Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Means compensating earth-transmitted force – Cross bracing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-25
2001-02-27
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Means compensating earth-transmitted force
Cross bracing
C052S148000, C052S149000, C052S223700, C052S291000, C052S656400, C052S656700, C052S657000, C052S693000, C052S801120, C160S133000, C160S201000, C160S229100, C160S236000, C049S199000, C049S453000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192637
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to structural support systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a moveable structural reinforcement system for buildings and structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that earthquakes impose cyclic lateral forces on buildings and structures causing them to vibrate and, in severe instances, to deform and ultimately collapse. Presently, there exists a variety of structural systems for resisting the earthquake-induced forces in the buildings (or structures). Such systems include moment-resisting frames, braced frames and shear walls. Illustrative are the systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,810,920; 3,605,953 and 4,545,466.
A major drawback of the noted systems is that each is permanently affixed or adapted to a non-moveable portion of the building structure (i.e., frame). The systems are thus not designed or readily adaptable to enhance earthquake response performance (i.e., earthquake resistance) of the building while facilitating entry and egress from the building.
It is also well known that vehicle trailers (and shipping containers) experience significant bending and torsional forces during transport. Numerous systems and designs, such as monocoque frames and panels, are thus employed to enhance the structural integrity of such trailers.
The noted systems are however premised on or readily adaptable to box a like panel structures-i.e., an opening disposed at one end thereof. The systems are thus relatively ineffective to address the effects of any significant discontinuity in a panel structure (e.g., side opening), which in all likelihood, would adversely effect the torsional rigidity of the trailer structure.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a moveable structural reinforcement system which enhances the structural integrity of the applied structure in addition to providing an effective closure or barrier.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a moveable structural reinforcement system for a building which is readily adaptable to the existing building structure.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a moveable structural reinforcement system which enhances the earthquake response performance of buildings and structures.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lightweight moveable structural reinforcement system for a vehicle trailer and/or cargo container which facilitates side loading and unloading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the above objects and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, the moveable structural reinforcement system in accordance with this invention comprises a moveable panel, a metal frame structure connectable to the frame structure of a building opening, the frame structure including a top support member and lateral supports connected on a first end to the top support member, upper load members disposed on the top support member proximate the lateral supports, bottom load members disposed on the second ends of the lateral supports, and load transfer members disposed substantially diagonally on said panel and adapted to releasably engage the upper and lower load members. The load transfer members providing a substantially continuous load path when the panel is in a closed position and the building or structure is subjected to a lateral force.
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Boilen Kenneth T.
Richardson Arthur B.
Francis Law Group
Friedman Carl D.
Horton Yvonne M.
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