Framework Patents (Class 52/653.1)
  • Patent number: 7197855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paving system for tiles, especially flagstones, for paving ceilings, walls, or floors, in which each tile is provided with a paving frame on which the tile rests over at least part of its area. The paving frames comprise, on each of two adjacent (intersecting) limbs, a fin for the accommodation of a rubber-elastic sealing profile that defines the width of the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Tomas Della Pepa
  • Patent number: 7185471
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a wooden beam includes arranging first and second elongated members parallel to one another and at a predetermined distance from one another, arranging the at least two crosspieces on the first and second elongated members, arranging third and fourth elongated members respectively opposite the first and second elongated members and on the at least two crosspieces, gluing, with a flexible glue, contact zones, whereby the first elongated member, the second elongated member, the third elongated member, the fourth elongated member, and the at least two crosspieces form an assembly, and pressing the assembly in order to crush layers of the flexible glue, wherein elastic joints are formed in each assembly zone after the pressing and after the flexible glue are dry, and wherein the elastic joints allow for a relative movement. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dorean Sarl
    Inventor: Claude Schmerber
  • Patent number: 7178304
    Abstract: A framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Todd A. Brady
  • Patent number: 7168219
    Abstract: A support structure such as, for example, a door jamb and a window jamb. In one embodiment, the jamb is formed from a first stud that has a web and two first flanges and a second stud with a second web and second flanges. The first stud has at least one first hole through the first web and the second stud has at least one second hole through the second web. The first and second studs are oriented such that at least one first hole is aligned with at least one second hole and a stud engager is inserted through the aligned holes to retain the studs in abutting contact to form the jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Elderson
  • Patent number: 7160601
    Abstract: A door jamb assembly for an entryway has a wooden jamb plate to which an extruded plastic brick mold and stop member is attached. The brick mold and stop member forms the raised stop of the jamb assembly also may form the brick mold thereof. The extruded plastic brick mold and stop member has a core made of economical cellular PVC plastic at least partially encased in a stabilizing layer of a plastic material, such as SAN, having a heat distortion temperature greater than that of the PVC plastic of the core. The stabilizing layer holds the core material in place and restrains it against distortion and shrinkage due to extreme temperatures, such as those found between a storm door and a door exposed to direct sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Reese Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Ellingson
  • Patent number: 7159369
    Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. At least one of the notches has opposing notch sides which are oriented such that when a portion of a web is received therein, one of the notch sides contacts the web at a first portion of the web and the other notch side contacts the web at a second portion of the web such that the first portion of the web and the second portion of the web are not located on a common longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Elderson
  • Patent number: 7155872
    Abstract: Open frames are disclosed by which structural support is provided, each frame comprising an array of slender members formed into a plurality of zig zag frame elements defining apexes, where the slender members of different zig zag frame elements integrally intersect each other at non-midpoint locations. A linear member bridges between and is integrated with some or all of the asymmetrical points of intersection, in some embodiments. The apexes so formed may comprise two slender members in some cases and four in others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Larry R. Francom
  • Patent number: 7150127
    Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Underwood, Keith E. Metcalf, Ryan A. Herbig, J. Douglas Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7121759
    Abstract: A grating system includes a first welded subassembly and a second non-welded subassembly joined to one another. The first subassembly includes spaced elongated bearing bars and spaced elongated cross bars extending transversely to the bearing bars. The second subassembly includes spaced elongated filler bars and spaced elongated cross bars extending transversely to the filler bars. The filler bars extend in the same direction as the bearing bars and are disposed in sets between adjacent bearing bars. The bearing bars include spaced notches in which are received the first subassembly cross bars and the second subassembly cross bars, which are aligned above the first subassembly cross bars. The subassemblies have respective upper surfaces which are flush with one another. The first subassembly is configured to support vehicle traffic and the second subassembly is configured to support pedestrian traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ohio Gratings, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryle D. Woodson, Joseph S. Mullane, Thomas J. Snyder, John C. Bartley, Kenneth P. Apperson
  • Patent number: 7100333
    Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 7096637
    Abstract: A display system and structure is disclosed generally comprising a vertical post assembly and a horizontal beam assembly coupled thereto, wherein the beam assembly includes a beam, a housing, and a plate assembly extractable from the housing, which plate assembly has at least two plates, which, when separated, secure the beam assembly to the post assembly. In some embodiments, the plates have ridges that fit into a channel in the post assembly. In some embodiments, the post assembly includes a spline with a slot, and the plates have tongues which fit into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: John Charles McMillan
  • Patent number: 7082734
    Abstract: The present invention provides a furniture assembly that includes rods and connection members, and that can be fully assembled without using tools or additional hardware. In one embodiment, the rods include a threaded end and an unthreaded end, and the connection members include an interior member and an exterior member, where the interior member and exterior member may be separate or of unitary construction. The exterior member includes unthreaded apertures for receiving the rods and the interior member includes an unthreaded aperture and a threaded aperture, also for receiving the rods. The rods and connection members are interconnected and gradually tightened to provide a stable furniture frame. Multi-level framing and methods of assembly are also provided. In an alternate embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for securing a plurality of rods within a connector using a leg threaded into the connector obliquely to a plane occupied by the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan
  • Patent number: 7062887
    Abstract: An intersecting structural member, and a method for assembling the same, allowing continuous structural members to intersect while also allowing one edge of each of the structural members to be bonded to a skin panel. A first structural member is provided with at least one bendable tab that allows an ingress area in the first member to be opened to permit the passage of a second structural member. The at least one bendable tab may optionally be designed in various shapes, with or without material reducing regions, may then be closed, interlocking the members and producing the intersecting structural member. This structure and method may be used to eliminate the need for welding collars around the member intersections, reducing labor, materials, weight, complexity of joining, and improving resistance to metal fatigue at the intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute
    Inventor: Richard L. Holdren
  • Patent number: 7059094
    Abstract: A frame structure has a structural unit containing six elongated posts, each post having first and second ends, the structural unit capable of having at least an unfolded state where the six posts are substantially contained in one plane and a folded state where the six posts extend substantially parallel to each other. The frame structure has post-midpoint joints formed in each of the posts for supporting the posts of the structural unit foldably at approximate midpoints of the posts; a central joint for supporting the posts of the structural unit at the first ends of each of the posts rotatably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded state. The six posts of the structural unit are positioned in the unfolded state such that the posts extend radially from the central joint within substantially one plane, so that a line connecting the second ends of the six posts of the structural unit forms substantially an equilateral hexagon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventor: Koji Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 7037030
    Abstract: A rigid frame inspection structure (“Rigi-Frame”) and method for housing radiation, contagion, explosive, and other forms of detection and surveillance equipment, while providing crash beams that form horizontal fixed obstacles with the ability to impede vehicles approaching at a high velocity. The crash beams force small passenger vehicles and larger trucks to conform to the inspection station procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Keith Steven McLemore
  • Patent number: 6988347
    Abstract: A metallic stud for use in a framing structure, the stud definable in terms a x, y, z coordinate system. The stud includes the z-axis elongate substantially rectangular integral web within a yz plane and further includes a series of xz plane tabs projecting in an x-axis direction, the tabs alternating in x-axis extent between interdigitating greater and lesser dimensions, in which a z-axis line of dependency exists between a common xz plane of all of the tabs in a first major rectangular base of the yz plane of the web of the stud. The stud further includes a z-axis elongate L-shaped element integrally dependent from a second major rectangular base of the web, the elongate element parallel to the first base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara
  • Patent number: 6976345
    Abstract: The invention includes a method for constructing buildings using non-wood construction products and buildings constructed from such non-wood construction products. The invention further includes a method and apparatus for manufacturing high-performance fiber-reinforced cellular concrete (HPFRCC) products and the use of such products as replacements for conventional wood lumber construction products. The products of the invention have the necessary strength, durability, nailability, and sawability for direct substitution for dimensional wood lumber in wood-frame construction applications. The invention also includes externally reinforced retaining wall systems that include stackable blocks formed of fiber-reinforced cellular concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Firouzeh Keshmiri
  • Patent number: 6945003
    Abstract: This concerns a 1000 foot stainless-steel Cross. This is a multi-faceted building including an I-beam internal structure for the tower and the arms, a cable structure within and without the building, and stainless-steel panels as the external “skin” of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Jacob O. Berry
  • Patent number: 6931812
    Abstract: A web structure includes a generally hexahedron-shaped frame having a plurality of points or vertices oriented in a manner that no more than three points lie in a common plane. Each pair of the points is connected by a line or frame segment and a plane includes three of the points. One line or frame segment passes through the plane and has first and second ends that are generally equidistant from the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Leon Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 6920721
    Abstract: Off-site factory built structure employs a chassis including two interior longitudinal beam members joined at their ends to a perimeter structure. A floor system is integrated within the chassis perimeter. A ledger member is fixed to the inner surface of each longitudinal perimeter member so that a top surface lies in a plane coincident with top surfaces of the interior longitudinal beams. Lateral members are coupled to the tops of the interior longitudinal beams and to the top of the ledger members. The lateral members include secondary stiffening members such as C-channel members, metal Z-channel members, or other metal members of similar structural capacity, spaced apart from each other by a maximum distance S, related to the width of the floor system W, by the equation: S 12?½W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Adv-Tech Building Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Evor F. Johns, James E. Rose, Skyler J. Epperson, Marc H. Pulver, Kenneth A. Long
  • Patent number: 6862864
    Abstract: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Robert Gehret, Robert Alan Berry, Thomas Wheeler, Daniel Puzio
  • Patent number: 6802169
    Abstract: Column, beam and cross-bracing frame structure and methodology. The column features an assembly of plural elongate angle-iron-like components held apart by spacers which establish laterally facing recesses between spaced, confronting legs for receiving the modified, inserted ends of the central webs in beams, and the ends of cross braces. Regions of end-to-end, vertically-stacked joinder between two columns take the forms of compact, friction-bound splices created through and with the inserted ends of beams' central webs. Columns in a frame can respond to severe loads with a certain amount of beneficial individual load-handling promoted and provided by the plural angle-iron-like components, and with modest, reversible frictionally resisted energy-dissipating longitudinal motions relative to one another. Such loading is also resisted by reversible, frictional relative motion in the splices between beams and columns. Similar friction connections are provided between cross-connected beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040187426
    Abstract: The application relates to various improvements to elements, structures, and components of structures used to support lighting, scenic, and other loads, including, but not limited to, those suitable for entertainment and display applications. Improved profiles for elongated structural shapes used for and used in structures for such purposes are disclosed, as well as improved fittings for connecting such shapes with each other; with supporting structures; and for connecting loads to them. Improvements are disclosed to methods of supporting structures, and for fabricating and interconnecting them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20040177578
    Abstract: A liftable support structure for a turf system, the support structure comprising a skeletal framework (50) having an open based structure with upstanding sides and at least two parallel spaced cross beams (51, 52), the framework (50) defining open subsections, each subsection supporting a latticework panel (90) that sits on the ledge structure. The framework (50) having a plurality of spaced lifting points and the cross beams (51, 52) defining access to forklift tines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Gabriel Casimaty
  • Patent number: 6779310
    Abstract: Public storage lockers are designed particularly for storage of bicycles, such as at a public transportation terminal. In a preferred embodiment the storage lockers are on-demand, lockable by a user who must unlock the locker using the same electronic key and who must unlock the locker before using the key for any other locker. The lockers are visually open, with a secure screen or mesh on the locker door and optionally on walls and top cover. This reveals that the bike locker is occupied and prevents the use of the locker for unauthorized, privacy-requiring activities. The bike enclosure has a floor wheel guide for conveniently loading the bike, and a special door latch mechanism which provides for security by including a latch bar in a fixed frame, while a latch bar lifter, operable to permit door opening when the lock is unlocked, is on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Grover
  • Publication number: 20040144057
    Abstract: A framing system for buildings that includes a plurality of studs and track mounted together to form a unique framing system. Each stud defines a longitudinally extending body, opposing foldable end flaps, and opposing flanges that extend outwardly from the body. Each of the opposing flanges also includes a second flange that extends outwardly from the opposing flanges at approximately an angle of ninety degrees. Mounted to the plurality of studs is the plurality of track. Each of the plurality of track defines a longitudinally extending track body and opposing track flanges extending outwardly from the track body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alan Meek, David Donald Plueard
  • Patent number: 6754999
    Abstract: A structural system with a plurality of metal framed load bearing walls formed in one or more sections with a support post connected in line to the ends of each load bearing wall. A plurality of metal framed roof trusses in one or more sections parallel with and connected to the top of the load bearing walls. A metal framed roof formed in one or more sections and spanning adjacent roof trusses. Each wall, truss and roof section formed with metal tracks and C-shaped studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Delmer L. Urbanczyk
  • Patent number: 6751913
    Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: John R. Marrotte, Richard R. Picard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6735917
    Abstract: An interlocking joint structure has a first tubular frame member having a key-shaped slot to slidably accommodate a second elongated T-shaped frame member. An adhesive is used to bond the first and second frame members together. A plurality of tubular members and T-shaped members are used to form lattices and trusses in building construction. A band of semi-rigid, textured can be weaved through the slots in adjacent tubular frame members to cross brace the construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Dalles C. Notermann
  • Publication number: 20040055244
    Abstract: A display framework connection system comprising a plurality of frame members, preferably tubular, a plurality of end flanges, and a hub system. The hub system can comprise a hub plate assembly and/or a hub casting assembly. In addition, at least oneclamp assembly, preferably cylindrical, can be included for circumferential attachment to the outer surface of the frame members to provide for selective removable fastening of various attachments and accessories at positions along the length of the frame members. The hub plate assembly and the hug casting assembly can be connected individually to the frame members, or in combination, to enable selective angular configuration of the frame members to construct a frame construction, such as those commonly utilized in display frame systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Dixon S. Gimpel, Curtis H. Lindblom
  • Patent number: 6701689
    Abstract: A stud spacer for connecting and extending between studs within a stud wall structure. The stud spacer includes an elongated member having a series of curved shaped notches formed in the member with each notch being adapted to receive a portion of a stud such that the stud spacer effectively connects to and extends between respective studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. diGirolamo
  • Publication number: 20040040248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame construction for fixing a plurality of essentially flat panel structures in a matrix relation. The frame construction consists of a plurality of horizontal frame members and a plurality of vertical frame members, which horizontal and vertical frame members forms a matrix of openins in the frame construciton in which the panel structures can be removably inserted in that the openings can be adjusted in size to facilitate the insertion or removal of the removable panel structures. The frame construciton will be especially useful in a matrix arrangement of, for example, display faces which together form a “giant screen” or, for example, solar cell panels which are usually made having a limited area and which also can be assembled by using the present frame construciton to give a substantially greater total area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Dag Vilnes
  • Patent number: 6698152
    Abstract: An adjustable truss for reinforcing a floor supported atop horizontal joists has a beam which underlies the floor and includes reinforcing members having spaced apart limbs which provide space for the accommodation of utility components such as wiring, pipes, and conduits. The support members are removable from the beam so as to enable any selected support to be uncoupled from the beam and recoupled thereto following movement of the support member in such manner as to enable the utility components to be accommodated in the space between the limbs. The support members are rockable in either of two opposite direction so as to enable the beam to be adjusted in such manner as to maintain bearing engagement with the underside of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bush
  • Patent number: 6694695
    Abstract: Wall constructions and methods for constructing walls. In one embodiment, the wall is constructed from studs that each having a web that has at least one opening therein. The studs are oriented such that the openings in their webs are aligned to permit at least one spacer member to extend therethrough. The spacer members are formed with structure for engaging portions of the webs through which they extend. Retainers are provided on the webs of the studs for retaining the spacer members in position. In another embodiment at least two studs that have webs with openings therethrough are oriented such that the openings are aligned with each other. At least one spacer member is inserted through the aligned openings to engage a portion of each web through which they extend. The spacers are then brought into engagement with retainers on the webs of the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Collins, Larry R. Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph
  • Patent number: 6694700
    Abstract: A fastener for use in forming a joint of a framework for a patio enclosure. The joint includes an end of an elongated first frame member fastened to a side of an elongated second frame member. The fastener includes a body having a first end and a second end defining an outer surface therebetween. The second end is adapted to fit in a hollow portion of the first frame member. The fastener further includes a plate extending outwardly from the body. The plate is adapted to be fastened to the side portion of the second frame member. A stop extends outwardly from the outer surface of the body. The stop provides for positioning of the fastener relative to the first frame member when the second end is positioned within the hollow portion of the first frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kraig D. Mackett
  • Patent number: 6691488
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a post-style poultry house to a clear span style poultry house. The apparatus includes a truss assembly including a center truss section adapted to be mounted to the roof beams and first and second outer truss sections adapted to be secured to the center truss section. The trusses are installed without the removal of the roof and without removal of the drinker and feeder equipment of the existing post-style poultry house. In installing the trusses, first the center sections of the trusses are attached to the roof beams and then the upper ends of the outer sections are attached to the center sections. Then the lower ends of the outer sections of the trusses are secured to the poultry house footers. Once the truss sections are all secured to each other and secured to the footers, the posts are cut away and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: John Branson
  • Patent number: 6688068
    Abstract: A strut assembly includes a longitudinal member having a wall and at least a first substantially hollow end portion. A first threaded member is slidably mounted within the first end-portion and is capable of movement along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member between a retracted position and an extended position. The wall has at least a first access opening therein for providing access to the first threaded member. At least a first node is provided having at least one internally threaded radial bore therein which is configured to threadably engage the first threaded member in an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell
    Inventor: David A. Osterberg
  • Patent number: 6679023
    Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity. In fabricating this type of building, foundation assemblies are first placed in concrete footings at a precise location in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Once the concrete has cured, columns are placed over the foundation assembly and bolted into place using pre-drilled holes in the columns and foundation assembly, thereby eliminating the difficult task of holding the columns erect while at the same time trying to precisely position the column in the horizontal and vertical planes. Trusses are connected to the top of the columns by means of bolts passes through pre-drilled holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: John Rizzotto
  • Patent number: 6662506
    Abstract: A collapse-resistant frame system (10) for a bridge or building structure includes a plurality of mechanically-interconnected columns (12) and beams (14). At least the lowermost columns are formed of a material (28) that exhibits quasi-elastic behavior in response to seismic excitation, while the beams of the frame system are formed of a material (22) that exhibits elastic/plastic behavior, such that quasi-elastic flexure of the columns under seismic loading will cause plastic hinge formation in the beam ends (26) to thereby dissipate the rotational energy without significant plastic hinge formation in the column bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gregor D. Fischer, Victor C. Li
  • Patent number: 6652386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a substructure of a bowling lane, which comprises a framework composed of beams (1, 2, 3). The horizontally installed beams (1, 2) of the substructure have first and second fixing means (FE, SE) and beams (1, 2) are attached together by connecting the first and second fixing means (FE, SE) of the beams (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: System-300 Group Oy
    Inventors: Mikko Sievänen, Joni Hietala
  • Publication number: 20030213205
    Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for protection of a door or window opening having an upper frame and a lower frame, the adjustable apparatus including a plurality of posts, a first end plate for fastening a first end of the adjustable apparatus to the upper frame of the opening, and a second end plate for fastening a second end of the apparatus to the lower frame of the opening, wherein the plurality of posts further include a first portion having a predetermined length and a second portion having a predetermined length, wherein the first portion telescopically engages the second portion, and wherein a length of the plurality of posts telescopically adjusts to correspond to a longitudinal dimension between the upper frame and the lower frame of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mauro Muller
  • Publication number: 20030208985
    Abstract: The present invention provides for improvement of ductility and strength performance of connections in structural steel buildings made typically with rolled structural shapes, specifically in bolted and/or welded beam-to-column connections with welded flanges, by greatly reducing the very significant uneven stress distribution found in the conventionally designed connection at the column/beam weld, through use of slots in column and/or beam webs with or without continuity plates in the area of the column between the column flanges, as well as, optionally, extended shear plate connections with additional columns of bolts for the purpose of reducing the stress concentration factor in the center of the flange welds. Moreover, the slots in beam web adjacent to the beam flanges allow the beam web and flange to buckle independently thereby eliminating the degrading of the beam strength caused by lateral-torsional bucking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Clayton J. Allen, James E. Partridge, Ralph M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20030167722
    Abstract: A versa-track structure and wall/floor joist assembly and method is provided which consists of an elongated versa-track member comprising a planar web and a first and second legs in perpendicular alignment defining generally a C-shape or J-shape in cross section. A plurality of horizontally elongated openings are spaced lengthwise on the planar web between the first and second ends of the versa-track and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members or horizontal floor joist members in forming a wall or floor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Klein, Gordon W. Birkland
  • Publication number: 20030167702
    Abstract: A building structure (10 or 10′) has a wall (16) including a plurality of wall elements (12 or 12′). Each wall element is connected to a plurality of other wall elements so as to form the wall. Each wall element includes a connecting means for connecting the adjacent wall elements together to form the wall. The wall is formed at least three consecutively connected rings (15 or 15 and 17) of interlocking wall elements. Each of the wall elements in each ring being of the same size. Each of the wall elements in a first ring of the consecutively connecting rings being larger than the wall elements of a second ring of the consecutively connected rings and each of the elements in the second ring being larger than the wall elements of a third ring of the consecutively connected rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Davies
  • Publication number: 20030106280
    Abstract: A stud spacer for connecting and extending between studs within a stud wall structure. The stud spacer includes an elongated member having a series of curved shaped notches formed in the member with each notch being adapted to receive a portion of a stud such that the stud spacer effectively connects to and extends between respective studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Edward R. diGirolamo
  • Publication number: 20030097809
    Abstract: A vertical intersecting lightweight steel frame composes of several main frames and side frames, which are connected with each other vertically. A first oblique fold is formed on two sides of the main frame and a protrusion is on the bottom of the side frame. The angle of the first oblique fold on both side of the indention of the main frame is less than 45 degree, a second oblique fold above the first oblique fold with angle of 45 degree. The angle of the protrusion of the side frame is also 45 degree. The whole structure is stronger and easier to assemble, the darken area of the vertically connected between the main frame and side frame is kept undisclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Jui-Jung Li
  • Patent number: 6550209
    Abstract: Disclosure provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present disclosure discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Meguro, Jin Mitsugi, Kazuhide Ando
  • Publication number: 20030070387
    Abstract: A composite structural article, of preferably metal and thermoplastic material is described. The composite structural article comprises: (a) at least one reinforcing element (2) having sized openings (20); and (b) at least three profiled sections (1, 3, 4). A portion of each profiled section (1, 3, 4) is connected interlockingly with a portion of the reinforcing element (2). At least two of the profiled sections (1, 3, 4) have terminal portions each having a projecting region (5) that engages interlockingly with the sized openings (20) of the reinforcing element (2), such that a portion of the reinforcing element (2) surrounds at least partially the projecting regions (5). The profiled sections (1, 3, 4) are further joined to the reinforcing element (2) by means of thermoplastic material (10, 11, 12, 13) injected in the region of each interlocking connection with the reinforcing element (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Klocke, Boris Koch
  • Publication number: 20030066249
    Abstract: A metal building has panelled walls and roof, being based upon a frame incorporating a water barrier, to guide any water leakage outwardly of the building. The panelling for a major area such as the roof consists of roll-up prefabricated panels in permanently connected relation by way of knuckle joints, each panel portion having a plurality of corrugations to facilitate ready rolling and unrolling of the predetermined length of panel. This type of panelling may also serve as wall panelling, as well as for the roll-up door of the building. Where planar type (non-corrugated) wall panels are used, the panel end or ends may have a flange portion, to preclude bowing of the panel. The wall panels, in combination with corner piers of the building, are load bearing, to support the roof and applied snow loads. The corner piers may consist of two planar panels for easy shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Walsh
  • Patent number: 6543198
    Abstract: A space frame (10) has upper chord lower grids (12, 14) of intersecting chords (16, 18). The chords (16, 18) are interconnected by bracing modules (30), the bracing modules (30) being spaced apart from one another in each grid direction. The bracing modules (30) are formed from four bracing members (32), the bracing members (32) being arranged in mutually inclined pairs, the bracing members (32) of each pair extending between upper and lower chords (16, 18) extending in the same grid direction. Each pair of bracing members (32) crosses the other pair of bracing members (32), the point of crossing (34) coinciding or being positioned between each member of the other pair of bracing members (32) and either the upper or lower chord (16, 18) associated with the other pair of bracing members (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Leszek Aleksander Kubik