back end and opposite sides) and a support frame to which a protective netting is attached. The support frame includes a plurality of U-shaped frame members that are pivotally connected to the support base so as to be rotatable relative thereto between a collapsed position, when the batting cage is not in use, to a raised position, when the batting cage is in use. A cable that is tied to the plurality of U-shaped frame members receives a pulling force from a winch for causing the U-shaped frame members to rotate from the collapsed position, where the protective netting is folded at an inconspicuous location within the support base, to the raised position, where the netting will hang above the support base. With the U-shaped frame members of the support frame rotated to the raised position and the netting hanging downwardly therefrom, the batting cage will provide a confined enclosure within which sports (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Kennith L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6925762
    Abstract: An arch structure (12) comprising several struts (14) interconnected by five joints (15) to form an arch (16), and two series of cables (17, 18). The two ends of the arch (16) rest on ball joints which are fixed to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Peter Dann Limited
    Inventor: Edward Halford
  • Patent number: 6904720
    Abstract: There is provided a framework for a construction enclosure system comprising a plurality of brackets, a plurality of rigid elongated frame members, and a plurality of reinforcement members. The brackets are adapted to be attached to a structure under construction. The frame members are adapted to be retained by the brackets in a desired spatial relationship with an outer face of the structure. The frame members are adapted to retain one or more sheet-like enclosure panels. The reinforcement members are adapted to be secured against respective frame members to increase the rigidity of such frame members. One embodiment of the invention provides a frame member comprising a pair of elongated bodies adapted to be retained in a mated configuration to cooperatively define first and second channels therebetween, wherein each channel is adapted to retain one edge portion of a sheet-like enclosure panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Adolfson & Peterson, Inc.
    Inventors: Brook P. Adolfson, Ronald R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6871452
    Abstract: A modular greenhouse enclosure is formed by mounting on a conventional shelf storage unit having spaced shelves supported on upright posts a rigid frame on which an impervious transparent cover is supported. The cover overlies and extends past the side edges of the shelves to define the enclosure. A vertical gap opening in the cover gives access to the shelves within the enclosure, and this opening can selectively be closed. The frame can be modular, formed from a plurality of posts and connectors, generally with three posts secured to each connector held angled relative to one another. Some of these frame posts can be connected to the shelf unit to hold the frame overlying the shelf unit. Several storage units can be positioned proximate one another for increasing shelf capacity, with a single frame and cover overlying all units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Berg Manufacturing & Sales Corp.
    Inventor: Joel J. Berg
  • Patent number: 6865850
    Abstract: Protective shrouds for temporarily protecting window assemblies, bathroom fixtures, and diverse prefabricated modules used in construction. The shrouds are fabricated from translucent plastic sheet material of polypropylene or polyethylene. A lower open port is selectively blocked by a foldable ventilation panel held in a deployed state by magnets. Rear mounted adhesive strips affix the shroud to the window. Top and side strips are bifurcated to enable rapid adjustments in height and length. When the tear away strips are removed, the exposed adhesive surface is pressed upon the target structure. Slight dimensional adjustments are made by pinching the sheet together, forming creases aligned with strip bifurcations, to gather material and shorten the shroud length or width. During subsequent dry-walling, shroud edges are captivated by wall board segments. Afterwards, the exposed junction between covered shroud and adjacent sheet rock portions is cut, and the shroud is torn away and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Phillip R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6843019
    Abstract: A roll-up cover system includes a tarpaulin (30) having a fixed edge (30-1) and a free edge (30-2) secured to a winding shaft (31), in which the tarpaulin is of the double-membrane inflatable type (30a, 30b) and all or part of the unwinding of the tarpaulin is carried out by inflating the tarpaulin, the inflating pressure occurring in the tarpaulin unwinding the tarpaulin or contributing to the unwinding force. The roll-up cover system has particular application to horticultural greenhouses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Mercurio, David Mercurio
  • Patent number: 6810937
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Stahl
  • Publication number: 20040206013
    Abstract: A modular greenhouse enclosure is formed by mounting on a conventional shelf storage unit having spaced shelves supported on upright posts a rigid frame on which an impervious transparent cover is supported. The cover overlies and extends past the side edges of the shelves to define the enclosure. A vertical gap opening in the cover gives access to the shelves within the enclosure, and this opening can selectively be closed. The frame can be modular, formed from a plurality of posts and connectors, generally with three posts secured to each connector held angled relative to one another. Some of these frame posts can be connected to the shelf unit to hold the frame overlying the shelf unit. Several storage units can be positioned proximate one another for increasing shelf capacity, with a single frame and cover overlying all units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Joel J. Berg
  • Patent number: 6789978
    Abstract: A sheet fixing device comprises an elongated support frame 1 having a narrow opening portion, a pressing frame 3 fitted in the elongated support frame 1 to hold a sheet 2 grippingly in cooperation with the elongated support frame, and an urging member 6 fitted in the pressing frame 3 to urge the pressing frame against an inner wall of the elongated support frame 1. The pressing frame 3 is prevented from being bent or warped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Toto Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirota Yoshinari
  • Publication number: 20040168383
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of sheet cladding and other thin surfaces to structural frame members such as in space frames and other lattice structures. A batten assembly may be either partially integrated into an elongated structural member or attached by fasteners. A batten receiver provides a pair of sheet margin receiving channels and a fastener guide channel. The batten receiver may be integrated into the surface of the elongated structural member which for example, may be a tubular member or I-beam. The mating batten comprises shoulders which are essentially congruent to the receiving channels. Between the shoulders, an elongated recess mates with a pair of guide walls in the receiver. A fastener such as a metal screw having a cutting tip, may be installed through the recess and the guide channel and into the wall of the elongated structural member to provide secure connection of the batten members to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn A. Reynolds, Gary N. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6776178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent having a plural suspension system with composite closing structure. It includes an overhead structure; support frame having top; a tarp mounted atop the frame and hanging from the frame to define top and side curtains, the curtains having a lower periphery which defines a bottom perimeter; and first plurality of cables, being curtain cables, and communicating with the overhead structure. The curtain cables are functionally connected to side curtains and adapted for raising and lowering side curtains relative to support frame. There is second plurality of cables, being frame cables, and communicating with the overhead structure and being connected to the frame and adapted to raise and lower the curtains by raising and lowering the first plurality of cables, and so as to raise and lower the frame and the tarp by raising and lowering the second set of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Christopher D. Langhart
  • Patent number: 6758014
    Abstract: Trellis structure including a frame body and a roof. The frame body is composed of multiple upright columns, press beams and support rods. The roof is composed of a ridge beam, multiple press beams and multiple support rods. The press beam is a hollow beam having an opening on one side. By means of multiple fixing members and bolts, the press beams are fixedly connected with the columns and the ridge beam to form a pattern of a house. The other side of the press beam is formed with a recessed insertion section. In cooperation with a press bar and a clamping plate, a light shading mesh is fixed around the frame body and on the top face of the roof to form a trellis with shading effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Tai-Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 6758230
    Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilevered beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilevered beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut over the entire structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Bogart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6755004
    Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: American Pre-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas Power, Jr., Carol Power
  • Patent number: 6742533
    Abstract: An outdoor shelter comprising a sheet member (10) having a generally rectangular-shaped portion and a slit (26) extending from a first corner (62) of the sheet member (10) to the central region (50) of the sheet member (10). The slit (26) defines separated opposing edges, which are equipped with complementary means (30,32) for selectively securing the edges together. The edges define a first fold line (41) when secured together by the securing means (30,32). A third securing means (38) is disposed on a second fold line (42) extending from the central region (50) to a second corner (68) of the sheet member (10) adjacent the first corner (62). The third securing means (38) is complementary to the securing means (32) to enable the second fold line (42) to be secured to one of the edges of the slit (26). By selectively securing the securing means (30,32) to each other or the third securing means (38), the sheet member (10) can be configured to achieve a variety of shelter configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20040098925
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a luminescent parking cover fitted with a reflective unit composed of a recurrent reflective light and a luminite stored light on a simple parking cover that is used to protect vehicles or motorcycles from sunlight, snow or rain. This luminescent parking cover makes it possible to easily discern the parking cover even in the nighttime or bad weather and safely protect the vehicles or motorcycles parked inside. The surface of the sheet 112 of this luminescent parking cover 100 is fitted with a reflective unit 120 composed of a recurrent reflective light 122 that reflects the inflowing light again and a luminite stored light 124 that stores light and reflects the stored light again when the surroundings get dark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Young-Sang Ki
  • Publication number: 20040074152
    Abstract: An apparatus, a wildfire protection method for houses and other structures from the destructive forces of a wildland fire. The current form of the preferred embodiment consists of a highly fireproof material, which is pre-fitted to cover each area of structure including gables or dormers one section at a time. The material is contained on a fireproof deployment apparatus such as a roller means having a retractable mechanism. The deployment apparatus is contained and secured within a housing, this housing being supported by firmly mounting it to strategic areas of the architectural structure. Once installed, deployment of the fireproof covering material is accomplished by unrolling the material from one side of the fireproof deployment apparatus. Each pre-fitted section of fireproof material contains reinforced edges, which are fitted with multiple fasteners by which to attach one section of said fireproof material to another as each is deployed from a series of apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: William Rogers, Christie Holliday
  • Publication number: 20040074155
    Abstract: This invention relates to a security apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover section to enclose an opening in a booth structure and a means for securely fastening the edges of the cover section to an opening of a booth structure so as to provide a securable removable cover to deter individuals from stealing merchandise from a display booth or otherwise enclose the booth for privacy. In one embodiment, adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the verticle edges of the cover are provided in a manner that does not permit removal from outside of the cover when installed. Optional hangers are also used to hang the top edge of the cover to a support structure. Additionally, the cover may be provided with an adjustment belt to ensure that the cover remains taut on the support structure when locked in its fastened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Dario Toledo
  • Publication number: 20040049991
    Abstract: A multi-purpose structure, especially useful as a greenhouse or other plant-protective structure, comprising; (a) a framework comprising a plurality of vertical supports, said vertical supports being arranged in rows that extend the entire width of the structure, wherein each of said rows contains at least two vertical supports having substantially the same height, said framework further comprising a plurality of connecting members that connect the vertical supports in a row to one another at junction points located at the tops of said supports; the framework further comprises a plurality of permanent cross strips extending perpendicularly to said connecting members; (b) at least one flexible sheet adapted to be weaved through said connecting members and extending the entire length of the framework so as to form at least a part of a roof of said framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Avraham Arbel, Oded Yekutieli, Itzhak Kleinmann, Mordechy Barak, Hagai Beres
  • Patent number: 6684584
    Abstract: A shelter has a frame assembly (12), and a roof assembly (14) and flexible sidewall assembly (16) releasably connected thereto. The frame assembly (12) has a plurality of upright frame members (18) laterally spaced relative to each other, and a plurality of lateral frame members (20) extending laterally between and interconnecting the upright frame members (18). The flexible sidewall assembly (16) has a first sidewall frame (22), a second sidewall frame (24), and at least one flexible sidewall (26) connected at one end to the first sidewall frame (22) and connected at another end to the second sidewall frame (24) and extending therebetween. The flexible sidewall assembly (16) further has at least one tensioning device (68) connected to the flexible sidewall (26) for securing it in a taut condition to the frame assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Brian L. Goldwitz
  • Patent number: 6668495
    Abstract: A screened patio enclosure is provided with primary and secondary structural members for retaining screening fabric and decorative inserts that are available in a variety of pleasing colors and patterns thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the interior of the enclosure. Additionally, the primary members include integral recesses for receiving load carrying insert members thus allowing the load capacity of the primary structural members to be increased incrementally by varying the number of metallic inserts added to the primary structural members. The primary structural members include post/columns and beams while the secondary structural members include horizontal and diagonal purlins and base anchoring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Richard T. Prince
  • Patent number: 6658801
    Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Kilduff, Thomas Oswald
  • Patent number: 6647668
    Abstract: An inflatable structure, such as a fabric confining a gas, can be regulated as to its shape by the provision of auxiliary tubes, integral or adjacent to the fabric which can be separately pressurized. The separate pressurization will create local tensile forces to change the shape of the structure. Alternatively, a mechanical system, such as tensioned cables can be used to control the shape of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: ILC Dover, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Cohee, Robert L. Pauly, Craig R. Scheir, David P. Cadogan
  • Patent number: 6631590
    Abstract: A shelter apparatus comprises an open box base member having a bottom panel and a peripheral, box side wall. A front and a rear shelter walls are removeably engaged in spaced apart vertical slots on the inside of the box side wall. A tension beam is engaged with, and extends between the front and rear shelter walls for rigidity. A fabric cover is extensive between opposing portions of the box side wall and is draped over and supported by the shelter walls. The fabric cover is joined with the front and rear shelter walls and the box side wall by a surface fastening means so that the box side wall, the front and rear shelter walls and the fabric cover enclose a space for a pet. The same elements may be stored within the box base member and secured by the tension beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Shannon Glowaski
  • Patent number: 6618998
    Abstract: An exterior door incorporates at least one moving glass insert or sash slidable in first and second spaced apart tracks. An end of the insert is coupled to an end of a spring biased rolled screen. As the insert moves from the roll, the screen is extracted therefrom providing a continuously variable screened region in the door. The insert can be positioned using a counterbalance or spaced apart latchable locations in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Larson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Thomas, Kelly D. Nordgaard, Bryan P. Zacher, Alan M. Dixon, Allen E. Lee
  • Publication number: 20030163966
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of sheet cladding and other thin surfaces to structural frame members such as in space frames and other lattice structures. A batten assembly may be either partially integrated into an elongated structural member or attached by fasteners. A batten receiver provides a pair of sheet margin receiving channels and a fastener guide channel. The batten receiver may be integrated into the surface of the elongated structural member which for example, may be a tubular member or I-beam. The mating batten comprises shoulders which are essentially congruent to the receiving channels. Between the shoulders, an elongated recess mates with a pair of guide walls in the receiver. A fastener such as a metal screw having a cutting tip, may be installed through the recess and the guide channel and into the wall of the elongated structural member to provide secure connection of the batten members to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Glenn A. Reynolds, Gary N. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6612079
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Claude J. DeGarie, Brent M. Howe, Brian R. MacLean
  • Publication number: 20030150171
    Abstract: A Method for roofing a lightweight construction, comprises the steps of fastening a prefabricated trellis of metal wires to an upper frame of said light-weight construction, so that said trellis spans over an area of said lightweight construction, and putting a sheeting material on said trellis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Kunzel, Petr Mraz
  • Patent number: 6594958
    Abstract: A building for containing occupants, with at least one covering element to provide at least one roof portion, at least one wall portion, and at least one floor portion, to provide an interior space to contain and protect occupants from an adverse environment about the building or other structures. The building has an opening to permit occupants to ingress and egress, a window comprising at least one pane, comprising at least an outer pane disposed to contact the adverse environment about the building and at least one inner pane disposed toward the interior space of the building. The pane exposed to the environment about the building or structure comprises a glass material that has a minimized coefficient of thermal expansion. The building also has an insulation to protect occupants from adverse temperature and environmental conditions about the building and a heating apparatus to provide heat to the space provided by the at least one covering element, the window, and the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Sabine Melson, Stefan Hubert, Thomas Karschti
  • Patent number: 6574936
    Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes wall panels mounted on a wall by means of a releasable hanger. Each fabric wall panel comprises a frame and a flat filler insert covered by a fabric. Each frame member has a flat spine, an outside web, an inside web, and a front web. Together the outside web, the inside web, and the front web form a hollow channel along the edge of the frame member with internal protrusions to engage the hanger and hold the fabric wall panel in place on the wall. The hanger comprises a resilient material with a flat base affixed to the wall with two forked tongues extend perpendicularly therefrom. The forked tongues engage the protrusions within the hollow channel to hold the frame member securely to the hanger and thus to the wall. The hanger with its resilient forked tongues assures proper spacing between the adjacent fabric wall panels mounted on the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Accutrack Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Andy W. Anderson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6572238
    Abstract: An illuminated and decorative garage door cover assembly for use on an exterior surface of a garage door of the type having that contains an illuminated decorative display. The assembly can have a plurality of cover panels, each of which contains a portion of the display. The cover panels contain receptacles embedded therein that are electrically wired together. The receptacles receive lights that illuminate when power is applied to give an illuminated display. The display on the cover panels reflects holiday, seasonal, or other celebratory occasions. The display on the panels together when the garage door is in the closed position to form a composite display that is not colorful, but also illuminated to give greater appearance at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Sandra Johnson
  • Patent number: 6564513
    Abstract: The invention relates to building structures of the type comprising arched frame members supporting panels of flexible materials such as weather resistant fabric. Problems accompanying the use of separate panels extending between frame members are overcome by providing connecting members on the frame members, and panels having means for attachment to the connecting members and flaps of flexible material adjacent to but spaced from the side margins of the panels, the connecting members slidably engage the means for attachment and have a channel to receive the flaps. The flaps are secured in the channel to provide weatherproof connections between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Cover-All Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Henbid, Greg Parsons, Wayne Rendely, Maurice Van Nes
  • Publication number: 20030074845
    Abstract: A portable decontamination system includes a preassembled shelter, convertible between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and a fluid delivery system integral with the shelter. In the stowed configuration the shelter encloses a negligible volume. In the deployed configuration the shelter comprises a plurality of side walls, a plurality of end walls, and a roof. The walls and the roof define a central space. The fluid delivery system is configured to convey decontamination fluid into the shelter and to distribute decontamination fluid throughout at least a portion of the central space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Chad Sample, Richard A. Esser
  • Patent number: 6546988
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: James R. Stahl
  • Patent number: 6502593
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of erecting a tent comprising two or more beam assemblies is provided. Each of the beam assemblies comprises a roof portion and a pair of legs for supporting the roof portion. A number of base members are secured to the ground at predetermined locations. The roof portions are pivotally connected to the base members and rotated upwardly from the ground while maintaining the connection to the base members. A first side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. A first leg is connected to the first side. The first leg is then connected to the base member. A second side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. The second leg is connected to the second side. The second leg is then connected to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: S & S Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Stafford
  • Patent number: 6460556
    Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6453624
    Abstract: A playset tower assembly for young children to climb upon and in, while minimizing potential areas of injury and maximizing structural stability. The assembly includes an array of six corner posts having an upper and a lower end, with front and side facing surfaces thereon, and an arrangement of lower, intermediate and upper side beams connectively arranged therewith. Each of the beams have ends with mitered surfaces thereon to flushly engage their respective side facing surfaces of the six corner posts. Angled brackets are arranged for securing said beams to the six corner posts, the brackets being angled to minimize any spaces between said beams and said corner posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Creative Playthings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald E. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20020129563
    Abstract: A containment assembly such as a down flow containment assembly including a barrier means between the processing zone and the operator breathing zone at least a first part of which is provided with flexible gloves for access to and maneuverability in the processing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Martyn Ryder
  • Publication number: 20020108317
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Claude J. DeGarie, Brent M. Howe, Brian R. MacLean
  • Publication number: 20020066239
    Abstract: A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Gillis
  • Patent number: 6389757
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Claude J. DeGarie