Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-25
2001-02-06
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Processes
C052S410000, C052S514000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182415
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a joist finding device and, more particularly to a joist finding device capable of locating a joist situated beneath a carpeted floor and a method for locating a joist.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Squeaky floors can be an annoyance or even a dangerous structural defect. The squeak occurs due to an imperfect relation between a solid flooring material and the joists supporting the flooring material. Such squeaky floors are clearly discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,466 to Jon L. O'Berry, fully incorporated herein by reference. One of the key factors, in solving a squeaky floor problem by eliminating or minimizing the squeak, is locating the joist, which supports the floor at the point where the squeak is occurring.
In a carpeted room, it is difficult to use a standard device to locate a joist. One standard device is magnetic detector. Another is a sound echo check. Neither of these devices is efficient, especially in a carpeted room.
For example, the magnetic detectors for the nails in the joist cannot be used in view when carpeting is on the floor.
The carpeting insulates the nails from a magnetic detection device. Yet, it is still desired to locate the joist as efficiently as possible. With the joist being located as efficiently as possible, the squeak in the floor can be eliminated as efficiently as possible.
Sound echo location is also prevented by the carpeting on the joist. It is difficult, if not impossible, to develop any reasonable sound distinction of a nail or a joist through the carpet on a carpeted floor, and thereby locate a joist.
It is undesirable to have the device for locating the joist be expensive or complicated to use. It is desired to achieve these results with a very simple uncomplicated device. Such actions on the part of the device can permit the squeaks to be acted on in an efficient manner. Such efficiency provides for the more effective use of an invention as described in the above cited patent.
Also, any joist locating procedure must occur with minimal or no damage to the surface. This is difficult to accomplish, when neither echo or sound detection, nor magnetic detection works well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a device to locate a joist.
A further objective of this invention is to provide a screw to locate a joist, which may be easily removed.
A still further objective of this invention is to provide a screw to locate a joist, which causes minimal damage to the floor, resting on the joist.
Yet a further objective of this invention is to provide a method of locating a joist for a carpeted floor, which is superior to a magnetic location method.
Also an objective of this invention is to provide a method of locating a joist for a carpeted floor, which is superior to a sound location method.
A further objective of this invention is to provide a device to locate a joist, which may be easily removed.
A still further objective of this invention is to provide a device to locate a joist, which causes minimal damage to the floor, resting on the joist.
Yet a further objective of this invention is to provide a device to locate a joist for a carpeted floor, which is superior to a magnetic location method.
These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a screw having a head at one end, and a threaded portion at and adjacent to an opposing end, which is oppositely disposed from the head, with a long smooth barrel between the head and the threaded portion. A washer may fit over the barrel and threaded portion, but not the head in order to provide for the screw to be pulled from the floor, to complete the device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3977142 (1976-08-01), Dove et al.
patent: 4453361 (1984-06-01), Hulsey
patent: 4463753 (1984-08-01), Gustilo
patent: 4572720 (1986-02-01), Rockenfeller et al.
patent: 4713886 (1987-12-01), Ikeda
patent: 5118235 (1992-06-01), Dill
patent: 5295774 (1994-03-01), Roberts
patent: 5371992 (1994-12-01), O'Berry
Kent Christopher T.
O'Berry Enterprises, Inc.
Perrone, Jr. Mathew R. P.
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