Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Barrier or major section mounted for in situ repositioning;... – Wall extension convertible to roof
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-11
2001-05-01
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Barrier or major section mounted for in situ repositioning;...
Wall extension convertible to roof
C052S069000, C052S126100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223479
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to extendable and retractable structures and, more particularly, to an extendable and retractable building that reduces the amount of external force required for movement between its extended and retracted positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Buildings that retract into compact units for transport and storage and extend for use are known in a large number of forms. It is likewise known to include mechanisms, both manually powered and motor-driven, to extend and retract such buildings. Examples of buildings that include automated mechanisms for extending and retracting the building are described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,557 (Pitts, 1974) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,518 (Fennes, 1986). Previously known arrangements for extendable buildings and other structures generally include mechanisms for extending and retracting which require large forces for operation. Large operating forces are typically associated with buildings of large sizes and/or have heavy, strong components which must be moved between extended and retracted positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, disadvantages and problems associated with fabrication, assembly and use of extendable and retractable building and associated components have been substantially reduced or eliminated.
One embodiment of the present invention provides an extendable and retractable building or other structure in which associated components are arranged in a manner that permits the building or other structure to be retracted and extended by relatively low net forces, thus requiring little manual and/or mechanical power for operation. An extendable and retractable building or structure incorporating teachings of the present invention may be readily adaptable to many uses, to many forms of construction, and to a wide range of sizes, including very large buildings of 2000 or more square feet in area, while retaining a relatively small “footprint” in the retracted position. One aspect of the present invention is a highly automated mechanism for extending and retracting a building or other structure. Accordingly, an extendable and retractable building incorporating teachings of the present invention may be extended and/or retracted by hand or in conjunction with mechanical devices and/or power sources.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes an extendable and retractable building having floor and roof assemblies, with a number of components movable between respective stowed and extended positions. A support structure may be provided to couple the floor assembly and the roof assembly. A cable coupling a component of the floor assembly and a component of the roof assembly may extend through at least two pullies to at least partially balance the weight associated with respective components of the floor and roof assemblies. In one embodiment, the floor and roof assemblies may each include first, second, and third sections. A first cable may be coupled with support beams associated with the second floor section and a support beam connected with the third roof section. A second cable may also be provided coupled with a support beam connected with a third floor section and a support beam connected with the second roof section.
In another embodiment, the second and third floor sections may extend from the first floor section toward the first roof section and at least partially occupy a space between the first floor section and first roof section in their respective stowed positions. Similarly, the second roof section and the third roof section may extend from the first roof section toward the first floor section, at least partially occupying a space between the first floor and roof sections in their respective stowed positions. In their extended positions, the second and third floor sections may extend outwardly from the first floor section and the second and third roof sections may extend outwardly from the first roof section.
In a different embodiment, a gear assembly sized to engage a portion of the first cable is preferably provided such that rotation of the gear assembly in a direction moves an attached floor section and an attached roof section from their respective stowed to extended positions. Rotation of the gear assembly in a second opposite from the first direction preferably moves the attached floor section and attached roof section from their respective extended to stowed positions. Similarly, a second gear assembly sized to engage a portion of a second cable may be provided such that rotation of the second gear assembly in a first direction moves the attached floor section and the attached roof section from their respective stowed to extended positions. Rotation of the second gear assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction preferably moves the attached floor section and roof section from their respective extended to stowed positions. In yet another embodiment, a main gear and drive shaft assembly may be provided and coupled with the gear assemblies.
Another aspect of the present invention includes an extendable and retractable building having a number of wall assemblies at least partially disposed between a floor section and a roof section. Each wall assembly may include a number of components which move between respective stowed and extended positions. Pulley assemblies and at least one cable engaged therewith may be attached to the wall assemblies whereby movement of the cable in opposing first and second directions will move the attached wall assemblies between their respective stowed and extended positions.
Technical advantages of the present invention include the ability to move an extendable and retractable building between respective extended and stowed positions with a minimal amount of external force, thus requiring little manual and/or mechanical power for operation. Another technical advantage includes an extendable and retractable building readily adaptable to many uses, a wide range of sizes, and many forms of construction. Yet another technical advantage of the present invention is the relatively small “footprint” of the building in its stowed position, which allows movement of the building in its retracted position by a wide variety of vehicles including automobiles, trucks and trailers.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2860384 (1958-11-01), Wait et al.
patent: 3792557 (1974-02-01), Pitts
patent: 4534141 (1985-08-01), Fagnoni
patent: 4603518 (1986-08-01), Fennes
patent: 4741133 (1988-05-01), Kutzner
patent: 4891919 (1990-01-01), Palibroda
patent: 5237784 (1993-08-01), Ros
patent: 5596844 (1997-01-01), Kalinowski
patent: 5921033 (1999-07-01), Molina
European Search Report Apr. 27, 2000.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Stephan Beth A.
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