Joint, Connector Patents (Class 52/656.9)
  • Patent number: 6591572
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a horizontal member with at least one vertical member in an interlocking manner includes plastic body in the shape of a cylinder, having one flat side which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A pin projects outwardly near a top end in of the plastic body, in a radial manner. A through hole is provided in the plastic body through which a securing screw can be threaded into at least one vertical member against which the connector is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: CS Schmalmobel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Edwin M{umlaut over (uu)}rmann
  • Patent number: 6578341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a butt joint of wooden construction components such as frame components, joined together with contact surfaces, and in particular to a post-and-lock bolt joint. Such a joint has at least one connection element that is symmetrical with respect to a center plane and has the form of a dovetail-shaped double wedge, or other undercuts. This connection element engages grooves that are open toward the contact surfaces and are adapted to the cross sections of the connection elements extending on both sides of the center plane, and bridge the contact plane between the wooden construction components. The grooves are open toward the same side edges of the wooden construction components. The butt joint is secured by at least one long-stretching second connection element that is received in sections of the wooden construction components, bridging the contact plane, and which transversely penetrates the first connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Hoffmann, Martin Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6546689
    Abstract: Disclosed is a construction and method for jointing steel members using shear rings, achieving a jointing construction to which a real shearing force can be applied, improving working conditions, the jointing strength and durability, and reducing material. The construction has at least one first steel member and at least one second steel member overlapped together and respectively having at least a bolt hole and at least an annular groove, and at least one shear ring inserted in the annular groove of both the first steel member and the second steel member to prevent slip between the first steel member and the second steel member. The annular groove is formed at each of contact surfaces of the first steel member and the second steel member, and the bolt hole has a first clearance while the annular groove of at least one of the first steel member and the second steel member has a second clearance smaller than the first clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ssedaa Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nam Young Kim
  • Patent number: 6536179
    Abstract: A blocking anchor (20) allows connection of each end of an engineered or dimensional lumber bridge between first and second parallel joists. Each blocking anchor includes a saddle (22), which cradles the end of the bridge, and a pair of fastening flanges, which allow attachment to the side of the joist. The saddle is formed by a base (30), from which first and second legs (40), (50) extend. The saddle is sized to fit over the end of dimensional lumber or engineered beams. The first and second fastening flanges (60), (70) extend from opposed sides of the base, perpendicular to the legs. Fastener holes defined in each leg and in the fastening flanges allow the use of screws, possibly nails, or other fasteners to attach the legs to the bridge and the fastening flanges to the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: John M. Little
  • Patent number: 6532704
    Abstract: A system for boarding up a store front window, and more specifically a corner bracket for use in removably supporting a panel respective an opening formed by a store front frame having corners. The panel temporarily closes the opening while avoiding damage to the frame, and preventing intrusion through the store front frame. The corner bracket has spaced parallel flanges connected by perpendicular load bearing wall members. One bracket is received at each corner of the store front frame and the load bearing wall members bear against adjacent frame members that form a corner. One of the flanges engage an interior surface of the frame while the opposed flange is attached to the panel. This causes the corner bracket to urge the panel against the exterior wall surface of the frame. The panel can be of an area greater than the area defined by the inner periphery of the frame to bring the marginal edge of the panel into engagement with the exterior frame face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Guynn Hart
  • Patent number: 6530183
    Abstract: An adjustable door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is to be adapted to fit door openings of different sizes. The door frame assembly utilizes co-extrusion technic for the components, including PVC foamed plastics frames, a corner connecting metal piece, a U-shape reinforced metal piece and co-extruded soft strips. The corner connecting metal piece fixes two adjacent frames such as the left and the top to form a “ ” type frame, and then to be joined with the bottom threshold to complete this door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is height or width adjustable by cutting off parts of the side frames to change the dimensions of the door to fit the door openings for different sizes of various buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Wang Chen Kuei-Yung
  • Patent number: 6530185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a buck for forming and framing the perimeter of an opening in an insulated concrete form wall. The buck is formed of insulating material compatible with the concrete form, such as plastic, and forms a friction fit with supporting portions of the form wall to provide a seal therebetween. The buck may have a portion for receiving fasteners to secure a component mounted on the buck, thus facilitating the attachment of components to the buck within the wall opening, and reducing or completely eliminating the need for fasteners to penetrate hardened concrete. The buck may also include a separate portion, preferably integrated with the fastening portion, that provides for increased thermal insulation. The buck may also include anchoring fins around which the poured concrete may harden to securely attach the buck to the wall and enhance the seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Arxx Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Richie Scott, Jan H. Mensen
  • Publication number: 20030009977
    Abstract: This invention relates to columnar, “primary support” for a building or other heavy structure, in which a beam is connected to a column in a strong, moment-resisting connection comprised of two gusset plates welded to a flange or the face of the flange of the column and welded to the beam or attached to cover plates fixedly attached to the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: David L. Houghton
  • Publication number: 20030009975
    Abstract: An improved bracket-like structural member designed to improve structures where a rigid space frame can fulfill a structural purpose. An exemplary structural member comprises two straight tubes that each comprise a graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinder, and a curved tube that comprises a graphite fiber wrapped foam arc segment whose distal ends abut an end of each straight tube. Graphite fiber cloth overlaps interfaces between the curved tubes and the straight tube. A strut interconnects adjacent ends of the straight tubes. The present invention is readily applicable to more than two elements terminating at a joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew R. Wallach
  • Patent number: 6505442
    Abstract: A refrigerator door has reinforcing corner brackets that structurally complete the comers of the door. The corner brackets are located at the door corners adjacent vertical and horizontal side walls of the outer door skin of the door. At least one reinforcing member such as a sheet or rectangular collar, or preferably reinforcing cross brace members are connected to the corner brackets. To achieve this connection and restrict heat transfer through the door and or adjacent the inner liner or in-turned flange of the outer door skin, the corner brackets have connecting tab portions that extend into the cavity of the door away from one of the side walls of the door and spaced from the other side wall of the door. The connecting tab portion is also spaced from the outer skin sheet and the inner door liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Nedo Banicevic, Muc Dang
  • Publication number: 20030000169
    Abstract: A corner key frame bracket is a body defining first and second sides. The multi-position bracket includes two slots on either leg to allow the insertion of a screw so as to force the bracket in contra directions to provide a secure and tight seal of the window framing unit. Each corner bracket key has a leg capable of insertion into at least one partially hollow longitudinal cavity of a framing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: John E. Davidsaver
  • Patent number: 6481177
    Abstract: A connector is provided for structural framing members having T-slots running lengthwise along a major surface of the structural framing member. The connector includes a pair of guides, each guide being sized to fit within a T-slot of one of the framing members for linear movement. A strut diagonally connects the pair of guides holding the guides mutually perpendicular to one another. The connector further includes each of the pair of guides being elongated in the direction of linear movement within a T-slot. Each guide further has a cross sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation conforming to the interior shape of the T-slot. Each guide is also open at both ends in the direction of elongation allowing introduction of the guide to an open end of a T-slot of a structural framing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: 80/20, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wood
  • Patent number: 6477816
    Abstract: A pit form comprising two substantially parallel side members having two ends and a substituting perpendicular rear member extending between proximate the same ends of the side members in use, each of the side members and the rear member having compatible male and female engaging portions to interconnect said members to form said pit form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Frommelt Industries of Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Di Biase
  • Publication number: 20020162296
    Abstract: Pieces for modular construction, that allow the construction of greenhouses both for industrial and domestic use, as well as of any type of construction, adaptable to any form and size, for which the longitudinal piece has some longitudinal channels (1), and on each circular ends (2) and (3), one female (2) and another male (3), wherein both have some perforations (4) and (5), while the end (3) has some truncated conical nipples (7) and the end (2) has some complementary truncated conical perforations (6). For curved constructions the longitudinal pieces are joined by means of a piece (8) which likewise has some channels (9), a central perforation (10) and other perforations (11), as well as truncated conical perforations (12) and (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Juan Bautista Fernandez Marin
  • Publication number: 20020152698
    Abstract: The invention concerns a layout of shop window profiles (1, 2), assembled edge to edge, by their ends, (e1, e2), whereas said layout comprises means for fastening said profiles together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Jean Bourly
  • Patent number: 6467230
    Abstract: A structural interconnection device for attachment of an elongate member to a rigid frame includes at least one flange portion adapted for attachment to the rigid frame and a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes a locking mechanism for selectively releasably securing thereto an end portion of an elongate member. The flange portion has a location surface for bearing against the rigid frame. The location surface lies, in use, in a plane which is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of an end portion of an elongate member secured to the receiving portion. The plane of the location surface lies, in use, in a plane displaced from the longitudinal axis of the end portion of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Kee Klamp Limited
    Inventors: Simon Perkins, Peter Ralyea
  • Publication number: 20020144483
    Abstract: Analogous to a bug screen for windows, an Energy Screen is a rigid frame covered with two clear films of plastic which is applied fittingly to the interior of a window. This will conserve the heating and cooling load of a house by as much as 42%. An easy to assemble kit is disclosed which does not require sawing rigid members, but installs with scissors as the only tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Shippen
  • Patent number: 6460297
    Abstract: A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules bolted together along adjacent edges, and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges and to the ends of the connected side wall modules form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof, including a hip roof, on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stories may be erected and fastened together by anchor brackets arranged bottom-to-bottom above and below the second and higher floors. The building frame is secured to a foundation by attaching the anchor brackets to anchor bolts set in the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Inter-Steel Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Delton J. Bonds, Eric P. Bramwell
  • Publication number: 20020139079
    Abstract: A framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Todd A. Brady
  • Patent number: 6453620
    Abstract: A window buck having members forming a frame with the members including adjustable components enabling use of the buck in walls under construction of different thicknesses. Extruded front and rear components of each buck member are adjustably interengaged with one another and fixable in a desired relationship to suit the wall being constructed. External channels formed in the buck members are open lengthwise to permit reception of angular connectors for joining the buck members at their intersecting ends. The connectors may be of reusable rebar and removable upon completion of the wall. The components of each buck member are lockable by inserted fasteners. A modified window buck includes a central component for use in walls of extraordinary thicknesses. A further modified window buck may include buck members of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Williams, Mark S. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20020109070
    Abstract: A shoring post for a support apparatus includes an extruded hollow tubular body member having a longitudinal axis and a first, longitudinally extended projection integrally formed with the body member and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom. The projection includes a profile having a clamping engagement channel running longitudinally on a first side thereof. A second longitudinally extended projection is integrally formed with the body member and projects generally radially outwardly therefrom and is spaced from a second side of the first projection. It also has a profile that is symmetrically reversed from the profile of the first projection about a plane of symmetry that is defined by the longitudinal axis of the body member and a midline between said projections thereby also forming a clamping engagement channel running longitudinally along a first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert G. McCracken
  • Patent number: 6430891
    Abstract: A construction element has at least one coupling device and the coupling device has at least two prongs. Each prong is comprised of two radially extending mating surfaces which frictionally engage the radially extending surfaces of a mating coupling device. The construction device may have a straight shaft or an angled shaft to accommodate the needs of the user and, furthermore, the prongs of a coupling device may be inserted within mateable apertures in the shaft of another construction element. Using a plurality of such construction elements, a lattice frame may be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 6427416
    Abstract: A connector plate, a building component connection and a method for connecting a first building component to a second building component. The first building component has a first web, a first leg extending outwardly from the first web, and a lip protruding from the first leg to define a toe-receiving area between the lip and the first web. The second building component has a second web and a second leg. The connector plate comprises a back plate for attachment to the second web and may include a side flange for attachment to the first web. The back plate includes a toe sized to be received in the toe-receiving area. The connector plate may include a toe flange that is received on the first leg, a bottom flange that is received on the second leg, and a middle flange. The middle flange and the bottom flange define a lip-receiving notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Aegis Metal Framing LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. Rassel
  • Patent number: 6425210
    Abstract: A slat tensioning mechanism is provided for holding interconnected slats of a louver assembly in a desired angulated position. The slat tensioning mechanism comprises a housing having wheel positioning means for rotationally receiving a bearing wheel. The bearing wheel has an outer circumferential flat wall, and hub means adapted for securement to an end connector of a slat, whereby the bearing wheel and the slat rotate together. A tensioning arm assembly is pivotedly engaged to the housing and has an arm disposed at a predetermined location with respect to the outer circumferential flat wall of the bearing wheel. The arm has a friction surface at a free end thereof for applying a pressure on the outer circumferential flat wall of the bearing wheel for frictionally arresting the bearing wheel at the desired position. The slat tensioning mechanism is adapted to be disposed in an upright of the louver assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ricci Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Fernando Ricci
  • Patent number: 6418694
    Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include preformed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph, Edmund L. Ponko
  • Publication number: 20020078654
    Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Richard J. Richardson, Timothy Carson, Raymundo Calderon, Jeffery Nicholson, John Nazarian, Charles E. Crown
  • Patent number: 6408922
    Abstract: A self-supporting construction frame, with two vertical portions; and two horizontal portions. In the construction frame, one of the two vertical portions is an anchor portion; and the two horizontal portions are detachably coupled to the two vertical portions. A method of using the construction frame for installation of doors and windows is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Don Desrochers
  • Patent number: 6402420
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a connector for knockdown furniture. The connector includes a hollow connecting block having an aperture at both ends of the connecting block. The aperture at the front end is for riveting a rod. The connecting block further includes a hole on both lateral sides. A pressing bracket is inside the connecting block, and has a diminishing opening at its front end. The front edge is pivoted outward to form a suppressing surface having a plurality of serrations and having a hole at the rear end. A locking member has an eccentric axle that passes through the aperture on the connecting block and the hole on the pressing bracket and rivets the front end of the pressing bracket to the connecting block. A rod is pivoted in the front end of the connecting block and is deposed at the back end of the diminishing opening of the pressing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Hsin Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 6397551
    Abstract: A structural framework system for the construction of exhibition display stands and the like makes use of a beam extrusions having dovetail shaped edge formations which enable panel frames to be hung therefrom and locked in position by virtue of coupling frames incorporating therein a locking element which can be retracted into a recess of the coupling frame for initial location of the coupling frame relative to a beam and can then be moved to project from the recess and to clamp the beam dovetail by insertion of actuating pins into bores provide in the coupling frame and communicating with the recess. A beam end fitting enables a beam to be secured to a transversely-extending second beam by a similar process and a 4-way node fitting enable nodes to be formed at the intersection of a plurality of orthogonal beams. A leg length adjustment provides for the adjustment of the lengths of structural support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Keith Owen Lewcock, Ralph Peter Steven Bailey
  • Publication number: 20020062616
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a prefabricated mode of constructing a building but more particularly to a modular building connector system utilizing the use of connectors comprising of different types for various usage such as for connecting columns, beams, wall panels and floor slabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Manuel Jamir S. Ocampo
  • Patent number: 6393793
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beam end fitting and method for joining together wooden beams, the fitting comprising a tubular member adapted to be firmly secured by gluing inside a hole drilled in at least one of the two ends of a wooden beam, and connecting means for connecting the beams to each other, either directly or by an interposed core fitting, wherein said end fitting is provided with blocking means for blocking the end fitting inside the beam during the gluing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Potito Pedone
  • Patent number: 6390719
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a joint of a supporting frame, which includes a basic unit to connecting with one to six connecting units at a related side plate. The connecting unit can connect with related crossbeams to assembling a supporting frame; wherein each connecting unit has provided with a folded elastic plate at both ends with a related groove therebetween to engage with an end of the crossbeam. The basic unit is cubic and has one side opening, which can be sealed by a door to form a complete cubic hollow unit. By use of the basic unit engaging with desired connecting units, it provides the joints with various configurations, which can be used at any position in a supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Chun Jin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Jung Chan
  • Patent number: 6385941
    Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: America Pre-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Thomas Power, Jr., Carol Power
  • Patent number: 6374566
    Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Weeks Peacock Quality Homes Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin William Weeks
  • Patent number: 6367223
    Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Richardson, Timothy Carson, Raymundo Calderon, Jeffery Nicholson, John Nazarian, Charles E. Crown
  • Patent number: 6367224
    Abstract: A connection is created between a first member and a second member. The connector used to join the first and second members includes the following members: an attachment member, a plurality of fasteners that are received by the attachment member, and an anchor member that is also received by the attachment member. These members can be arranged in the following manner with respect to the first and second members. The fasteners are received by the attachment member and anchored in the second member. The fasteners are driven into the second member through the attachment member, thus the heads of the fasteners are closer to the attachment member than the leading tips of the fasteners. At least one of the fasteners lies at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Patent number: 6363678
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a connector that comprises a coupling comprising a first portion, a second portion that is located adjacent the first portion, a top surface, and a bottom planar surface that is located opposite the top surface. The bottom planar surface is continuous through the first portion and the second portion. The top surface is substantially planar through the first portion while defining a shape through the second portion that is asymmetrical in two dimensions about a set of perpendicular axes centered in the second portion. The present invention also provides a connection system, a portable assembly, and a method of assembling a portable structure that utilizes the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Jay L. Shuler
  • Publication number: 20020035813
    Abstract: A frame structure and process for its manufacture wherein supporting cross sections (1a) with at least one angle joint (11-19) and with reinforcing elements (4a, 5a) arranged at a right angle to the angle joint. The reinforcing elements are structural plates or corrugated sheets in which the structures or corrugations run in the longitudinal direction of the angle joint and wherein the corrugated sheets have a lattice work like or lamellar like cross sectional form in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Georg Triebel
  • Publication number: 20020023391
    Abstract: A wall system capable of rapid and easy transport and storage, wherein the wall panels are locked in place but are capable of easy removal without disturbing the supporting framework, and further, the horizontal members interact with and are capable of being locked to vertical supports of a variety of configurations and yet are replaceable without the necessity of disassembly. The wall panels for the current system may selectively be uniform and decorative or alternatively serve as a support for brackets, shelves or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: R. Paul Nymark
  • Patent number: 6345485
    Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a closed spacer frame, the spacer frame has one side having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide the spacer frame with a U-shaped cross-section. An inner sheet has an edge mounted in an edge receiving member mounted between the legs of the U-shaped side of the spacer frame. The remaining edges of the inner sheet are within the interior of the closed spacer frame and spaced from the spacer frame. The inner sheet is held within the spacer frame by sheet retaining members mounted to the spacer frame. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. One type of sheet retaining members has a horizontal member and a vertical member, and a locking member. The locking member is mounted on the horizontal member spaced from the vertical member to form a groove to hold the inner sheet within the closed interior of the spacer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Boone, Stephen L. Crandell, Jack B. McCandless, David E. Singleton, Albert E. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6341465
    Abstract: A corner element includes first and second sections that fit into legs of a framing channel, a first pair of parallel vertical panels on the first section interleave with a second pair of vertical parallel panels on the second section when the sections are rotated on an integral connecting hinge. A side of one of the panels of one section is recessed to receive one of the panels of the other section. One of the panels of one section is designed to receive a fastener that is guided by a through hole in a panel of the other section parallel to the height of panel of the other section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Harry M. Riegelman
  • Patent number: 6322277
    Abstract: A clamp for interconnecting two components of a support apparatus such as components of a shoring apparatus for concrete foaming systems. A clamp member having swill, arm jaw is received for pivotal movement in a housing that is secured to one of the components. A plurality of flutes disposed at an angle to the pivot axis of the clamp member are received in coacting recesses in the housing. Axial movement of the clamp member will pivot the swing arm and a coacting, moveable jaw toward a fixed jaw formed in the housing to releasably secure the clamp to the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert Jennings
  • Patent number: 6321502
    Abstract: A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular frame members, for use in constructing a free span building. The method includes constructing multiple slots, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis; and for each slot; disposing a tooth on either side of the longitudinal axis; and making the area of the connector material in shear to the area of the tubular frame member in tension, as an approximate ratio of the unit strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the unit strength of the material of the connector in shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.
    Inventor: Francisco CastaƱo
  • Patent number: 6318029
    Abstract: Wooden framework building system consisting of semi-finished industrial product formed of glued boards. The construction according to the invention is made from only two bearing elements forming sill (1), purlin (2), ledge (4) and post (3). The cross-sections of the two bearing elements have each one side of the same size. The sizes for each particular case are determined by the requirements of the projects and plans, the statistical and physical aspects of the construction. To provide for an accurate, undismountable and resistant connection of the construction elements two dowels (9) are used per assembly. The lengths of the construction elements are determined from the module selected for the horizontal, respectively vertical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Erkki Huppunen
  • Patent number: 6314702
    Abstract: An assembled frame structure is provided. The structure includes a plurality of frame units, a plurality of connecting seats, and at least one screw element. The frame unit forms a hollow structure. The inner edge thereof describes a rectangular shape, while the outer edge thereof describes an approximate rectangular shape. The approximate rectangular shape has four chamfered corners. A spacer is disposed between the inner edge and the outer edge. A spacer describes a shape identical to that of the outer edge and has four connecting corners which extend in parallel to and opposite the chamfered corners. The spacer is offset from the inner edge as well as from the outer edge. Each of the connecting corners has formed therein a screw hole. The chamfered corners of adjacent frame units are disposed such that their screw holes align with the screw hole of a connecting seat positioned therebetween, so that the screw unit may be engaged with the holes in locked manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Chien-Teh Huang
  • Patent number: 6311445
    Abstract: A modular louver system is disclosed which utilizes a series of joined frames having the same basic cross section, a series of spacers, and a series of louver vanes having the same v shaped cross section. The frames have a t-shaped channel, with inwardly facing channel lips defining the narrow portion of the t-shaped channel. The louver vanes have a dovetail at each end, where the dovetail neck will fit in the area defined by the inwardly facing channel lips. In addition, the spacers are shaped so that they will rest in the t-shaped channel and will either separate the louver vanes from each other or from an adjacent frame. The louver vane dovetails are inserted in the t-shaped channels of opposing frames, with at least one spacer inserted in the t-shaped channels to separate the louver vanes from each other and from an adjacent frame. Where rectangular connection is desired, the frames are connected either using a clip joint arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aleksander B. Macander, David W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6311454
    Abstract: A door having a plurality of channel-shaped frame members encircling a core and being coupled to one another by interfitting dimples and projections at the confronting ends of adjacent frame members. On opposite sides of the core are panels having lips which are accommodated in grooves formed in the frame members. The components of the door may be assembled without the need for any tools and such components may be maintained in assembled condition without the use of separate fastening devices such as bolts, nails, screws, and the like, or any fixtures or measuring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Globe Door, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John J. Kempel
  • Publication number: 20010035268
    Abstract: A self-supporting construction frame, with two vertical portions; and two horizontal portions. In the construction frame, one of the two vertical portions is an anchor portion; and the two horizontal portions are detachably coupled to the two vertical portions. A method of using the construction frame for installation of doors and windows is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: DON DESROCHERS
  • Publication number: 20010034986
    Abstract: A unitary window insert and method of insertion into a wall structure for forming a finished surround for a window unit. The unitary insert comprises a frame portion sized and shaped to accept a window unit, from which planer finishing wall portions extend to a casing flange which surrounds the interior edge of the insert. Preferably the finishing walls are flared inward creating a pyramidal frustum having an opening larger at the interior surface of the wall than at the exterior surface. The insert extends through the wall structure from an exterior surface and to an interior surface. In the case of poured concrete walls, the insert is provided with a spacer or panel to support the frame portion during construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Godfrey Thomas, Henry Dekort, Russell Thomas
  • Patent number: 6301854
    Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include pre-formed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph, Edmund L. Ponko