Interengaging Fastener And Strip Edges Or Flanges (e.g., Snap-on Type) Patents (Class 52/718.04)
  • Patent number: 6932303
    Abstract: A cover having first and second halves is used in combination with clamps to cover elongated items such as wires and pipes. The first and second halves cooperate together to form a cavity that receives the elongated items and clamps. The halves may be formed with identical cross sections so that they may be fabricated from a single mold. The halves may snap together or be connected with a fastener. Each cover half includes a pair of opposed locking ledges that form slots sized to receive the opposed feet of the clamp. The clamps are installed by angling the clamps with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cover and pressing the clamp against the base wall of the cover. The clamp is then twisted to a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cover. The twisting motion simultaneously moves the feet of the clamp under the locking ledges of the clamp cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Snyder National Corporation
    Inventor: Darryl L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6912814
    Abstract: A roof edging system for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the periphery of a building roof is provided. The system includes an anchor bar releasably engageable with an anchor cleat having any desired width. After the anchor bar and anchor cleat are engaged with one another, the anchor bar and anchor cleat are secured to the exterior of the building using fasteners inserted through a number of apertures in the anchor bar and anchor cleat. The engagement of the anchor bar with the roof provides a waterproof seal between a roofing membrane placed on the roof and the anchor bar. A durable cover plate of a desired size may then be engaged with the anchor cleat and anchor bar to obscure the anchor cleat and anchor bar and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the periphery of the roof of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Metal-Era Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Inzeo, Scott A. Kittilstad
  • Patent number: 6909044
    Abstract: A cover fitting for connecting more than one raceway includes an L-shaped top having first and second curved grooves extending along the inner surface of the top and a plurality of hooks extending outwardly from the inner surface for engaging a portion of each raceway base. The cover fitting further includes first and second opposing sides extending from the inner surface of the top. The cover fitting can be used with a fitting base received in first and second grooves for situations requiring a specific bend radius, or in applications without a fitting base, where there are no bend radius requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Ewer, David McBain, Gary W. Bateson
  • Patent number: 6904726
    Abstract: A fenestration brickmould having an integral J-channel formed therein, along with a fastening and flashing flange extending therefrom, such that the brickmould may be attached to the perimeter of the fenestration assembly and may become an integral part thereof. Accordingly, the fenestration assembly, in combination with the brickmould of the present invention, preferably are attached to the frame of the building as a single unit. The J-channel is formed between the flange and the decoratively molded portion for receiving a variety of sidings, including, but not limited to, vinyl, cementious siding, and wood. The present invention eliminates the need for separate J-channel attachments when utilizing vinyl siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Robert F. Heard, Larry J. Heard
  • Patent number: 6820390
    Abstract: A spacer support having a body portion, a surface engaging portion and a securement to attach the body portion to a weldment plate in tilt-up construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the securement includes a resilient clip that can snap onto a Nelson stud. One or more shelves on the support spacer prevent longitudinal movement of the Nelson stud. The length of the spacer support may be adjusted manually by cutting the body to length or by rotating one threaded member relative to a second to accommodate different thicknesses of walls. The spacer support is preferably plastic but may be metal. In another embodiment, a clamp secures an elongate body portion to a weldment plate projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Todd M. Schulze
  • Publication number: 20040221539
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wall protector having a bumper. The preferred wall protector includes a front surface and a rear surface constructed of a non-abrasive flexible material sealed together along edges. The front surface includes a pocket constructed of an air impermeable material for the reception of a pressurized gas, such that when the pocket is full of a pressurized gas the pocket forms a bumper with the tendency to absorb kinetic energy when impacted upon by an outside body. The wall protector having the bumper also includes an upper portion material extending upwardly from the bumper to cover a first portion of the wall above the bumper and a lower portion material extending downwardly from the bumper to cover a second portion of the wall below the bumper, and a mounting means positioned along a top edge of the upper portion material for attaching the wall protector to a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: George A. Rouail
  • Patent number: 6786016
    Abstract: A baseboard and insect capturing assembly includes a base panel having a first side, a second side, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of end edges. The base has a plurality of openings extending therethrough for receiving fasteners to be extended through a wall. A trough for holding insecticide is attached to the first side of the base panel. The trough generally extends between the end edges and is positioned generally between the top edge and the bottom edge. A covering is positionable over the base. The covering has an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge has a plurality notches therein. A securing assembly is attached to the first side of the base panel and the inner surface of the covering for releasably securing the covering to the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Weldon B. Wood
  • Patent number: 6748716
    Abstract: A wall mounted bumper guard for protecting walls, especially of institutional buildings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. Molded plastic clips are secured to a wall structure at spaced locations. A resilient cover shell is configured such that its upper and lower edges are engaged and secured by upper and lower ends of said clips. Impact resisting elements are carried by the clips and positioned under central portions of the cover shell. The impact resisting elements are of relatively stiff plastic construction and of an inverted V-shaped configuration. One end of the impact resisting element has a hinged engagement with the clip, and the other end is slidable on the clip. The central portion of the impact resisting element engages and supports central portions of the cover shell to resist excessive inward deflection thereof resulting from impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Pawling Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Peck, Jr., Robert Wayne Disbrow
  • Patent number: 6725614
    Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20040040235
    Abstract: A baseboard assembly for covering lengths of wire behind a baseboard surface. The baseboard assembly has a wire channel and board support member attached to the wall. This member has an outwardly facing wire channel and a baseboard holding bar along its top edge. A baseboard is held to the wire channel and board support member by lowering a tongue and groove in the baseboard into a matching tongue and groove in the wire channel and board support member. The baseboard has a face which extends over the wire-containing channel. The baseboard may be cut and various outlet accessible fittings formed in an insert along the baseboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6688054
    Abstract: A new and improved covering that can be used to cover any existing 2″ by 6″ decking of wood. The covering would be preferably made from vinyl and could also be used for picnic tables, docks, or any railing or wood surface that uses 2″ by 6″ pieces of wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Pasterchick
  • Patent number: 6643987
    Abstract: Supporting element of spring steel or plastic for separable fastening of cover strips (2) in the transition region between wall and floor panel (4). The supporting element is constructed as a one-piece clip which is clipped onto the floor panel from the front face, whereby the supporting element has a wall plate (5) and a clamping plate (6) projecting generally at right angles from the wall plate which, in the installed state of the supporting element, lies on the underside of the floor panel (4). Whereby the wall plate (1) has at least one first support section (7, 8) which in the installed state of the supporting element is braced on the upper side of the floor panels such that the upper and central part of the wall plate is acted upon in the direction of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ernst RĂ¼sch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Rusch, Norbert Rusch
  • Patent number: 6631595
    Abstract: A brickmold assembly for application to a building defining an opening, the brickmold assembly comprising a brickmold comprising an interior face and an exterior face, cladding comprising an inner face provided over and in contact with at least a portion of the exterior face of the brickmold, and a channel integrally molded with the cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Mearl J. Minter
  • Patent number: 6625941
    Abstract: A removable lineal and finishing system for framing doors or windows. The removable lineal includes a cover portion and a channel portion. The channel portion includes a latch portion for detachably mounting the lineal to a J-channel. The latch portion of the lineal is inserted between a hook portion of the J-channel and a siding material. A gap in the J-channel receives and secures siding materials. The J-channel is mounted to a wall of a building and abuts a frame for a door or window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Shaw
  • Patent number: 6604331
    Abstract: An area between a wall and a floor of a building can be covered by a baseboard molding unit of the present invention. The baseboard molding unit of the present invention includes a wall-mounted track section that can be fixed to a wall by fasteners and which includes a dovetail joint element and a baseboard element that has a dovetail groove defined therein that is slidably, yet securely held on the dovetail joint element. Corner pieces are used for inside and for outside corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Pallas, Paul E. McKee
  • Patent number: 6557832
    Abstract: An end member is joined against axial displacement to a handrail by a lock member that is coupled to a mounting flange portion of the end member against axial movement and for rotation relative to the mounting flange portion. A locking cam portion of the lock member is received in an undercut mounting groove of the handrail and is configured to permit the lock member to be moved axially along the locking groove in an unlocked rotational position relative to the locking groove and to frictionally engage walls of the locking groove in a locked rotational position relative to the locking groove and thereby retain the end member against axial movement relative to the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner
  • Patent number: 6553732
    Abstract: A corner piece for covering a corner of a structure defined by two mating walls of the structure and for use in conjunction with siding panels attached to the mating walls includes an ornamented central portion having a first and second lateral edges and a first and second side walls. Each of the first and second side walls has an exterior face and an interior face. The first and second side walls are integrally formed with the ornamented central portion and extend from the first and second lateral edges, respectively. The first and second side walls cover a portion of the first and second mating walls of the structure, respectively, and overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and the corner piece are fastened to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventor: Robert David Shaw
  • Patent number: 6536173
    Abstract: The invention is a covering for a suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cup that can be snap fit onto the main runners or cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar. The covering may also have notches defined in the flange and lip in a suitable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6530190
    Abstract: Extruded or molded plastic covers snap fit into the jamb liner slots over the lower jamb liners. Replaceable brush weatherstrips on the edge contact the lower window sash. Upper foam pads engage the upper window sash and press the upper sash against the window frame. The smooth outer face of the covers may be painted. A T-shaped back rail inserts in a back jamb liner slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Conachen
  • Publication number: 20030037495
    Abstract: A corner piece for covering a corner of a structure defined by two mating walls of the structure and for use in conjunction with siding panels attached to the mating walls includes an ornamented central portion having a first and second lateral edges and a first and second side walls. Each of the first and second side walls has an exterior face and an interior face. The first and second side walls are integrally formed with the ornamented central portion and extend from the first and second lateral edges, respectively. The first and second side walls cover a portion of the first and second mating walls of the structure, respectively, and overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and the corner piece are fastened to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6505448
    Abstract: An external wall structure of enhanced exterior design, which is provided with a decorative plate and can be constructed through a simple supplementary work. This external wall structure comprises a horizontally elongated draining member (20) which is secured to a furring strip (10), and a couple of upper and lower siding boards (1, 1) which are coupled with each other with the draining member (20) being interposed therebetween. This external wall structure is featured in that a horizontally elongated decorative plate (60) is mounted, via a plurality of fixtures (40) attached to the draining member (20), on a joint portion between said couple of upper and lower siding boards (1, 1), thus covering the joint portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20020194810
    Abstract: Extruded or molded plastic covers snap fit into the jamb liner slots over the lower jamb liners. Replaceable brush weatherstrips on the edge contact the lower window sash. Upper foam pads engage the upper window sash and press the upper sash against the window frame. The smooth outer face of the covers may be painted. A T-shaped back rail inserts in a back jamb liner slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Conachen
  • Publication number: 20020178684
    Abstract: There is disclosed a family of structurally related extrusions which find broad utility as edge and comer trim and connectors for counter tops, cabinet faces and other sheet-like panels. The extrusions serve as joinders or couplers to cover and to protect exposed edges of the panels, to increase the load capacity of the panels, and to enhance the visual appearance thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the extrusion defines spaced parallel arms forming a U-shaped channel into which an elongate edge of the panel is slidably received. Integrally-formed extensions of the arms define flanges forming coextensive opposed upper and lower slots for securing a decorative plate-like band to seat therewithin along a lineal expanse of the elongate extrusion. A wall bridging between upper and lower arms of the extrusion is formed with post means for insertion of a screw-like fastener therethrough for securing the extrusion in place against the presented end face of the sandwiched panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Harry Barnett
  • Patent number: 6482500
    Abstract: A trim member is made from a single piece of trim material. The trim material has a plurality of spaced apart cut out regions which divide the trim member into a plurality of trim sections. These trim sections are connected to one another by thin strips of the trim material in each cut out region. The strips are bendable and the cut out regions are shaped to enable a reconfiguring of the trim member from a lineal to a trim border forming configuration for use around a door, a window or a windowed wall area of a building wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Royal Group Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Anthony V. Diginosa
  • Patent number: 6463707
    Abstract: A surround molding assembly for a doorway or window of a structure such as a residential home or a commercial building. In one embodiment, first and second pilaster bases receive first and second cover plates in recesses, wherein the recesses have a lip along at least two sides and the cover plates are mounted flush with the pilaster bases and covering the lips. Further, a mantle base having a central portion comprising regularly repeating reinforced sectional structural receives a mantle cover thereover such that the mantle base in generally obscured from view. The pilaster and mantle bases each include decorative ends integrally formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, J. Richard Logan, Richard J. MacLeod, Aundrea Nurenberg, Michael C. Clark, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20020112423
    Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Publication number: 20020108327
    Abstract: A removable lineal and finishing system for framing doors or windows. The removable lineal includes a cover portion and a channel portion. The channel portion includes a latch portion for detachably mounting the lineal to a J-channel. The latch portion of the lineal is inserted between a hook portion of the J-channel and a siding material. A gap in the J-channel receives and secures siding materials. The J-channel is mounted to a wall of a building and abuts a frame for a door or window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Certain Teed Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Shaw
  • Publication number: 20020104285
    Abstract: A spacer/support having a body portion, a surface engaging portion and a securement to attach the body portion to a weldment plate in tilt-up construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the securement includes a plurality of fingers that can snap onto the head of a Nelson stud. A second embodiment is equipped with a flat head that can be secured to the weldment plate using an adhesive. The length of the spacer/support may be adjusted manually by cutting the body to length or by rotating one threaded member relative to a second to accommodate different thicknesses of walls. The spacer/support is preferably plastic but may be metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Todd M. Schulze, Brandi L. Elliott, Clayton E. Schulze
  • Patent number: 6427401
    Abstract: A corner guard assembly for protecting the corner of a building wall particularly in institutional type facilities from damage due to impacts with wheeled vehicles includes an elongated vinyl corner guard member angled to fit over the corner formed by the intersection of two wall surfaces, the corner member being comprised of two different colors of vinyl plastic material that have been co-extruded to form a single, integrated product. The multi-colored corner guard provides an aesthetically improved corner guard that may be used in a wide range of interior designs. Additionally, the improved corner guard disclosed herein may be used a part of a system of color-coding the hallways of a large hospital or other institutional facility. The corner guard of the present invention may be constructed as either a tape-on corner guard that is mounted by an adhesive directly to the wall surfaces, or constructed as an assembly comprised of a base plate and cover guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: In Pro Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew G. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6421964
    Abstract: A molding assembly having a hanger member fixedly securable to an inner or outer wall of a building and a decorative molding insert member releasably engageable with the hanger member. The molding insert member is supported at a lower edge portion by a lower J-channel of the hanger member. An upper L-shaped portion of the insert member is supported by a depending lip portion of the hanger member which forms a second channel such that no external fastening elements are required to secure the molding insert member to the hanger member. The insert member can be quickly and easily releasably engaged within the J-channel and the second channel without the need for special tools. In an alternative preferred embodiment the insert member includes a lip portion which is adapted to slidably engage an under surface of an adjacently positioned insert member to provide an even more continuous appearance for adjacently positioned insert members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Aundrea Nurenberg, Richard J. MacLeod, Michael C. Clark, J. Richard Logan
  • Patent number: 6399883
    Abstract: A low voltage electrical wire support assembly for routing wire along building interior structures includes a plurality of hangers that suspend low voltage electrical wiring from building interior structures. The hangers are fastened to the interior structures in a hanger row that follows a desired low voltage wiring path. Each hanger includes a slightly trapezoidal frame section integrally connected to a fastening flange. The hangers are shaped to support electrical wires strung through the frame sections and to allow elongated cover sections to fit over the frame sections. The cover sections conceal and protect the low voltage electrical wiring. C-shaped couplers fit collar-like around the joined ends of the cover sections and hold the cover sections together end-to-end. Each fastening flange includes fastener holes for receiving fasteners such as nails or screws. Side walls of each hanger frame section include an integrally outwardly extending horizontal ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Lhota
  • Patent number: 6393779
    Abstract: A door frame assembly and method of mounting the same, which does not require the use of exterior fasteners to secure members of the door frame assembly to a support frame in a doorway of a building. A connecting member is securable to a support frame member. A doorjamb member is attachable to the connecting member. A trim member is attachable to the connecting member and the door jamb member. The connecting combinations between the connecting member, the door jamb member and the trim member are such that once the door frame assembly is fully assembled, the door jamb member and the trim member cannot be disconnected from the support frame member absent an intervening force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Ex Cell Cellular PVC Building Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Boldt
  • Patent number: 6374555
    Abstract: A deck product comprising a composite and a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Jay Gusler
  • Publication number: 20020043041
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the demand for a technology that enables reutilization of a molding main body and the fasteners for fixing a molding main body to an automobile following the removal of these parts from one another. The present invention proposes a car molding and fastener, in which a base plate is provided to a fastener for fixing molding main body to a car body, base plate being inserted into and held in place in housing space of a fastener holder that is formed to molding main body. Elastic pieces are provided on opposite sides of base plate, and have protruding portions which engage in a releasable manner with engage-and-stop portions on either side of fastener holder. By manipulating these elastic pieces, the aforementioned engagement is released, so that fastener can be separated from fastener holder in this car molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Hashimoto Forming Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masae Yoyasu
  • Patent number: 6367210
    Abstract: A window or door has a glass pane (2). In order to secure the pane (2), e.g. against fall-out under impact load or against forced entry, an adhesive film (3) covers the pane (2) and overlaps the surrounding inside surface (4) of a frame (1). Clamping profile (5) is attached along the inside surface (4) of the frame (1) adjacent the pane (2) to clamp the overlapping edge (31) of the film (3) against the frame (1). The clamping profile (5) has a gasket (11) abutting against the film (3) on the pane (2). In order to secure against increased impact loads and hinder tearing of the film (3), the profile (5) has a curved portion (8) and the gasket (11) protrudes from the profile (5) so as to form a space (15) around the curved portion (8) and allow stretching movement of the film (3) around the curved portion (8) during an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Framegard Anchoring Systems Limited
    Inventor: Simon Trundle
  • Patent number: 6354049
    Abstract: A corner guard assembly for protecting the corner of a building wall particularly in institutional type facilities from damage due to impacts with wheeled vehicles includes a vinyl retainer base plate, a plurality of fasteners for fastening the base plate to the corner of the building wall, a vinyl cover member assembled over the base plate, and endcaps assembled to the upper and lower ends of the assembly. The novel vinyl base plate further includes a rigid main body portion that is applied over the wall surface at the corner combined with a co-extruded flexible impact bumper at the apex of the main body, the impact forces being absorbed by the impact bumper. The geometry of the cover member matches the geometry of the impact bumper to maximize the surface contact area of the two components to further dissipate the impact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Inpro Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew G Bennett
  • Patent number: 6341457
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. In one embodiment, each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. In another embodiment, inner wall members are attached to the opposing sides of the frame members, and outer wall members are thereafter attached to the inner wall member. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each outer wall member. The wall panels are connected to each other with a connector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad D. Aerts, Phil E. Carpenter, Ernest C. De Leon, David B. Martin, Jack R. Nyenhuis
  • Patent number: 6324806
    Abstract: A covering for a suspended ceiling grid system particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cap that can be snap fit onto the main runners of cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6318045
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing moldings to vehicle bodies is disclosed. The molding preferably,slidably receives clips at spaced locations along its length, wherein the clips have adhesive at their rear face. A desired amount of adhesive is selected for the particular molding, and spacing between the clips along the length of the molding is determined to achieve a desired adhesive area. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clip is configured such that it is slidably received within channels on the molding, and has a unique structure which provides sufficient amounts of material of the molding to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald D. Kress
  • Patent number: 6276109
    Abstract: A motor vehicle trim panel assembly and method including a molded plastic trim panel having a facia portion, an integral skirt portion, a plurality of flat cantilever platforms on an inside surface of the facia portion, and a plurality of pairs of raised bosses on the inside surface of the facia portion. Each platform has a pair of side panels attached thereto by integral “living” hinges. A push-in fastener is supported in a slot in each platform. The side panels are folded down and snapped behind the raised bosses which retain the side panels in active positions defining struts between the platform and the inside surface of the facia portion. Force applied to an outside surface of the facia portion thrusts the push-in fastener into a socket in a vehicle body panel to secure the facia portion without the push-in fasteners being externally visible. The struts react to the facia portion a fraction of the thrust applied to the push-in fastener to prevent flexure of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arun G. Hingorani, Louis Seitz
  • Patent number: 6276101
    Abstract: A surround molding assembly is disclosed for a doorway window or window of a structure such as a residential home or commercial building. The surround molding assembly may include various embodiments of pilasters, end and corner members, and mantel members that may be fastened to one another or the structure with limited use and visibility of external fasteners. In one embodiment, a decorative molding strip includes a base strip and a decorative strip interconnected by a living hinge. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide internally located fasteners. In another embodiment an extension cap is interconnected between a corner member and a decorative molding strip or pilaster without external fasteners. As a result, the molding assemblies of the present invention simplify assembly while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance free of external fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, J. Richard Logan, Richard J. MacLeod, Aundrea Nurenberg, Michael C. Clark, Clyde D. Allen
  • Patent number: 6202380
    Abstract: A baseboard molding with passage for running electrical conduit therethrough for running electrical conduit such as cable wires, stereo wires, and computer wires along a wall structure behind a baseboard molding. The baseboard molding with passage for running electrical conduit therethrough includes a top piece and a bottom piece. The top piece has a longitudinal tongue ridge downwardly extending from a bottom face of the top piece. A bottom piece has a top, a bottom, front and back faces extending between the top and bottom of the bottom piece, and upper and lower portions. The top of the bottom piece has a spaced apart front and back extents upwardly extending therefrom which define a longitudinal groove therebetween. The tongue ridge of the top piece is inserted into the longitudinal groove of the bottom piece. The upper and lower portions of the bottom piece forming a lower shoulder therebetween on the back face of the bottom piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: James J. Trutwin, Douglas J. Larson
  • Patent number: 6189269
    Abstract: A thermoplastic wall forming member is provided with rails for securing a wiring channel interiorly of a hollow structure to be formed by the wall forming member and other wall forming members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Building Systems (CDN) Limited
    Inventor: Vittorio De Zen