Tubular Structure With Exposed Terminus Edge Protector Patents (Class 52/244)
  • Patent number: 9470001
    Abstract: A column includes a shaft, a capital assembly, and a base assembly. The capital assembly has an indexing member that attaches to an overhead support. The indexing member aligns the capital, which in turn, vertically aligns the shaft. The base assembly includes a retaining ring that attaches to an underlying support surface. The retaining ring has a plurality of notches arranged to form a cross-hair with an intersection located at the center of the retaining ring. The column also includes an alignment mechanism configured to be suspended from a center of the indexing member. When being aligned, the alignment mechanism is suspended below the indexing member substantially over the center of the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Column & Post, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Douglas Koren
  • Patent number: 9057519
    Abstract: A chimney cap assembly capable of being secured to a chimney or flue of either air-cooled or non-air-cooled types, embodiments of the chimney cap assembly including a collar member and an overlap joint. The collar member having a compressible portion with an outside circumference that is compressible to a compressed circumference smaller than an opening of the chimney or flue. The collar member also having an overlap joint with a pivot whereby the compressible portion of the collar member can be compressed. Embodiments of the chimney cap assembly include the collar member being attached to a base. Embodiments of the cap assembly also include means to form a ledge on the chimney or flue and a lower mesh structure. Also disclosed are embodiments of kits to provide such means to form a ledge and a lower mesh structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Improved Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Paynton, Richard H. Paynton
  • Patent number: 9021758
    Abstract: A protective cover for an exposed end of a rebar has a collar with a closed end and an open end and a cap disposed within the collar. The cap has a closed end and an open end that is exposed to the open end of the collar such that an end of a rebar that is introduced into the open end of the collar will extend into the open end of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Vasken Kassarjian
  • Patent number: 8984822
    Abstract: A roof-penetrating pipe is covered with a sealing pipe. An annular part overlies the roof-penetrating pipe and a downward extension fits into the roof-penetrating pipe to center the sealing pipe. A flexible seal has an upper part tightly gripping the sealing pipe. A compression ring compresses the upper part against the sealing pipe. The flexible seal is slid downward on the sealing pipe. A base on the flexible seal is secured to the roof. A roof penetrating pipe which is difficult to seal or which cannot be sealed due to corrosion, breakage or oxidation is covered with a cover sleeve apparatus. The cover sleeve provides a smooth sealing surface for application of a standard roof pipe flashing device. The cover sleeve is manufactured from materials to withstand the elements and to meet industry standard sizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lifetime Tool & Building Products, LLC
    Inventors: Roger M. Cline, Mark MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 8813434
    Abstract: A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin M. Koppelman, Melissa M. Champine
  • Patent number: 8776464
    Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Vasken Kassarjian
  • Patent number: 8484915
    Abstract: A concrete filled tubular steel column includes a longitudinally extending vertical tubular steel shell and an inner tubular steel member disposed at the center of the steel shell. A plurality of spaced vertical steel plates extend from the inner members toward but not abutting the steel shell. In addition a plurality of horizontally disposed perforated pipes extend outwardly from the inner member and have a plurality of meltable polymer plugs or caps to prevent plastic cement from flowing into or closing the openings. In the event of fire the plastic or polymer plugs or caps melt and allow gases and smoke to flow into the pipes and up through the inner member and out therefrom at the top of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Husain Abbas, Yousef A. Al-Salloum, Saleh H. Alsayed, Mohammed S. Alhaddad
  • Patent number: 8434274
    Abstract: A nest exclusion device is releasably attachable to a tower such as a cell tower, such that when installed it deters Osprey and other raptors from nesting on the tower structure, but is easily disengaged to permit worker access to the tower antenna mount structure, and can be easily reassembled. The device includes a center pole that extends upwardly away from the tower. A cap is attached to a top of the center pole, and a plurality of brackets are spaced about a periphery of the antenna mount structure with a maximum spacing between adjacent brackets of 18 inches. A plurality of cable assemblies extend from the cap to the brackets to define a tapering structure, converting the snag-shaped tower to a more conical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Clifford M. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8316590
    Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels is supported in rows and columns spaced from one another using a foldable bi-directional span of support members. The support members include a plurality of support joists and support rails braced at an incline. Each support rail is tubular and generally rectangular, having a lower wall section with a T-slot channel for acceptance of the head of a bolt for adjustable attachment with the support joist. Also, the support rail may have a C-slot channel for retaining electrical wires. Clips are used to secure each panel to upper wall portions of underlying support rails. Each clip has a generally U-shaped gasket and is retained to a corresponding support rail through a threaded hole in a top wall of the support rail that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventor: Paul R. Cusson
  • Patent number: 8256169
    Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Robert J. Voytilla, Michael G. Greenamyer, Thomas P. Kilar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8098433
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Windsor Rillie, Keith Robert Kopitzke, Ding Yao Shay, Paul August Jaster
  • Patent number: 8091296
    Abstract: A storm collar includes a shield, an upper anchoring collar, support arms, and a lower anchoring collar. The upper anchoring collar secures the shield to an exhaust stack. The support arms are attached to the underside of the shield and the lower anchoring collar. Gaskets are placed between the joints of the storm collar pieces and between the exhaust stack for a tight fit. The angle of the support arms and the shield provide a compression fit based on the load supported by the shield. The storm collar protects the flashing and joints around an exhaust stack from damage caused by moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA)
    Inventor: Michael William Horn
  • Patent number: 8087144
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping and encapsulating a shaped wooden workpiece or substrate to protect against environmental elements and prevent splintering of the wooden substrate in the installed condition is disclosed. An inventive end cap having a melt ring integrally formed therewith is installed on a portion of the substrate, such as a terminus of the substrate. According to the invention, the wooden substrate is sheathed during a polymeric extrusion process with a substantially continuous, unbroken polyethylene or other polymeric layer extending from and continuous with the inventive end cap. During the extrusion process, the melt ring integrally formed along the annular walls of the end cap melt the encapsulant and form a substantially sealed configuration with the polymeric layer applied to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Don Kain
  • Publication number: 20110005156
    Abstract: A damage prevention housing for a roof pipe may include a hollow body having an interior dimensioned to enclose a roof pipe on a roof, the hollow body having an open proximal end suitable for positioning over the roof pipe and a partially closed distal end dimensioned to preclude access by rodents but allow movement of gases therethrough. The hollow body may further include an aperture positioned adjacent to the proximal end for allowing liquids and gases to move through the aperture and a fastener for securing the hollow body in a fixed position relative to the roof pipe and the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy John Laufer
  • Patent number: 7828161
    Abstract: A reinforced rack truss base to protect against damage to a rack truss storage system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7823347
    Abstract: A structural member includes a tubular main body with attached, radially oriented longitudinal flanges. The structural member and accessory components are used to construct a variety of versatile, strong, lightweight, easily assembled, easily disassembled, and easily transportable devices and structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Blinn
  • Patent number: 7775005
    Abstract: A vent pipe covering system for efficiently forming a seal between a vent pipe structure and a supporting structure. The vent pipe covering system generally includes a base, a body extending from the base and a coupler extending from the body opposite the base. The base includes a first opening and the body includes a passageway, wherein the passageway longitudinally extends through the body and interconnects with the first opening. The coupler includes a retaining cavity to extend over an outermost end of a pipe extending through the passageway and the first opening, wherein the body and passageway may expand and retract to accommodate various length pipes via an expandable portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: Lorne G. Johnston, Mona A. Bareham
  • Patent number: 7647736
    Abstract: A protective device for use in protecting an end of an I beam, the protective device comprising a front element having a front, a rear and a pair of sides, the sides being formed of first and second side walls which taper inwardly from the rear to form a narrow front surface, and an element for securing the front element to the end of the I beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Dany Dion
  • Patent number: 7490806
    Abstract: A storage rack column protector includes a base plate securable to the floor and with an upstanding flange at one end thereof, the base plate providing a support surface on which the column sits in use. A buffer housing incorporating a resilient block is disposed on the side of the flange remote from the column, the housing embracing the flange. In the event of impact the buffer housing and the resilient block move to absorb the shock and thus protect the column from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Equipement Boni inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Rioux
  • Patent number: 7472522
    Abstract: Briefly, this invention comprises a rebar protective cover for use on the projecting free end of a concrete reinforcing bar to prevent impact injuries comprising: (a) a hollow cylindrical collar, having an open end and a closed end, (b) an overhanging impact head of substantial extent projecting laterally outwardly beyond the closed end of said collar, (c) a bowl-shaped shaping member having the concave surface facing the open end of the collar, (d) a solid cementitious member occupying the space between said closed end of the collar and the underside of said shaping member, said cementitious member having a surface abutting the underside of said shaping member complementary to said shaping member and adapted to resist impact penetration, said protective cover preventing penetration of the cover by rebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mutual Industries North, Inc.
    Inventor: Yongjian Yang
  • Publication number: 20080256883
    Abstract: An improved cover for an outlet intended to exhaust gases from a building to the atmosphere and particularly for chimneys intended to exhaust the products of combustion and for vents intended to exhaust ventilating air from within a building. The cover prevents precipitation as rain, sleet and snow from entering into the outlet while allowing the exhaust gases to rise away from the building in a vertical column essentially unimpeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 7234566
    Abstract: Inserts (10 or 10A) for mounting rails (302) for rollers (301) on a cab in a shaft (300) of an elevator are described. Also, insert 10A is particularly useful for mounting flooring in the elevator shaft (300). The insert can be used as a support for a hoist or winch (310).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Vertical Solutions Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John Scott Simmons
  • Patent number: 7104514
    Abstract: A barrier for protecting a post, or similar vertical column secured to the floor. The barrier being formed to provide an interior enclosure and to be spaced away from the post when positioned around the post. The barrier having structure entirely interior thereto for securing the barrier to the floor and a prow-like front portion connected to side portions extending rearwardly of the surrounded post for front-to-back support strength and lateral deflective flexibility to absorb impact directed against the prow-like front of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Jeff Ciarlo
  • Patent number: 7021016
    Abstract: An adornment for a post is provided, wherein the adornment is any two of a cap adapted to be disposed at the upper end of a post, a base ring adapted to be disposed around a lower end of a post, and a cap ring adapted for disposition around an upper end of the post below and against the cap, as a modular combination of at least two adornment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, David J. Stucky, Robert D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6959903
    Abstract: A cast in place chimney form and installation method therefor. The cast in place form being of a relatively light weight construction and having physical and visual features that allow it to be used as a chimney cap form and to be left as an element of the finished chimney cap. The method of installation comprising the positioning of the form with relation to a step of chimney construction and the pouring of the chimney cap with the form being left in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventors: Albert C. West, Donald B. Samia
  • Patent number: 6804921
    Abstract: A plastic cap is securable to a tubular fence picket or like construction component by a strong frictional fit when a tubular attachment portion of the cap is pressed into an open end of the construction component. An attachment portion of the cap is tapered to facilitate insertion of the cap, and lines of flexure permit a pair of walls forming the attachment portion to partially collapse without loss of structural integrity in order to allow the attachment portion of the cap to fit tightly inside the corresponding construction component. The lines of flexure include grooves formed in walls of the attachment portion and thinned and rounded corner regions of the attachment portion. Slit-like gaps separate the deformable walls from a decorative top portion of the cap, in order to allow walls of the attachment portion to partially collapse independently of the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Associated Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Neylon
  • Patent number: 6688057
    Abstract: The present invention aims to reduce the manufacturing work load of a structure of a liner of a concrete wall. A plurality of liner anchors 10 is constructed longitudinally to one surface of a liner 11, and a plurality of flat bars 14 is constructed transversely to the other surface of the liner 11. Concrete for a reinforced concrete wall is installed using the liner 11 reinforced longitudinally and transversely by the liner anchors 10 and the flat bars 14 as a formwork, and the liner is constructed to the concrete wall by burying the liner anchors 10 to the concrete wall. Thereafter, the flat bars 11 are removed from the liner 14, according to need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayako Suzuki, Shigeru Nanba, Tsutomu Igari
  • Publication number: 20030106273
    Abstract: A plastic cap is securable to a tubular fence picket or like construction component by a strong frictional fit when a tubular attachment portion of the cap is pressed into an open end of the construction component. An attachment portion of the cap is tapered to facilitate insertion of the cap, and lines of flexure permit a pair of walls forming the attachment portion to partially collapse without loss of structural integrity in order to allow the attachment portion of the cap to fit tightly inside the corresponding construction component. The lines of flexure include grooves formed in walls of the attachment portion and thinned and rounded corner regions of the attachment portion. Slit-like gaps separate the deformable walls from a decorative top portion of the cap, in order to allow walls of the attachment portion to partially collapse independently of the top portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Associated Materials, Inc. d/b/a Alside
    Inventor: Stephen C. Neylon
  • Publication number: 20030070370
    Abstract: A window wrap used to accommodate and protect various thicknesses of drywall around a rough window frame, which forms a window frame with perfectly square corners. The window wrap has a jamb/sill extension and a wall extension, each extending perpendicular to each other. The wall extension has a front surface, a rear surface, and a distal surface extending between the front and rear surfaces, and is adjustable to fit various thicknesses of drywall panel. A layer of primer or adhesive laminate is applied to the front surface of each extension so that paint can bond to the front surface. The jamb/sill extension of the window wrap may also be made similar to the wall extension and used to form any depth of jamb/sill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Stibolt
  • Patent number: 6508907
    Abstract: A crown installation system for forming a crown in place on a pillar in a manner that avoids the need for heavy and complicated concrete form structures. The crown installation system includes a kit for forming a crown on a pillar, such as a chimney, having a perimeter wall with an outer surface and an upper surface converging at an outer upper perimeter edge. The kit includes a plurality of form members, with each form member being adapted for forming a portion of the outer surface of the crown. Each of the form members has opposite ends and an outer face. A plurality of support members are provided for supporting the form members. Each of the support members has a front surface for pressing against a portion of the outer surface of one of the form members. A tension member is provided for holding the support members in position against the form members such that the form members are restricted from outward movement. The invention also includes a method of utilizing the kit to form a crown on a pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Monte Lutz
  • Publication number: 20020043036
    Abstract: A cap (1) is provided for fitting to the end of a hollow post. A number of hollow posts are used in viticulture to support wires on which grape vines are trained to grow. Caps (1) are fitted to the ends of the posts to inhibit snagging of netting which is placed over the posts to attempt to protect a crop of grapes from being eaten by birds. The cap (1) has a generally domed head (3) and a stem (5). The stem (5) has at least one radially outwardly extending abutment (13, 15) which, in use, engages with an inner wall of a hollow post. The abutment (13, 15) provides an interference fit of the stem (5) in the post such that to insert the stem (5) substantially all the way into the post requires force fitting and either deformation or shearing of material from the abutment (13, 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Michael John Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 6282850
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for seismically retrofitting pre-existing household brick chimneys is described to meet current building codes. Vertical steel rebar and horizontal chimney anchors are inserted into the chimney and a polymer concrete is poured between the liner and the brick masonry thereby bonding to the chimney, the vertical steel rebar, and the horizontal chimney anchors. The horizontal chimney anchors are coupled at one end to the external face of the chimney and at another end to the interior frame of the house. Holes are vertically drilled into the masonry of the chimney base in order to anchor the steel rebar at one end. Holes are drilled through the chimney and into the interior of the house at an appropriate point to properly anchor the pre-existing chimney to the house. A polymer concrete that has similar heat properties to other fireplace components is poured into the chimney around a chimney liner in order to reinforce and provide resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Gary A. Dean
  • Patent number: 6223489
    Abstract: A construction block cap is used to cap the outer periphery of a construction block structure in order to permit the structure to be easily drop glazed into a frame. The construction block cap has a base member with a pair of flanges extending along and upwardly therefrom. A flange structure extends along and upwardly from the base member between the pair of flanges. The flange structure can be a single flange or a pair of flanges. The pair of flanges and the flange structure form a pair of parallel inner channels that receive the spacing flanges of the construction blocks used to make the construction block structure while the pair of flanges form a pair of outer channels that receive the cut edges of the cut faces of a construction block. Optional lips on the various flanges help hold the construction blocks in place and seal the structure within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Myles A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6145258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable, self-locking chimney cap which is screwless. The chimney cap comprises a stationary member and a removable member removably mountable to the stationary member. The stationary member comprises a base plate adapted to be secured to the end of the chimney or venting system and defining an opening, and a first tube mounted to the base plate around the opening. The removable member comprises a second tube adapted to slide over the first tube and a cap mounted to the second tube, the first and the second tubes comprising a pin and a corresponding bayonet slot adapted to receive the pin, whereby when the second tube slides over the first tube, the pin is received by the bayonet slot and locks the removable member with the stationary member. Such a chimney cap may be manually locked and unlocked in a single step, without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Trans Continental Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Dalton B. Barnoff
  • Patent number: 6073418
    Abstract: A unitary impervious boot member which includes a lip portion at the bottom thereof, which is fitted in substantial close tolerance around a chimney's flu tile. The lip portion of the member is sealed to the base of the upwardly extending flu tile by elastical pressure and optionally with adhesive such as silicone. The tightly fitted unitary impervious boot member is received and counterflashed by horizontal impervious member which substantially covers the entire horizontal surface of the sloped inner chimney structure before the cap is installed; and is sealed thereto by the gravitational pressure of the subsequently installed chimney cap and optionally with an adhesive such as silicone. Breathable weep lines are placed on top of the counterflashed horizontal impervious member to provide an exit for any trace moisture that may have penetrated the chimney cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Dana M. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6006479
    Abstract: A protective device which is quick and easy and non-messy to install for affording a moisture barrier to the upper surface of a pole. The device comprises a sheet of adhesive, moisture resistant, preferably elastomeric material for covering at least the upper surface of the pole and is adhesively attached to itself and/or the upper end portion of the pole for sealing the upper end portion against moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Osmose Wood Preserving, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Fayle
  • Patent number: 5970668
    Abstract: A chimney reinforcement device to be secured to a damaged or sound chimney comprising two front corner brackets and two rear corner brackets, which are bolted together to reinforce the upper portion of the chimney. Two wall mounting members are connected between the front corner brackets and the building so as to allow the front corner brackets to be firmly anchored to the building structural materials adjacent the chimney just below the roof line. The chimney reinforcement device further comprises two inclined arm member connected between the rear corner brackets and the roof such that the corner brackets are firmly anchored to the roof structure adjacent to the chimney. When the chimney reinforcement device is properly secured to a chimney, the chimney reinforcement device adds strength to the existing framework of the chimney and thereby prevents severe cracking or falling thereof during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Allan Arthurs, Stacy Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5829208
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hurricane or tornado shelter that is easily obtained or constructed form available elements that are already on the market and therefore does not require any major engineering to thereby keep the cost of installing the same very low and the cost can be shared by other families when installing the same. The structure used as a shelter consists of a steel reinforced cylindrical structure having a bell-shaped end at one end and a spigot at the other end. It is of a size to comfortably protect up to 10 people within its interior. One end of the structure is closed by a concrete end wall while the other end is partially closed by a slanting concrete deflector wall. The deflector wall at its upper end may or may not be fastened to the top of the cylindrical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: R. John Townley
  • Patent number: 5778611
    Abstract: A vent extension flashing assembly having a tubular outside vent stack cover which is secured to a substantially flat roof flashing base plate. The tubular outside vent cover has a diameter larger than the vent pipe to be covered by the vent extension flashing assembly. The assembly includes a tubular inner vent stack cover positioned within the tubular outer vent cover, wherein the tubular inner vent cover includes a diameter smaller than that of the covered vent pipe so as to fit within the covered vent pipe. When the assembly is positioned over the vent pipe, the vent pipe extends between the tubular outer vent cover and the tubular inner vent cover. A rigid expandable portion is formed on the innermost end of the inner vent cover and is capable of being expanded by a cam member to engage an inner surface of the vent pipe to hold the inner vent cover in place within the vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Michel
  • Patent number: 5660011
    Abstract: A shoe for a toilet compartment stile comprising a single piece of metal having two sides and three ends folded into a rectangular shape with two of the ends overlapping each other and defining a stile space, with the shoe being flexible for moving the overlapping ends apart sufficiently to pass a stile therethrough and position the shoe around the stile, the sides having first and second inwardly turned pairs of flanges with the inner edges of the first pair of flanges spaced apart a first distance and with the inner edges of the second pair of flanges spaced apart a second different distance, and with the overlapping ends having aligned openings for receiving a fastener for joining the overlapping ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bleeker, Frank Merriweather, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5595030
    Abstract: An aparatus adapted to be mounted on a sewer vent stack to inhibit frost buildup in cold weather including a supporting frame containing a central rotatable shaft with a wind turbine on the end exposed and four vanes on the end within the vent pipe. The rotation of the shaft will cause frost build up to be scraped off by the vanes. Lack of rotation in a breeze will indicate excessive build up and a possibly dangerous situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Calvin L. Pulscher
  • Patent number: 5469679
    Abstract: Protective, sealing cover made of flexible material for easy application over an exposed end of a cut reinforcing bar. The cover contains a water impermeable sealant which surrounds the end of the cut bar during the process of applying the cover. A dual function tool facilitates the process of cover application by first positioning the cover then setting a locking means to secure the cover to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Burkard, Norman G. Manley
  • Patent number: 5457929
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structural member comprising an elongated hollow thin metal shell and a filler moulded into the hollow thin metal shell. A reinforcing end piece is engaged with an end portion of the shell and is embedded in the filler in order to prevent the end portion of the shell from deforming in the process of injecting the filler into the shell and to prevent the end portions of the structural member from rupturing or breaking during transportation or construction thereof. In addition, the reinforcing end piece includes an inner wall in contact with an inner surface of the end portion of the shell, an outer wall spaced from the inner wall and in contact with an outer surface of the end portion, and a recessed portion provided between the inner and the outer walls for receiving the end portion of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Joong S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5444952
    Abstract: A chimney reinforcing device for increasing the resistance of a brick chimney to destruction during an earthquake. The chimney to be reinforced is of the type which extends above the roof line and which is built between two vertical studs within a wall. The chimney is reinforced by two shorter lengths of angle iron extending from near the top of the chimney to near the roof line and two longer lengths of angle iron which extend on the exterior corners of the chimney below the roof line. These four angle irons are tied together by one or more cables. The two longer lengths of angle iron are secured to the vertical studs providing a chimney top which is supported by the lower portion of the chimney and which is less likely to be destroyed in an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Paul R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5402613
    Abstract: A chimney cap for protecting the upper open end of a chimney flue from the ingress of undesirable elements, such as squirrels, raccoons and birds or the like, is disclosed. The cap comprises a housing having four perforated sides which are detachably connected to one another in succession, the four sides each being formed from a flat metal blank provided with slots at one vertical edge portion and upturned tongues at the opposite vertical edge portion, the tongues of each perforated side projecting through the slots of an adjoining perforated side to thereby secure the perforated sides to one another and present a four-sided enclosure. The foregoing abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: Frederic F. Giumenta, Frank J. Giumenta
  • Patent number: 5369925
    Abstract: A post protector which is placed around a portion of a column to be protected from impact or shock loading. The post protector is fastened to the floor and non-destructively absorbs impacts from objects which would otherwise impact the column. The post protector comprises an elongated portion which is placed adjacent and around the column. A flange is also provided which extends from the elongated portion and is fastened to the floor via openings through the flange. Fasteners are inserted through the openings which anchor the post protector to the floor. The flange also includes an elastic membrane which allows the post protector to elastically move upon impact whereby the post protector non-destructively absorbs the impact force of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hardy Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Vargo
  • Patent number: 5291707
    Abstract: Bird protector apparatus for attachment to the outlet end of a flue gas stack that emits flue gases into the atmosphere. The stack has a concentrically arranged outer annular member spaced from the inner stack for flow of gas therebetween. The protector apparatus prevents birds from alighting on the end of the stack as well as on the protector itself. The protector apparatus comprises a conical wire mesh screen of a size to preclude birds traveling therethrough and to freely allow flue gases to flow therethrough, and has a lower end opposed to an apex. A clamp attaches the lower end of the wire cone to the upper end of the stack, with the apex being axially aligned with the centerline of the stack. An apparatus can be included on the exterior of the wire cone to frighten birds from perching on the apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Dixie N. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5263297
    Abstract: A structural member comprises an elongated hollow thin metal shell and a concrete filler moulded into the hollow thin metal shell. A pair of reinforcing end pieces is engaged in both ends of the shell and is embedded in the concrete filler in order to prevent both ends of the shell from deforming in the process of injecting concrete mortar into the shell and to prevent both end portions of the structural member from rupturing or breaking during transportation or construction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Joong S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5125258
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and tools for forming sheet metal, and in particular, a method for making a chase top from a stock rectangular piece of sheet metal. Creasing tools are described that each have a handle member and a creasing wheel suspended therefrom cooperates with a support lip to form first and second crease lines and first and second flange areas along each perimeter edge of the workpiece. A reinforcing ridge tool is shown having a handle member with a wheel rotatively suspended therefrom is used to indent the sheet metal along desired lines inwardly of the crease lines to form reinforing ridges. A bending tool is described having cooperating bending members for clamping the workpiece along each second crease line for bending the workpiece there along to form vertical wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Richard L. Warner
  • Patent number: 5009047
    Abstract: A mold is provided for use in forming a chimney crown on the top of a chimney shell. The mold includes four side sections and four corner sections which are assembled together to form a complete unit. Each side section and each corner section has a base for contacting a top surface of the chimney shell and a band extending downwardly from the base for contacting an outer side surface of the chimney shell. Since part of this base extends outwardly beyond the chimney shell, the chimney crown overhangs the chimney shell preferably in a cantilever manner. Each side section of the mold also has an upper leg and a lower leg extending from the base at the outer end thereof. A hook trough extends inwardly from the upper leg into the chimney crown for anchoring the mold and for carrying water to drainage holes in the corner sections of the mold. A rope may be disposed in the hook trough to act as a wick for drawing excess moisture from the chimney crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Olding