Awning Type Patents (Class 52/74)
  • Patent number: 11270258
    Abstract: A machine learning system for dynamically segmenting inventory includes a memory having instructions therein, and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to, using a reinforcement learning agent (“RLA”): determine, based at least in part on first inventory data corresponding to at least a portion of a first prediction time window for the RLA, a second prediction time window for the RLA; segment a first supply of inventory, based at least in part on the second prediction time window and at least a portion of the first inventory data; determine, based at least in part on second inventory data corresponding to at least a portion of the second prediction time window, a third prediction time window for the RLA; and segment a second supply of inventory, based at least in part on the third prediction time window and at least a portion of the second inventory data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Sekher Sar, Balakrishnan Rajenderan, Brunda Panthula, Layana Abraham
  • Patent number: 8991117
    Abstract: A modular tower assembly particularly suited for deployment in a parking lot area for collecting solar energy and precipitation includes left-hand and right-hand support modules, each having a base and a support pedestal having a bottom affixed to one end of the base. A solar panel mount has one end affixed to a pedestal top and cantilevered over the base. The left-hand support module pedestal is joined to the right hand support module pedestal such that the base of the left-hand module extends oppositely from the base of the right-hand module. A solar panel assembly is affixed to each of solar panel mounts. The modular assembly is particularly well-adapted for large scale collection of solar power for subsequent conversion to electrical power directly connected to a local power grid. Each tower is further adapted for the collection of fresh water from natural precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Solur Terra, Inc.
    Inventors: Dorothy M. Walker, Stanley Mach
  • Publication number: 20140331569
    Abstract: An awning having a V-shaped cross section is supported by a cantilever which projects from a vertical support. The vertical support is positioned such that one of the surfaces of the awning faces a prevailing wind while another surface is sheltered from the prevailing wind The latter upper surface has an elongated opening through which the wind may flow. The opening is opened and closed by a means of a flap which pivots from an open position for allowing the wind to pass through the opening to a closed position for preventing the wind and rain from doing so. The flap opens at such time as the force of the wind is sufficient to cause it to do so and closes under the force of gravity at other times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: David Spearn
  • Patent number: 8769885
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to removably install, or replace, an awning panel. The awning panel is mounted on a wall or structure or similar vertical surface by insertion into a pair of mounting brackets that have been affixed to the wall. The mounting brackets may be mounted at any distance apart, and thus may accommodate awnings of different sizes. The mounting brackets comprise a right and left bracket, each comprising an angled support art, a holding member, a vertical support member, and a top support member. Supporting members along the sides of the awning panel slide into the space or slot formed by the angled support arm and the holding piece, and is further supported by the angled support arm extending along the underside of the supporting members. The angled support arm may be fixed at a set angle, or may be adjusted to different angles. A cover panel may be used to shield the awning panel, with the cover panel mounted on separate brackets or on the same brackets with the awning panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Lamotte
  • Patent number: 8745929
    Abstract: A pivoting shelter comprises a support member, such as a support post, and a pivot affixed to the support member. The pivoting shelter has a shelter member attached to the pivot such that the shelter member is capable of rotating relative to the support member about a rotational axis. The pivot is attached to the shelter member so that the rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to a primary plane of the shelter member and at a position along the side of the shelter member other than the center of a side. For example, the rotational axis may be located substantially at a corner of the shelter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Mansen W. Way
  • Patent number: 8739473
    Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Division 8 Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Michel, Eric Goodman, Ned Albert
  • Patent number: 8683752
    Abstract: A modular shelter assembly is presented. In particular, the shelter assembly comprises a mounting member structured to be secured to a predetermined support, a support beam outwardly spaced from the mounting member and the predetermined support, a plurality of track beams each disposed in interconnecting, supported relation to the mounting member and the support beam, the mounting member, the support beam and the plurality of track beams collectively comprising a modular construction, and the modular construction at least partially defined by an at least initially adjustable interconnecting relation of the plurality of track beams to both the mounting member and the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Orlando Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8646229
    Abstract: A curtain wall mounting system adapted for cantilevered support of at least one structure outwardly therefrom. The curtain wall mounting system including an anchor plate having dual plates and adapted for integral mounting with a curtain wall web section. The curtain wall web section includes one of a hollow tongue web extending outwardly of a curtain wall vertical mullion in a first direction and an integrally formed flange region extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion in the first direction. The curtain wall web section includes a first set of fastening apertures oriented transversely to the first direction and formed. The anchor plate includes at least one generally planer body portion having a first set of mating apertures adapted for alignment in registry with the first set of fastening apertures of the web. The anchor plate further having a second set of apertures adapted for securing structures outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred A. Grunewald, James P. Clark, William T. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8640394
    Abstract: The invention is an assembly of elements to collect solar energy and rain water. Solar energy is converted to electricity by either photovoltaic film or laminate panels or sheets mounted atop arcuate, curved canopy structures that are formed and positioned like “wings”. Rainwater is collected by the low-incidence arcuate curved wings and directed to a central trough along the wings' structural spine, which conducts it through a support column to a water container or vessel. In a preferred embodiment the vessel is an underground container extending parallel to and as long as the above-ground structural spine of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald S. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20130333307
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to removably install, or replace, an awning panel. The awning panel is mounted on a wall or structure or similar vertical surface by insertion into a pair of mounting brackets that have been affixed to the wall. The mounting brackets may be mounted at any distance apart, and thus may accommodate awnings of different sizes. The mounting brackets comprise a right and left bracket, each comprising an angled support art, a holding member, a vertical support member, and a top support member. Supporting members along the sides of the awning panel slide into the space or slot formed by the angled support arm and the holding piece, and is further supported by the angled support arm extending along the underside of the supporting members. The angled support arm may be fixed at a set angle, or may be adjusted to different angles. A cover panel may be used to shield the awning panel, with the cover panel mounted on separate brackets or on the same brackets with the awning panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Lamotte
  • Patent number: 8596261
    Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Bilfinger Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Maxson, Michael Ekholm
  • Patent number: 8528578
    Abstract: A raintrough support clip includes a generally cylindrical main body made from an elastically resilient material, and having a circumferential gap to facilitate mounting around an awning reel having a flexible valance sheet extending downward from the outer edge of the awning reel. The raintrough support clip also has an outrigger member extending outwardly from a lower region of the main body, with an upturned portion forming a generally U-shaped space between the outrigger and the main body. When a suitable number of the raintrough support clips are mounted along the length of the awning reel, the valance sheet may be readily deformed to form a rainwater drainage trough for receiving runoff from the awning. The drainage trough thus formed will carry runoff to one or both ends of the awning reel, thereby preventing the runoff from falling over the awning reel and forming a runoff curtain therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: James Stewart Mowatt, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8490339
    Abstract: A sunshade for mounting to a building structure has first and second extruded outriggers spaced apart from each other and louvers extending from the first outrigger to the second outrigger. The first and second outriggers have an elongated body, an upper leg extending from an upper portion of the elongated body, and a lower leg extending from a lower portion of the elongated body. The outriggers of adjacent sunshades face each other such that the upper legs face each other and the lower legs face each other. A pocket is formed between the adjacent outriggers. The outriggers also have a mounting notch at an end which is mounted to the building structure. The outrigger notch engages a hook on a sunshade anchor mounted to the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Braunstein, Don Pangburn, Terry Carespodi
  • Patent number: 8458964
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to removably install, or replace, an awning panel. The awning panel is mounted on a wall or structure or similar vertical surface by insertion into a pair of mounting brackets that have been affixed to the wall. The mounting brackets may be mounted at any distance apart, and thus may accommodate awnings of different sizes. The mounting brackets comprise a right and left bracket, each comprising an angled support art, a holding member, a vertical support member, and a top support member. Supporting members along the sides of the awning panel slide into the space or slot formed by the angled support arm and the holding piece, and is further supported by the angled support arm extending along the underside of the supporting members. The angled support arm may be fixed at a set angle, or may be adjusted to different angles. A cover panel may be used to shield the awning panel, with the cover panel mounted on separate brackets or on the same brackets with the awning panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Lamotte
  • Patent number: 8413386
    Abstract: A structure and method for making a structure for use in building construction is provided. The structure is defined by a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces. A flashing liner is integrally formed with the body, and the flashing liner is defined at one or more of the side surfaces of the body. The body is capable of being attached to a building structure, and the flashing liner provides a weather interface with the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Daryl Fazekas
  • Patent number: 8413385
    Abstract: An electrical equipment rack, such as a computer server rack, with a protective shield to protect the electrical equipment rack and equipment thereon from water damage is described. In general, the shield is constructed of a curved polycarbonate shell fastened to an aluminum frame having arc-shaped end sections attached to spaced elongated side rails. The aluminum frame is attachable to threaded rod hangers of the type that are used in most server rack rooms. Multiple shields may be fastened together end-to-end to increase the length of the overall shield, to extend over the entire length of the server racks or cabinets needed to be protected. Gaskets such as neoprene seals are compressed between shield sections to prevent water from penetrating between the fastened sections. Deployable curtains are fastened to the elongated side rails to further protect the electrical equipment rack from water damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn E. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 8402704
    Abstract: A strong, aesthetically pleasing solar power structure comprising a hollow-beam frame, a plurality of photovoltaic panels, a sub-assembly for holding the PV panels, and a plurality of columns is provided. Also provided is a kit for making such a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Phat Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Hartley, Nicholas Brady Tucker
  • Patent number: 8387318
    Abstract: An open-air parking shelter comprises a canopy structure, photovoltaic elements, a power output, and a support structure. The canopy structure comprises a plurality of elongated shading members arranged in spaced apart relation. The spaced apart relation being such that airflow is permitted between the elongated members. The photovoltaic elements are provided on the elongated shading members for receiving solar radiation and converting the solar radiation to electricity. The power output is coupled to each of the photovoltaic elements for outputting the electricity converted by the photovoltaic elements. The support structure is provided for supporting the canopy structure in spaced relation above a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Watts LLC
    Inventor: William E. S. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8281795
    Abstract: A retractable awning, comprising a screen which may be extended and retracted, wherein there is provided a first motor arranged to extend the screen, a second motor arranged to retract the screen, and a control unit arranged to control the first and second motors, wherein the first and second motors are synchronized so as to maintain tension in the screen within predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Cutler
  • Patent number: 8168703
    Abstract: Membrane body (1) comprising at least one pair of panels (10, 11) connected together in an adhesive manner and for each pair of said panels (10, 11), at least one flexible sheath (15) arranged stably according to a set pattern to resist membrane stress acting on the panels (10, 11); each sheath (15) housing a respective tie rod (16), connected to the panels (10, 11) in an end position in a set manner in such a way as to be suitable for resisting normal stress to free the panels (10, 11) from the respective membrane stress, thereby maintaining the group of the panels (10, 11) flexible and maintaining the corresponding production method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Veleria Marco Holm S.R.L.
    Inventors: PierCarlo Molta, Enrico Grassi
  • Patent number: 8161709
    Abstract: A method of making an endwall overhang for a structure is provided. The method may include providing a roof piece, a first trim piece, and a lengthwise member. The method may also include forming an overhang assembly by coupling the roof piece with a first surface of the lengthwise member and coupling the first trim piece with a second surface of the lengthwise member. The method may further include providing a structure and coupling a support member with the outside surface of an endwall of the structure, with the support member protruding from the endwall. The method may thereafter include coupling the overhang assembly to the structure by coupling the roof piece of the overhang assembly with a top support surface of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tuff Shed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Saurey, Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Patent number: 8156692
    Abstract: An endwall overhang is provided for a building which may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tuff Shed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Saurey, Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Patent number: 8132583
    Abstract: A raintrough support clip includes a generally cylindrical main body made from an elastically resilient material, and having a circumferential gap to facilitate mounting of the main body around the awning reel of a recreation vehicle awning assembly of the type having a flexible valance sheet extending downward from the outer edge of the awning reel. The raintrough support clip also has an outrigger member extending outwardly from a lower region of the main body, with an upturned portion forming a generally U-shaped space between the outrigger and the main body. When a suitable number of the raintrough support clips are mounted along the length of the awning reel, the valance sheet may be readily deformed to form a rainwater drainage trough for receiving runoff from the awning. The drainage trough thus formed will carry runoff to one or both ends of the awning reel, thereby preventing the runoff from falling over the awning reel and forming a runoff curtain therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: James Stewart Mowatt, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8104527
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining angularly oriented side planar members into an otherwise orthogonal awning frame of open ended side plane and transverse members joined by fitted right angle connectors has the angularly oriented member cut to length at end angles that provide a flush fit to the side plane members at transverse member connections and lengths of formed right angle section material, cut at the same flush fitting angles as the tubing end angle cuts, for fastening to inwardly facing surfaces of the planar and transverse members, so as to present a smooth exterior surface for supporting an awning cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Srinivas Konda, Katherine Ruth Konda
  • Patent number: 8082697
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is included that is capable of securing an associated rigid sunscreen on an associated building structure. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated building structure and a second bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated rigid sunscreen. The first bracket can include a first interengaging feature, and the second bracket can include a second interengaging feature that is cooperative with the first interengaging feature of the first bracket. A sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly, a sunscreen and mounting bracket kit, and a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Robert T. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8051866
    Abstract: The present application relates to a covering apparatus for covering an outdoor area comprising a screen (1) that can be operated between a retracted and an extended configuration, the screen having a leading portion (2) and a trailing portion (4), the trailing portion (4) being connected to a first support (5, 6), the apparatus further comprising a plurality of longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) extending from the first support (5, 6) to respective second supports (9, 10), and the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) being supported by the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) as the screen (1) is operated from the retracted to the extended configuration, wherein the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) is moveably mounted to the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) such that the leading portion (2) moves with respect to the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) during operation between retracted and extended positions, and wherein at least one clamping system is provided on the leading portion
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Cutler
  • Patent number: 8037645
    Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Tim Michel, Eric Goodman, Ned H. Albert
  • Patent number: 8033070
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved building panel having increased strength and rigidity, thereby reducing present design constraints imposed upon buildings constructed of interconnected panels. The building panel includes a novel curved central portion connected to two diverging inclined side wall portions in lieu of a straight central portion. Replacing the straight curved portion with a curved portion provides the building panel with increased strength and rigidity, thereby allowing the building panel to withstand increased positive and negative bending moments. Thus, a building constructed of panels having such curved central portions will reduce the present design constraints and increase the size and shape of buildings constructed of such panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: M.I.C. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Morello, Matthew J. Yagodich
  • Patent number: 8011140
    Abstract: An information display shelter includes at least a canopy, a supporting structure, a receiving device, and a signaling path. The canopy includes a display area on at least one surface thereof. The supporting structure is connected to and supports the canopy over a sheltered area defined by a width and a length of a parking space. The supporting structure is configured so as to permit substantially unobstructed access to the sheltered area and viewing of the display area. The receiving device is operable to receive and process a signal including images to be displayed. The signaling path couples the receiving device to the canopy and facilitates communication of the images to the canopy for display in the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Durham
  • Patent number: 7992351
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting susceptible objects comprises a bracket having a pin receiving portion and hinge portion. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotally connected to the hinge portion of the bracket wherein the bracket is securable to a wall and the cover is pivotable over a susceptible asset to protect the object from harmful forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: James J Kramer
  • Publication number: 20110185643
    Abstract: A roofing structure kit including: (A) first and second angled frame members defining, respectively, a first and second plurality of recesses; and (B) a pre-assembled roof assembly defining a plurality of elongated tabs adjacent its bottom surface. The frame members and roof assembly are adapted to allow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure on a building by: (A) mounting the first frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the first angled frame member extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; (B) mounting the second frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the second angled frame member extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; and (C) positioning the roof assembly on top of the first and second frame members so that each of the elongated tabs extends downwardly into a respective one of the first and second plurality of recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas K. Dueker
  • Patent number: 7980029
    Abstract: An extendible shelter connectable to a building has an extendible frame and a plurality of covers, connected to an outermost frame end, for covering the frame. Adjacent covers are connected to one another at outermost edge ends of their adjacent edges, which are threaded through a fastener. As the frame is extended outwardly away from the building, the adjacent edges are drawn through the fastener, which fastens the edges together to automatically fasten the adjacent covers. When the frame is retracted, the fastener unfastens the edges and covers. Anchor for locking wheels for the frame in fixed position on a ground surface over which the shelter extends are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Hamidullah Ahmedy
  • Patent number: 7861990
    Abstract: Components for constructing and installing an awning and light support system to provide sun and weather protection to a window or door of a structure are disclosed. Included are a pair of uniquely-constructed bracket members having an L-shaped configuration used to removably secure horizontally-disposed supports and awning spars to provide a frame to support the awning material or skin. Also disclosed is an awning support structure comprising a support channel that extends along the top of an awning and supports a corresponding member attached to an awning frame. In some instances, the awning may be further supported by awning projection props secured between the awning frame and the building at a lower portion of the awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael S. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7849868
    Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7849638
    Abstract: A sunshade for mounting to a building structure has first and second extruded outriggers spaced apart from each other and louvers extending from the first outrigger to the second outrigger. The first and second outriggers have an elongated body, an upper leg extending from an upper portion of the elongated body, and a lower leg extending from a lower portion of the elongated body. The outriggers of adjacent sunshades face each other such that the upper legs face each other and the lower legs face each other. A pocket is formed between the adjacent outriggers. The outriggers also have a mounting notch at an end which is mounted to the building structure. The outrigger notch engages a hook on a sunshade anchor mounted to the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Richard Braunstein, Don Pangburn, Terry Carespodi
  • Patent number: 7818931
    Abstract: A curtain wall mounting system for cantilevered support of at least one structure. The system includes an anchor plate adapted to integrally mount with a web section of a curtain wall. The curtain wall web section includes either a hollow tongue web extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion or an integrally formed flange region extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion. The anchor plate has at least one generally planer body portion with a first set of mating apertures adapted for alignment with the first set of fastening apertures of the web. The first set of apertures are oriented generally perpendicular to the tension forces transmitted by the anchor plate. The anchor plate also includes a second set of apertures adapted for securing of structures outwardly from the curtain wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Oldcastle Glass Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred A. Grunewald, James P. Clark, William T. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20100236157
    Abstract: A protective canopy for protecting an opening in a structure has two symmetrical side portions seamlessly defining a pitched portion between them to form a protective canopy over an opening. A flange portion is integrally formed at a right angle to the side and pitched portions and adapted to provide an attachment means for the canopy. The canopy may be applied before applying siding or applied to an existing wall using a gasket. Side and pitched portions include a plurality of decorative ridges. The canopy is made of a weather-resistant material like plastic that may be added to the pigment during manufacture or applied as paint by the user on site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Brett LeMarr, Francis Maasland
  • Patent number: 7765748
    Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Raymond W. Hawes
  • Publication number: 20100126081
    Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Tim Michel, Eric Goodman
  • Patent number: 7640703
    Abstract: A demountable and reusable canopy is provided comprising a number of vertical supports, located along an area to be covered, each including a footer which mounts an insert tube below the finish grade of the ground and a post having a hollow interior shaped to receive an exposed portion of the insert tube. A beam is secured to the vertical supports by self-tapping screws which extend into screw cases formed in the posts, and adjacent beams mount decking sections to form the completed canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: David Freyman, Lee M. Walker, Celestin Xavier Pierre
  • Patent number: 7600350
    Abstract: A thermally broken sunshade anchor can attach a sunshade to a mullion of a curtain wall of a building structure. The thermally broken sunshade anchor has a body for connection to the sunshade, a wall attachment member for attachment to the curtain wall, and a thermal break between the body and the wall attachment member. The thermal break is positioned adjacent a thermal break location portion of the body and adjacent a thermal break location portion of the wall attachment member. The thermal break resists heat transfer such that the body and the wall attachment member are substantially thermally isolated from each other by the thermal break. The thermal break can be formed by pour and debridge processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventor: Richard Braunstein
  • Publication number: 20090193726
    Abstract: According to the invention, a building with an endwall overhang is disclosed. The building may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Tuff Shed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Saurey, Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Publication number: 20090188175
    Abstract: The cantilevered ceiling system has a horizontally extending support beam which supports at least two panels. The panels, when positioned substantially horizontally, are securely maintained to the beam by a gravity operated lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: James R. Waters, Joseph R. Woelfling, Eric Krantz-Lilienthal
  • Patent number: 7536832
    Abstract: A mounting bracket to be used in connection with securing sunshades to a wall mullion. The mounting bracket including a pair of bracket elements matingly engageable with each other with one bracket element being securable to one mounting arm of one of the sunshades and the other bracket element being securable to one mounting arm of an other of the sunshades and with each bracket element being removably securable to the mullion, such that each bracket element is disengageable from the other bracket and removable from the mullion. A plurality of the mounting brackets may be used to secure a plurality of the sunshades in a side-by-side manner to a plurality of wall mullions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Tubelite, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve DeYoung
  • Publication number: 20090031641
    Abstract: An outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy, comprising a fixed supporting structure for a plurality of cross-members which can move longitudinally along guides formed within the fixed structure in order to open and close the awning; each cross-member is rigidly connected to the lower face of a canopy. The canopy comprises a plurality of transverse portions, each of which is delimited by a pair of consecutive cross-members and is associated with a plurality of panels which are exposed to sunlight in order to receive the radiation and convert it into energy of another kind. The awning comprises areas of discontinuity, on each transverse portion, so as to mutually space the panels in order to allow the folding of the canopy; the upper face of the canopy, with the awning in the open configuration, allows the draining of rainwater along preset directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Luca Grazioso
  • Patent number: 7311290
    Abstract: A kit of components for constructing and installing an awning and light support system to provide sun and weather protection to a window or door of a structure. Included therein are a pair of uniquely constructed bracket members having an L-shaped configuration with the respective free ends of the legs termination in an angled L-shape configuration, where the latter are used to removably secure an awning spar to support the awning material. Additionally, the bracket member includes a short horizontal arm, projecting from a first leg of the bracket member within the plane of the bracket member, from which may be secured a lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Michael S. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7065934
    Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The valance can be retrofitted onto existing awning structures by connecting the attachment member to the lateral support member using suitable fasteners such as screws or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Crest Products Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Allin
  • Patent number: 6938389
    Abstract: An improved roll formed staple-in awning frame member is disclosed as is a process for its fabrication. The body (21) of a frame member and the staple deck member (11) thereof are roll formed separately along parallel roll forming lines. The staple deck member (11) is then progressively inserted into the body (21) and the two are secured together by a crimping, welding, or other appropriate operation. The frame member is then finally shaped and formed and cut to size in a continuous roll forming and fabrication operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Steel Stitch Corporation
    Inventor: Larry M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6889474
    Abstract: A decorative window cap made of polyvinyl chloride for mounting on a house exterior sidewall above a window or windows to enhance the aesthetic value of the house, home, to color blend and coordinate with existing polyvinyl chloride decorative window shutters, and to break up the vertical plainness of the house sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: James F. Wesdock
  • Patent number: 6848222
    Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The valance can be retrofitted onto existing awning structures by connecting the attachment member to the lateral support member using suitable fasteners such as screws or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Crest Products Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Allin