Openwork; E.g., Truss, Trellis, Grille, Screen, Frame, Or Rebar Chair Patents (Class 52/633)
  • Publication number: 20040128937
    Abstract: A structure for forming a vertically orientated wall comprises a flexible front panel having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and substantially continuous front surface; a flexible rear panel positioned rearwardly and parallel to the front panel; and a plurality of cross members connecting the front and rear panels. The front and rear panels define an upwardly opening cavity therebetween for accepting filler material, such as concrete therein. The rear panel includes at least one longitudinally disposed laterally deformable portion, such as a channel or zig zag pattern, which allows for the associated expanding and contracting of the rear panel during adjusting of the arcuate configuration of the wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Laurent Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040128938
    Abstract: The explosion-safe wall includes a canvas wall structure and a wall support frame fixedly anchored to the ground. The canvas wall structure defines opposite first and second sides facing in respective opposite first and second tangential directions and comprises a brace assembly including a number of braces each having a convex brace wall oriented towards the first tangential direction. The canvas wall structure also comprises brackets fixedly attaching the brace assembly to the wall support frame, at least one canvas panel, and a number of yieldingly releasable attachment joints releasably attaching the canvas panel to corresponding braces, with the attachment joints defining a yielding resistance threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Cure, Louis Richard
  • Publication number: 20040128947
    Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that comprises a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ito, Yutaka Ochi, Toru Kato, Hiroshi Odani, Shintaro Tanaka, Kousuke Yoshimura, Atsushi Ochi, Kimio Mitani
  • Publication number: 20040123549
    Abstract: Truss assemblies of this invention comprise elongate chord elements having opposed first and second axial ends. Brace elements are used to orient and connect together the chord elements in a desired spatial orientation and have a plate structure. The brace elements comprise chord receiving openings disposed therethrough that are sized to accommodate placement of a respective chord element therein, and that are positioned to provide the desired spatial orientation between the chord elements. The chord element receiving openings and define a portion of the brace element that surrounds the chord element disposed within the opening. A connector is rotatably attached to an end of the chord elements to facilitate attaching the truss assemblies together for the purpose of forming a desired truss system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Ian Nicholas Coles
  • Publication number: 20040112007
    Abstract: An air gap spacer for use in building construction which can provide adequate spacing between the exterior surface of a building under construction, and the cladding or other exterior material being placed on the outer surface of the building, whereby the air gap spacer is disposed therebetween in order to provide an adequate air space which facilitates improved ventilation and water drainage through to the internal air gap, while allowing a firm backing to which exterior siding, shingles or brick may be attached. The air gap spacer is advantageously manufactured in 4′×8′ sheets of corrugated plastic, and, as such, will not rot. Application of the air gap spacer in 4′×8′ sheets involves less installation time, and, if necessary, a utility knife can be used to easily cut the air gap spacer sheet to size to fill in smaller areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Clarence Thibeau
  • Publication number: 20040107666
    Abstract: A column assembly for a display frame structure. The structure includes an open paralellpiped box frame structure having a plurality of frame segments coupled with a pair of end webbing members. An extension module, in the form of a hollow geometrically shaped sheet metal enclosure, may be coupled at one end of the box frame structure to form the column assembly. The paralellpiped box frame structure and extension module are capable of removably connecting with the other similar elongated box frame structures and extension modules to achieve a multiplicity of various display frame configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fritsche, Dan Berg, Jason Johnson
  • Patent number: 6742912
    Abstract: A light straightener for supporting a wire strand of lights separate from adjacent strands to prevent the strands from bunching up. The strands are retained in the straightener so they will not fall out regardless of the orientation of the straightener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Burys
  • Publication number: 20040049991
    Abstract: A multi-purpose structure, especially useful as a greenhouse or other plant-protective structure, comprising; (a) a framework comprising a plurality of vertical supports, said vertical supports being arranged in rows that extend the entire width of the structure, wherein each of said rows contains at least two vertical supports having substantially the same height, said framework further comprising a plurality of connecting members that connect the vertical supports in a row to one another at junction points located at the tops of said supports; the framework further comprises a plurality of permanent cross strips extending perpendicularly to said connecting members; (b) at least one flexible sheet adapted to be weaved through said connecting members and extending the entire length of the framework so as to form at least a part of a roof of said framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Avraham Arbel, Oded Yekutieli, Itzhak Kleinmann, Mordechy Barak, Hagai Beres
  • Publication number: 20040040246
    Abstract: A frame designed to hold worn or broken historical tombstones together indefinitely. The preferred stainless steel frame includes an integrated back panel on which the original inscription is engraved, thereby preserving the original inscription that may have faded due to age and weather to the point of illegibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: James Richard Vrhel
  • Patent number: 6694700
    Abstract: A fastener for use in forming a joint of a framework for a patio enclosure. The joint includes an end of an elongated first frame member fastened to a side of an elongated second frame member. The fastener includes a body having a first end and a second end defining an outer surface therebetween. The second end is adapted to fit in a hollow portion of the first frame member. The fastener further includes a plate extending outwardly from the body. The plate is adapted to be fastened to the side portion of the second frame member. A stop extends outwardly from the outer surface of the body. The stop provides for positioning of the fastener relative to the first frame member when the second end is positioned within the hollow portion of the first frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kraig D. Mackett
  • Patent number: 6675546
    Abstract: A universal connector that facilitates quick assembly and disassembly of substantially the same and/or different member trusses at substantially the same and/or different angles, one from the other, and which may vary from installation to installation. The universal connector comprises: a male threaded eye end; a female threaded fork end, the female threaded fork end hingedly fastened and mating with the male threaded eye end, one with the other; and opposing threaded barrel sleeves, one of the opposing threaded barrel sleeves fastened to the male threaded eye end, the other opposing barrel sleeve fastened to the female threaded fork end, the threaded barrel sleeves adapted to be fastened thereto truss member ends. The universal connector facilitates quick, easy, and safe assembly and disassembly of the trusses, and is capable of use in a large variety of structures and situations, with the same and/or different types of truss members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Total Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Coles
  • Patent number: 6655102
    Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a seconds aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: John L. LaRue
  • Patent number: 6553736
    Abstract: There is provided a metal chord member for use in a building system which chord member is formed of two or more interlocked generally U-shaped chord tubes. The chord tubes are interlocked by means of the provision of a plurality of equisized, equispaced, longitudinal ribs formed along the length of the depending side arms of the U-shaped chord tubes defining elongated recesses therebetween, the ribs on one of the chord tubes being adapted to interlock into and mate with the recesses defined between ribs on the adjacent chord tube and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Antonio Montanaro, Guiseppe Montanaro
  • Publication number: 20030046893
    Abstract: The elongated box frame structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of frame segments attached to at least one end piece. Preferably, two end pieces are attached, one at each end of the plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such that a column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within the frame segments is substantially free of webbing. Instead, structural strength and stability is achieved by the attached end pieces. The end pieces of one elongated box frame structure are capable of removably connecting with the end piece of other similar elongated box frame structures to achieve varying framing heights and other dynamic configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fritsche, Dan Berg, Jason Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030033785
    Abstract: A metal structuring system is disclosed preferably consisting of a plurality of inner wall elements and a plurality of outer wall elements fastened together to form the walls of a building/structure. The system uses the inner and outer metal wall elements as structural ingredients, as well as a cosmetic covering, to provide rigidity and strength, while also providing overall lightness. The attachment of the inner wall and outer wall elements, yields a single, hollow space between the inner and outer walls for the injection of an insulating materials, such as impregnated foam. The inner wall elements and the outer wall elements are preferably similar in shape and construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence T. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6513298
    Abstract: A web connector, a building component connection and a method for connecting a first building component to a second building component. One embodiment of the web connector includes a rib member that is attachable to a web portion of the first building component and an attachment plate extending outward from the rib member. The rib member may be sized so that it is received on a leg portion that protrudes from the web portion of the first building component. The attachment plate is attachable to an attachment flange of the second building component. In another embodiment, the web connector includes two rib members and an attachment member that forms two plates for attaching two additional building components thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Aegis Metal Framing LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. Rassel
  • Publication number: 20030009974
    Abstract: Tensegrity units may be used to form a tensegrity structure. Each tensegrity unit may include n face tension members, n continuous tension members, and n compression members. A bracket for the tensegrity unit may allow for adjustment of position of portions of the tension members when the tensegrity unit is not in a deployed state. The tension members may be coupled to the tensegrity unit so that there are no loose tension member ends. The unit may be deployed from a collapsed state by positioning the compression members and tension members in a proper orientation and adjusting the length of at least one compression member. Adjusting the length of at least the one compression member may allow tension to be applied to each tension member. A tensegrity structure may be formed from tensegrity units by joining a number of tensegrity units together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Katherine A. Liapi
  • Publication number: 20020194808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight reinforced beam which utilizes a tendon system to provide tension on a rigid panel structural frame made from wood, wood composite, plastic or other material. An alternative embodiment uses a tendon system to provide tension on a precast form made from a castable material such as concrete by post tensioning a shielded tendon. This tendon, made from steel, carbon fiber or similar materials, will resist a load imposed on the reinforced beam and will support a large load relative to the weight of the tendon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Frank W. Ratliff
  • Patent number: 6460307
    Abstract: A boom attachment for a prime mover for lifting and setting trusses, walls, beams, and related structural components. The boom attachment for a prime mover includes a boom assembly including a prime-mover attachment assembly being adapted to mount to a prime mover, and also including a plurality of elongate support members, and further including transverse and cross members interconnecting the elongate support members; and also includes an extension assembly being movably and adjustably mounted to the boom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas H. Blain, III
  • Publication number: 20020083674
    Abstract: A web connector, a building component connection and a method for connecting a first building component to a second building component. One embodiment of the web connector includes a rib member that is attachable to a web portion of the first building component and an attachment plate extending outward from the rib member. The rib member may be sized so that it is received on a leg portion that protrudes from the web portion of the first building component. The attachment plate is attachable to an attachment flange of the second building component. In another embodiment, the web connector includes two rib members and an attachment member that forms two plates for attaching two additional building components thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas A. Rassel
  • Patent number: 6412246
    Abstract: A truss is disclosed which comprises a bottom chord (12) and a pair of top chords (14, 16) arranged obliquely with respect to the bottom chord (12). Webs (20) are arranged between the top chords and the bottom chord. The webs have punched nails (46) projecting from connector plate (40) portions of the webs. The webs have a middle section (30) and load bearing portions (60) are provided between the middle section and the two connector plates (40) at opposite ends of the web (20). The load bearing portions are shaped for blunt end engagement with the chords without regard to the angle of intersection of the web with the chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tadich
  • Patent number: 6378264
    Abstract: A hollow frame member is constituted by two face plates 11, 12 (21, 22) joined in a truss shape by ribs 13, 13A, 13B (23, 23A, 23B). End portions of one of the face plates 11 and 21 are positioned in the vicinity of an apex of the truss structure of the hollow frame member. End portions of the other of the face plates 12b and 22b have a projection extending toward the end portions of the face plates 11 and 21. The face plates 12b and 22b are joined by friction stir welding from an upper portion. Next, a connection member 30 is arranged between the ends of the face plates 11 and 21, and from an upper portion the friction stir welding is again carried out. Due to the presence of the ribs 13A, 13B (23A, 23B), the load during the friction stir welding time is easily supported. Since the truss structure is formed totally, a light weight structure with a high rigidity performance can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kawasaki, Masakuni Ezumi, Masaki Yono, Toshiaki Sagawa
  • Publication number: 20020040560
    Abstract: An improved construction member or joist is disclosed that includes upper and lower chords connected by various members including first and second trimmable webs at either end thereof, which webs include end portions received in grooves in the upper and lower chords. Significantly, the profile of the end portions of the webs includes at least one notch or ridge that fits within a corresponding notch or ridge in the chord to provide a more secure attachment, even under unusual loading conditions. Supplemental webs are also provided that can be attached to the member at various locations to provide an additional degree of support only where needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Kent, Andrew G. Forsayeth
  • Publication number: 20020035813
    Abstract: A frame structure and process for its manufacture wherein supporting cross sections (1a) with at least one angle joint (11-19) and with reinforcing elements (4a, 5a) arranged at a right angle to the angle joint. The reinforcing elements are structural plates or corrugated sheets in which the structures or corrugations run in the longitudinal direction of the angle joint and wherein the corrugated sheets have a lattice work like or lamellar like cross sectional form in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Georg Triebel
  • Patent number: 6354056
    Abstract: A reinforced truss includes a pre-existing top chord and a pre-existing bottom chord, a reinforcing top chord, first and second reinforcing chord heel plates, each of the reinforcing chord heel plates having a plate, a reinforcing truss bracket attached to a first end of the plate, at least one slotted aperture disposed on the plate and spaced to approximately match a pre-existing bolt pattern of the pre-existing truss, and a tie rod bracket. The ends of the reinforcing top chord are captured in the reinforcing truss brackets of the reinforcing chord heel plates. A tie rod is connected to the tie rod brackets of the first and second reinforcing chord heel plates. The slotted aperture allows for the tie rod to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the loading on the reinforcing top chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas G. Korzen
  • Publication number: 20020000075
    Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for mine and tunnel lining has a plurality of boom members arranged in parallel relative to each other, forming a triangle. The boom members are spatially connected to each other by straight braces arranged along the edges of a pyramid so as to form a truss brace. The braces are each welded to the boom members at the contact faces between a straight brace part and an upper boom and a straight brace part and a lower boom. The lower booms are connected to each other via cross-ties arranged at right angle relative to such booms and the cross-ties form two sides of the pyramid base surface wherein four comer points of the base are defined by the truss braces at the contact points between the lower booms and braces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Rudolf Seiz, Rudi Podjadtke
  • Publication number: 20020000074
    Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for tunnel lining includes upper and lower boom members arranged parallel to each other to form a triangle. Truss braces spatially connect the upper and lower boom members to each other, wherein each of the truss braces has straight brace parts angled relative to each other, and each of the straight brace parts is connected to each other at one end via a straight bridge piece. The truss braces are arranged in a symmetrical plane extending laterally from the upper boom member to an axis of the lower boom members. Cross ties extend at right angles relative to the lower boom members, for connecting the lower boom members to each other, wherein the truss braces abut the lower boom members without bending and are welded to the lower boom members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Rudolf Seiz, Rudi Podjadtke
  • Publication number: 20010052214
    Abstract: In order to improve a screen element for motor vehicles, in particular, wind blocker or sun protection, comprising a frame and a piece of flat material held by the frame and extending over an area enclosed by the frame, in such a manner that this is simple to produce and has as permanent a connection as possible between the piece of flat material and the frame it is suggested that the piece of flat material be fixed permanently on the frame in that at least one frame part element consisting of plastic material is connected to an additional part by way of a connecting area of the plastic material heated up by means of a sonotrode, softened and hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: ORIS Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Goetz, Joerg Riehle
  • Publication number: 20010045074
    Abstract: Disclosed is a framework for a balloon decoration capable of forming a balloon ornament at a predetermined shape by inserting a plurality of balloons into a space created between connecting rods of the framework. More particularly, this framework for the balloon decoration is mainly used for enhancing an effectiveness of advertisement at a ceremony to open a business or at a party held in celebration of an event. This framework can be fabricated such as a sectional toy and can be expressed as a variety of shapes adapted to further enhance the effectiveness of advertisement. According to the present invention, the framework for a balloon decoration includes a plurality of connecting balls (20) having a plurality of connecting holes (21) formed on a radial outer surface of the balls (20), and a connecting member (10) having a pair of connecting ends (13) and a connecting rod (11) extending between the connecting ends (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Se Gon Kim
  • Patent number: 6321502
    Abstract: A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular frame members, for use in constructing a free span building. The method includes constructing multiple slots, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis; and for each slot; disposing a tooth on either side of the longitudinal axis; and making the area of the connector material in shear to the area of the tubular frame member in tension, as an approximate ratio of the unit strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the unit strength of the material of the connector in shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.
    Inventor: Francisco Castaño
  • Publication number: 20010037614
    Abstract: An overhanging form system for attachment to a support structure is disclosed. The support structure includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the overhanging form system comprises a pair of spaced apart hangers, with each of the hangers being adapted to engage the upper portion of the support structure. A pair of frames are provided, with each of the frames having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each frame engages a corresponding one of the hangers, the second portion of each frame is adapted to engage the lower portion of the support structure. Each of the frames further includes a first leg and a second leg, with the first leg having an inner end disposed adjacent the first portion of the frame and an outer end disposed outwardly from the first portion of the frame. The second leg extends from the second portion of the frame to engage the outer end of the first leg. A plurality of stiffeners are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: John J. Hambelton
  • Publication number: 20010034995
    Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6302474
    Abstract: A reinforcement module for a vehicle door comprises a plurality of elongate reinforcement members (1) and a plurality of connectors (2a, 2b and 2c). Each connector (2a, 2b and 2c) is engageable with the free end portions of at least two of the elongate reinforcement members (1) to connect those elongate reinforcement members together. The arrangement is such that at least one of the elongate reinforcement members (1) extends generally transversely with respect to at least one other elongate reinforcement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-France
    Inventors: Stephen Drysdale, Nancy Raykovitz, Steven Murray Foster, Timothy Bland, David Birt, John Robert Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20010025464
    Abstract: The invention provides an anchor device (10) for a safety rope (8). Anchor device (10) includes receiving means (12) for receiving the rope (8) and securing means (14, 16) for securing the receiving means (12) to a buildings structure (39). The invention also provides a building element which includes at least one mounting location for receiving the anchor device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Arvo Poldmaa
  • Patent number: 6295770
    Abstract: A steel frame building structure includes steel posts, steel beams fixed with connect members, and connectors connected to the connect members with bolts and nuts, support frames of wall structures fixed with the beams to construct wall structures, and the wall structures connected tightly with the sides of steel bar nets of an upper and a lower floor by means of fix steel bars. The posts and the beams have their support frames directly assembled with connect members, and the support frames have reinforcing steel bars lateral and vertical in the interior. Holed plates are fixed on outer surfaces of the support frames of the wall structures and the support frames of the posts and the beams, and sealed with sealing means. Then concrete can be placed through openings into hollow spaces in the whole structure with fastness and forming the steel frame building having a strong structure to resist earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: Chyi Sheu, Sin-Yuan Lu
  • Patent number: 6266938
    Abstract: A steel floor structure includes steel columns, steel beams, surrounding frames around the columns and the beams, horizontal frames around the beams, connectors, anti-bend means, floor steel bars, reinforcing catch steel bars, various kinds of connect means, and net plates laid on outer surfaces of the structure and used as outer concrete forms to keep concrete inside. So the steel frame floor can be assembled quickly and have high structural strength and a good wholeness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventors: Chyi Sheu, Sin-Yuan Lu
  • Patent number: 6260327
    Abstract: An elongate structural member of a steel truss. The structural member includes a web, a flange and a cap portion. The web includes a first web section and a second web section. The second web section extends angularly outwardly from a first surface of the web at a first longitudinal edge of the first web section. The flange extends laterally outwardly from the first surface of the web at a second longitudinal edge of the first web section. The flange is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the first web section. The cap portion extends outwardly from a second surface of the web at a distal longitudinal edge of the second web section. The cap portion is configured to be substantially parallel to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Pellock
  • Publication number: 20010005966
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Akira Meguro, Jin Mitsugi, Kazuhide Ando
  • Publication number: 20010004815
    Abstract: Lintels having metal side plates are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a lintel constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a generally rectangular frame of a height, length and thickness substantially corresponding to the dimensions of the opening in which the lintel is to be installed. The frame is formed by connected, first and second elongate chord members (e.g., nominal “2×N” members) that extend in spaced, substantially parallel, overlying relationship to each other. The subject lintel also includes at least one generally rectangular, metal side plate having at least first and second spaced groupings of integrally formed teeth extending from one side along opposite longitudinal edges thereof. The respective teeth groupings engage the first and second chords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. LePoire
  • Patent number: 6240687
    Abstract: A modular office system incorporating a frame construction with improved stability to support components of the office system. The frame construction generally includes upright supports and crossbeams. The uprights and crossbeams have a tubular configuration to allow the passing of utility wiring. The crossbeams include triangular gussets to improve the support connection between the uprights and crossbeams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: The Marvel Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong
  • Patent number: 6205736
    Abstract: A space frame including at least two elongate structural frame elements arranged side by side and being interconnected by a plurality of elongate struts spaced along the length of the elements, each structural frame element comprising an elongate hollow body having one or more strut connection nodes located along its length at predetermined positions, each connection node being in the form of a socket extending internally of the element, the socket comprising a socket wall depending from one side wall of the hollow body, the socket wall defining a socket recess and being formed by hydro-forming from said one side wall of the hollow body, each opposite end of each strut being in the form of a plug received within the socket defined by a co-operating respective connection node. The hydro-forming process may include the use of any type of pressurised hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Ing Peter Amborn, Simon Jonathan Giles Griffiths
  • Patent number: 6176060
    Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Turb-O-Web International Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Bernard Joseph Kennelly, John Edwin Griffith
  • Patent number: 6145268
    Abstract: A reinforced truss includes a pre-existing top chord and a pre-existing bottom chord, a reinforcing top chord, first and second reinforcing chord heel plates, each of the reinforcing chord heel plates having a plate, a reinforcing truss bracket attached to a first end of the plate, at least one slotted aperture disposed on the plate and spaced to approximately match a pre-existing bolt pattern of the pre-existing truss, and a tie rod bracket. The ends of the reinforcing top chord are captured in the reinforcing truss brackets of the reinforcing chord heel plates. A tie rod is connected to the tie rod brackets of the first and second reinforcing chord heel plates. The slotted aperture allows for the tie rod to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the loading on the reinforcing top chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas G. Korzen
  • Patent number: 6082068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a lightweight truss that can be used in temporary, demountable form for structures used in various constructions such as exhibitions, displays, and concerts and is formed of precut lengths of chords (tubes) and V-shaped members that can be detachably connected to each other to form an inverted V-shaped truss that can be stacked when stored and that can be disassembled into its component elements for shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tomcat Global Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6067767
    Abstract: In a connecting element for multiple-sided, in particular three-sided lattice girders made of fibre composite material, tubes (6, 7, 8, 9) are provided and arranged so that one of these is in the centre and the others are evenly distributed around this tube receiving or forming a central member, are held together by a fibre ring winding (12) and held apart by a disc (16) provided in the central tube (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Rainer Schutze
  • Patent number: 6061989
    Abstract: A modular approach to constructing a structural member entails utilizing generally identical primary structural elements which are connected together by various different connector elements to create structural members with various different structural properties. Such a structural member may be, for example, a cross-member for use in constructing an automotive frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Mukesh R. Trivedi, Suhail Ahmad
  • Patent number: 6026626
    Abstract: An elongate truss 10 comprises a framework 14 of spars 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. The truss 10 is open on one aspect and has the transverse cross section of a regular trapezium. This enables identical trusses to be stacked up for storage or transporting an internested manner one on top of the other. In addition, lights 62 may be mounted inside the truss 10 and drapes 72 are hung from one side of the truss 10. A removable cross brace 42 may be provided for connection at the open aspect of the truss between lower longitudinal spars 18 to prevent splaying of the truss when under load. The brace 42 may be stored by attachment to intermediate cross chords 22. A stack 10' of trusses may be stored on a trolley 28 and easily manhandled. A substantial number of the trusses, when stacked, may be stored in a set volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Eliott Fisher
  • Patent number: 6023902
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sectional steel-frame structure and a method of construction using the same in which vertical members, horizontal members and brackets may be assembled to form a lattice, thus keeping the frame structure and performing arrangement construction more rapidly and conveniently. By using the sectional steel-frame structure, it becomes possible to simultaneously perform the construction of insulation boards and interior/exterior materials as well as concrete pouring work so that the construction period and construction expenses such as labor cost, subsidiary materials cost and the like may be considerably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Kwang-min So
  • Patent number: 5930972
    Abstract: A frame structure assembled from frame limbs for a switch gear cabinet, in which the frame limbs are preferably designed in mirror-image like manner in relation to their cross-sectional diagonals and in the interior region of the frame structure comprise two receiving formations, having fastening rebates for fastening mounting rails. The receiving formations are orientated parallel to associated exterior sides of the frame structure. The interconnection of frame limbs and mounting rails is simplified and improved because the receiving formations pass into terminal sections, bent over once or twice, forming an open dovetail groove or a closed dovetail groove for fixing the mounting rails that have appropriate engagement formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Benner, Wolfgang Reuter
  • Patent number: 5761873
    Abstract: A self-jigging web for fastening two steel chords together to form a beam. There are different sizes of webs for assembly of beams of different depths. A web has several holes for locating screws for fastening the web to a pair of chords parallel to each other. Chords having the same outer cross-section but of different steel gauges are used to obtain beams of different strengths. Assembled beams are used in a frame of a building structure such as a wall, floor or ceiling. A system is provided such that a building designer, given the wind bearing (bending) and axial loads required to be borne by the structure, can determine beam spacing and beam depth required for the structure to bear the loads. Beams are then assembled to meet the determined requirements according to a standard set of instructions which detail the chord steel gauge, size of web, number and spacing of webs lengthwise along a beam, and a number and placement of screws for fastening each web to a pair of chords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Slater