Barrier Or Major Section Mounted For In Situ Repositioning; E.g., Rearrangeable Or Rotatable Patents (Class 52/64)
  • Patent number: 7631460
    Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building (6) on its side to a building location, locating the at least partially erected building on a support at the building location, and orientating the at least partially erected building so that it is correctly orientated relative to its support. Further disclosed is a transportable building, including a first structural component (51; 58), a second structural component (40; 56) and a hinge (68) coupling the first and second structural components whereby the second structural component is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded erected position of the building. The hinge is reconfigurable to allow the second structural component to be relatively displaced away from the first structural component in the unfolded erected position of the second structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Prebuilt Pty Ltd's
    Inventor: Donald Stewart Napier
  • Publication number: 20090272043
    Abstract: A foldable building structure includes a wall assembly made from a semi-rigid continuous sheet material configured with creases that enable the sheet material to be bent or folded to form multiple integrally formed together walls. A roof assembly can be formed from a second semi-rigid continuous sheet material that is configured with creases that enable the sheet material to be bent or folded to form multiple integrally formed roof panels. A floor assembly can be made out a third semi-rigid continuous sheet of material that also can be folded to form foundation members and floor panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Arthur Louis Zwern
  • Publication number: 20090255193
    Abstract: A mobile partitioning wall is disclosed and provided with several wall elements, which are displaceably suspended at running rails. The wall elements have a structure that is simple to manufacture and to mount and is universally usable. The wall elements are formed without supporting frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jan-Gerd Behrens, Carsten Klapproth, Rolf Warns
  • Patent number: 7594360
    Abstract: A movable roof member includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to permit the roof member to move in a predetermined path with respect to the underlying structure of the supporting edifice. The transport mechanism includes structure for supporting both ends of the roof member, which bridges an otherwise open area of the edifice. In order to permit some flexure and movement of the roof member with respect to the underlying edifice, as will inevitably occur as a result of natural forces such as winds, a lateral release system is provided for maintaining the transport mechanism in a predetermined orientation while simultaneously permitting a limited amount of movement of the roof member in a direction that is nonparallel to the predetermined path of movement. The lateral release system has been found to be most effective when it is provided at but one end of the roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Cyril Silberman, Barton L. Riberich, Lennart Nielsen, Michael Becker, Alan Wilcox, Timothy J. Kline, Neil Tolin, Mark Silvera, Randy Grems
  • Publication number: 20090223141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements suspended at running rails. In order to provide a mobile partitioning wall, which is designed to be simple to manufacture and to mount and to be universally applicable, and offers simple and variable possibilities to be optionally completed with add-on parts, the wall elements are formed without supporting frame, and mounting elements are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides of the wall elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jan-Gerd Behrens
  • Publication number: 20090223149
    Abstract: A shutter panel and an installation including a shutter panel in an architectural opening. The shutter panel has mitered corners without exposed end grain. The shutter panel is connected directly to structures defining the architectural opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jon Zalesak
  • Publication number: 20090223140
    Abstract: A retractable wall system for a structure such as a building includes a torque tube and a kinetic wall member that is secured to the torque tube. A shaft that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is secured to the structure so that rotation with respect to the structure is precluded. A drive mechanism that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is constructed and arranged to selectively change a rotational position of the shaft with respect to the torque tube so that the wall member may be moved with respect to the structure. An electronic control system may be provided for monitoring and controlling movement of the kinetic wall member with respect to the structure. The electronic control system may be integrated with other control systems of the structure, such as the electronic control system of the structure's HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: UNI-SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: MICHAEL BECKER, PETER FERVOY, TIMOTHY J. KLINE, ALEXANDER KRUEGER, DAN KRZMARZICK, LENNART NIELSEN, BARTON L. RIBERICH, CYRIL SILBERMAN
  • Publication number: 20090217599
    Abstract: A retractable load-bearing cover apparatus is selectively deployable and retractable along a track defining a path of travel between first and second terminus points. The load-bearing cover apparatus includes a plurality of sections that are deployable along the track in a first direction, and retractable along the track in a second, opposite direction, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are releasably engagable to one another. The cover apparatus includes a drive system for deploying and retracting the sections along the track, and a storage system for disengaging the sections and arranging such disengaged sections into a vertically stacked orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Judd Jackson, Scott Uram, Brian Weisner, Lee Debeau
  • Publication number: 20090199491
    Abstract: A rail-mounted movable wall element comprises on the top and/or lower side thereof at least one sealing element displaceable between the traveling and operating positions of the movable wall element with the aid of a powered drive unit. The movable wall motor-driven element is provided with a sealing element. For this purpose, the drive unit is introducible into receiving openings arranged on the faces of the wall body on the top and/or lower side in such a way that it is detachably connected to the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Wilfried Boldt
  • Patent number: 7562496
    Abstract: A moving retail space system for buildings comprising a moving housing that operates within a building structure to allow multiple businesses to be at a street level. The moving housing comprises spaces A and A?, and the building structure comprises a basement. A lift assembly moves the moving housing from an initial to a second position, and vice versa. In the initial position a first business operating in space A is at the street level, and a second business operating in space A? is located one floor above the first business. In the second position, the first business operating in space A is in the basement, and the second business operating in space A? is at the street level. At least one locking mechanism laterally secures the moving housing in place. A sealing mechanism prevents objects from falling between the moving housing and the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Luis Salo Zwiebach
  • Publication number: 20090151269
    Abstract: A roof support structure for a flexible roof for a greenhouse is disclosed. The roof support structure comprises an adjustable roof retention portion and a fixed roof retention portion. At least the adjustable roof retention portion is movable between an initial position and at least one adjusted position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions, when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of the adjusted positions, is different from the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in the initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Omry Eiger, Erez Trodel
  • Patent number: 7537030
    Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of modular wall panels or units having various configurations. In some embodiments, the modular wall units have water dispensers. Headwall units having water dispensers are also disclosed. The water dispensers are configured to filter water or to sterilize water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J Gallant
  • Publication number: 20090113799
    Abstract: Mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements displaceably suspended in running rails. The mobile partitioning wall have structural units that are technically simple to manufacture and to mount and are structured to be universally usable and can be easily and variably disposed at the edge sides of individual wall elements. The wall elements have mounting elements that are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides. Modular structural units are laterally insertable into the mounting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Olaf Luttmann, Harald Hoopmann
  • Patent number: 7520091
    Abstract: A bang-bang servo system controls motors which provide drive for trucks on each end of a fabric support beam structure. A plurality of such truck/beam/fabric units comprise a retractable roof Separation of inner and outer truck guiding tracks/support platforms may be wide and somewhat variable. The radius of curvature of the inner and outer tracks may vary widely over the beam excursion path between open and closed roof conditions. Individual beam motion sequencing and stop position are commanded through a central control unit. These features allow great flexibility and adaptability in application of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel B. Friedman
  • Patent number: 7495247
    Abstract: Facility for installing or for system testing of floor or ceiling-mountable x-ray systems with radiation protection cabins with radiation-proof, especially lead-lined, walls and doors, with each radiation protection cabin (1) having a sliding door (7, 7?) occupying at least a majority of the cabin wall, made up of several lead-shielded door elements (7a, 7b, 7c) which can slide telescopically over one another and are preferably hung from a ceiling mount at a slight distance from the floor to allow them to slide freely and separate the internal operating space (5) of the cabin (1) from the operating console (4) for the x-ray system arranged in front of it, with the door elements (7a, 7b, 7c) being equipped with lead-shielded side edges (9) overlapping in their closed position such that radiation cannot escape from the interior of the cabin through the gap between two adjacent door elements (7a, 7b, 7c), and with a door closing monitoring system being provided to which the operating system of the x-ray system i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Atiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Jorg
  • Patent number: 7472517
    Abstract: A multiple-level bicycle storing system includes a framework with a vertical support and a mounting frame defining upper and lower storing spaces. Each storing space includes a receiver to hold a bicycle. The upper receiver has a distal end, a proximal end and a U-shaped channel along the top surface. The upper receiver is pivotally attached to the mounting frame, enabling the upper receiver to tilt from horizontal to a loading and unloading position. The proximal end of the upper receiver is located near the floor when pivoted into the loading and unloading position. The upper receiver pivots up from the loading and unloading position into the horizontal storage position. The bicycles and the storing spaces are enclosed, and a floor separates the lower storing space from the upper storing space. Each storing space includes a lockable door and conceals the pivot point, upper receiver and bicycles inside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ernst Blume
  • Publication number: 20080307717
    Abstract: An elevated hunting blind includes a frame and an observatory supported by the trailer. Rigid travel guides extend upwardly from the frame providing a travel path. A drive system is provided for moving the observatory along the travel path provided by the travel guides to raise the observatory from a transport to an observation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Alden Heppner
  • Patent number: 7454868
    Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20080236055
    Abstract: The foldable habitation can be unfolded and deployed to satisfy dwelling needs, and can be folded into a compact configuration for displacement or storage, for example. The foldable habitation has a base with an elongated central floor portion, a frame secured to and vertically extending from the central floor portion, and a covering having a central roof portion mounted to the upper portion of the frame. The foldable habitation can be provided as a cottage unit which can be displaced from year to year, a movable motel unit, or an office unit which can be installed on a temporary construction site, to give three examples of the numerous possibilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel LAPRISE
  • Publication number: 20080196322
    Abstract: The invention concerns a building (1-6) provided with vertical displacement means (4-5), for moving the building (1-5) between an extended position interacting with the surroundings and a sheltered position for protection, and inversely. The vertical displacement means (4-5) comprise means forming hydraulic ballast (4), for moving the building (1-5) between said extended position corresponding to a discharge of the hydraulic ballast and said sheltered position corresponding to a filling of the hydraulic ballast (4). The building (1-6) comprises service rooms (6) implanted in the natural environment and independent of the vertical displacement means (4-5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: VAB
    Inventors: Alain Bouchain, Veronique Bouchain
  • Publication number: 20080190043
    Abstract: A space division system (600) includes side sections (604) connected to an overhead structural channel system (606) through support pole assemblies (617). Material support linkage assemblies (610) include an upper material support linkage assembly (614) and a lower material support linkage assembly (612) coupled to the side sections (604). The material support linkage assemblies (610) include adjustable links (616) pivotable relative to each other for forming various configurations of the space division system (600).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Waltraud Beckmann, Robert W. Insalaco
  • Publication number: 20080190042
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laying a floor covering (14) on a floor (12). The method comprises the step of painting the floor to be covered (10) with a floor paint comprising ferromagnetic particles, and placing a magnetic floor covering (14) thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Williamson, William Allen, Michael Bollom
  • Publication number: 20080127578
    Abstract: To avoid complex, expensive scaffolding for maintaining the upper face of an aircraft fuselage, the object of the present invention is to provide a working level for an aircraft that can be simply and rapidly assembled. This is achieved by the following features: a working level; a supporting structure; and at least one bearing surface, which is configured as a strap, the strap extending in substantially the circumferential direction of the fuselage along a substantially circular or elliptical fuselage cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Bernhard Dowe
  • Patent number: 7377079
    Abstract: The invention relates to two panel elements which are flexibly connected to one another, at least one profiled lateral edge being provided on each of the panel elements for the flexible connection which, as connecting edges, have a suitable bearing and contact surface for an adhesive strip connecting the panel elements, so that the swivel axis is in the area of the adhesive strip. To prevent a transparent effect in the joint area, the connecting edges have a further profiling which enters a form-locking connection when the connecting edges are turned on one another. Furthermore, the invention comprises the method and the facility for producing the flexibly connected panel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: W. Lehbrink GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Burow
  • Publication number: 20070294956
    Abstract: In application of a green-house effect, under such a concept as to collect solar energy passively into the house and to exhaust moist air passively from the house, an all weather passive-type solar Ogako drying house H which is available for all day through a year was made up improving an agricultural vinyl-house in which Ogako is dried continuously during carriage on the belt conveyors 4, 5 due to solar energy and auxiliary heat, and then moist air yielded when drying Ogako is exhausted through an insulated cylinder 13. In this case, Ogako means sawdust or tipped small particles of wood which is raw material in order to produce a woody pellet fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: MARUSHO-GIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi SUGAWARA, Kimio KANAYAMA, Shoshichi SOTODA, Kazuhiko SOTODA, Hiromu BABA, Hidehiko SETO, Katsuhiko SHIBUYA, Toshiyuki TACHI, Shinya KOGA, Masahiro NAKAJIMA, Akira YAEGASHI, Zenbei KOMIYAMA
  • Patent number: 7310917
    Abstract: A hinged spreader board of a pre-set length with shaped ends is pivoted open inside a frame to mate with the inside faces of the sides of a frame and maintain the sides apart by the length of the board while attaching the frame to a wall. Additional hinged sections of pre-set lengths allow the spreader board to be opened to various lengths to accommodate frames of different widths. The frame spreader boards fold up for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Valdez
  • Patent number: 7290378
    Abstract: Compacting, fully enclosed, floored combination multi-antechamber and ramp system for emergency and civil defense use providing, when expanded, means of ingress and egress for the general population including the infected, wounded and handicapped to and from buildings or other folding structures via portals to which its adapter may be securely attached or retrofit while passing through a series of two or more antechambers so as to prevent spreading contamination and allow for various decontamination protocols to be conducted in separate chambers. Compacting is achieved by modularity in some embodiments, and folding in other embodiments, in both framed and panel versions, providing important advantages for transport, pre-positioning, storage, and warehousing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Andres Kalnay
  • Patent number: 7231740
    Abstract: A modular stage prop system having a first stage prop and a second stage prop. The first stage prop has a first stepping surface and a plurality of first side surfaces extending from the first stepping surface. The first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces define a first partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces has a male connector portion. The second stage prop has a second stepping surface and a plurality of second side surfaces extending from the second stepping surface. The second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces define a second partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces has a female connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Scott E. Jirele
  • Patent number: 7228664
    Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7226033
    Abstract: A method for manufacture and assembly of a concrete structure includes manufacturing, at a first location, wall sections and floor/ceiling sections. The wall sections include interior form walls of adjustable separation, and may include interior and exterior finish features, interior rebar, electrical and water supply, and optional fabric forms. The floor/ceiling sections include forms that have adjustable components, and may include rebar, interior finish features, and electrical and heating components. Wall sections and floor/ceiling sections are rotatably and slidably/rotatably attached to one another to define structure segments. Structure segments may be placed in shipping containers for transport. Structure segments are transported to a construction site in a compact orientation, manipulated to an assembled position, and then concrete is inserted into forms defined by the segments and permitted to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Good Ideas, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. Foucher, Anthony Collins
  • Patent number: 7174678
    Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of modular wall panels or units having various configurations. In some embodiments, the modular wall units have water dispensers. Headwall units having water dispensers are also disclosed. The water dispensers are configured to filter water or to sterilize water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Gallant
  • Patent number: 7152257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet construction comprising at least two adjacent toilet cubicles which respectively have a toilet and an access opening which can be closed by means of a door, said toilet cubicles being separated by means of a partition. According to the invention, the partition can be displaced between a separating position in which it separates the toilet cubicles from each other, and an unblocking position in which the two toilet cubicles together form an individual toilet cubicle. Alternatively, the partition can be displaced essentially perpendicularly to its wall plane in a shifted position in which the floor space of one toilet cubicle is enlarged and the floor space of the other toilet cubicle is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Wall Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Lasch, legal representative, Walter Hardt, Michael Stratmann, deceased
  • Patent number: 7135035
    Abstract: An enclosure is provided generally in the form of a box which provides a controlled thermal environment for the occupant. The enclosure includes a horizontal base supporting four corner posts extending vertically up from the base, with a roof above the posts and parallel with the base. A rear wall extends in a vertical plane from the base up to the roof. A pair of side walls extend from the base up to the roof. The side walls preferably include surfaces to maximize maintenance of heat within the enclosure particularly near a position for an occupant's head. Thermal sources (i.e. incandescent light bulbs) are located within the enclosure to increase an amount of infrared radiation for heating within the enclosure. A width tuning system is provided to precisely position a distance of the side walls away from each other so that thermodynamic resonance between the side walls can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Walter F. Dimmick
  • Patent number: 7100333
    Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 7059088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening faces of a substantially rectangular equipment. The apparatus having a frame structure including a plurality of screen support frames disposed around the equipment, each face having edge screen support frames laterally spaced horizontally between two vertical edges of each face such that a corner of the equipment includes edge screen support frames disposed in perpendicular relationship secured thereto, a plurality of movable screen cover panels and stationary screen cover panels supported within the screen support frame, the movable screen cover panels being slidably moved to substantially overlap the stationary cover panels to substantially expose the faces of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Spinnaker Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice Lattanzio
  • Patent number: 7051481
    Abstract: A shelter to enclose articles of personal property such as motorcycles, bicycles, lawn and garden equipment, etc. comprising a base frame mounted coextensively in horizontal fashion to the ground, a plurality of u-shaped rib members covered by a suitable covering material which articulate around a novel hinge mechanism and which are essentially equally spaced in spanning relation over the base when in the first, covering, position and which are collapsed upon themselves in stacked relation when in the second, opened, position. A motor and gear assembly may be employed to permit automated operation of the device, or the device may be manually operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Diana Delavega, John Delavega
  • Patent number: 7032352
    Abstract: A tall building (100) includes a plurality of ray structures (104, 106) extending outward from a central, generally conical hollow reinforced-concrete core (102). In three of the rays (104), a frame (118) extends diagonally downward and outward from the core. If a building floor located above the barrier falls onto the floors extending outward from the barrier, the latter floors will fail in such a manner as to cover the barrier frame and shed all floors that fall onto the resultant barrier from above it. A chain-reaction failure caused by failed floors falling on successively lower floors is thereby interrupted, and floors below the barrier are protected from damage by floors that have fallen from above the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr
  • Patent number: 6983567
    Abstract: An engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure that includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure. The walls of the structure are pre-wired and pre-plumbed and are adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Theodore T. Ciotti
  • Patent number: 6959513
    Abstract: A deck covering apparatus for selectively covering a portion of a deck from the elements. The deck covering apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each having a base portion and a rail member. The base portion is designed for coupling to a support structure. The rail member is coupled to the base portion whereby the base portion of each of the support assemblies is designed for supporting the rail member of an associated one of the support assemblies in a spaced relationship above the deck. Each of a plurality of panel assemblies is slidably coupled to the rail member of each of the support assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies is slidably positionable along a length of the rail member of each of the support assemblies whereby each of the panel assemblies are designed for covering a portion of the deck from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond A. Ruscito, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6931795
    Abstract: A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. A utility distribution system is also disclosed. An information display system is further disclosed. The work environment may provide a work space that can be arranged or divided to include at least one work area within the available floor space. The utility distribution system includes a utility threshold may be adapted for movement along a predefined path about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at least one portion of the work area. The utility distribution system may be selectively positioned for use in a variety of locations relative to a track system. The information display system may include a track system adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Carl V. Forslund, III, Thomas G. Feldpausch
  • Patent number: 6925760
    Abstract: Stackable modular arena seating risers include permanently attached high quality fold down seats that are the equal of normal arena seats. Stacking of the riser modules is facilitated by the use of quick lock stacking tubes fit into locator cups permanently attached into each corner of the deck of each module. Fork lifting channels of the proper size and spacing are provided on three sides of each module to facilitate movement of the entire stack and the stacking, unstacking, and movement of individual modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Suprina
  • Patent number: 6915611
    Abstract: A structure having a first semi-rigid surface with a first curved edge, the first semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to a reference to permit the first semi-rigid surface to assume a first position and a second position, and a first joint structure spanning the first semi-rigid surface to permit the first semi-rigid surface to be folded when in the first position and unfolded when in the second position. The structure includes a second semi-rigid surface having a second curved edge, the second semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to the reference to permit the second semi-rigid surface to assume a first position and a second position. The first and second semi-rigid surfaces are joined together at their first and second curved edges by a second joint structure adapted to permit the first and second semi-rigid surfaces to fold approximately together when the first and second semi-rigid surfaces are in their first positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Aerotail, LLC
    Inventors: James Reiman, Peter Heppel
  • Patent number: 6895722
    Abstract: Lightweight structural panel units for construction of space enclosing structures each of which is formed from a blank of flat, suitably rigid, yet foldable sheet of material, which are profiled and pre-creased with a unique configuration. Upon folding, the blanks form a substantially hollow three dimensional polygonal beam-like unit having a shape and configuration which positively aligns and interlocks when conjoined with a plurality of similar folded beam-like units to form a substantially hollow 3-dimensional “structural panel unit” having symmetrical cross bracing inside and sufficient rigidity to enable sufficiently large areas to be produced for the construction of space enclosing structures. Each structural panel unit has a configuration and profile that positively aligns and interlocks when engaged with similar structural panel units to complete a desired space-enclosing structure which has an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface separated by a substantially hollow void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Icosa Village, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford Ponder
  • Patent number: 6889473
    Abstract: A firefighter training building having a system of movable and removable partition walls for changing the interior floor plan layout of the building is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of tracks disposed above the movable walls and a plurality of movable and removable wall panels slidably mounted on the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Fire Facilities, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Westra
  • Patent number: 6889477
    Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly includes a generally rectangular preassembled frame having a generally horizontal lower channel member and a base rail secured to the lower channel member in parallel spaced relation thereto. Two opposed floor glide assemblies are secured to the base rail and each includes an upwardly directed threaded stem configured at their upper ends to be rotated by a suitable rotary tool. An aperture is provided in the lower channel member in registry with each stem. The frame can thus be leveled on a floor by inserting a rotary tool vertically through the apertures and rotating the threaded stems as desired. Thereafter, decorative or other panels may be conveniently installed on the frame to substantially conceal the floor glides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kottman
  • Patent number: 6874283
    Abstract: A stationary building structure having a sidewall opening with a shuttle section movable through the opening to an extended position or movable over the opening for closing thereof. The shuttle section includes a frame which defines a shuttle floor surface thereabove. A shuttle tail extends from the shuttle frame into the stationary building structure for supporting the shuttle section at all times whether in the extended position, the retracted position or moving therebetween. An outer shuttle wall extends upwardly from the frame for closing the sidewall opening of the stationary building when the shuttle is retracted. A sealing means is defined on the outer wall for engaging the building around the sidewall opening for selectively sealing thereof when in the retracted position. A drive mechanism is mounted to the stationary building structure and is operatively secured to the shuttle section for urging movement thereof between the respective positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: William A. Hindle
  • Patent number: 6857236
    Abstract: A slatted roofing device, includes a frame (1) receiving a lower series (2) of grid-type mounted slats and at least a support (3) superimposed on the frame (1) receiving an upper series (4) of grid-type mounted slats, the support (3) being transversely mobile with respect to the longitudinal direction of the slats on the frame (1) to modify the lateral position of the slats of the upper series (4) relative to those of the lower series (2), the slats shifting from a completely overlapping position when the roof is open to a partial overlapping position when the roof is closed. The device includes an apparatus for lifting the support (3) relative to the frame (1) to allow air to pass through the roof even when the series of upper (4) and lower slats cover the whole roof surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Philippe Mangeard
  • Patent number: 6854219
    Abstract: A masonry lintel having a concealed spine which spans between piers to either side of an area to be arched and supports masonry bricks through means of horseshoe shaped plates which ride on the spine. The bricks are supported on the spine by stitching rods which extend through apertures in the plates and the bricks. The plates are received in the grouting space between the bricks and, in the finished lintel, are grouted over to be completely hidden from view. Variations in the relative positions of the piers and the width of bricks used to construct the lintel are accommodated by adjustable supports between the spine and the piers which enable the position of the spine relative to the piers to be selectively adjusted. In the embodiments employing multiple generally parallel spines, these supports provide for adjustable spacing of the spines. Center supports for the spines are adjustable both vertically and horizontally to accommodate various structural design parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Meadow Burke Products
    Inventors: David L. Kelly, Michael J. Recker
  • Publication number: 20040244308
    Abstract: An articulated structure is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of discrete, movably connected structure elements which are movable between an extended configuration wherein the elements define two spaced, substantially parallel wall surfaces having opertaivly upper and lower ends of a roof surface transverserly orientated relative to the wall surfaces, the structure elements defining the roof surface being connected to the operatively upper ends of the structure elements defining the wall surfaces; and a retracted configuration wherein the elements are nested in compacted configuration. The invention further discloses a structure member for an articulated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Adil Alusoski
  • Patent number: 6796087
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storage shed that is strong, durable, low-maintenance, easy to assemble and use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, and can be mass produced. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly for hingedly connecting a door to a structural member of a shed comprises at least one hinge post disposed along a generally vertical edge of the door, and at least one hinge support provided along a generally vertical edge of the structural member. The hinge support includes a hinge support cutout portion configured to slidably support a first portion of the hinge post of the door to permit rotation of the hinge post relative to the hinge support cutout portion around an axis of the hinge post. The hinge support includes an extension which is disposed adjacent the hinge support cutout portion and extends outward from the generally vertical edge of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Thinking Outside, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Greene