Michael J Christopher

US Patent:

52937283, Mar 15, 1994

Filed:

Sep 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/946756

Inventors:

Michael E. Christopher - Houston TX
Oscar J. Chauvin - Pasadena TX

Assignee:

Texas Aluminum Industries, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E04B 700
E04B 900
E04C 200

US Classification:

525881

Abstract:

A modular building panel having an interlock mechanism for connecting building panels in series is disclosed, includes two metal sheets separated by an insulating foam core bonded to the sheets and a first interlocking member on one side and a second interlocking member on the other side. The male connector configuration as well as the female connector configuration in this invention are both formed of curvilinear surfaces. The male connector as well as the female connector extends outwardly from the side faces of the foam so that the foam is protected from damage. The male connector is formed by bending the metal edge almost back upon itself. The female connector includes a V-shaped valley to ultimately receive the male connectors when the male connectors are in a nested position. The male and female connectors provide a double gutter system to improve the prevention of leakage and condensation.

US Patent:

56176821, Apr 8, 1997

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/474514

Inventors:

Michael E. Christopher - Houston TX

Assignee:

Texas Aluminum Industries, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E04B 718

US Classification:

52200

Abstract:

A skylight panel has a first skylight frame adapted to be adjacently positioned to the first building panel. The first skylight frame includes an upper and a lower first connector respectively coupled to the top of the first skylight frame and the bottom of the first skylight frame. The upper and lower first connectors are adapted to be coupled to the upper and lower connectors of the first building panel. A first lower flange is mounted to the first skylight frame for supporting one side of the radiation attenuating member. The skylight panel also includes a second skylight frame adapted to be adjacently positioned to the second building panel. The second skylight frame includes an upper and a lower second connector respectively coupled to the top of the second skylight frame and the bottom of said second skylight frame. The upper and lower second connectors are adapted to be coupled to the upper and lower connectors of the second building panel. The second skylight frame also includes a second lower flange mounted to the second skylight frame which cooperates with the first lower flange to support the radiation attenuating member.

US Patent:

54108497, May 2, 1995

Filed:

Mar 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/209980

Inventors:

Michael E. Christopher - Houston TX

Assignee:

Texas Aluminum Industries, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E04B 700
E04B 900
E04C 200

US Classification:

523092

Abstract:

A modular building panel having a roofing surface capable of accepting roofing shingles is disclosed, and includes two metal sheets separated by an insulating foam core bonded to the sheets and a first interlocking member on one side and a second interlocking member on the other side. A construction material capable of supporting roofing shingles by support roofing nails is positioned in a groove at the top surface of the foam core, and with the core is covered on its roofing surface by a metal sheet.

US Patent:

53636155, Nov 15, 1994

Filed:

Jun 9, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/074221

Inventors:

Michael E. Christopher - Houston TX
Gerald N. Cochran - Dickinson TX

Assignee:

Texas Aluminum Industries, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E04B 156
E04C 302

US Classification:

52272

Abstract:

The energy-efficient sun room of this invention includes a generally rectangular or box-like frame assembly including a front wall, opposing side walls with a curved transition section between a flat, major roof portion and the front wall. The flat, major roof portion includes a plurality of roof frame members which mount insulated roof panels to provide insulation against the sun. The curved transition section mounts curved glass panel members to enhance the overall open appearance of the insulated sun room of this invention. The insulated roof panels and the curved sections of the glass panels are mounted in a continuum to provide an attractive, insulated but open appearing sun room.