Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-02-13)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

1\. A system for at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising:
a frame assembly including a first beam and a second beam projecting non-parallel to the first beam; and
a bracket assembly connected to the first beam, wherein the bracket assembly includes a connection section configured to interface with the second beam as the second beam moves vertically relative to the connection section.

2\. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the bracket assembly includes a mounting plate configured to connect the bracket assembly to the first beam, and
the connection section is arranged on an opposite side of the mounting plate as the first beam.

3\. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the connection section includes a first connection plate and a second connection plate spaced-apart from one another and arranged substantially parallel to one another.

4\. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein:
an end section of the second beam includes a recess and a cutout in a bottom thereof, the cutout leads to the recess from the bottom, and
the first and second connection plates are sized and shaped to fit into the recess via the cutout.

5\. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein:
the end section of the second beam includes first and second sets of openings, the first and second connection plates include first and second sets of openings configured to align with the first and second sets of openings of the end section of the second beam when the first and second connection plates are within the recess, and
first and second fastener assemblies are configured to connect the end section to the first and second connection plates via the first and second sets of openings of the end section and the first and second sets of openings of the first and second connection plates.

6\. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the first connection plate and the second connection plate are directly connected to the mounting plate.

7\. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the first connection plate and the second connection plate are indirectly connected to the mounting plate by a joint assembly.

8\. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the joint assembly permits rotation of the first connection plate and the second connection plate about an axis parallel to a face of the mounting plate.

9\. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the joint assembly includes:
an intermediate plate connected to the first and second connection plates, first and second projections extending from the mounting plate toward the intermediate plate, first and second projections extending from the intermediate plate toward the mounting plate, and
a fastener assembly configured to connect the first and second projections of the mounting plate to the first and second projections of the intermediate plate, respectively.

10\. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein:
the first beam includes a slotted channel, and
a fastener assembly connects the mounting plate to the first beam via the slotted channel.

11\. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein:
a nut is arranged in the slotted channel, and
a bolt extending through the mounting plate engages the nut to connect the bracket assembly to the first beam.

12\. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the mounting plate includes a locating tab projecting from the mounting plate adjacent a top of the slotted channel.

13\. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein:
the first beam includes a first capture channel above the slotted channel and open facing toward the slotted channel, and
an upper edge of the mounting plate is received in the first capture channel.

14\. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein: the first beam includes a second capture channel below the slotted channel and open facing toward the slotted channel, and
a lower edge of the mounting plate is received in the second capture channel.

15\. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein:
the first beam includes a deck attachment channel arranged vertically above the first capture channel, the deck attachment channel includes a slot open facing a direction opposite the first capture channel, and
a deck panel is connectable to the first beam via the deck attachment channel using a fastener assembly.

16\. A method of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising:
arranging a bracket assembly relative to a first beam, wherein the bracket assembly includes a connection section; and
interfacing a second beam relative to the bracket assembly by moving the second beam vertically relative to the connection section.

17\. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising:
sliding the bracket assembly relative to the first beam.

18\. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising:
rotating the connection section relative to the first beam.

19\. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein:
the connection assembly includes first and second plates arranged substantially parallel to one another, an end section of the second beam includes a recess and a cutout in a bottom thereof, the cutout leads to the recess from the bottom, and
the step of interfacing a second beam relative to the bracket assembly includes inserting the first and second connection plates into the recess via the cutout.

20\. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein:
the end section of the second beam includes first and second sets of openings, the first and second connection plates each include first and second sets of openings configured to align with the first and second sets of openings of the end section when the first and second connection plates are within the recess, and
the method includes connecting the end section to the first and second connection plates by inserting fastener assemblies through the first and second sets of openings of the end section and the first and second sets of openings of the first and second connection plates. 15 16 17 18 19 20

OFFICE ACTION:
EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
An Examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this Examiner’s amendment was given in an interview with Timothy Murphy (Reg. No. 64,613) on 24 January 2025.
The application has been amended as follows:
Please amend the following claims:
1. (currently amended) A system for at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising:
a frame assembly connected to the stage, the frame assembly including a first beam and a second beam projecting non-parallel to the first beam, wherein the first beam includes a deck attachment channel;
a deck panel connected to the deck attachment channel with a fastener assembly, the deck panel positioned adjacent to a front edge of the stage; and
a bracket assembly connected to the first beam, wherein the bracket assembly includes a connection section configured to interface with the second beam as the second beam moves vertically relative to the connection section.
15. (currently amended) The system as recited in claim 13, wherein:
the is arranged vertically above the first capture channel, and
the deck attachment channel includes a slot open facing a direction opposite the first capture channel
16. (currently amended) A method of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising:
providing the system of claim 1; and
arranging a bracket assembly relative to a first beam, wherein the bracket assembly includes a connection section; and
interfacing a second beam relative to the bracket assembly by moving the second beam vertically relative to the connection section.
The following is the Examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art of record neither teaches nor suggests as a whole, either alone or in combination, a system for at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage having the combination of structural elements set forth in the independent claim, the structural cooperative relationships of elements set forth in the independent claim and the structural configuration capable of performing the functions set forth in the independent claim.  In this regard, it is the Examiner’s view, based on a totality of the record, that it would not have been obvious to modify the relevant prior art to arrive at the claimed invention, as any modification of the prior art of record that would arrive at the claimed invention would require improper hindsight.  In this instance, the preponderance of evidence lies on the side of Applicant.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 02/08/2023 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statement has been considered by the Examiner.  Please note that the Examiner struck through one NPL citation because it did not include a date.
Conclusion



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20020116885A1: Claims:
A platform, comprising: at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers;
support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and
a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
The platform of claim 1 including a plurality of column braces, each of said column braces having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end being pivotally couplable to the support structure and being removably operably couplable to a column.
The platform of claim 2 wherein each of said column braces is removably operably couplable to a column by means of a pin insertable in cooperative bores brought into registry, the cooperative bores being defined in both the column brace second end and in the column.
The platform of claim 2 wherein each of said columns includes a coupling bracket for coupling the column brace to the column, the column bracket being shiftable on the column, the coupling bracket including the cooperative bores defined in the column.
The platform of claim 1 wherein each of said intermediate beams includes at least one coupling device, the coupling device being disposed at an end of the intermediate beam for coupling to a main beam, the coupling device being selectively, longitudinally shiftable relative to the intermediate beam for adjusting an overall length dimension of the intermediate beam.
The platform of claim 5 wherein each of said intermediate beam coupling devices is mateable to a corresponding main beam coupling device in a ball-in-socket type coupling.
The platform of claim 5 wherein each of said intermediate beam coupling devices is shiftable relative to the main beam for accommodating coupling the intermediate beam to the main beam in an orthogonal disposition and in a range of angles extending to fifty degrees on either side of the orthogonal disposition.
The platform of claim 1 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are shiftable between a retracted disposition and an extended disposition, the threaded couplers being biased in the retracted disposition.
The platform of claim 1 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are actuatable from a deck assembly upper surface to engage a main beam upward directed threaded receiver in a coupled disposition.
The platform of claim 9 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are engageable with the main beam upward directed threaded receiver at substantially any location along the length of the threaded receiver.
The platform of claim 1 wherein the main beam threaded receiver includes a chamfered entry for aligning the deck assembly threaded couplers with threads of the threaded receiver.
The platform of claim 1 wherein the main beam threaded receiver rails each include a plurality of lands and grooves, the lands and grooves of a first rail cooperating with the lands and grooves of a second rail to define an elongate threaded aperture.
The platform of claim 12 wherein the length dimension of main beam threaded receiver rails is substantially coextensive with the length dimension of the main beam.
The platform of claim 13 wherein each of said main beams presents a second elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the second elongate, upward directed threaded receiver being spaced apart from the first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver and being substantially parallel thereto.
The platform of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one deck assemblies includes at least a first layer presenting an upward directed wear surface, a second lower layer, and a third honeycomb layer disposed between the first and second layers.
A platform, comprising: at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, each of said intermediate beams including at least one coupling device, the coupling device being disposed at an end of the intermediate beam for coupling to a main beam, the coupling device being selectively shiftable relative to the intermediate beam for adjusting an overall length dimension of the intermediate beam, each of said intermediate beams coupling device being mateable to a corresponding main beam coupling device in a tongue-and-groove type coupling; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, each of said intermediate beams including at least one coupling device, the coupling device being disposed at an end of the intermediate beam for coupling to a main beam, the coupling device being selectively shiftable relative to the intermediate beam for adjusting an overall length dimension of the intermediate beam, each of said intermediate beams coupling device being mateable to a corresponding main beam coupling device in a tongue-and-groove type coupling; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, each of said intermediate beams including at least one coupling device, the coupling device being disposed at an end of the intermediate beam for coupling to a main beam, the coupling device being selectively shiftable relative to the intermediate beam for adjusting an overall length dimension of the intermediate beam, each of said intermediate beams coupling device being mateable to a corresponding main beam coupling device in a tongue-and-groove type coupling; and
The platform of claim 16 including a plurality of column braces, each of said column braces having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end being pivotally couplable to the support structure and being removably operably couplable to a column.
The platform of claim 17 wherein each of said column braces is removably operably couplable to a column by means of a pin insertable in cooperative bores brought into registry, the cooperative bores being defined in both the column brace second end and in the column.
The platform of claim 16 wherein each of said intermediate beams coupling device is shiftable relative to the main beam for accommodating coupling the intermediate beam to the main beam in an orthogonal disposition and in a range of angles extending to fifty degrees on either side of the orthogonal disposition.
The platform of claim 16 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are shiftable between a retracted disposition and an extended disposition, the threaded couplers being biased in the retracted disposition.
The platform of claim 20 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are actuatable from a deck assembly upper surface to engage a main beam upward directed threaded receiver in a coupled disposition.
The platform of claim 21 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are engageable with the main beam upward directed threaded receiver at substantially any location along the length of the threaded receiver.
The platform of claim 16 wherein the main beam threaded receiver includes a chamfered entry for aligning the deck assembly threaded couplers with threads of the threaded receiver.
The platform of claim 16 wherein the main beam threaded receiver rails each include a plurality of lands and grooves, the lands and grooves of a first rail cooperating with the lands and grooves of a second rail to define an elongate threaded aperture.
The platform of claim 24 wherein the length dimension of main beam threaded receiver rails is substantially coextensive with the length dimension of the main beam.
The platform of claim 25 wherein each of said main beams presents a second elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the second elongate, upward directed threaded receiver being spaced apart from the first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver and being substantially parallel thereto.
The platform of claim 16 wherein each of the at least one deck assemblies includes at least a first layer presenting an upward directed wear surface, a second lower layer, and a third honeycomb layer disposed between the first and second layers.
A platform, comprising: at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers, the deck assembly threaded couplers being shiftable between a retracted disposition and an extended disposition, being biased in the retracted disposition and further being actuatable from a deck assembly upper surface to engage a first main beam upward directed threaded receiver in a coupled disposition; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers, the deck assembly threaded couplers being shiftable between a retracted disposition and an extended disposition, being biased in the retracted disposition and further being actuatable from a deck assembly upper surface to engage a first main beam upward directed threaded receiver in a coupled disposition; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers, the deck assembly threaded couplers being shiftable between a retracted disposition and an extended disposition, being biased in the retracted disposition and further being actuatable from a deck assembly upper surface to engage a first main beam upward directed threaded receiver in a coupled disposition;
The platform of claim 28 including a plurality of column braces, each of said column braces having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end being pivotally couplable to the support structure and being removably operably couplable to a column.
The platform of claim 29 wherein each of said column braces is removably operably couplable to a column by means of a pin insertable in cooperative bores brought into registry, the cooperative bores being defined in both the column brace second end and in the column.
The platform of claim 30 wherein each of said columns includes a coupling bracket for coupling the column brace to the column, the column bracket being shiftable on the column, the column bracket including the cooperative bores defined in the column.
The platform of claim 28 wherein each of said intermediate beams includes at least one coupling device, the coupling device being disposed at an end of the intermediate beam for coupling to a main beam, the coupling device being selectively, longitudinally shiftable relative to the intermediate beam for adjusting an overall length dimension of the intermediate beam.
The platform of claim 28 wherein each of said intermediate beam coupling devices is mateable to a corresponding main beam coupling device in a ball-in-socket type coupling.
The platform of claim 28 wherein each of said intermediate beam coupling devices is shiftable relative to the main beam for accommodating coupling the intermediate beam to the main beam in an orthogonal disposition and in a range of angles extending to fifty degrees on either side of the orthogonal disposition.
The platform of claim 34 wherein the deck assembly threaded couplers are engageable with the main beam upward directed threaded receiver at substantially any location along the length of the threaded receiver.
The platform of claim 28 wherein the main beam threaded receiver includes a chamfered entry for aligning the deck assembly threaded couplers with threads of the threaded receiver.
The platform of claim 28 wherein the main beam threaded receiver rails each include a plurality of lands and grooves, the lands and grooves of a first rail cooperating with the lands and grooves of a second rail to define an elongate threaded aperture.
The platform of claim 37 wherein the length dimension of main beam threaded receiver rails is substantially coextensive with the length dimension of the main beam.
The platform of claim 38 wherein each of said main beams presents a second elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the second elongate, upward directed threaded receiver being spaced apart from the first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver and being substantially parallel thereto.
The platform of claim 28 wherein each of the at least one deck assemblies includes at least a first layer presenting an upward directed wear surface, a second lower layer, and a third honeycomb layer disposed between the first and second layers.
A platform, comprising: at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, the main beam threaded receiver rails each including a plurality of lands and grooves, the lands and grooves of a first rail cooperating with the lands and grooves of a second rail to define an elongate threaded aperture, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers; support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, the main beam threaded receiver rails each including a plurality of lands and grooves, the lands and grooves of a first rail cooperating with the lands and grooves of a second rail to define an elongate threaded aperture, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, the main beam threaded receiver rails each including a plurality of lands and grooves, the lands and grooves of a first rail cooperating with the lands and grooves of a second rail to define an elongate threaded aperture, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto; and
The platform of claim 41 wher
[Truncated to input limit]