Using Prefabricated Unit Patents (Class 52/745.13)
  • Publication number: 20090178365
    Abstract: A precast concrete meter pit consisting of an elongated hollow pipe having a beveled support ledge at one end and notches at the opposite end is fabricated by utilizing a slip form packerhead apparatus in which the beveled support ledge is formed by a radially inwardly inclined trowel edge bearing against a pallet member which is caused to vibrate when concrete is injected into the slip form apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Precast Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Anderson, Geoffery S. Parrington, Eugene J. Pelchat, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090178367
    Abstract: A method of installing an interlocking floor system includes surface preparation, assembly of the polymeric panels making up the interlocking floor system and affixing a turf material over the polymeric panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: David R. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20090165408
    Abstract: A pre-cast cementitious construction element (10a) comprises a body (12), at least one coupling member (14) protruding from an edge (16) of the body and at least one coupling member (18) provided at an opposed edge (20) of the body. The at least one coupling member protruding from an edge is adapted to couple with a coupling member at an opposed edge of an adjacent pre-cast construction element (10b) such that, when coupled, a spaced relationship exists between the pre-cast construction element (10) and the adjacent pre-cast construction element (10b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Norman Gordon Pask
  • Publication number: 20090133354
    Abstract: A modular wall system includes a plurality of wall panels, each with a core, a front skin, a rear skin, and at least one edging piece along at least one edge. The edging piece has first and second edgewise extensions extending first and second lengths, respectively, and defining an intermediate groove, wherein the first extension is adjacent the front skin, and wherein the first length is greater than the second length. A floor track has a base flange and a substantially vertical panel-receiving channel. At least one vertically oriented H-spline is provided for resting on the floor track and being positioned between two adjacent wall panels. The H-spline has a front flange and a rear flange joined by a web, wherein the front flange has a transverse width adapted to be received in the intermediate grooves of edging pieces of the adjacent wall panels while permitting substantially flush abutment of the front skins of the adjacent wall panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas B. Spear, Aaron D. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20090126292
    Abstract: A knockdown structure and assembly method are provided so as to prevent cracking of the sealant, reinforce the junction between sections, and improve the livability of the structure. A structure's body is assembled by using a mortar-powder mixed adhesive to join together a plurality of sections that are made of foam polystyrene and that constitute the parts of a structure having a predetermined shape. The adhesive is applied to cover at least the places where the sections are joined together with a woven inorganic-fiber mesh sheet. A sealant is applied, made by dispersing inorganic fiber and mortar powder in a plastic-type paint, onto the exterior and interior faces of the structure in a predetermined thickness. Onto the sealant of the exterior of the structure is applied, on the exterior of the structure, a paint that is water repellant and can screen out ultraviolet light, and applying, over the sealant of the interior of the structure, a clayey paint made of natural substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Yugenkaisha Japan Tsusyo
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20090100769
    Abstract: A prefabricated bathroom assembly and methods for its manufacture and installation are disclosed. For example, a prefabricated tub and/or shower assembly may be provided. In some embodiments, the prefabricated assembly may include at least a bathtub or a shower pan, tile surround(s), and a ceiling. The prefabricated assembly may be constructed substantially entirely off-site relative to a construction site and shipped to the construction site, for example, in substantially a single piece. Finishing face trim for making a seamless transition from the prefabricated assembly to the adjoining walls and ceiling may also be provided. In other embodiments, at least partially prefabricated panels (e.g., 3 wall panels and 1 ceiling panel), a tub or shower pan, the face trim, and/or other components may be shipped separately to the construction site for on-site assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Eggrock, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Barrett, Adam Hedgcock
  • Publication number: 20090090075
    Abstract: A shared space divider provides privacy on surfaces. The shared space divider comprises a hub that is placed on a portion of a surface, and at least one partitioning structure coupled to a portion of the hub. The at least one partitioning structure comprises a separator configured to partition the surface into two or more sections. The separator has a ribbon structure, an accordion structure, or a fan structure. The at least one partitioning structure is configured to extend from and retract into or, alternatively, fold out from and fold into the hub. In some embodiments, the shared space divider comprises at least one container for holding items commonly found on the surface. In other embodiments, the shared space divider comprises a clip for attaching to documents. Yet, in other embodiments, images such as advertisements are displayed on at least one of the separator and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Christi O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20090077904
    Abstract: A modular testing plant comprising at least two building modules which are designed as transportable containers and which each have two side walls and two transverse walls connecting the side walls, wherein at least one building module having a length L2 and a width B2 and designed as a first testing module for receiving a test item is provided, and at least one building module having a length L4 and a width B4 and designed as a first supply module for receiving supply technology is provided, wherein the first supply module is arranged above the first testing module and the length L4 is less than the length L2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: AVL DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Ziegler, Christoph Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7503990
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing splinters and minimizing the number of injuries attributable to falling onto pressure-treated wooden members, such as landscape ties or timbers used in play areas and landscape projects, through the use of a resilient cover. A cover and various embodiments include a moldable or extrudable waterproof material in the form of a channel having a top wall and two opposing side walls. The combination of channel thickness and composition provides an impact resistance suitable to prevent injuries when one falls upon it. The inner dimensions of the channel are such that the channel fits tightly over the top and sides of a construction beam or timber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Hiltz
  • Publication number: 20090056249
    Abstract: A modular space dividing system comprising at least one panel comprising two parallel surfaces and at least one cover-plate adapted to be connectable to the at least one panel. The at least one cover-plate is detachably mountable to the at least one panel and spaced apart therefrom by a distance defined by connecting members whereby an interstice is formed providing a raceway for conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Ilan Premislav, Matan Shachar, Ariel Strykowsky
  • Publication number: 20090053967
    Abstract: A building set includes a plurality of building components. The components may be configured so that one or more predefined structures may be constructed with a set of the components. For example, the set of components may be configured any number of predefined structures may be constructed, such as a table and chairs, a boat, a plane, and so on. The components may be made from a composition including polyolefin. The polyolefin may have a density in the range of about 1 pound per cubic foot (lb/ft3) to about 9 lb/ft3. As such, the components are compressible, resilient, and elastic. One or more of the components may include a first retaining element, and one or more of the components may include a second retaining element. The retaining elements are configured to engage together for securing or coupling the components together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNER, LLC
    Inventors: Arturo A. Maniquis, Terry M. Grill, Eduardo G. Gomez, Jill M. Karrenbrock
  • Publication number: 20090019813
    Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin Korman, John Ruskey, Douglas Priest
  • Publication number: 20090013639
    Abstract: A kit for building a modular building structure. The kit includes a wall panel having a wall panel body, the wall panel body defining a wall panel body first end and a substantially opposed wall panel body second end. The wall panel includes wall panel first and second attachments extending from the wall panel body and located respectively substantially adjacent the wall panel first end. The wall panel first and second attachments are spaced apart relative to each other by a predetermined distance. At least two substantially elongated posts, each including an attachment receiving section for receiving one of the wall panel first and second attachments are also provided. The kit further includes a substantially elongated post positioning member, the post positioning member defining substantially longitudinally opposed post positioning member first and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Jean-Robert Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20090000234
    Abstract: Concrete blocks having face surfaces embossed with non-geometric patterns. The blocks may be of various sizes with some having faces surfaces with lengths and heights that are multiples other blocks. The blocks may have multiple sizes, colors or combinations of colors, face surface patterns, and set back configurations. Also, walls formed from such blocks and mold boxes usable in the formation of the blocks are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy A. Bott, Robert A. Gravier
  • Publication number: 20080307747
    Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric panel system and method for production and use thereof, enabling the rapid construction of a building foundation wall or other structure and in particular a below-grade foundation. The polymeric foundation system includes polymeric wall panels and other components suitable for withstanding lateral and end compression loads. The walls include two parallel faces separated by a series of webs or ribs, where the webs and faces of the wall panels may be formed of a similar polymer material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The wall panels and/or other components may be extruded so as to enable the rapid production of sections of wall panels, where the panels may be cut to length and then affixed to adjacent panels to form a foundation wall. The method of affixing adjacent panels may include welding, gluing or other techniques and may be performed on the job site or in a pre-fabrication facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Robert B. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20080295447
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a corrugated steel floor panel comprises the steps of (a) providing a plurality of steel channel sections, each channel section having a length, a rectangular flat central portion with a pair of opposed long sides and a pair of opposed end sides, and a pair of opposed side walls depending downwardly from each of the long sides of the central portion; and (b) placing the channels sections along the corrugations of the floor panel such that the central portion of each channel section is proximate to the upper area of a corrugation and such that the pair of opposed side walls on each channel section depend downwardly towards a base area of a corrugation, and mechanically attaching the central portion of each channel section to an upper area of a corrugation with retainer pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Padilla
  • Publication number: 20080276553
    Abstract: An affordable, sustainable building, comprising substantially entirely mass-produced, prefabricated constituent parts manufactured off-site, the prefabricated constituent parts comprising a foundation, a frame module comprising a plurality of frames, wherein the frame module is secured to the foundation, a reversible connector to connect the plurality of frames to form the frame module, a wall panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, a floor panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, and a ceiling panel configured to be mounted on to the frame module. Each constituent part forms part of a library of parts from which the constituent parts are selected. The constituent parts are preferably made in standardized sizes to facilitate efficient mass production. The constituent parts are predominantly made of recyclable material so as to be environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Erla Dogg Ingjaldsdottir, Tryggvi Thorsteinsson
  • Publication number: 20080155937
    Abstract: In a method for making a house, a foundation plate (1) consisting of a lightweight concrete is cast directly; on a drained and leveled substratum such that it extends a distance (a) outside the external walls of the house. Grooves (2) are milled in the foundation plate (1) where prefabricated wall elements (5-8) later are to be erected, where the bottom of the grooves is exactly horizontal and at the correct level. Next, prefabricated wall elements (58) are placed into the respective grooves (2) and glued to each other and to the foundation in the grooves. The wall elements have a height which is about 45 cm larger than the inner roof height of the house in order to facilitate the casting of a sub-floor of lightweight concrete inside the house once pipes and conduits for sanitary and electrical installations have been laid, and after parts of the walls (5-8) which have been cut out to provide openings (3, 4) for doors and windows, have been placed on the foundation plate (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Fredrik Sontum
  • Publication number: 20080115442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sandwich wall panel comprising: at least two fine sand gypsum or concrete panels (I) in each of which a glass fiber web (2) is disposed at center, and at least one polystyrene panel (3), which are bonded alternatively. The surface layer and the bottom layer are the fine sand gypsum or concrete panels, and according to the requirement, the wall panel can be produced to have three or more layers of composite panels. The wall panel of the present invention has advantages of light weight, easy installation, strong loading capacity, no seam crack, no plaster, and good performance of thermal insulation, sound insulation and fireproof as well as it is suitable for internal wall and external wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chi Wai Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080083182
    Abstract: A portable flooring system has one or more hinge members which can be used to quickly connect and secure panels or slats of the flooring system for deployment, while also allowing fast disassembly and stacking for storage or transport. The hinge member(s) can comprise a living hinge element interfacing with a pair of female elements or a female element and a male element of adjoining flooring slats. In one embodiment, the hinge elements are welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the flooring panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward Bindon
  • Publication number: 20080072501
    Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Jan Ligas, Nicholai Gomozov
  • Patent number: 7337591
    Abstract: A structural forming assembly comprises wall molding panels for forming laterally spaced, opposed molding surfaces that define a wall mold cavity for forming a wall structure. The wall panels are vertically disposed and laterally spaced to provide the molding surfaces along opposed sides of the wall mold cavity. Reinforcement rod suspending grid elements attached to the opposed wall forming panels are for freely positioning and retaining horizontally and freely disposed reinforcement rods at a preselected horizontal location spaced inwardly from each opposed molding surface within the mold cavity, and at spaced preselected vertical locations between the molding surfaces. The rod suspending elements are effective to retain reinforcement rods in place at the preselected horizontal and vertical locations while the hardenable material is being poured into an upwardly directed top mold opening and allowed to harden within the wall mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Inteplast Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Enrique Molina
  • Patent number: 7290379
    Abstract: A flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening is provided. The flashing includes a base member with first and second portions that are angled so that an outer surface of the first portion can be disposed against a sill of the opening and an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed against one of the jambs of the opening. A front face plate of the flashing extends perpendicularly from the first and second portions of the base member, and a plurality of channels in the base member are structured to direct water toward and through the front face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: L. Ross Allen
  • Patent number: 7185467
    Abstract: A permanent form building assembly includes one or more GRC forms having a one or more open cavities and a reinforcement structure. The GRC forms are designed and configured for a predetermined application. The reinforcement structure is inserted within the open cavities of the GRC forms prior to filling with concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Oscar Marty
  • Patent number: 7143564
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinforced panel that includes a face sheet having an interior side and an exterior side, a plurality of integral and intersecting ribs having distal ends and projecting from the interior side of the face sheet to form contiguous cells, and a reinforcing member positioned in a channel and secured thereto for increasing bending resistance of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Renck
  • Patent number: 7127865
    Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric panel system and method for production and use thereof, enabling the rapid construction of a building foundation wall or other structure and in particular a below-grade foundation. The polymeric foundation system includes polymeric wall panels and other components suitable for withstanding lateral and end compression loads. The walls include two parallel faces separated by a series of webs or ribs, where the webs and faces of the wall panels may be formed of a similar polymer material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The wall panels and/or other components may be extruded so as to enable the rapid production of sections of wall panels, where the panels may be cut to length and then affixed to adjacent panels to form a foundation wall. The method of affixing adjacent panels may include welding, gluing or other techniques and may be performed on the job site or in a pre-fabrication facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Robert B. Douglas
  • Patent number: 7121061
    Abstract: A method of forming a portion of a monolithic concrete building provides for two-dimensional support of horizontally extensive portions of the building at all times and thus reduces the strength required of the vertically extensive supports. The method employs flanged wall members having horizontal extents substantially equal to the selected room size. Each of the wall members has at least one flange extending horizontally towards a parallel facing wall member by about ten to twenty five percent of the intramural separation between the walls of the room being constructed. Horizontal floor or ceiling slabs that link the horizontal flanges may be cast in situ using a form plate supported by a temporary trussed joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Omar Abdul Latif Jazzar
  • Patent number: 7114305
    Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: BEBOtech Corporation
    Inventor: Werner Heierli
  • Patent number: 7086209
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method for constructing, transporting and erecting buildings. The subject invention also relates to buildings which can be transported and erected at a desired site. Advantageously, a specific embodiment of the subject invention can be relocatable. The subject invention is advantageous in situations where an individual or group, such as a school system or construction company, needs temporary, portable buildings which can easily be constructed and broken down for transportation to a new site. In a specific embodiment, the subject method utilizes durable construction materials to comply with building codes and withstand the rigors of years of service in a variety of environmental conditions in addition to providing rapid construction and relocation benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Nelson, L.C.
    Inventors: Richard A. Pruitt, Dennis K. Towell
  • Patent number: 6976344
    Abstract: A method of constructing building module and resulting building module are provided, the building module including a building floor panel oriented substantially horizontally; a number of exterior wall panels having exterior wall panel faces and exterior wall panel ends, the exterior wall panels being positioned upright and end to end on the floor panel to form an enclosure; a number of wall panels having wall panel connection plates having a plate connection structure and having a plate anchor structure embedded in exterior wall panel faces at exterior side wall panel ends, the plate connection structure registering with and being immediately adjacent and welded to wall panel connection plates of adjacent exterior wall panels; and at least one roof panel having roof panel faces and roof panel ends and resting on top of a number of the exterior wall panels and having roof connection plates with plate connection structures registering with and being immediately adjacent and welded to plate connection structures
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Wallace D. Sanger
  • Patent number: 6939422
    Abstract: A method for building a sheet pile wall includes providing a first sheet pile having a leading sheet pile interlock with an interlock chamber, driving the first sheet pile into the ground while protecting the interlock chamber from ground material and providing a second sheet pile having a trailing sheet pile interlock with an interlock head. The method further includes coating a fixing agent as a surface layer on the interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock, engaging the coated interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock in the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock and driving the second sheet pile into the ground so that the trailing sheet pile interlock interlocks with the leading sheet pile interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Arcelor Rails, Piles & Special Sections
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Moulin, André Rix
  • Patent number: 6790500
    Abstract: A multilayer insulation having a plurality of layers laminated together, and a plurality of depressions positioned proximate to edges of the multilayer insulation, the plurality of depressions forming insulated tabs on the multilayer insulation. An adhesive layer may be provided on one or more insulated tabs. In one embodiment, the depressions are positioned and sized to allow folding of the insulated tabs to form an integrated spacer. In another embodiment, the depressions are positioned and sized to allow receiving of an insulated tab of an adjacent insulation. In this regard, the depressions and the insulated tabs are preferably sized the same width to allow interlocking of the multilayer insulation to an adjacent multilayer insulation. A method of installing insulation is also described for providing an integrated spacer or interlocking adjacent insulation pieces. A method of manufacturing insulation with a depression that defines an insulated tab is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Cory L. Groft, Thomas W. Dauber
  • Patent number: 6705059
    Abstract: Apparatus which is capable of rotatably carrying a fabric roll in a vertical orientation and which is movably attachable to an element of a known fabricated wall structure. In particular, such apparatus is useful in the practice of dispensing a sheet of vapor retarding fabric when constructing insulated fabricated wall structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Guardian Fiberglass, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Romes
  • Patent number: 6688055
    Abstract: A multilevel spiral incremental structure and construction method for residential and/or commercial buildings is disclosed. The present structure is constructed using a plurality of prefabricated modular units or pods which are substantially similar in their size and configuration and assembled symmetrically about a central core designed to contain ductwork, conduit, vents, pipes and other utility apparatus. The pods are supported on stepped foundation piers at progressively higher elevations based upon a calculated vertical increment factor. In a preferred embodiment six pods are arranged about a central core to produce a hexagonal structure resulting in a vertical increase of about ten feet or one story in floor elevation per revolution about the core. The present construction may be cost effectively expanded into a multilevel building by adding new pods after the initial construction phase without digging a new foundation or demolishing portions of the original structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Lindsley
  • Patent number: 6658812
    Abstract: A domed construction is formed by positioning and temporarily supporting a series of elongate structural elements in radially-extending positions, and forming structural joints between the adjoining radial edges of the structural elements, such that the series of structural elements form a self-supporting shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew David Tomlinson, Martin James Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6637169
    Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Niese, Paul W. Elliott
  • Patent number: 6609346
    Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier block) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided. Upon constructing a deck, pier blocks are positioned on a building site with vertical support elements placed within the center socket of those pier blocks determined to have their upper ends below a desired predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Pro Shop Plans Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hoffman, Sam H. Bright
  • Patent number: 6536181
    Abstract: The method for building an underground structure capable of utilizing a part of a permanent structure as a strut for earth construction, comprises the steps of: driving in an H-section steel pile on a boundary line at which a building is installed; driving a center pile on a position where the pillar of the building is installed; carrying out a primary excavating work; coupling the H-section steel pile with a concrete retaining wall by means of a fixing shear connecting means, thereby constructing an underground composite retaining wall; installing a girder to be used as a part of a permanent structure on the composite retaining wall by means of an embedded plate an assembling and disposing the girder to the center pile; and carrying out a secondary excavating work and repeating the steps after the primary excavating work until the earth is excavated up to the lowermost part of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Won Kee Hong
  • Patent number: 6530553
    Abstract: A method for making a poured-in-place concrete building having a plurality of rooms includes assembling an outer form around a periphery of a floor and positioning a plurality of unitary room forms within the periphery of the floor. Each unitary room form may include a plurality of rigid panels connected together along respective adjacent sides thereof defining a closed shape with an open bottom and an open top and having a draft thereto to facilitate removal as a unit. The method may also include pouring concrete between the outer form and adjacent unitary room forms and between adjacent unitary room forms to provide outer concrete walls and interior concrete walls, respectively, to define the rooms. Further, each of the unitary room forms may be removed as a unit from adjacent concrete walls, the outer form may be disassembled, and a roof may be provided over the rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Philip A. Diorio, Enrique Rodriguez Negrón
  • Patent number: 6516580
    Abstract: A method of including the selection of cementitious fiber wallboard panels coated on the exterior surface by a coating of water based acrylic to control the fluid absorption rate therethrough. Such wallboards are installed on a building frame with the adjacent edges of the panels forming narrow gaps for receipt of suitable caulk to such gaps and applying a high build flexible resinous latex emulsion over the coating and joints and allowing it to cure at a rate dictated by atmospheric conditions and the fluid absorption rate of such coating and tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Multicoat Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Maietta
  • Patent number: 6510659
    Abstract: An easily constructed highly secure, walk-in vault uses pre-cast panels. A door frame is molded into one of the panels. The panels have interlocking joints with adjacent panels. The interlocking joints are protected with continuous, double burglary-proof seams situated in the interior of the vault. Abutting panels are securely held together by metal rods that penetrate the interlocking joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: Mark L. Boyer, Michael E. Barker
  • Publication number: 20020174619
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of construction of a wall (40) from first, second and end modules (10, 20, 30) each forming part of the wall. The method includes assembly of two modules being first, end or first and end modules (10, 30) having portions forming part of the wall (40) by aligning these modules (10) in a desired alignment and connecting them together with connection means (50) to form a supporting structure (200) for second modules (20). The connection means (50) has a tie portion (51) generally extending in the direction of the alignment. The tie portion (51) has a portion corresponding with connection portions (26) of a second module (20) and cooperation of the corresponding tie portion (58), extending between guides (56) formed as part of the tie portion (51), with the connection portions (26) connects the second module (20) to the supporting structure (200). In such manner, a portion of a wall (40) may be constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: George Khalil Hanna
  • Publication number: 20020112443
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a partition frame having vertical upright frame members positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and multiple horizontal frame members attached to the upright frame members in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of discrete slots are defined in each of the horizontal frame members. Cover panels are mounted on the partition frames that permit access to the slots, and off-module connectors with hooks are provided for engaging the slots for interconnecting furniture units in off-module positions. For example, the hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a furniture unit, such as a partition panel, perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon,, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Publication number: 20020092255
    Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Niese, Paul W. Elliott
  • Patent number: 6418681
    Abstract: A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another, such that connected panel members together form a wall. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each panel member and two one-piece corner members each comprise a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Each corner member can be removably connected to a respective end of the wall. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the modular barrier system can further include two side panel members, each side panel member being able to connect to a respective end of the wall such that the wall is self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Dunks
  • Publication number: 20020078659
    Abstract: Invention is a synergistic whole comprised of processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, in this example autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams, resulting in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher M. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20020066256
    Abstract: A system and method for constructing housing employs a plurality of base platform sizes and then imposes restrictions on the number and sizes of rooms possible for each platform to develop a uniform building standardization wherein each subcontractor and manufacturer can achieve lower costs by standardization of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Lon E. Oberpriller, Joseph T. Mengel
  • Patent number: 6397555
    Abstract: An interlocking block for constructing walls without mortar at bed joints includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a web arrangement connecting the walls, wherein upper and lower surfaces of the block when in use are formed in contact with walls of a mold, and the block is slipped from the mold in a direction parallel to the mold walls. Interlocking recesses and ridges are formed in one piece with the walls of the block. The web is minimal in cross-sectional area and is positioned at one end of the block and between the top and bottom to create large empty volumes defining vertical and horizontal passages. The block can include one or more intermediate walls parallel to the inner and outer walls and additional webs to connect the intermediate walls to the inner and outer walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jorge Pardo
  • Patent number: 6393797
    Abstract: An insulated roof or wall structure is formed by creating a depth of drape to the approximate thickness of the R-value of a fiberglass insulation batt in a draped, untaut sheet of vapor barrier material which defines an insulation cavity in which the fiberglass is located thereby minimizing compression of the fiberglass and approximating in the structure its intended R-value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Guardian Fiberglass, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Romes
  • Patent number: 6367217
    Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Niese, Paul W. Elliott