Multilevel Building Patents (Class 52/185)
  • Patent number: 10794062
    Abstract: A method for building modular stair system comprises assembling a plurality of modular stair units, each of the plurality of modular stair units associated with a single story of a construction, each of the plurality of modular stair units further comprising a self-supporting structure supported by a plurality of corner columns. A first modular stair unit is located on a foundation of a structure. The first modular stair unit is secured to the foundation of the structure. A second modular stair unit is stacked on top of the first modular stair unit, wherein a first plurality of corner support columns engage of the first modular stair unit engage a second plurality of corner support columns of the second modular stair unit. The second modular stair unit is leveled using a connection sleeve that slides within the first plurality of corner support columns and the second plurality of corner support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: EMEH, INC.
    Inventor: Jeremy Michels
  • Patent number: 10370856
    Abstract: A modular stair system comprises a plurality of modular stair units. Each of the plurality of modular stair units are associated with a single story of a construction. An upper, rectangular landing comprises a pair of long members connected at each end to a pair of short members. A mid-level, rectangular landing comprises a first pair of members and a second pair of members interconnected at their ends. A first and second plurality of corner brackets interconnects an end of the members with an end of the members of the upper and mid-level landings. The first and second plurality of corner brackets have the variable size depending on the number of the plurality of modular stair units to be stacked in the stairwell. A plurality of corner support columns support the upper, rectangular landing at a top portion thereof and the mid-level, rectangular landing at a mid-portion thereof and removably connected to the upper, rectangular landing and the mid-level, rectangular landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Platform Manufacturing Group
    Inventor: Jeremy Michels
  • Patent number: 10287782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a building concept wherein locations of rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens can be easily changed during the lifespan of the building. These rooms may be positioned in several locations almost everywhere in the building and the building may be easily remodeled during its lifespan. The invention is based on providing at least one space part that comprises a floor defining the area of the space part and at least one length of non-load bearing wall bordering the perimeter of the floor and at least one load bearing vertical duct element having at least one vertical cover wall that can be at least partially opened in order to provide access to the inside of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Arkkitehtitoimisto Karin Krokfors Oy
    Inventors: Karin Krokfors, Anders Westerlund, Jörgen Holm, Ari Kortemaa
  • Patent number: 9959373
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a representation of a structure/space as a collection of interrelated partitions whereby manipulation of the partitions causes an automated propagation of the manipulation through the other interrelated partitions as a function of the relationships therebetween. Each partition is defined by one or more vertices, the location(s) of which is/are specified either relative to an origin or relative to, i.e. as a function of, or dependent upon, the location of another vertex within the partition (intra-partition) or within another partition (inter-partition). Where the location of a vertex is moved, the change is propagated implicitly to all other vertices whose location is related, i.e. specified as a function of the modified vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Landes
  • Patent number: 9556632
    Abstract: A method for providing at least a part of a building includes the steps of prefabricating a module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape; providing at least one compartment within the cuboid shape; providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of the compartment for creating a wet area within the module; arranging technical installations within the cuboid shape; and providing interior equipment within the cuboid shape. The method further includes the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs; and connecting these panels and slabs to a lateral side of the module for providing a further rectangular cuboid shape forming a panel-built room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Vastint Hospitality B.V.
    Inventors: Giedrius Malakauskas, Marius Baltramiejunas, Harald Dieter Muller, Erik Roger Andersson, Thomas Hattig, Steen Torben Sodemann, Philip Muller
  • Patent number: 9245065
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a representation of a structure/space as a collection of interrelated partitions whereby manipulation of the partitions causes an automated propagation of the manipulation through the other interrelated partitions as a function of the relationships therebetween. Each partition is defined by one or more vertices, the location(s) of which is/are specified either relative to an origin or relative to, i.e. as a function of, or dependent upon, the location of another vertex within the partition (intra-partition) or within another partition (inter-partition). Where the location of a vertex is moved, the change is propagated implicitly to all other vertices whose location is related, i.e. specified as a function of the modified vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Landes
  • Patent number: 9181694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a building for a high-rise construction. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a single, cohesive building that has the appearance of a multi-segmented building. Each segment of the building may be separated by an open-air area and have a different façade than adjacent segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Alfredo Munoz
  • Patent number: 9013788
    Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: SunCentral Inc.
    Inventor: Lorne Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8893439
    Abstract: A building is provided with a shutter, a stairway, and a handrail. The handrail has a connection member and a connection apparatus. The shutter opens and closes in a horizontal direction. A gap through which the shutter can pass is formed in the stairway. The handrail is provided at the stairway, and includes a handrail main body and a movable member. A gap through which the shutter can pass is formed in the handrail main body, and the movable member closes the gap in the handrail main body. The connection member connects one end portion of the movable member with the handrail main body such that the movable body is turnable relative to the handrail main body. The connection apparatus releasably connects another end portion of the movable member with the handle main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Takenaka Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Fujiwara, Osamu Nakagome
  • Publication number: 20140130427
    Abstract: Provided is a modular construction kit adapted to construct a raised temporary platform, the modular construction kit comprising one or more floor elements, wherein the floor element comprises a monocoque structure forming a floor section and a flange section, wherein the flange section is adapted to strengthen the floor element and is adapted to be attached to a further element to form a self-supporting floor, without the requirement for a supporting floor frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Hexzgo Deck Limited
    Inventors: Charles Hall, Chris Pitchford
  • Publication number: 20140123577
    Abstract: A multistory emergency stairwell structure for escape and rescue in different emergency situations adapted for building proximate to a pre-existing multistory building, and being built as a separate construction from the pre-existing building for facilitating passage of occupants between the pre-existing building and the stairwell structure by means of a passageway that is attached at one end only to either the pre-existing building or to the stairwell structure and is free to move at its opposite end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Baruch Yarmolinsky
  • Patent number: 8650816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved stairs and mezzanine that are constructed of standard steel structural components with poured concrete stair treads and the associated method for making them. The invention employs standard steel structural components to make a staircase frame that is stronger, is faster to construct, and is less expensive than those made by current methods. The framework for the staircase is constructed of steel studs, u-channel members, and metal deck material that are cut to size and screwed together. Once the metal framework is constructed and any openings caulked, concrete is poured within the framework to form the concrete steps for the stairs and any associated intermediate platform or mezzanine. Once the concrete is dry, the stairs may be painted, carpeted, or finished as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wendell West
  • Patent number: 8474203
    Abstract: A multistory residential building provides private access to each unit in order to eliminate breezeways and common stairwells. If a unit is located on the first level, private access is provided by a privately used front door disposed on an end wall of the residential building. Units that are located on the second and third floors are accessed by privately used front doors on internal stairways, wherein said stairways are secluded and inaccessible to other residents and guests. The front doors of the third-floor units are located on intermediate landings wherein access to each landing is provided by a semi-private monumental stairway. The front doors located on the second and third floors are disposed on end wall opposite the end wall having the first floor doors. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to provide breezeways and common stairways connecting all the floors of each building to provide access to each unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: STB Architects and Planners
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Patent number: 8341902
    Abstract: Multi-story buildings assembled from pre-cast concrete components produced in a component factory to form earthquake-resistant buildings with lower cost and faster construction time. The multi-story building structure comprising a plurality of piles and pile caps; prefabricated concrete column components; prefabricated concrete beam components; prefabricated concrete floor components; prefabricated concrete stairs components and prefabricated concrete wall components. Each pile cap unites at least two piles to one column; each column component has a groove on each side of the column component for placement of the corresponding sides of prefabricated wall components; and each beam component comprises grooves on the bottom and top sides of the beam for placement of wall components; and openings are located in the body of the beam. Floor components, stairs components, and wall components are made of concrete that are pre-cast with a predetermined shape, size and strength as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Trisna Widjaja Kusuma
  • Publication number: 20120255240
    Abstract: A transportable prefabricated container house includes a main body and a house forming body, configured to be housed in the main body and drawn out of the main body at the installation site to be expanded/assembled into a house threefold the size of the main body. Assembly of the pre-assembled square “U”-shape walls sandwiched between the floor and ceiling boards includes tightly tying the ceiling supporting beams and the floor supporting beams together with shackles, and passing steel rods or pipes between the walls to render the house immune from earthquakes and hurricanes. A foundation of steel pipe bodies assists earthquake- and hurricane-resistance. Mega structures housing multitudes of container houses can be used when stacking two or more container houses is insufficient and large scale urban development is necessary, and are capable of resisting earthquakes and hurricanes due to a system of wire mesh covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Kangna Nelson SHEN
  • Patent number: 8056288
    Abstract: A step for modular staircases, preferably produced by molding using a thermoplastic technopolymer, comprises at least a main body (11) and a spacer (12). The main body (11) comprises at least a tread surface (Ha) and a hollow portion (lib) extending vertically with an internal thread (111), while the spacer (12) has an external thread (121) matching that of the hollow portion (lib) of the main body (11), allowing the spacer (12) and the hollow portion (lib) to be screwed together. The hollow portion (lib) and the spacer (12) also have ends (112,122) which do not interact, shaped to match one another, to allow vertical stacking of two or more steps (10), thus obtaining a modular staircase (1), complete with a landing (20) produced in a similar way to the step (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Albini & Fontanot S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Denicolo'
  • Publication number: 20110271613
    Abstract: A modular, prefabricated stair tower comprising a plurality of stairs, landings, handrails and hangers pre-assembled into a module configured such that it might be shipped and installed into a wind power tower tube section, with installation preferably occurring prior to shipment to the wind farm jobsite so that, when the tube section is erected vertically, authorized personnel gain immediate, efficient and economical access for ascending and descending large land based and offshore wind power turbine towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Larry James Hopper
  • Publication number: 20110225905
    Abstract: Multi-story buildings assembled from pre-cast concrete components produced in a component factory to form earthquake-resistant buildings with lower cost and faster construction time. The multi-story building structure comprising a plurality of piles and pile caps; prefabricated concrete column components; prefabricated concrete beam components; prefabricated concrete floor components; prefabricated concrete stairs components and prefabricated concrete wall components. Each pile cap unites at least two piles to one column; each column component has a groove on each side of the column component for placement of the corresponding sides of prefabricated wall components; and each beam component comprises grooves on the bottom and top sides of the beam for placement of wall components; and openings are located in the body of the beam. Floor components, stairs components, and wall components are made of concrete that are pre-cast with a predetermined shape, size and strength as described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ir. Trisna Widjaja Kusuma
  • Patent number: 7976746
    Abstract: A system for establishing modular concrete truss stairway during construction of a multi-floor building having concrete decks provides two pre-cast concrete stringers of plural stairsteps and a cast-in-place intermediate landing therebetween forming a stair truss structurally attached to and communicating between two vertically spaced adjacent concrete decks. The intermediate concrete landing is carried between the adjacent vertically spaced decks by adjacent end portions of the stringers. Internal reinforcement in the concrete decks, in each stringer and in the intermediate landing is operatively interconnected to provide structural rigidity to the stair truss. Concurrent pouring of concrete for the upper deck, the intermediate landing and a blocked out area defined in a lower deck structurally attaches the stair truss therebetween providing an operative stairway upon hardening of the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Guy A. Conservano
  • Patent number: 7971408
    Abstract: A transportable and erectable stairtower having a removable/slidable wheel carriage and a removable installation section arranged for transporting and erecting the stairtower. The stairtower has vertical column members and lateral members defining levels of the stairtower. Removable staircases extend between alternate levels of lateral members. A platform landing is formed at the intersection of first and second stair segments of the staircase. Removable ramps may be connected to the stairtower above, below, and at a position corresponding to the platform landings. A safety device in the form of catch pans, gutters, and leaders may be provided to protect workers by collecting debris and rainwater. A transporting vehicle may be connected to the installation section to transport the stairtower to a desired location. A lifting vehicle may be used to lift the stairtower from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Hayes, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110088341
    Abstract: Especially designed to allow the wheelchairs in which disabled persons move to pass from a lower level to a higher level and vice-versa, although it is also valid for mothers, with trolleys whether of babies, shopping, etc. or for any other similar application; the stairs have steps which can move upward and/or downward to be positioned coplanarly and establish a platform, whereto the disabled person's wheelchair can directly access, allowing this by horizontal raising and/or lowering of this platform to pass from one floor level to another. For this purpose, it is provided that each step is supported by a scissor structure, associated to a mechanism, preferably formed by a motor and a spindle, making it possible to simultaneously raise and/or lower, and in controlled fashion, all the steps to form the platform of direct access of the disabled person's chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Manuel Cerda Martinez
  • Publication number: 20100287850
    Abstract: An architectural structure comprises a core column structure (1), a plurality of recessed platform structures (2) vertically spaced apart from each other and supported by the column structure, and landfill filled in the recessed platform structures form plots. A water reticulation system moves through all the plots from a central water supply system. Dwellings (4) are built on the plots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Uttamrao Hanumantrao Jadhav
  • Patent number: 7779586
    Abstract: A multistory, multiple dwelling unit building complex includes at least one three story module wherein first and third levels include one or more dwelling units serviced by an elevator. A corridor is provided on an intermediate level and stairways extend between the dwelling units on the first and third levels and the corridor. Exit stairways also extend between the corridor and the first and third levels and may be accessed directly from vestibules associated with the elevator or from other doorways between stairway landings and respective dwelling units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: S&T Joint Venture
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Publication number: 20100126082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated service pod comprising: a central framework adapted to accommodate at least one utility means, said utility means being selected from: an electricity supply, a telecommunications/data supply, a water supply, a waste fluid drainage conduit, and a ventilation supply; and at least two sections attached to said framework selected from: a kitchen section, a bathroom section, and a staircase section. The present invention also describes a method of constructing a building using a prefabricated service pod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Gary McLuskey
  • Patent number: 7676998
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a multifamily dwelling which may include: at least one building, which may include: a townhouse façade on at least a front of the building; at least three dwelling units in the building, each of the at least three dwelling units may include: an individual garage, and a non-shared, individual entry between each individual garage and an associated dwelling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Lessard Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Lessard
  • Publication number: 20090293384
    Abstract: A system of spaces including a residential apartment unit in a multi-unit building arranged on multiple levels that provides the following attributes to all units in the building: Central corridor access to a middle level of each unit; through-unit feature with exposures at opposite sides of the building; a variety of ceiling heights, each appropriate to the function and formality of its respective space, which nest to conserve building height and bulk; and internal balconies and exposed interior stairs enabling vertically displaced spaces to interlock and communicate visually. The resulting unit is contained within a demising envelope whose shape, when rotated 180 degrees about a central public corridor serving a second such unit, forms a complimentary pair. The combined shape of each such pair of units enables it to be stacked vertically and abutted laterally into a simple rectangular solid that allows vertical continuity for optimum efficiency of structural and mechanical support systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Allan S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20090205264
    Abstract: A rotatable building structure (10) contains a vertical central core (14) for supporting suspended floor units (12) surrounding the core. An annular platform (22) extends from the core at corresponding floor units for providing accessibility to and from the central core. The floor units contain a drive mechanism (38, 40, 42) for rotational displacement. The wind load on the exterior side of each floor, and/or horizontal wind turbines that turn around the core but is a separate part of the floor itself, solar panels situated as a roof cover on top of each floor and a wind tool (46) deployable from the floor unit provides alternative wind power assist for rotating the floor units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Rotating High Towers S.A.
    Inventors: David Fisher, Laura Micol Fisher
  • Patent number: 7523592
    Abstract: A handrail assembly is provided which may be attached to a wall or stairwell using conventional mounting hardware. The handrail consists of a substantially flat panel having a series of grooves on opposite sides of an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel. Within the respective oppositely spaced grooves, a thermoplastic extruded slit tube is inserted into the grooves providing a curved gripping portion of a handrail. The substantially flat panel has exterior surfaces of a thermoplastic polymer, thereby providing a handrail assembly having outer surfaces of a damage resistant, easily repair, long wearing polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Duracase Proprietary, LLC
    Inventor: David James Horwitz
  • Patent number: 7497055
    Abstract: A multistory apartment building complex may comprise vertically stacked modules and includes one or more vehicle parking levels grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their own garage and their dwelling unit via an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may also serve plural dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on selected dwelling unit levels which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit on each dwelling unit level and street level. Each dwelling unit may include a small service room having a lockable door between the service room and the dwelling unit and a door opening to the service corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: S&T Joint Venture
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Publication number: 20080236065
    Abstract: A system for establishing modular concrete truss stairway during construction of a multi-floor building having concrete decks provides two pre-cast concrete stringers of plural stairsteps and a cast-in-place intermediate landing therebetween forming a stair truss structurally attached to and communicating between two vertically spaced adjacent concrete decks. The intermediate concrete landing is carried between the adjacent vertically spaced decks by adjacent end portions of the stringers. Internal reinforcement in the concrete decks, in each stringer and in the intermediate landing is operatively interconnected to provide structural rigidity to the stair truss. Concurrent pouring of concrete for the upper deck, the intermediate landing and a blocked out area defined in a lower deck structurally attaches the stair truss therebetween providing an operative stairway upon hardening of the concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Guy A. Conservano
  • Patent number: 7036281
    Abstract: A multistory apartment building complex may comprise vertically stacked modules and includes one or more vehicle parking levels grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their own garage and their dwelling unit via an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may also serve plural dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on selected dwelling unit levels which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit on each dwelling unit level and street level. Each dwelling unit may include a small service room having a lockable door between the service room and the dwelling unit and a door opening to the service corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: S&T Joint Venture
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Patent number: 6922960
    Abstract: The invention provides a multiple dwelling house in which although its standard floors are constructed to have the same structural floor height, the ceiling heights of individual dwelling units positioned above and below each flat slab can be set to differ from each other so that the multiple dwelling house has ceiling heights capable of meeting a variety of needs of users. The multiple dwelling house includes standard floors constructed to have the same structural floor height dimension, intermediate slabs each of which is made of a flat slab and is disposed between each of adjacent upper and lower floors, and slabs each of which is made of a beam slab and forms a ceiling face of the upper floor and a floor face of the lower floor. One unit made of the adjacent upper and lower floors is constructed in a sequentially repeated manner to make dwelling-unit spaces different in ceiling height between the adjacent upper and lower floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignees: Institute of International Environment, Renaizm Ltd.
    Inventor: Keizo Sataka
  • Patent number: 6742311
    Abstract: A modular portable floor decking system for constructing a temporary or a permanent flooring structure is described. The system comprises a plurality of extruded metal hollow support posts and a plurality of beams interconnectable with the posts to form a support frame. Decking boards are securable across the beams. The support posts each have flat outer surfaces and two or more longitudinal connecting channels each disposed internally of an associated one of the flat outer surfaces. The channels have a central narrow slot extending along the respective flat outer surfaces. The beams have opposed flat connecting end walls and a metal clamping shoe is connected to the end walls of the beams by fasteners whereby to displace the shoe away from the flat surfaces to slide the shoe in a respective connecting channel of the posts as the beam is lowered between two posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Expo Design International
    Inventor: Guy Fortier
  • Publication number: 20040060247
    Abstract: A hand rail assembly having a wood hand rail is supported on a plurality of brackets that can be premounted onto a wall. The brackets include a rail bolt threadable relative to the mounted portion of the bracket. The rail bolt has a T-shaped head that fits into a groove opening on the rail that opens to recessed groove portions. The heads of the rail bolts are arranged so that they are parallel to the groove opening, and then when the rail has been placed with the heads inside the groove opening, the rail bolts are rotated so the head fits into a recessed portions of the groove to hold the rail on the rail bolt. A nut is then used for clamping the head in position on the rail for mounting the rail securely. The rail bolt has flat spots so that a tool can be used to manipulate the rail bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Fred P. Berndt,
  • Publication number: 20040020142
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic stairway has a pair of laterally spaced apart elongated stringers adapted to be disposed between levels of the building and a plurality of integral riser surfaces and integral tread surfaces extending between said stringers so as to form steps. A plurality of individual preformed tread members are fastened on the tread surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Russell L. Kress
  • Patent number: 6574925
    Abstract: An emergency stairwell for a building having multiple floors comprising: at least one landing associated with each the floor, each landing increasing in width in at least one horizontal direction from an uppermost landing of an upper floor to a lowermost landing of a lower floor; and at least one set of stairs extending between adjacent pairs of landings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Maximus Technologies
    Inventors: Anthony M. Palagonia, Stuart K. J. Smyth
  • Publication number: 20030074848
    Abstract: An emergency stairwell for a building having multiple floors comprising: at least one landing associated with each the floor, each landing increasing in width in at least one horizontal direction from an uppermost landing of an upper floor to a lowermost landing of a lower floor; and at least one set of stairs extending between adjacent pairs of landings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony M. Palagonia, Stuart K.J. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6550197
    Abstract: A high-efficiency residential structure includes a set of dwelling units, wherein a portion of the dwelling units are first-floor dwelling units and a portion of said dwelling units are second-floor dwelling units, a set of garages comprising a plurality of parking spaces, wherein the dwelling units and the garages are disposed within a footprint associated with the residential structure, a set of interior passageways, each of the interior passageways directly linking one of the dwelling units to one of the garages such that the site-density, yield, direct-access ratio, and efficiency of the structure is substantially optimized
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce W. Gray
  • Patent number: 6484454
    Abstract: A residential complex formed of circular modules, the central part of the residence formed by the principal circular module and the bedrooms and other remote living areas formed by secondary circular modules. The modules are interconnected by upper and lower passageways, and the secondary modules may be angularly positioned with respect to the principal module to accommodate elevations and other surface characteristics of the residence site. A circular stairway along the interior peripheral wall connects the upper and lower floors of the principal module, and circular domes with circular centered skylights, circular chimneys and an arcuate cantilevered structure promote the circular theme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Everhart
  • Patent number: 6405496
    Abstract: A multi-story apartment or condominium building complex includes one or more vehicle parking levels above or below grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their garage and their dwelling unit through an interior corridor at the parking level and an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may serve one, two or several dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on each dwelling unit level which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit level and street level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Patent number: 6345475
    Abstract: Pivotably mounted barriers extending across a portion of and staggered in an alternating manner from opposite sides and spaced apart as to permit directed travel up or down stairs or staircase. Barriers extend across staircase to the extent that in addition to acting as an aid in ascending or descending, should a person stumble or lose their footing, their fall would be interupted within a few feet instead of tumbling all the way to the bottom suffering certain injury and possible death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Darnell Flory
  • Patent number: 6330766
    Abstract: A dwelling system having a housing for enclosing an oversized vehicle where the oversized vehicle is generally an oversized vehicle such as a large truck, a recreational vehicle or a mobile home, for example. In one embodiment, the housing uses oversized doors with mock doors and windows such that the oversized garage enclosure is externally concealed. In another embodiment, the garage includes components that are vertically actuable so as to accommodate ingress and egress of an oversized vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: John A. Brownlee, III
  • Patent number: 6279277
    Abstract: A building comprises a plurality of multi-story building sectors, each building sector having a trapezoidal horizontal cross section and the building sectors forming a polygonal ring enclosing an inner courtyard, a staircase housing in the inner courtyard, a spiral staircase in the staircase housing, the staircase winding circularly in an upward direction, and connecting passages radiating from the staircase to respective ones of the stories of the building sectors at staggered vertical distances. Successive stories in the upwardly winding direction of the spiral staircase in adjacent ones of the building sectors are vertically staggered from each other by the same vertical distances as the connecting passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Johannes Zittmayr
  • Patent number: 6058664
    Abstract: A dwelling system having a housing which lacks plumbing. The housing is elevated so as to accept a portable unit below the housing. The housing uses a mating structure to provide bi-directional access through the roof of the portable unit that plumbing is provided by the portable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: John A. Brownlee, III
  • Patent number: 5809704
    Abstract: A hillside, multistory, multiple dwelling unit building includes at least two vertically stacked dwelling units wherein the lower dwelling unit has a ground level garage or vehicle parking space with an entry opening in one direction and the other dwelling unit has a garage or parking space vertically stacked above the first garage and opening to roadway on a hill adjacent to which the building is situated. The first dwelling unit may have two living space levels above the garage level, the second level being at the same level as and sharing some interior space withe the garage of the upper dwelling unit. The upper dwelling unit has two living space levels above its garage level. The building structure may be formed of reinforced concrete sidewalls and floors defining each level and formed as elongated "tunnels". The dwelling unit endwalls may be non-load bearing and have windows and balconies opening to the side of the vertically stacked dwelling units are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Jerry W. Stewart, W. Bryan Thruston
  • Patent number: 5491939
    Abstract: A prefabricated staircase unit includes four steel columns, at least four steel cross bars and a staircase set. The steel columns are disposed vertically to form a rectangular space. Each steel column has attaching devices at both ends for attaching a steel column of a second staircase unit. Each steel cross bar is disposed horizontally for connecting different steel columns. The staircase is disposed within the space defined by the four steel columns and the steel cross bars. Each staircase consists of a base landing, an intermediate landing and a series of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Jyh L. Wang
  • Patent number: 5136770
    Abstract: Corner modules have recessed, handrail-receiving mounting pockets bounded top and laterally by non-recessed boundary edge portions, but open at their bottom ends, and vertically taller than the end face of the handrail interval of steepest incline. The mounting pockets of the corner modules are factory-produced with very neatly made edges, whereas the end faces of handrail intervals are cut on-site for a particular installation, and tend to have cutting imperfections at the end face edges, such as chips, splinters, burring, edge waviness, etc. The handrail intervals, having underfaces with longitudinal slots, are mounted on baluster tops provided with articulate flanged connectors having tabs fitting firmly but slidably into the underface slots; thus the handrail intervals can be adjusted until they assume their needed relative positions, whereupon screws passing through holes in the flanged connectors penetrate the handrail underface deep within an underface slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Hans Kenngott
  • Patent number: 4951434
    Abstract: A prefabricated stairway formed of a plurality of preformed steps composed of wear-resistant plastic or composite material which can be injection molded in units of one or more steps to permit inexpensive mass production and which are simple and inexpensive to install and can be formed of colored material to provide a highly aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventor: George A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4930273
    Abstract: A multilevel modular building with scissor stairs and a method for constructing such a building is disclosed. The scissor stair comprises a pair of stairways connecting the floor of a module on a lower level with the floor of a module directly above. The stairways are disposed adjacent to each other in parallel vertical planes and configured in an X shape. A fire wall separates each stairway. In this manner, the stairways of the present invention provide the upper level with two separate and remote routes for access or egress in a minimal amount of space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Modulex, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter P. Papesch
  • Patent number: 4893442
    Abstract: Stair apparatus and method of manufacture, wherein the stair apparatus has concrete tread pads and landings which are poured and set during manufacture so that pouring and setting of the concrete does not have to be done in the field, thereby saving much labor and time. The method includes a unique step of clamping the step elements between the stringer elements so that the step elements are firmly held in proper position during welding thereof to the stringer elements. The landings are supported in a novel manner in a stairwell, and the stair assemblies are supported between the landings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Duraflite, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Graham, Edward F. Schaack