Barrier Or Major Section Mounted For In Situ Repositioning; E.g., Rearrangeable Or Rotatable Patents (Class 52/64)
  • Patent number: 6474025
    Abstract: A workstation is disclosed. The workstation includes a primary worksurface configured for rotation and coupled to a base configured for rotation, a seat for a user coupled to the base, and a secondary worksurface at least partially surrounding the primary worksurface. The primary worksurface is available to a user on rotation of the primary worksurface and the secondary worksurface is selectively available to the user on rotation of the primary worksurface. A workstation having a rotatable worksurface coupled to the base, a seat for a user coupled to the base, and a partition configured for attachment to the worksurface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick S. Faiks, Mitchell Niewiadomski
  • Patent number: 6474027
    Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Michael S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6470630
    Abstract: Amusement equipment can be easily installed in a building at low cost. Also, desired amusement equipment can be renewed easily and at low cost. In a building, an amusement facility is provided by installing a container provided therein with amusement equipment. The building is formed with an opening portion for carrying-in-and-out the container therethrough. A container supporting portion for permitting carrying-in-and-out the container is provided in the building. Accordingly, the container is placed on the container supporting portion through the opening portion to install the amusement equipment in the building. Also, by replacing the container in the building, the amusement equipment can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Masafumi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6463701
    Abstract: An information display system is disclosed. A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. The information display system includes 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. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. The information display system may include a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure, with each of the plurality of containers is adapted to include at least one display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Carl V. Forslund, III
  • Patent number: 6463705
    Abstract: A container for a prefabricated building is disclosed. The container is formed from components of the prefabricated building. The container is built to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes. Additional storage for some building components is preferably provided by attaching channel members to the top of the container. Supports and a covering for the additional storage space may be included. The additional storage space is preferably dimensioned to allow the container to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Oakwood Homes Corporation
    Inventors: Don Davis, Mitch Misenheimer, Glenn D. Tucker, Ronald D. Ward
  • Patent number: 6457277
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for support automatic teller machines (ATM's). A framework is formed and adapted to house the ATM. A support plate is positioned within the framework and is adapted to be linearly movable between two positions. The first position places the support plate entirely within the framework. The second position allows the support plate to at least partially protrude from the framework. The plate is then simply supported rather than by cantilever. Simply supporting the plate may include coupling the plate to the frame work with a pivotal linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: David O. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20020134028
    Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and an outer sidewall in which is defined in large opening, preferably located so as to provide favorable outdoor views to the occupants of the stadium. A movable wall member is advantageously position so as to be able to open or close the large opening. When the movable wall member is in a first, retracted position spectators will be provided with a view of the outdoors and a great deal of outdoor air and sunlight. When outdoor conditions are unfavorable for an intended event within the stadium, however, the movable wall member may be repositioned in order to partially or fully close the opening. Such unfavorable conditions may include undesirable sun position, an undesirable amount of wind or humidity; or unfavorable temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Cyril Silberman, David Sadinsky, Bart Riberich, Andrew Cheng, Lennart Nielson, Terry Thompson, Timothy J. Kline
  • Patent number: 6453619
    Abstract: A canopy which can be inflated, deployed and retracted by inflation and deflation, respectively. The canopy includes a plurality of beams arranged side by side, an apparatus for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, an apparatus for sliding the beams along a rigid beam and at least one orifice made in the wall of the rigid beam placing the apparatus for supplying pressurized-fluid-supply in communication with the inner space of the inflatable beams. The canopy also includes an apparatus for successive positioning of the inner space of each inflatable beam opposite the orifice of the rigid beam to guarantee inflation of the beams by the pressurized fluid from the upper beam to the lower beam and their deflation from the lower beam to the upper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Spironef Technologies
    Inventor: Guy Robert Delamare
  • Publication number: 20020129564
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary bungalow, comprising a cabin forming an inner space therein; a hollow rotary shaft extended downward from the cabin; a support unit rotatably supporting the rotary shaft; a water tank installed under the cabin; a water pipe extended between the water tank and the cabin through the rotary shaft; and a water pump drawing in the water within the water tank through the water pipe to the cabin. With this configuration, the user is allowed to use the rotary bungalow conveniently and pleasantly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Byoung-Ki Park
  • Publication number: 20020129561
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Cyril Silberman, David Sadinsky, Bart Riberich, Andrew Cheng, Lennart Nielson, Terry Thompson, Timothy J. Kline
  • Publication number: 20020124481
    Abstract: A barrel has a sector-shaped main board and a polygonal base board. A plurality of periphery plates are disposed on a periphery of the polygonal base board. Each periphery plate has a periphery folding line and a round hole. The sector-shaped main board has a plurality of longitudinal folding lines, a connection plate, a plurality of rectangular plates, and a plurality of decoration plates. Each rectangular plate has a slot. Each decoration plate has a transverse folding line and an insertion protrusion. The connection plate and one of the rectangular plates are fastened together. Each periphery plate and each rectangular plate are fastened together by a bolt and a nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Zhi-Yuan Yang
  • Patent number: 6446397
    Abstract: A dog-bone shaped bumper for a telescoping way cover extends on both sides of the rear flange of the cover and defines spaces which close upon flexing of forked ends of the bumper between the rear flange and the next adjacent cover section to reduce the impact between sections when expanding and retracting the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: A & A Mfg. Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. O'Connor, Chad M. Kernats
  • Patent number: 6442903
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the transmission of energy through an energy transmissive structure having at least one energy transmissive panel comprising in combination at least one elongated support adjacent to the energy transmissive panel of the energy transmissive structure. A polymer bag made of polyethylene terephthalate encapsulates the elongated support which allows the polymer bag to be inflated or deflated around the elongated support. The outer surface of the polymer bag has a reflective coating for reflecting energy through the energy transmissive structure. There is at least one elongated weight attached to the polymer bag to ensure that the polymer bag is maintained in its optimum position. There is at least one air distribution header attached to the elongated support to inflate or deflate the polymer bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20020116878
    Abstract: A engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure which is the size of an ISO shipping container and which includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure with the walls of the structure being prewired and preplumbed and adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore T. Ciotti
  • Publication number: 20020112412
    Abstract: A plurality of wheeled cabinets, including single-sided cabinets (20) and double-sided cabinets (21), is movably mounted upon fixed rail assemblies (90) and (90A). Each cabinet is fitted with an extendable privacy partition (80), an automatically deployed safety-spacer assembly (110), and is capable of accepting both factory-finished and custom-fabricated furniture and fixture infill packages (24) that provide the activity spaces (23) created in between the cabinets with all of the appurtenances necessary to particularize these spaces into functionally specific rooms. A continuous conductor rail (100) supplies power, telephone, and data to the residential program deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Wesley C. Jones
  • Patent number: 6434895
    Abstract: A folded building, after having been trailered on its own wheel assemblies to a site, is unfolded at the site by first reorienting 90° the wheel assemblies attached to each of a pair of side walls and removing an attached trailer hitch. The side walls are drawn apart from one another while having supported by the rolling wheel assemblies. As the side walls are drawn apart, pivotally attached front and rear bifold walls unfold. Each of a pair of foldable roofs attached to a respective one of the side walls is unfolded from a location adjacent the interior of the respective side wall. Roof end caps are attached to the top edges of each of the front and rear walls. After raising the wheel assemblies the building is lowered onto the site. To remove the building from the site, the building is folded by reversing the unfolding steps and the trailer hitch is attached. The building may then be trailered to another site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Bendon, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Craig Hosterman, D. L. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20020108318
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for use in laying stone and the like onto floors. The number of apertures in the apparatus may vary, and a wall surrounds the plate of the apparatus as set forth. There are four articles for adjusting the height of the apparatus above a supporting floor to adjust the amount and level of setting material to be applied. In an alternate embodiment, the thickness of the plate of the apparatus determines how thick the setting material to be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Vadim V. Mikhaylenko, Marvin A. Pringle
  • Publication number: 20020095902
    Abstract: In a wall element (1, 2) for a mobile dividing wall with a wall member (3) and a border profile (4), the said profile comprises a base member (G), which is firmly joined to the wall member (3), and a revolving element (10, 10′) mounted therein to turn around its axis (15). The base member (G) comprises two lips (18) bearing substantially against the revolving element (10, 10′). The revolving element (10, 10′) is coated on part of its surface with burr material (16) and is otherwise provided with at least one further surface structure. Depending on the angular position of the revolving element, the burr material (16) or alternatively the different surface structure or one of the different surface structures is exposed externally between the two lips (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Rudolf Miller, Karl-Heinz Auer
  • Patent number: 6421962
    Abstract: A swimming pool cover is provided for a swimming pool which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor and can be then raised to a position above the pool and adjacent the ceiling. The cover is suspended from the ceiling by various wire ropes and associated winches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard McNamara
  • Patent number: 6415556
    Abstract: An edifice such as a sports stadium is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather by having at least one movable roof member. Each 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 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, orientation structure 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Uni-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril J. Silberman, M. David Sadinsky, Barton L. Riberich, Cheuk A. Cheng, Dick Eide, Lennart Nielsen, Michael James Becker, Timothy John Kline, Michael R. Riberich, Jennifer Ann McLeish
  • Patent number: 6415551
    Abstract: A non friction motor driven telescoping row based seating system having a direct drive motor apparatus for engaging a drum which winds and unwinds interconnected drive carriages on said drum to provide telescoping and retraction movement to the seating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Specialty Supply & Installation Company
    Inventor: Dennis Norman
  • Publication number: 20020083651
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a movable defensive apparatus in which power for driving a relatively heavy defensive wall and installation space are not required specially, entry of mob, runaway vehicle and the like can be prevented of course, and entry of rainwater and the like can also be prevented to some extent. The movable defensive apparatus comprising a defensive wall (2) disposed in the vicinity of a doorway (O•I) of a site (G) such as a house and an installation or in the vicinity of a doorway (O•I), a window or the like of a building for preventing rainwater and illegal object such as a mob and a runaway vehicle from entering the site (G) or the building; and a piston cylinder unit (20, 20) for driving the defensive wall (2) from a machine room (M•R) to an upper predetermined position along a guide device (10, 10). Running water (30, 31) is supped to the piston cylinder unit (20, 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nomura, Kazuo Yano
  • Patent number: 6405491
    Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of wall panels having various configurations and one or more plumbing units. The wall panels and plumbing units are connectable to each other to form the patient room. Each plumbing unit includes a water conduit and a water-using device that is connected to the water conduit. In some embodiments, the modular patient room includes modular patient service equipment that couples to the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Gallant
  • Publication number: 20020062605
    Abstract: A deck for dodgems (bumper cars) to form part of a travelling fair has a central portion intended to be fixed to a road trailer. Hinged to each major side of the central portion is a pair of hinged leaves each intended to form part of the deck when in their unfolded, coplanar, positions. To permit the major axis of the deck to be longer than usual, but without raising the height of the hinged leaves to an impermissible value for travel along roads, the length of at least the outer leaf of each pair is made adjustable. Each outer leaf includes a series of parallel stringers that are effectively of adjustable length, the stringers bearing three deck plates, of which two are fixed to the stringers, while the central one is movable relative to the other two between a coplanar position and a stacked position. This arrangement of the plates permits the distance between the inner and outer plates to be altered to shorten or extend the effective width of the respective leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Alfred Matthews
  • Publication number: 20020062602
    Abstract: A vertically moveable swimming pool floor apparatus includes a rigid planar platform configured to fit the planform area of a swimming pool, and a plurality of hydraulically powered hoists coupled to the platform to raise and lower the platform. The hoists are controlled by a control system operated by the user. The hoists controllably actuate the platform into and out of a swimming pool cavity, such that effective depth of the swimming pool is variable in a continuous range. The platform is equipped with depth indicators to allow users to observe the effective depth of the pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: James Pearlson, Raymond Pearlson
  • Patent number: 6393772
    Abstract: A movable wall panel system with panels that automatically plumb to account for slope or rotation of the overhead track. The system includes a cross beam within an interior volume of the wall panel that is connected to at least one trolley movable along the overhead track. The cross beam is pivotally connected to the frame of the wall panel such that the panel can pivot relative to the cross beam, for example within the plane of the panel width. At least one biasing member, such as a compression spring, is located between the frame and the cross beam to resist pivoting motion. In a preferred embodiment, a pendant of each trolley is provided with a pivot surface that engages an underside of the cross beam in weight supporting relationship. The pivot surface and the cross beam underside are complementarily structured and arranged to permit pivoting about the pivot surface of the cross beam and the connected wall panel frame, such as in a direction generally perpendicular to the panel width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald A. McRoberts, Amy M. Meadows, Melvin W. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 6385912
    Abstract: A substructure for a sports field of the type which can be shifted on glide pads or rollers on a track of a foundation and in which the frame supporting the sports field can be lifted by pairs of hydraulic cylinders to facilitate inspection and maintenance of the structure beneath the frame. A track bridging the inspection and maintenance space can have a wedge-shaped section covering an opening for this space and hydraulically displaceable into and out of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Schiess-Defries Engineering Immobilien-und Bautrager GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Wessel, Matthias Paul
  • Patent number: 6374550
    Abstract: A building includes a rigid dwelling-house enclosing an inner space, a swimming-pool, and a device for moving the dwelling-house relative to the swimming-pool between a first position in which the dwelling-house is positioned on top of the swimming-pool which is thereby incorporated within the inner space of the dwelling-house, and a second position in which the dwelling house is adjacent the swimming-pool. The swimming-pool is usable as an outdoor swimming-pool or a covered swimming-pool, each of the dwelling-house and the swimming-pool retaining a separate functionality and being usable separately and simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Brigitte Reus
  • Publication number: 20020043030
    Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilevered beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilevered beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut over the entire structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Donald W. Bogart
  • Patent number: 6370825
    Abstract: An event construction comprises a public area, such as a grandstand, and a pitch for performing activities, for example sporting activities like football or baseball. The pitch is accommodated on a floor which by sliding elements is set up in such a way that it can be moved in relation to the public area. The sliding elements comprise at least one elongated track which is set up underneath the floor and is connected to the base or to the floor, and also supporting elements which are connected to the floor and can be slid in relation to the track, or supporting elements connected to the base, over which supporting elements the elongated track can be slid. Each track consists of mortar material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Hollandsche Beton Groep N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Adrianus Angelines Maria Vollebregt, Herman Bomer, Alexander Gljsbert Van Der Meijden
  • Patent number: 6367212
    Abstract: A fire-retardant roof construction in a building wherein a fire-resistant wall separates a first room from a second room and supports purlins which carry a roof cladding fire-retardant roof construction. A first set of parallel purlins extends over the first room, each having one end pivotally mounted over a horizontal axis parallel to the wall adjacent the top of the wall. A set of upright cleats of sheet metal are secured to the top of the wall, each providing the pivotal mounting for a respective purlin. A second set of parallel purlins extends over the second room, and is mounted on cleats in the manner of the first set. The pivotal mountings are so located that each purlin, if deprived of support elsewhere, can collapse to hang down from its pivot without structural damage to the wall or the respective cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Noel Christopher Manning
  • Patent number: 6367206
    Abstract: A stadium that is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather includes a foundation and a pair of movable end roof members that are movable between first, retracted positions and second, operational positions for covering first and second end areas, respectively, of the stadium. The stadium also includes a center roof member that is movable between a retracted position and an operational position for covering a center area of the stadium. All of the roof members are supported for movement between the retracted positions and the operational positions by a guide and support assembly that includes at least one rail member that is secured to the foundation and a plurality of independently suspended follower assemblies that are mounted to the respective roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Uni-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril J. Silberman, M. David Sadinsky, Barton L. Riberich, Cheuk A. Cheng, Dick Eide, Lennart Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20020032993
    Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Michael S. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20020029530
    Abstract: A modular housing unit which includes first and second unit parts. Each housing unit part has a sidewall and two end walls with an opening in one side extending substantially along the longitudinal dimension of the part. A pair of roof panels extends over each of the housing unit parts having one end of each panel pivotally connected to the unit so that the roof panels may be pivoted between a lowered position and a raised position. When in the raised position, the panels form a portion of the second floor living area in the housing unit. The housing unit parts are joined at their respective open sides so as to form the second floor living area when the roofing panels of each of the respective parts are in their raised positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kent Stichter
  • Patent number: 6354043
    Abstract: A privacy screen is configured for use with systems furniture and the like, such as post and beam arrangements that spatially partition an open office space into multiple workstations each having an interior with an opening into an adjacent space. The privacy screen is shaped to enclose a substantial portion of the opening of an associated workstation, and includes a generally flat lower portion, and a bowed upper portion that extends outwardly from the interior of the workstation to provide within the interior of the workstation a sense of spatial openness, as well as enhanced air and light influx, without detracting substantially from useable space on the opposite side of the privacy screen. The privacy screen may be constructed from a woven fabric with a single layer at the upper portion for greater visual porosity, and two layers at the lower portion for visual privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Simon, Chris L. Domina
  • Publication number: 20020023392
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangment for moving elements (4, 5) of a multi-leaf sliding wall (1) into a parking magazine (6) whereby a storage rail (7) branches in the region of the parking magazine from a guide rail which carries the elements, and whereby each element (4) has a drive assembly (8). The invention is directed thereto that the first element (5) next to the parking magazine (6) in the region of the free end of the guide rail is journalled to be swingable about an axis of rotation and is exclusively guided with its associated drive assembly (8) by the storage rail (7), whereby between the first element (5) and the drive assembly (8) there is disposed a coupling link (10) configured to support a tension to pull and to support a compression to push.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Markus Bischof
  • Patent number: 6347487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to building structures that are floatable so that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. A sealed floor structure is described such that the entire superstructure can float under the influence of flood waters. The floor structure is supported above grade upon corbels and thence by a series of columns disposed around the perimeter of the building. The perimeter columns generally lie outside the superstructure envelope and continue up to or beyond the eaves level of the structure. As the building floats vertically these columns, via a sleeve mechanism, act to limit any horizontal movement of the structure. Mechanisms incorporated within the columns and floor structure limit the upward travel of the structure under the influence of flood waters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Philip Davis
  • Patent number: 6341451
    Abstract: A portable garage apparatus for providing shelter to a vehicle for people who don't have a garage. The portable garage apparatus includes a portable building structure having a floor, a top wall, side walls, an opening in a back end thereof, and an opening in a front end thereof; and also includes a plurality of doors securely attached to the building structure; and further includes a door opening and closing assembly; and also includes an alarm-sounding assembly for unauthorized entry into said portable building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Dudley Morton, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20010052356
    Abstract: The present invention is an enclosure for sheltering a small aircraft, and provides an arcuate roof frame supported by a base frame. The roof frame has a fixed roof portion engaging a movable roof portion and a hydraulic system for adjusting the position of the movable roof. The fixed and movable roof portions are mutually engaged by a hinge system enabling vertical arcuate motion of the movable roof portion relative to the fixed roof portion. A fabric or thin sheet material cover is mounted over the fixed and the movable roofs so as to protect an aircraft stored within the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: James M. Ross
  • Patent number: 6311434
    Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6301839
    Abstract: The shed for a snowmobile or ATV of the present invention includes a rectangular container having opposed rigid planar side walls of generally equal size in parallel spaced apart array, a rigid first end wall mounted to first ends of the side walls, and an opposite second end wall pivotally mounted to opposite second ends of the side walls so as to form a door for the container. A pair of opposed facing, substantially vertical, first arrays of apertures are formed in the side walls, adjacent the first ends of the side walls, one of the first arrays in each of the side walls. Similarly, a pair of opposed facing, substantially vertical, second arrays of apertures are formed in the side walls, adjacent the second ends of the side walls, one of the second arrays in each of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Edwin Brent Chapman
  • Patent number: 6295767
    Abstract: A portable security housing is formed from a framework defining an interior space for enclosing items to be secured, such as vending machines. The framework has a rear wall, opposite side walls, an upper wall, and a front access opening. Opaque panels are secured over at least the side and upper walls to cover the housing, with the rear wall placed against a building wall or the like. A roll-up, sectional door is rotatably mounted at the upper end of the front access opening for movement between a rolled up, storage position above the front opening and an unrolled, downwardly extended deployed position covering and closing the front opening. The housing has floor mounting pads at its base for releasably mounting the housing on a floor or ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Icon Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Barnhill, Jr., James T. Barnhill
  • Patent number: 6295765
    Abstract: A movable shelter for providing a shelter for animals that would be dry and warm. The movable shelter includes a base member including a first sprocket adapted to be rotatably mounted upon a ground such as a cement slab and also including a shaft securely mounted to the first sprocket for rotation therewith and being adapted to be generally perpendicular to the ground; and also includes a building structure having a floor, side walls, front wall, back wall, a roof, and an opening in the front wall with the building structure being securely mounted upon the shaft for rotation therewith; and further includes a rotation assembly for rotating the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Michael H. Busch
  • Patent number: 6286277
    Abstract: A sliding panel system whose sliding panel elements are aligned in a row next to each other when the sliding panel is closed and are positioned orthogonally in relation to the sliding panel when it is in its parked position. The individual sliding panel elements are guided on a first rail arrangement, a curved or bent rail section being adjacent to said slide rail in the transitional area leading to the parked position. The invention is characterized in that the slide rail has a curved or bent rail section in the transitional area leading to the parked position itself. When a point is switched immediately, said rail section opens up onto a parking rail running orthogonally or at an angle to the slide rail. The free end of the parking rail is configured so that it extends into the area of the sliding panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst-Udo Blöbaum, Reinhard Janutta
  • Patent number: 6279643
    Abstract: A prefabricated furniture system including an overhead framework having utility conduits and supporting a plurality of rigid infill panels. The framework extends over a floor of a building space, and has a plurality of posts, and a plurality of beams, at least some of which are supported at a predetermined elevation above an average user height to define an open, three-dimensional gridwork which spatially partitions the associated portion of the building space. The utility conduits extend along the posts and the beams to provide access to utilities throughout the gridwork. The rigid infill panels are constructed to permit bodily translation of the same by an adult user, and are shaped for positioning between the beams and the floor of the building in side-by-side juxtaposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Shipman
  • Patent number: 6263620
    Abstract: This invention concerns a sound proof hangar for airplanes with a wide entrance (3) for aircraft (7). To provide a sound barrier at the open side, the entrance opening is limited, at least on one side, by a series of deflecting surfaces (10), the inner edges of which are directed, in horizontal section, towards the hangar interior and the external edges of which are directed laterally. The deflecting surfaces (10) can be moved between a closed position which partly or completely closes the entrance opening (3) and a position which opens the entrance opening (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: G + H Montage GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20010008059
    Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide out room which slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. An extendable member is mounted on the main frame and is rigidly connected to the slide out room floor, so that the weight of the slide out room is transferred from the floor of the main living to the extendable member as the slide out room slides between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the slide out room is leveled with respect to the floor of the main living area when the slide out room is moved to the extended position by bending of the extendable support member in response to the weight transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, James E. Dewald, Martin P. McManus
  • Patent number: 6253525
    Abstract: Hinge arrangement for pivotally connecting structural parts (1) which in oppositely inclined surfaces facing each other are provided with an open-ended T-shaped undercut elongate groove (3) in which may be inserted from the ends of the groove at least one support component (4) with lugs (4″) corresponding to the cross-section of the groove and with a cylindrical receptacle (4′) for insertion of the hinge axle (L), the support components cooperating with at least one unitary hollow pivot profile (5) arranged between the structural parts and provided with inclined walls (5′) corresponding to the inclined walls of the structural parts and adjacent to the cylindrical receptacles of the support components (4) with two partially cylindrical receptacles (7) into which may be inserted the hinge axle (L) extending through the receptacles of the structural parts so that one or both structural parts may be pivoted by 90° or one of the structural parts may be pivot by 180° relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Gisela Weber
  • Patent number: 6253494
    Abstract: A multi-entertainment platform that combines the elements of a motion picture with the elements of a live performance using a theatre construction. An upper stage and a motion picture viewing screen arrangement allows the audience to experience continuous uninterrupted entertainment on screen and on stage with seamless transitions between stage to screen and screen to stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Darlene D. Shaffron
  • Patent number: 6243992
    Abstract: An expandable and collapsible mobile structure is provided that includes a central structure having a floor, a roof, front and rear end walls, and at least one longitudinal side wall that is movable out from the central structure. Foldable floor sections are hinged to a bottom edge of the longitudinal side wall and a bottom edge of the central structure, and foldable roof sections are hinged to a top edge of the longitudinal side wall and a top edge of the central structure. The foldable floor sections and foldable roof sections are adapted to be unfolded as the longitudinal side wall is moved out from the central structure. And front and rear side walls are hinged to respective outermost side edges of the front and rear end walls of the central structure. In an expansion operation, the front and rear side walls are adapted to be initially swung out perpendicular to the longitudinal side wall and positioned by ground supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Thorbjörn Gyllenhammar