Position Adjusting Means; E.g., Leveling Patents (Class 52/126.1)
  • Patent number: 7699276
    Abstract: A support post and safety fence assembly in which the post has a telescoping inner and outer tube and is supported on a threaded internal shaft coupled to a floor engaging end and ceiling engaging end preferably formed with claws that have a number of sharp penetrating points for firm engagement with a support surface. In one embodiment, a gravity lock assembly is provided for fixing the relative position of the inner and outer tubes. Dynamic adjustability of the support post is provided by internal compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan Jonny Melic
  • Publication number: 20100058678
    Abstract: A shim holder includes a body having a center panel, a pair of middle panels connected to the center panel, and a pair of outer panels connected to the middle panels and adapted to be fixed to a surface to be shimmed. The body is unitary, thin, substantially flat in a normal state, and flexible. Adhesive elements are disposed on the outer panels to fix the holder to the surface to be shimmed. Also disclosed is a shim holder including an outer member; an inner member for contact with a surface to be shimmed; and at least one elastomeric connecter for connecting the outer member to the inner member. An adhesive element is disposed on the inner member for fixing the inner member to the surface to be shimmed. Further disclosed is a method of attaching a shim to a surface to be shimmed including the steps of providing a shim holder, attaching the shim holder to the surface to be shimmed, and loading at least one shim to the shim holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Dave Lutz, Robert Daigle
  • Publication number: 20100024322
    Abstract: A prefabricated structure having improved stability comprises a shell including a shell frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a ballast device including one or more ballast tanks provided in the floor support, and an extension deployable from the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GREEN HORIZON MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: James D. Pope
  • Publication number: 20100011679
    Abstract: A tray assembly may be used in combination with inclined, stepped, level or variable level support surfacing. The tray assembly may be used in tandem with identical embodiments of the tray assembly for forming larger, linked tray assemblages. The tray assembly may comprise a plurality of legs, which are stowable in a primary tray structure when not being used to elevate the tray structure above a support surface. When used to elevate the primary tray structure above variable level support surfacing, the legs may each be adjusted relative to the primary tray structure for properly maintaining a horizontal tray configuration relative to the support surfacing. The tray support legs are removably receivable in the tray-receiving slots for stowage, and are removably receivable in leg-receiving apertures for supporting the primary tray structure in horizontal spaced relation relative to a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Gary J. Monaco, Matthew S. Menges
  • Patent number: 7614200
    Abstract: A foundation for a structure comprises a plurality of segments. To build the foundation, a foundation bed is excavated, and a stable, substantially level and horizontal subbase is built in the foundation bed. A foundation segment of the structure is set down on the subbase, such that at least three vertically adjustable support poles fixedly attached to the foundation segment contact reinforced points of support on the subbase. A remainder of the foundation bed is then filled with foundation mass to a level above a bottom rim of the foundation segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7607264
    Abstract: A load supporting device, and method for supporting a building in fixed relation relative to the surface of the earth is disclosed and which includes a base member which rests on a supporting surface; and an arm member mounted on the base member and which extends laterally outwardly relative thereto, and wherein the load is supported on each of the base member and the arm member, and further a method for employing the present load supporting device for supporting a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Pieramid Foundation Systems
    Inventor: James D. Weber
  • Patent number: 7587872
    Abstract: A chair for supporting bars is comprised of telescoping sections which lock in an extended position. The chair is intended for supporting the reinforcing bars utilized in reinforced concrete construction, but can also support other long bodies. The sections of the chair can be extended and locked individually, so the height of the chair is determined by which sections of the chair are extended and which sections are collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kodi Klip Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Kodi
  • Patent number: 7574812
    Abstract: An example pivot plate leveler includes a first plate having one of a protrusion and a cavity and a second plate having the other of the protrusion and the cavity. The first plate is pivotable with respect to the second plate to provide a level surface. An appliance is received on the level surface. In one example, the protrusion and the cavity are spherical. The protrusion is at least partially received within the cavity to provide a pivotable connection between the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Dabrowski, Steven Michael Gwozdek
  • Patent number: 7574841
    Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Morton Buildings
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, Tim Wetterhus, Don Ferguson, Dave Fehr, Paul Remmele, John Gleason
  • Publication number: 20090188178
    Abstract: An adjustable footing assembly comprising a footing member including a base element and a vertical element. The vertical element is connected to the base portion and the vertical element defines a bore therein. An elongate coupling member has a lower portion positionally adjustably situated within the bore of the vertical portion of said footing member and an upper portion structured and arranged for connection to an end of a stair support member. Rotation of the elongate coupling member results in movement of the elongate coupling member vertically along a vertical axis of the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Latham International
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Lucas, William L. Wiley, David Scott Mosier
  • Patent number: 7546718
    Abstract: An extensible beam (1) comprising: a first, elongate element (10), a second element (50) adapted to move relative to the first elongate element in order to vary the amount of overlap between the first and second elements and thereby vary the length of the beam. Wherein the first element includes first (18) and second (20) support portions and the second element includes first (52) and second (54) spaced apart strut members for engagement with the first and second support portions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Salvatore Vasta
  • Patent number: 7537819
    Abstract: A single piece, plastic shim simplifies the process of shimming a fixture (such as a door) within a frame. The operation of the shim requires only that one piece of the shim be pulled so that the shim folds in on itself, filling the space between the frame and the fixture. Only a small portion of the shim extends beyond the frame, and needs to be cut. This arrangement avoids stress to the shim and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Dinesol Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20090107057
    Abstract: An anchor positioning assembly to position an anchor in a concrete casting frame having a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member. The anchor positioning assembly includes an anchor and a hook member. The anchor includes an first portion and a second portion, and the hook member includes a first end configured to couple to the first reinforcing member, a second end configured to couple to the second reinforcing member, and an intermediate section coupled to the second portion of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Rens Hansort
  • Patent number: 7520096
    Abstract: A sound insulating floor structure comprises an underlying floor layer of a raised floor constructed by supporting a plurality of underlying floor panels at a predetermined height by means of a group of supporting legs installed on a foundation floor via elastic pedestals attached to the lower ends of the supporting legs, floor covering materials laid over the underlying floor layer, and intermediate materials laid between the underlying floor layer and the floor covering materials. The intermediate material is a hardboard or a high density fiberboard having the flexural strength of 35-50 [N/mm2], Young's modulus in flexure of 4,000-5,000 [N/mm2] and the density of 0.8-1.2 [g/cm3].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Taisei Electronic Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hiraguri, Kazuharu Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7516579
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a holder for fixedly attaching a panel to a substructure. The holder comprises a connection member capable of being fixedly connected non-rotatably to the substructure, a panel holder fixedly attached to the panel and a spacer element threadedly attaching the connection member to the panel holder. The spacer element can be axially adjusted and fixed relative to the connection member and the panel holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Kreyenborg, Rolf Rand, Thomas Vogler
  • Patent number: 7510152
    Abstract: A support post and safety fence assembly in which the post has a telescoping inner and outer tube and is supported on a threaded internal shaft coupled to a floor engaging end and ceiling engaging end preferably formed with claws that have a number of sharp penetrating points for firm engagement with a support surface. In one embodiment, a gravity lock assembly is provided for fixing the relative position of the inner and outer tubes. Dynamic adjustability of the support post is provided by internal compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Jonathan Jonny Melic
  • Publication number: 20090044463
    Abstract: The present invention is at least one spacer selectively connected to an end spacer by a backing portion, where the at least one spacer is removed from the end spacer by severing the backing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Onorio Moscone, Robert A. Walz
  • Patent number: 7454869
    Abstract: A raised flooring system having a sub-work surface is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of pedestal assemblies, a plurality of base floor pads for placing and securing the pedestal assemblies, and a locking assembly for securing the pedestal assemblies to the base floor pads. The locking assemblies include a plurality of projections extending from the pedestal assemblies, a receiving aperture located in each of the base floor pads for receiving the projections in a first position, and a locking aperture in communication with the receiving aperture for locking the pedestal when in a second position to relative to the base floor pad. Inserting the projections into the receiving apertures and rotating the pedestals from the first position to a second position secure the pedestals to the base floor pads, one to another, thus providing exact registration of the pedestals for the ultimate installation of the work floor panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: David D. Owen
  • Patent number: 7454871
    Abstract: An adjustable pier system that allows the elevation of a building structure to be readily adjusted when soil subsidence occurs. The adjustable pier includes telescopically intercoupled upper and lower members. The lower member is coupled to a grade beam or spread footing, while the upper member is coupled to a sill beam of the structure. When the elevation of the structure is adjusted upwardly, the adjustable pier is automatically extended. After extension, a mechanical stop can be inserted between the upper and lower members to prevent retraction of the adjustable pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Sproules
  • Patent number: 7428802
    Abstract: For the fixing adjusting tools of the plate material to the structural body, the female member has a base plate with a through hole in a center and an external cylinder fixed vertically on the base plate. The male member has a base plate with a through hole in a center and an internal cylinder fixed vertically on the base plate. The communicating section is formed in the base of the female member communicating with the gap. The guide cylinder is formed protruding on the base plate of the male member to guide the nozzle for injecting adhesive. Resultantly, the adhesive injected through the guide cylinder into the rear surface of the base plate of the female member, reach the gap between the internal and external cylinders passing the communicating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Konishi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaomi Fukura, Shinichi Okamoto, Yoichi Hamanishi
  • Publication number: 20080222973
    Abstract: A slope adjustable head for an adjustable pedestal (10) for supporting beams, panel members, typically pavers, in accurate edge aligned relation, in a level plane is disclosed. The pedestal (10) includes a base block (12) and a series of inter-engaging threaded annular elements (20, 30) which can be rotated relative to each other to adjust the height of the top of the pedestal in a screw jack fashion. A slope compensator is located at the top of the pedestal and comprises a slope compensation plate (100) and a head member (50). The head member (50) defines a concave surface having a defined radius of curvature. The slope compensation plate (100) defines a corresponding convex surface having the same radius of curvature and sits on top of the head member. The pedestal (10) is calibrated to allow adjustment for typically zero to five percent in one percent increments. The top member defines a central aperture (56) and a series of holes (72) arranged in a spiral around the central aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Sian Ghee Lee, Henry Greaves
  • Publication number: 20080163568
    Abstract: A wooden member support retrofit system includes a wooden member support having a support base and a wooden member supported by the wooden member. The system also includes a shim disposed in a space formed between the base and the wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. A process of retrofitting a wooden member support system includes measuring a space formed between a base of a wooden member support and a wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. The system includes selecting a shim and placing the shim in the space formed between the base and the wooden member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: David R. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7387293
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person. The device comprises an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support which can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the drywall once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install drywall on a stud wall at various heights. Advantageously, the device is lightweight, easily transportable and easy to use. The device's convenient design enables its utilization immediately upon reaching a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Lawrence Boucher Construction Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Boucher
  • Patent number: 7357364
    Abstract: Support devices are adapted for use to releasably attach mounting items to structures constructed of brick, stone, concrete or cinder block, or other comparable materials. The devices have expander and support portions. The expander portion have two inter-fitting wedge members which slidably and adjustably engage with each other for adjustable insertion and fixation within gaps, such as mortar joints between bricks, stones or blocks. The support portions removably attach to the expander portions, and have support members in the form of hooks, clips, pegs, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Emerald Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Jackson, Gary Fick
  • Patent number: 7353639
    Abstract: The present invention is a free standing portable deck for use with recreational vehicles. The deck further comprises a polygonal shape lower support frame. The support frame further comprises a plurality of removably interconnected rails. A flat planar platform portion is being removably mounted upon the lower support frame. A plurality of leg members are being disposed underneath the lower support frame at each corner such that the platform portion is held in a substantially level position at a predetermined height in relation to the recreational vehicle door. Each leg member is removably connected to each corner of the lower support frame. The upper support frame is removably connected to the lower support frame and extends linearly upward. At least one step means provides for ingressing and regressing onto the platform portion. The at least one step means is located at a predetermined distance from the lower support frame and at a predetermined height in relation to the ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Sonny Carson
  • Patent number: 7343713
    Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Morton Buildings
    Inventors: Wayne Knepp, Tim Wetterhus, Don Ferguson, Dave Fehr, Paul Remmele, John Gleason
  • Patent number: 7343712
    Abstract: A wooden member support retrofit system includes a wooden member support having a support base and a wooden member supported by the wooden member. The system also includes a shim disposed in a space formed between the base and the wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. A process of retrofitting a wooden member support system includes measuring a space formed between a base of a wooden member support and a wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. The system includes selecting a shim and placing the shim in the space formed between the base and the wooden member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: David R. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20080028693
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for measurement at various positions over an extent-of an uneven structural surface, and preparation of spacers, cut to appropriate thicknesses based upon such measurements, such that when affixed to the respective measurement locations, outer facing surfaces of the spacers are collectively coplanar. A method of aligning a surface includes defining a reference plane in a fixed condition relative to the structural surface, and determining a differential distance between the structural surface and the reference plane at various locations along an extend of the particular structural surface. Using these measurements, indexed according to location, spacers are cut to a thickness based upon the respective differential distances at corresponding locations, which, when mounted to the structural surface at these recorded locations, results in alignment of outwardly facing surfaces with a common plane. Advantageously, at least a portion of the processes is automated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Kerry McCauley
  • Publication number: 20070294963
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling a floor is disclosed that has a rigid member sized to span at least three floor joists. The rigid member can have holes spaced according to spacing of the floor joists. A fastening device can be inserted into the holes of the rigid member and into holes in the floor joist and a threaded first end and a threaded second end of the fastening device can receive nuts and washers. Tightening the nuts on the first end of the fastening device, will secure the fastening device to the at least one floor joist and tightening a second nut that is threadably engaged with the second end of the fastening member can pull the at least one joist towards the rigid member. The fastening device can be a threaded rod that is bent at a ninety degree angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Allen Doerscher
  • Patent number: 7310916
    Abstract: A wave shim and a method of shimming two elements is provided. The method includes inserting between two elements, at least one wave shim, which is a wave-shaped compressible body with a slot subdividing a portion of the body at the end into a pair of wave-shaped extending arms, and a tab attached to the body at a side opposite the wave-shaped extending arms. The shim has an area of reduced body material at a junction point between the tab and the body so that the tab can be broken off, and at least one area of reduced body material exists at corresponding locations along each of the wave-shaped extending arms so that the length of the arms can be reduced. The tab and arms define through-holes and grooves, which can be used in conjunction with a guide-line to align several elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Construction Concepts Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Gorman
  • Patent number: 7266933
    Abstract: A sheet material handling device for assisting a drywall installer in installing sheet material, such as drywall or gypsum board, in an overhead location such as a ceiling of a structure. The device includes base and a pivoting sheet support that is adjustable in several planes to help locate the device relative to the job site and the ceiling in the job site. The drywaller assembles the device, places a sheet of drywall on the device, raises the sheet of drywall into position using the device, secures the pivoting sheet support and then fastens the drywall to the ceiling joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Mark E. Pasek
  • Patent number: 7255312
    Abstract: A support post and safety fence assembly in which the post has a telescoping inner and outer tube and is supported on a threaded internal shaft coupled to a floor engaging end and ceiling engaging end preferably formed with claws that have a number of sharp penetrating points for firm engagement with a support surface. In one embodiment, a gravity lock assembly is provided for fixing the relative position of the inner and outer tubes. Dynamic adjustability of the support post is provided by internal compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Jonny J Melic
  • Patent number: 7246779
    Abstract: A telescopic leg has a housing with a lift cylinder or mechanical screw jack type lift and an external track for adjustably coupling to a member. Such telescopic legs can be used to define a variety of table base configurations by providing multiple angularly aligned tracks in each leg for receiving cross supports adjustably coupled to the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Suspa Incorporated
    Inventor: James E. Doyle
  • Patent number: 7210557
    Abstract: An isolator is partially but substantially recessed in an acoustic floor and a leveling mechanism at least partially recessed in the acoustic floor is connected to the acoustic isolator to adjust the height of the acoustic floor when the floor is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: ETS-Lindgren, L.P.
    Inventors: John A. Phillips, Robert W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7159362
    Abstract: A shutter mounting adjuster provided between a non-vertical peripheral wall of a shutter opening and a hanging strip hinged to a shutter to support the shutter in the shutter opening. A slider movably mounted in a longitudinal groove of the hanging strip of the shutter, and an arched spring strip fixed on the slider for movement with the slider along the longitudinal groove for enaging the non-vertical peripheral wall to postion the hanging strip vertically in the shutter opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Chen
  • Patent number: 6941708
    Abstract: A reduced friction coupling which interconnects a lower, supporting member and an upper, supported member of a concrete forming apparatus to reduce the force required to lower the height of the forming apparatus under load on the members by a formed concrete structure. Two or more polymeric washers are received about the supporting member between a threaded nut which is used for adjusting the height of the forming apparatus and the supported member. The polymeric washers reduce by a surprising amount the force required to retract the nut under load. Washers of molybdenum disulphide filled nylon can support up to 10,000 pounds per square inch and reduce the force required to retract the nut by at least sixty percent under such a load compared to the force required if a single steel washer is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Co.
    Inventors: Robert McCracken, Bob Jennings, Chris Beranek
  • Patent number: 6922953
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing a plurality of spaced posts comprising an outer frame member; a plurality of bracket assemblies mounted to the outer frame member at a first set of spaced locations thereon to receive the posts; and a plurality of bracing members extending between a second set of spaced locations on the outer frame member, intermediately of the first spaced locations, for stabilizing the outer frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Erosion Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Lewis
  • Patent number: 6820377
    Abstract: A one piece assembly of a small production unit (23) for panels intended for building comprises an upper tray (2) a bottom tray of longer length (1) a collapsible crane (7) situated on the upper tray (2) supporting the crane structure (7) is horizontally mobile with rollers (11) supported on rail (12) positioned on the bottom tray (1) without requiring an external support lying on the ground. The vertical movement of the upper tray (2) is assured by an assembly of screw jacks (4), plates (18), guides (14) and runners (13). The compact assembly (23) of the production unit can be moved from site to site without heavy handling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Groupe P.A.D.F., Inc.
    Inventor: Didier Fumez
  • Publication number: 20040163333
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating and leveling a machine foundation with respect to a substructure of a building or the ground. The apparatus of the present invention provides an enclosure connectable to the machine foundation. A load bearing member is disposed within and adjustably connected to the enclosure. A support member is positioned between and in contact with the bearing member and the substructure for supporting and isolating the machine foundation from the substructure and providing a leveling mechanism to level the machine foundation. The support member may include an elastomeric inner core having elastomer-coated cords overlapping the inner core to resist radial expansion of the inner core upon the realization of a compressive force along a longitudinal axis of the inner core. The support member may also include a high-strength, rigid material, such as a steel I-beam, that is replaceable with other support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne H. Whittaker, Patrick D. Carl, Timothy L. Spahr, David L. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6763636
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and a second support section are coupled together by a fastening device that provides the apparatus with stability once the apparatus has been installed. A jack is used to raise the foundation of the existing building to a desired height. The apparatus is attached to the foundation of the building from underneath the building or from a location adjacent a side of the building. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Dimitrijevic
  • Publication number: 20040129847
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roof scaffold bracket (12) having a roof fixing arm (14), a platform support arm (16) pivotally attached (28) at one end of roof fixing arm (14) and an adjustment arm (18) pivotally attached (20) at the other end of roof fixing arm (14). Platform support arm (16) is adapted to be connected to adjustment arm (18). At least one foot means (72) is provided on roof fixing arm (14) whereby the at least one foot means (72) is adapted to secure the roof scaffold bracket (12) to a frame element (81) of a roof (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Searle
  • Patent number: 6732480
    Abstract: An adjustable roof platform includes a panel having a top surface and a bottom surface. A peripheral wall is attached to and extends downward from the bottom surface of the panel. A front elongated member, a rear elongated member, a first side elongated member and second side elongated member are coupled together to define a frame base. The rear elongated member is hingedly coupled to the peripheral wall such that a bottom edge of the peripheral wall may be selectively positioned abutted against or positioned away from the first side, second side and front elongated members. A pair of supports selectively supports the panel in an angular relationship with respect to the frame base. A plurality of foot members is attached to a lower surface of the frame base. Each of the foot members comprises a non-skid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Derek J. Smith, Joshua A. Malhame
  • Patent number: 6732478
    Abstract: A floor panel (20L) or (20R) comprises a first plastics sheet (5) edge lit by a light source in a space (8), a second plastics sheet (6) being provided above the first sheet and below an upper sheet (7) of glass. A floor may be formed by placing a number of panels together, and the floor panels may be mounted on a matrix of beams (22) which are themselves mounted on height adjustable pedestals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Gulvin Russell, Michelle Evelyn Russell
  • Patent number: 6705053
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building from a position underneath the existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and first and second ends is located within the earth at a position underneath the existing building. A cap support section is placed in contact with the second end of the first non-cylindrical support section. A jack is disposed on the upper side of the cap support section and raised until the foundation of the existing building has been lifted to a desired height. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Dimitrijevic
  • Patent number: 6698141
    Abstract: A convertible public exhibition facility includes a stadium having an exhibition area and a seating area that is situated about the exhibition area for permitting spectators to view activities taking place in the exhibition area. The exhibition facility further includes a movable natural grass activity platform that has a surface area of natural grass that is at least 10,000 square feet and that is constructed so as to have a characteristic frequency of at least 6 Hz. Situated within the natural grass activity platform is a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to move the natural grass activity platform as a complete unit from a location that is outside of the stadium to a location that is within the exhibition area. Preferably, the location that is outside of the stadium is an outdoor location that provides optimal conditions for the growth of natural grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Cyril Silberman, David Sadinsky, Bart Riberich, Andrew Cheng, Lennart Nielson, Terry Thompson, Timothy J. Kline
  • Patent number: 6688050
    Abstract: An adjustable support system for use in roofing and object support applications, such as on vehicles. An exemplary system includes first and second offset support members that each comprise a base, a first member rotatably and lockably attached to the base, a second member slidably and lockably attached to the first member, and a transverse member attached to the second member. The transverse members of the first and second offset support members are coupled together and are laterally adjustable with respect to each other. The first and second members and the transverse members are preferably tubular. An alternative embodiment has the transverse member of one support member rotatably attached to the end of a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Malofou Sagiao
  • Patent number: 6668497
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting a concrete placing boom above a work site. The support structure includes a support mast having a generally smooth outer surface. The support mast receives an adapter that can be removed from one support mast and attached to another. The adapter includes a mast receiving portion having a pressure coupling for holding the adapter in contact with the outer surface of the mast. The adapter further includes a boom attachment portion that allows the pedestal of the concrete placing boom to be securely attached to the adapter. The adapter includes a central guide pin that is received within a guide opening formed in a top plate of the support mast. The interaction between the guide pin and the central opening on the mast aids in guiding the adapter onto the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Putzmeister Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G. Mayer, Rodney D. Wurgler
  • Publication number: 20030221379
    Abstract: A foundation system 50 for supporting a support beam 80 of a manufactured home and for preventing longitudinal movement of the beam; beam 80 having a longitudinal axis defining the longitudinal direction. Ground support pan 52 including blades 57 for insertion in the ground for preventing horizontal movement and a bracket 61 pivotably connecting lower ends 73 of a pair of rigid arms 70 substantially to the longitudinal middle of pan 53 such that arms 70 form a V. Each upper end 76 of arms 70 is pivotably attached to a clamp 10 clamped to beam 80 such that the clamp 10 cannot move along beam 80.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: James Oliver, Evon L. Oliver, Scott Oliver, Daniel Oliver, John Oliver
  • Patent number: 6604330
    Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: John Repasky
  • Publication number: 20030145531
    Abstract: A shim is disclosed. The shim includes a body member having (i) a top wall segment having a first end and a second end, (ii) a first end wall segment attached to and extending from the first end of the top wall segment, (iii) a second end wall segment attached to and extending from the second end of the top wall segment, and (iv) a bottom wall segment having a third end and a fourth end, the third end of the bottom wall segment being attached to the first end wall segment, and the fourth end of the bottom wall segment being attached to the second end wall segment. The top wall segment, the first end wall segment, the second end wall segment and the bottom wall segment are all made from a plastic material. Additionally, the shim may include a plurality of latitudinal apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Holder