Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-06-03)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

1\. Console for retractable roofs and facades comprising two load application plates (15), a connection plate (131), and a mechanical interface, wherein the connection plate (131) is connected to the load application plates (15) by means of a rotary bearing, wherein the mechanical interface comprises at least one first bearing plate (147) with a bearing bore (149) and at least one second bearing plate (139) arranged on the connection plate (131) with a bearing bore (141) and a bearing pin (151), wherein an axis of rotation of the rotary bearing formed by the bearing bores (149, 141) and the bearing pin (151) runs parallel to a direction of travel (X-direction) of the console.

2\. Console according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary bearings between the connection plate (131) and a load application plate (15) comprise a bearing pin (27) and a recess (133) interacting with the bearing pin (27), and in that the axes of rotation of the rotary bearings formed thereby run orthogonally to a direction of travel (X-direction) of the console.

3\. Console according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection plate (131) has a recess (137) approximately in its center, in that the at least one second bearing plate (139) is arranged on the connection plate (131) in such a way that the bearing bore(s) (141) is positioned beneath the connection plate (131).

4\. Console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection plate (131) has a reinforcement (135) on its upper side, and in that the at least one second bearing plate (139) is connected to the reinforcement (135).

5\. Console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first bearing plate (13) at its end opposite the bearing bore (141) is connected to a support (11) or a flange plate.

6\. Console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection plate (131) has two side walls (143), in that at least one retaining part (154) is releasably fastened to the side walls (143), and in that the retaining part or parts (145) surrounds or surround at least one of the load application plates (15).

7\. Console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load application plate (15) is part of a linear guide, and in that the linear guide comprises one or more carriages (3) and a guide rail (5).

8\. Console according to claim 7, characterized in that the in each case one load application plate (15) is releasably connected to a carriage (3) of the linear guide.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-8 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 1 recites the limitation the rotary bearing in line 7 of the claim. It is unclear if the rotary bearing of line 7 that forms the axis of ration of the bearing bore and pin are the same as or different from the rotary bearing in line 4 which defines the connection between the connection plate and the load application plates. As best understood from the specification and drawings, the “rotary bearing[s]” are different structures indicated by reference numeral 27 (bearings between the connection and load application plate, perpendicular to the travel axis) and 147/149 (bearing that is parallel to the travel axis). For purposes of examination and for consistency with the disclosure, the rotary bearings in lines 4 and line 7 are treated as two different bearings.
Claim 5 recites the limitation the first bearing plate in line 2 of the claim.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
The remainder of the claims are indefinite as a result of their dependency from claim 1.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1-3, 5, and 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent No. 5,896,708 to Doi et al. (“Doi”).
Regarding claim 1, Doi in Fig. 5 discloses a console for retractable roofs and facades comprising a load application plate (Ra), a connection plate (56), and a mechanical interface (52, 53, 55), wherein the connection plate (56) is connected to the load application plate (Ra) by means of a rotary bearing (57), wherein the mechanical interface comprises at least one first bearing plate (52) with a bearing bore (where 53 is inserted)) and at least one second bearing plate (55) arranged on the connection plate (56) with a bearing bore (where 53 is inserted) and a bearing pin (53), wherein an axis of rotation of the rotary bearing formed by the bearing bores and the bearing pin (53) runs parallel to a direction of travel (X-direction extending out of the page) of the console.  Doi does not disclose two load application plates (Ra). It has been held that a mere duplication of parts, such as the duplication of the load application plates, has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result is produced. A duplication of parts is generally recognized as being within the level of ordinary skill in the art. In re Harza, 274 F.2d 669, 124 USPQ 378 (CCPA 1955). Duplicating the plates (Ra) would allow for longer spans.
Regarding claim 2, Doi discloses that the rotary bearings between the connection plate (56) and a load application plate (Ra) comprise a bearing pin (pin through 57) and a recess interacting with the bearing pin (pin through 57), and in that the axes of rotation of the rotary bearings formed thereby run orthogonally to a direction of travel (X-direction) of the console.
Regarding claim 3, Doi discloses that the connection plate (56) has a reinforcement (upstanding central flange of 56 through which pin 54 is inserted) on its upper side, and in that the at least one second bearing plate (139) is connected to the reinforcement (135).
Regarding claim 5, Doi discloses that a first bearing plate (52) at its end opposite the bearing bore (through which 53 is inserted) is connected to a support (1a) or a flange plate.
Regarding claim 7, Doi discloses that the load application plate (Ra) is part of a linear guide, and in that the linear guide comprises one or more carriages (58) and a guide rail (Rg).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 3, 6, and 8 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
None of the prior art alone or in obvious combination discloses applicant’s invention as recited in claims 3, 6, and 8. The closest prior art to Doi discloses the bearing bore above, not beneath the connection plate, the connection plate does not surround the load application plate which is spaced from the connection plate, and does not disclose the load application plate connected to carriage of a guide. Moreover cited art DE102020122733.7 is commonly owned and published after the effective filing date of the instant application and therefore does not constitute as prior art.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: Remarks
In the present amendment, as set forth above, the claims are amended to conform with the claims as indicated as allowable in the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority dated November 4, 2022, in respect of the PCT application from which the present application has been filed. Specifically, the limitations added to claim 1 are not found or suggested in Doi or any of the prior art of record.
Support for the preliminary amendment set forth above can be found in the claims and the specification including drawings as originally filed. Applicant asserts that no new matter is added.
It is believed that the application is in condition for allowance and such allowance is respectfully requested. The Examiner is urged to contact the undersigned should she have any questions concerning the foregoing. Dated: June 21, 2024
Respectfully submitted, BY:

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1-3, 5, and 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent No. 5,896,708 to Doi et al. (“Doi”).
Regarding claim 1, Doi in Fig. 5 discloses a support for movable roofs and facades comprising a load introduction plate (Ra), a connection plate (56), and a mechanical interface (52, 53, 55), wherein the connection plate (56) is rotatably connected to the load-introduction plate (Ra) by means of a respective first rotary bearing (57), wherein the mechanical interface comprises at least one first bearing plate (52) with a bearing bore (where 53 is inserted), at least one second bearing plate (55) having a bearing bore (where 53 is inserted), the second bearing plate (55) being disposed on the connection plate (56), and a bearing pin (53), wherein an axis of rotation of the second rotary bearing formed by the bearing bores and the bearing pin (53) runs parallel to a direction of travel (X-direction extending out of the page) of the support.
Doi does not disclose two load-introduction plates (Ra). It has been held that a mere duplication of parts, such as the duplication of the load-introduction plates, has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result is produced. A duplication of parts is generally recognized as being within the level of ordinary skill in the art. In re Harza, 274 F.2d 669, 124 USPQ 378 (CCPA 1955). Duplicating the plates (Ra) would allow for longer spans.
Regarding claim 2, Doi discloses that the rotary bearings between the connection plate (56) and a load -introduction plate (Ra) comprise a bearing pin (pin through 57) and a recess interacting with the bearing pin (pin through 57), and in that the axes of rotation of the rotary bearings formed thereby run orthogonally to a direction of travel (X-direction) of the support.
Regarding claim 3, Doi discloses that the connection plate (56) has a reinforcement (upstanding central flange of 56 through which pin 54 is inserted) on its upper side, and in that the at least one second bearing plate (139) is connected to the reinforcement (135).
Regarding claim 5, Doi discloses that a first bearing plate (52) at its end opposite the bearing bore (through which 53 is inserted) is connected to a support (1a) or a flange plate.
Regarding claim 7, Doi discloses that the load -introduction plate (Ra) is part of a linear guide, and in that the linear guide comprises one or more carriages (58) and a guide rail (Rg).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 3, 6, and 8 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
None of the prior art alone or in obvious combination discloses applicant’s invention as recited in claims 3, 6, and 8. The closest prior art to Doi discloses the bearing bore above, not beneath the connection plate, the connection plate does not surround the load -introduction plate which is spaced from the connection plate, and does not disclose the load -introduction plate connected to carriage of a guide. Moreover cited art DE102020122733.7 is commonly owned and published after the effective filing date of the instant application and therefore does not constitute as prior art.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 6/21/2024 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant's arguments fail to comply with 37 CFR 1.111(b) because they amount to a general allegation that the claims define a patentable invention without specifically pointing out how the language of the claims patentably distinguishes them from the references.
Applicant's arguments do not comply with 37 CFR 1.111(c) because they do not clearly point out the patentable novelty which he or she thinks the claims present in view of the state of the art disclosed by the references cited or the objections made. Further, they do not show how the amendments avoid such references or objections.
Mere finding of novelty or inventive step by the International searching authority is not necessarily determinative in applications coming before the Office. The examiner continues to assert that the claims are not allowable over the cited references, as explained in detailed in the 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection above. One reason being is that the examiner interpreted Doi differently with other structures of Doi anticipating or rendering obvious the claimed structure. Moreover, the language of the claims as currently written do not require three rotary bearings with each of the two load-introduction plates requiring a bearing as cited by the International Search Authority as the reason for the finding of inventive step. While the claim requires two load-introduction plates, the claim does not appear to require for each of the two load-introduction plates to have a first rotary bearing.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL.  Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action.  In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action.  In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20020129565A1: Claims:
A roof assembly for a stadium, comprising: at least one major truss spanning a distance between a first support location and a second support location that is at least 200 feet, said major truss being structurally configured as a tied arch having a curved convex upper portion and a lower portion that is shaped, sized and positioned to assume most gravity induced stress within the major truss as tension; and at least one roof member that is secured to said major truss.
at least one major truss spanning a distance between a first support location and a second support location that is at least 200 feet, said major truss being structurally configured as a tied arch having a curved convex upper portion and a lower portion that is shaped, sized and positioned to assume most gravity induced stress within the major truss as tension; and
at least one roof member that is secured to said major truss.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , comprising at least two of said major trusses.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said roof member is secured to said curved, convex upper portion of said major truss.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said roof member is mounted to said major truss so as to be movable with respect thereto.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said major truss does not make substantial utilization of diagonal structural elements therein to assume horizontal stress within said major truss.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a curved, convex guide track that is secured to said curved, convex upper portion of said major truss, and wherein said roof member is constructed and arranged to be moved over said guide track.
A roof assembly according to claim 6 , further comprising a retention mechanism for preventing said roof member from being lifted upwardly with respect to said guide track.
A roof assembly according to claim 7 , wherein said retention mechanism comprises at least one retention element for engaging a downwardly facing surface of said guide track in the event of initiation of upward vertical movement of said roof member relative to said guide track.
A roof assembly according to claim 8 , wherein said roof member comprises a first wheel that is engaged with an upwardly facing surface of said guide track and wherein said retention element comprises a second wheel that is engaged with said downwardly facing surface of said guide track, and further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the first wheel toward the second wheel, whereby both the first wheel and the second wheel will be urged against the guide track.
A roof assembly according to claim 9 , further comprising a drive system for powering at least one of said first and second wheels.
A roof assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said guide track is convex in shape, and wherein said biasing mechanism is adequate to bias said first and second wheels to ensure adequate traction with respect to said guide track so that said drive system will be able to move said roof member upwardly along the convex guide track against the forces of gravity.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said major truss is constructed and arranged to have a center of mass that is positioned substantially along a span axis that intersects both said first and second support locations.
A roof assembly according to claim 12 , wherein said major truss is shaped so as to be substantially symmetrical about said span axis.
A roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said major truss is generally lenticular in shape.
A roof assembly according to claim 14 , wherein said major truss has a maximum vertical dimension V max and wherein said distance between said first support location and said second support location may be expressed as L max , and wherein V max as a percentage of L max is within a range of about 4 percent to about 20 percent.
A roof assembly according to claim 15 , wherein V max as a percentage of L max is within a range of about 5 percent to about 15 percent.
A roof assembly according to claim 16 , wherein V max as a percentage of L max is within a range of about 10 percent to about 12.5 percent.
A roof assembly according to claim 15 , wherein L max is at least 500 feet.
A convertible stadium assembly, comprising: a stadium comprising an exhibition area, a seating area and a plurality of roof support locations; a first major truss spanning a distance between a first of said roof support locations and a second of said roof support locations that is at least 200 feet, said first major truss being structurally configured as a tied arch; a second major truss spanning a distance between a third of said roof support locations and a fourth of said roof support locations that is also at least 200 feet, said second major truss also being structurally configured as a tied arch; a first guide track mounted to said first major truss; a second guide track mounted to said second major truss; a movable roof member that is mounted for movement along said first guide track at a first location and that is further mounted for movement along said second guide track at a second location; a drive system for moving said movable roof member along said first and second guide tracks; and a control system for controlling said drive system.
a stadium comprising an exhibition area, a seating area and a plurality of roof support locations;
a first major truss spanning a distance between a first of said roof support locations and a second of said roof support locations that is at least 200 feet, said first major truss being structurally configured as a tied arch;
a second major truss spanning a distance between a third of said roof support locations and a fourth of said roof support locations that is also at least 200 feet, said second major truss also being structurally configured as a tied arch;
a first guide track mounted to said first major truss;
a second guide track mounted to said second major truss;
a movable roof member that is mounted for movement along said first guide track at a first location and that is further mounted for movement along said second guide track at a second location;
a drive system for moving said movable roof member along said first and second guide tracks; and
a control system for controlling said drive system.
A convertible stadium assembly according to claim 19 , wherein said first guide track is substantially parallel to said second guide track.
A convertible stadium assembly according to claim 20 , wherein said first and second guide tracks are both shaped so that upwardly facing surfaces thereof are both convex.
A convertible stadium according to claim 21 , wherein said roof member comprises a first wheel that is engaged with an upwardly facing surface of said first guide track and a second wheel that is engaged with a downwardly facing surface of said first guide track, and further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the first wheel toward the second wheel, whereby both the first wheel and the second wheel will be urged against the guide track.
A convertible stadium according to claim 22 , wherein said drive system is constructed and arranged for powering at least one of said first and second wheels.
A convertible stadium according to claim 21 , wherein said drive system is constructed and arranged to apply power with sufficient traction to said first and second guide tracks so as to be able to move said movable roof member along said convex upwardly facing surfaces of said first and second guide tracks.
A convertible stadium assembly, comprising: a stadium comprising an exhibition area, a seating area and a plurality of roof support locations; a first support structure spanning a distance between a first of said roof support locations and a second of said roof support locations that is at least 200 feet; a second support structure spanning a distance between a third of said roof support locations and a fourth of said roof support locations that is also at least 200 feet; a first guide track mounted to said first support structure, said first guide track being shaped so as to be continuously convexly upwardly curved; a second guide track mounted to said second support structure, said second guide track being shaped so as to be continuously convexly upwardly curved; a movable roof member that is mounted for movement along said first guide track at a first location and that is further mounted for movement along said second guide track at a second location; a drive system for moving said movable roof member along said first and second guide tracks; and a control system for controlling said drive system.
a first support structure spanning a distance between a first of said roof support locations and a second of said roof support locations that is at least 200 feet;
a second support structure spanning a distance between a third of said roof support locations and a fourth of said roof support locations that is also at least 200 feet;
a first guide track mounted to said first support structure, said first guide track being shaped so as to be continuously convexly upwardly curved;
a second guide track mounted to said second support structure, said second guide track being shaped so as to be continuously convexly upwardly curved;
A convertible stadium assembly according to claim 25 , wherein said first guide track is substantially parallel to said second guide track.
A convertible stadium according to claim 25 , wherein said roof member comprises a first wheel that is engaged with an upwardly facing surface of said first guide track and a second wheel that is engaged with a downwardly facing surface of said first guide track, and further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the first wheel toward the second wheel, whereby both the first wheel and the second wheel will be urged against the guide track.
A convertible stadium according to claim 27 , wherein said drive system is constructed and arranged for powering at least one of said first and second wheels.
A convertible stadium according to claim 25 , wherein said drive system is constructed and arranged to apply power with sufficient traction to said first and second guide tracks so as to be able to move said movable roof member along said convex upwardly facing surfaces of said first and second guide tracks.
Ref US5896708A: Claims:
Apparatus for supporting a roof section of a retractable roof of a building, comprising in combination: a rail, fixedly mounted, and extending in a direction along which said roof is retracted and expanded; a support frame having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon and cooperating with said rail for moving said support frame along said rail; a base support, having a spherical surface mounted on said support frame; and a base mounted on said base support and adapted to have a roof section mounted thereon for movement between a retracted roof position and an expanded roof position.
a rail, fixedly mounted, and extending in a direction along which said roof is retracted and expanded;
a support frame having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon and cooperating with said rail for moving said support frame along said rail;
a base support, having a spherical surface mounted on said support frame; and
a base mounted on said base support and adapted to have a roof section mounted thereon for movement between a retracted roof position and an expanded roof position.
Apparatus, for supporting a roof section of a retractable roof of a building, comprising in combination: a rail, fixedly mounted, and extending in a direction along which said roof is retracted and expanded; a support frame having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon and cooperating with said rail for moving said support frame along said rail; a base support, having a spherical surface, mounted on said support frame; and a base mounted on said base support and adapted to have a roof section mounted thereon for movement between a retracted roof position and an expanded roof position, wherein said rail is mounted substantially horizontally and said base support has a movement-limiting portion whereby said base is capable of tolerating movement within a preselected range in the horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to said extended direction of said rail.
a base support, having a spherical surface, mounted on said support frame; and
a base mounted on said base support and adapted to have a roof section mounted thereon for movement between a retracted roof position and an expanded roof position, wherein said rail is mounted substantially horizontally and said base support has a movement-limiting portion whereby said base is capable of tolerating movement within a preselected range in the horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to said extended direction of said rail.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base is coupled to said base support by a coupling member which limits vertical movement of said base with respect to said base support.
A Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said coupling member has a peripheral portion to which said base is coupled.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said movement-limiting portion includes: a pair of lower racks mounted on said base support and having stoppers at both ends, said racks being fixed in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to said rail; a lower limiting rail between said lower racks; a pair of upper racks having stoppers on both ends and arranged opposite said lower racks, said upper racks being mounted at the bottom of said base; an upper limiting rail between said upper racks; a plurality of pinions rotatably mounted on respective shafts and engaged with said lower and upper racks, said shafts having limiting grooves at the centers thereof, said grooves being engaged with said limiting rails.
a pair of lower racks mounted on said base support and having stoppers at both ends, said racks being fixed in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to said rail;
a lower limiting rail between said lower racks;
a pair of upper racks having stoppers on both ends and arranged opposite said lower racks, said upper racks being mounted at the bottom of said base;
an upper limiting rail between said upper racks;
a plurality of pinions rotatably mounted on respective shafts and engaged with said lower and upper racks, said shafts having limiting grooves at the centers thereof, said grooves being engaged with said limiting rails.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said movement-limiting portion includes: a pair of racks arranged in parallel on both ends of said base support in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to said rail; a limiting rail arranged on said base, between said racks; a plurality of pinions, respectively engaged with said racks and rotatably supported by said limiting rail on said base; and a limiting groove engaged with said limiting rail.
a pair of racks arranged in parallel on both ends of said base support in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to said rail;
a limiting rail arranged on said base, between said racks;
a plurality of pinions, respectively engaged with said racks and rotatably supported by said limiting rail on said base; and
a limiting groove engaged with said limiting rail.
Ref US5896708: Claims:
1. Apparatus for supporting a roof section of a retractable roof of a building, comprising in combination:a rail, fixedly mounted, and extending in a direction along which said roof is retracted and expanded; a support frame having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon and cooperating with said rail for moving said support frame along said rail; a base support, having a spherical surface mounted on said support frame; and a base mounted on said base support and adapted to have a roof section mounted thereon for movement between a retracted roof position and an expanded roof position.
2. Apparatus, for supporting a roof section of a retractable roof of a building, comprising in combination:a rail, fixedly mounted, and extending in a direction along which said roof is retracted and expanded; a support frame having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon and cooperating with said rail for moving said support frame along said rail; a base support, having a spherical surface, mounted on said support frame; and a base mounted on said base support and adapted to have a roof section mounted thereon for movement between a retracted roof position and an expanded roof position, wherein said rail is mounted substantially horizontally and said base support has a movement-limiting portion whereby said base is capable of tolerating movement within a preselected range in the horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to said extended direction of said rail.
3. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base is coupled to said base support by a coupling member which limits vertical movement of said base with respect to said base support.
4. A Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said coupling member has a peripheral portion to which said base is coupled.
5. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said movement-limiting portion includes:a pair of lower racks mounted on said base support and having stoppers at both ends, said racks being fixed in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to said rail; a lower limiting rail between said lower racks; a pair of upper racks having stoppers on both ends and arranged opposite said lower racks, said upper racks being mounted at the bottom of said base; an upper limiting rail between said upper racks; a plurality of pinions rotatably mounted on respective shafts and engaged with said lower and upper racks, said shafts having limiting grooves at the centers thereof, said grooves being engaged with said limiting rails.
6. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said movement-limiting portion includes:a pair of racks arranged in parallel on both ends of said base support in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to said rail; a limiting rail arranged on said base, between said racks; a plurality of pinions, respectively engaged with said racks and rotatably supported by said limiting rail on said base; and a limiting groove engaged with said limiting rail.