Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Compound curve structure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-12
2001-03-20
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Compound curve structure
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202365
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a suspended deck structure which allows for movement of floor and/or ceiling decks of constructions relative to their supporting framework. Such a structure may be employed in constructions having floor and/or ceiling decks for the support of persons, vehicles, furniture, equipment, etc; such as buildings, bridges, and towers. Suspended deck structures may also be employed in such constructions, mobile or immobile, that may be subjected to unwanted horizontal movement.
The most similar structure in prior art is the suspension bridge, in which a deck is suspended from tension elements hung between two towers, or in which a deck is cantilevered by tension elements attached to a single supporting tower. Suspension elements have also been used in tent structures, and for suspension of tiles and other ceiling surfaces from a roof /floor structural framework. However, none of these structures involve the suspension of floor and/or ceiling deck structures with tension elements within a structure from a framework. Otherwise, there does not appear to be any prior art that this invention builds upon except generally in the field of structural engineering, none of which directly addresses suspended decks.
The effect on the stories of a structure, such as a tower or building, caused by rapid lateral movement, such as occurs with wind forces and during earthquakes, may be addressed with the present invention. At least one “earthquake proof building” has been disclosed so-entitled in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,021, which appears as a self-contained reinforced concrete vessel placed on the ground, and does not appear to have any significance as prior art except by its title. In contrast, and with respect to the issue of earth movement under a structure, the present invention can allow the interior decks of a structure to move relative to the framework of the structure from which it is suspended to compensate for the movement of the framework.
The present invention has elements that are covered generally by class 52, static structures, with consideration being given to subclasses 167.1+; and class 14, bridges.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a suspended deck structure which is a vertical load bearing framework from which a ceiling and/or floor deck is suspended. A suspended deck structure may be employed in constructions having floor and/or ceiling decks for the support of persons, vehicles, furniture, equipment, etc; such as buildings, bridges, and towers.
Suspended deck structures may also be employed in such constructions, mobile or immobile, that may be subjected to unwanted horizontal movement. The effect of movement of a structure resulting from wind forces or movement of earth under the foundation is also addressed with the present invention. The present invention allows the interior decks of a structure to move relative to the framework from which it is suspended to compensate for the effects of movement of the framework.
The preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate toroidal and torsion elements and structures.
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Cohen Curtis A.
Stodola Daniel P.
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