Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-05-28)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

1\. A prefabricated building structure, comprising:
\- a first and a second pillar (21, 22) reciprocally stacked and having a preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20);
an upper end (211) of the first pillar (21) being located at a lower end (221) of the second pillar (22);
\-a beam (3) extending substantially horizontally and having a first end (31) located at said upper end (211) and said lower end (221);
\- reciprocal fixing means (9) for reciprocally fixing the first pillar (21), the
second pillar (22) and the beam (3); said reciprocal fixing means (9) being able to be at least partly incorporated in the first pillar (21), in the second pillar (22), in the beam (3);
characterised in that the reciprocal fixing means (9) comprises projecting means (91) and corresponding housing means (92) in which the projecting
means (91) fits defining a joint;
said projecting means (91) and said housing means (92) defining male- female connections both between the first pillar (21) and the beam (3) and between the second pillar (22) and the beam (3).

2\. The structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the projecting
means (91) comprises:
\- a first protrusion (213) located at said upper end (211) and associated to the first pillar (21);
\- a second protrusion (223) located at said lower end (221) and associated to the second pillar (22);
the first and the second protrusion (213, 223) projecting transversally with respect to said preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20);
the housing means (92) comprising at the first end (31) of the beam (3) a slot (30);
the first and the second protrusion (213, 223) at least partially fitting in the
slot (30) at the first end (31).

3\. The structure according to claim 2, characterised in that said first pillar

(21) comprises:
\- a first element (215) comprising said first protrusion (213);
\- a first support (214) to which the first element (215) is removably connected;
said second pillar (22) comprises:
i) a second element (225) comprising said second protrusion (223);
ii) a second support (224) to which the second element (225) is removably connected.

4\. The structure according to claim 3, characterised in that the first element
(215) is a head plate of the first support (214) and the second element (225) is a head plate of the second support (224).

5\. The structure according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the first element (215) is an angle profile comprising:
\- a first arm (216) which connects to the first support (214) along a lateral
flank (219) of the first support (214);
\- a second arm (217) which projects away from the first support (214) and in which said first protrusion (213) is made;
the second element (225) being an angle profile comprising:
i) a first portion (226) which connects laterally to the second support (224);
ii) a second portion (227) which projects away from the second support (224) and in which said second protrusion (223) is made.

6\. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said slot (30) has a preponderant longitudinal direction and extending in width orthogonally to said preponderant extension
direction; the first and the second protrusion (213, 223) being superposed one on the other and being joined in the width of the slot (30).

7\. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said beam (3) comprises a plurality of holes (34); said structure comprising threaded joining means (5) which crosses said holes (34) and
which inserts in threaded counter-shapings made in the first and the second pillar (21, 22); said threaded joining means (5) being stressed by pure

traction.

8\. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises enveloping means (8) which compresses the first pillar (21) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20).

9\. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry-connected without welds.

10\. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall (6) which lies in
the plane identified by the first pillar (21) and by the beam (3) and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar (21) and the beam (3). 5 10 15 20 25 30

OFFICE 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 .
DETAILED CORRESPONDENCE
This communication is a first Office Action on the Merits. Claims 10-18, as originally filed 20 FEB. 24, are pending and have been considered as follows:
Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d).
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 20 FEB. 24 was filed and is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.83 or 1.84 because of the following informalities:
FIG(s) 1-8: each contain inappropriate use of arrows; note, a freestanding arrow may be used to indicate an entire section, but is inappropriate when used to identify a specific element, therefore these arrows should be replaced by a lead line terminating at the element identified (see 37CFR 1.84(r)).
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action.
The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
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.
Claim 10-18 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 pre-AIA  the applicant regards as the invention.
Cl. 10 ln. 2, 8, 9, 11: the recitation(s) of “reciprocally” is vague, indefinite, and confusing as being unclear, how the adverb “reciprocally” modifies the verb “fixing.”  It is suggested to delete the word “reciprocally.”
Claims 11-18 not particularly referenced in this section are rejected as being dependent upon an indefinite claim.
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 of this title, 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.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim 10-17 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mou et al. US 10633851 B2 (Mou) in view of Radhouane et al. US 9637923 B2 (Radhouane).
As per claim 10 Mou teaches a prefabricated building structure (“Composite Joint” title), comprising:
a first and a second pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5, upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) reciprocally stacked and having a preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
an upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) of the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) being located at (see “located” FIG. 1) a lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1) of the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1);
a beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) extending substantially horizontally (see “substantially horizontally” FIG. 1) and having a first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1) located at said upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) and said lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1);
reciprocal fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) for reciprocally fixing the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
said reciprocal fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) being able to be at least partly incorporated (see tube 10 “least partly incorporated”, as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) in the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), in the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1), in the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
the reciprocal fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) comprising projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) and corresponding housing means (slot 14, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) in which the projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) fits defining a joint (see “joint” between elements FIG. 4);
said projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) and said housing means (slot 14, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) defining male-female connections both between the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) and between the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
characterised in that:
the structure (“Composite Joint” title) comprises enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2) which compresses the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
the enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2)  exerting a post compression (see four bars, left side, FIG. 2; these are recognized exerting a post compression —at least somewhat— when tightened by fasteners 9, FIG. 1) by winding (see FIG. 4; the above identified “enveloping means” are recognized as “being coiled completely about” —or “by winding”— the upper and lower bars 9);
the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the horizontal beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts (see “quality problems probably caused by site welding are avoided” 4:17).
Mou fails to explicitly disclose:
the enveloping means comprising a fibre-resin structure;
Radhouane teaches such an obvious cylindrical fibre-resin structure capable of use with the assembly of Mou and capable of being used to provide at least some compression, specifically:
the enveloping means (“adhering helicoidal fiber windings to the at least one of the inner surface of the exterior shell member, the outer surface of the interior shell member, and the inner surface of the interior shell member” 6:2-5) comprising a fibre-resin structure (“at least one of the exterior shell member and the interior shell member comprises fiber reinforced polymer” 3:1-3);
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in before the effective filing date to modify the assembly of Mou by substituting the FRP shell members as taught by Radhouane as a cheaper alternative to enhance the ability of the concrete to act as a compression member when the structure is tightened by resisting outward separation.
As per claim 11 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, and Mou further discloses the projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) comprises:
a first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2) located at said upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) and associated to the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1);
a second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1; also downwardly from unidentified member above 14, FIG. 2) located at said lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1) and associated to the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1);
the first and the second protrusion (circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14 and between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) projecting transversally with respect to said preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
the housing means (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) comprising at the first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1) of the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) a slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1);
the first and the second protrusion  (circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates, FIG. 2) at least partially fitting in the slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1) at the first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1).
As per claim 12 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 11, and Mou further discloses said first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) comprises:
a first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) comprising said first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2);
a first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) to which the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is removably connected;
said second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) comprises:
i) a second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) comprising said second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1; also downwardly from unidentified member above 14, FIG. 2);
ii) a second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2) to which the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is removably connected (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17).
As per claim 13 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 12, and Mou further discloses the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is a head plate (see horizontally extending plate, below 14, above unidentified member 5, FIG. 2) of the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) and the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is a head plate (see horizontally extending plate comprising 11 and 13, above 14, FIG. 2) of the second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2).
As per claim 14 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 13, and Mou further discloses the enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2)  pass between (see “pass between” FIG. 2) the plate of the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) and the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2).
As per claim 15 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 12, and Mou further discloses the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is an angle profile comprising:
a first arm (leftward extending side of unidentified end plate between unidentified lower section 5 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which connects to the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) along a lateral flank  of the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2);
a second arm (rightward extending side of unidentified end plate between unidentified lower section 5 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which projects away from the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) and in which said first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2) is made;
the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) being an angle profile comprising:
i) a first portion (leftward extending side of plate 13 between unidentified upper section 3 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which connects laterally to the second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2);
ii) a second portion (rightward extending side of plate 13 between unidentified upper section 3 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which projects away from the second support (bottom face of unidentified section 3, FIG. 2) and in which said second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is made.
As per claim 16 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 11, and Mou further discloses said slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1) has a preponderant longitudinal direction and extending in width orthogonally to said preponderant extension direction (see longitudinal/vertical direction, FIG. 1; the elements are recognized to extend in a width orthogonally at least somewhat in relation to a vertical axis thereof);
the first and the second protrusion   (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections, FIG. 2) being superposed one on the other and being joined in the width (see “joined in the width”, as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) of the slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1).
As per claim 17 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, and Mou further discloses said beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) comprises a plurality of holes (see FIG. 4; the bolts would create holes; also “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17);
said structure (“Composite Joint” title) comprising threaded joining means (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17) which crosses said holes  and which inserts in threaded counter-shapings made in the first and the second pillar (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17; these would create “counter-shapings” as broadly claimed);
said threaded joining means  being stressed by pure traction (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17; this is recognized as “stressed by pure traction” because the bolts would create at least some friction —or “traction”— against the members).
Claim 18 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mou in view of Radhouane as applied to claim 10 above and further in view of Compton US 4819394 A.
As per claim 18 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, but fails to explicitly disclose:
in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar and by the beam and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar and the beam.
Compton teaches , specifically:
in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar and by the beam and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar and the beam (“precast reinforced concrete exterior wall” abstract; see also panels 12, FIG. 1)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the assembly of Mou in view of Radhouane by including the concrete walls as taught by Compton in order to enclose a space between a number of the pillars least because doing so would form the beginnings of a structure.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAWINGS
Applicant is submitting the attached REPLACEMENT SHEETS containing replacement FIGS. 1-10. Applicant submits that no new matter is being introduced as a result of these amendments, which address the informal matters raised in the office action.
REMARKS
Reconsideration and withdrawal of the rejections of the application are respectfully requested in view of the amendments and remarks herewith, which place the application in
condition for allowance.
I. STATUS OF THE CLAIMS AND FORMAL MATTERS
Claims 10-18 are currently pending in this application. Claim 10 is independent. Claim 10 is currently amended. No new matter has been added. None of the amendments should be construed as acquiescence to any of the allegations set forth in the Office Action.
II. DRAWINGS OBJECTIONS
The drawings were objected to as allegedly failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.83 or 1.84 because of various informalities. Without acquiescing to any of the reasoning set forth in the Office Action, Applicant submits herewith Replacement Sheets containing replacement Figures. The Replacement Sheets introduce no new matter, but merely address the objections raised in the
Office Action. As such, Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of the drawing objections.
III. REJECTIONS UNDER 35 USC
X112
Claims 10-18 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), second paragraph, as allegedly being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter. Without acquiescing as to the validity of the rejections, Applicant respectfully submits that the above amendments render the rejections of Claims 10-18 moot. Withdrawal of the rejections of Claims 10-18 and allowance of pending claims are respectfully requested.
IV. REJECTIONS UNDER 35 USC
Claims 10-17 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as allegedly being obvious in light of U.S. Patent No. 10,633,851 to Mou ("Mou") and U.S. Patent No. 9,637,923 to Radhouane et al. ("Radhouane"). Claim 18 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as allegedly being obvious in light of Mou, Radhouane and U.S. Patent No. 4,819,394 to Compton ("Compton").
As described below, independent Claim 10 has been amended in order to further patentably distinguish the claimed invention from the cited references. Based on the foregoing amendments
and the following remarks, reconsideration of the present application and allowance of the amended sets of claims are respectfully requested.
a first and a second pillar (21, 22) stacked and having a preponderant
longitudinal extension direction (20);
an upper end (211) of the first pillar (21) being located at a lower end (221)
of the second pillar (22);
a beam (3) extending substantially horizontally and having a first end (31)
located at said upper end (211) and said lower end (221);
fixing means (9) for fixing the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the
beam (3); said fixing means (9) being able to be at least partly incorporated in the
first pillar (21), in the second pillar (22), in the beam (3);
the fixing means (9) comprising projecting means (91) and corresponding
housing means (92) in which the projecting means (91) fits defining a joint;
said projecting means (91) and said housing means (92) defining male- female connections both between the first pillar (21) and the beam (3) and between
the second pillar (22) and the beam (3); characterised in that:
the structure comprises enveloping means (8) which compresses the first
pillar (21) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20); the enveloping means (8) exerting a post compression by winding; the enveloping
means (8) comprising a fibre-resin structure;
the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are
dry-connected without welds and without connection casts.
Applicant submits that Mou, whether taken alone or in combination with Radhouane and Compton, fails to teach or suggest at least the above recited features of amended independent Claim 10. Specifically, Applicant submits that Mou fails to teach or suggest at least "the first pillar
(21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts" as recited by independent Claim 10.
Mou is generally directed to an assembled self-recovery circular concrete-filled steel-tube composite joint and describes steps for assembling the assembled self-recovery circular concrete- filled steel-tube composite joint. Mou, abstract and paragraphs [0046]-40052]. In step VI of the assembling process, Mou describes the introduction of a pour of concrete inside the block formed by the tubular structures 3, 4, and 5Sfor defining a single body. Mou, paragraph [0052]. In this way the first and second pillars are not dry-connected. That is, in contrast to in independent Claim 10, Mou does not describe dry assembly in which the components are joined with mechanical joining technologies and made integral through a precise constructive logic
without the use of connection materials destined to consolidate after installation.
As such, Mou fails to teach or
suggest at least "the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry- connected without welds and without connection casts" as recited by independent Claim 10.
Additionally, Applicant submits that Mou fails to teach or suggest at least "the structure comprises enveloping means (8) which compresses the first pillar (21) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20); the enveloping means (8) exerting a post compression by winding; the enveloping means (8) comprising afibre-resin structure;" as recited by independent Claim 10. The Office Action equates the enveloping means 8 recited by independent Claim 10 to the steel-tube column 1 in Mou. Office Action, page 7. However, this is improper because element 8 of Mou is a stainless steel tube as described in column 1 in Mou and does not compress a pillar along a longitudinal direction, it is not a fibre-resin structure, and it does not exert a post compression. Thus, for at least the various reasons set forth above, Applicant submits that Mou does not teach or suggest each and every element of independent Claim 10 as amended.
Similarly, Applicant submits that Radhouane, whether taken alone or in combination with Mou and Compton, fails to teach or suggest at least the above recited features of amended independent Claim 10. Specifically, Applicant submits that Mou fails to teach or suggest at least "the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts" as recited by independent Claim 10.
paragraphs [0124]-40128] and FIGS. 6A and 6B. Thus, pouring concrete is essentialfor the connection between the pillar and the horizontal beam, the pillar and the horizontal beam are not dry-connected. That is, in contrast to in independent Claim 10, Radhouane does not describe dry assembly in which the components are joined with mechanical joining technologies and made integral through a precise constructive logic
without the use of connection materials destined to consolidate after installation.
As such, Radhouane fails to teach or suggest at least "the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts" as recited by independent Claim 10. Thus, for at least the various reasons set forth above, Applicant submits that Radhouane does not teach or suggest each and every element of independent Claim 10 as amended.
Further, as indicated on page 8 lines 23-25 of Applicant's specification as filed "[f]irstly, the nodes thus defined allow the transfer of very high specific moments
without having to resort
to connection casts or welds on site".
None of the cited references faces the technical problem of permitting the transfer of a high specific moment in combination with high assembly speed. In particular, none of the cited references solves the technical problem as indicated in claim 10. Mou uses a high intermediate element 4 between the two pillars 3 and 5 and therefore the filling of the tubular formed by the references 3, 4, 5 becomes necessary for structural reasons. An alternative solution cannot be found in Radhouane which, in turn, refers to the use of a pouring concrete for the connection of the joint. Additionally, the enveloping means for post compression increases the structural performance of the embodiment such that it permits to transfer high specific moments without having to resort to connection casts or welds on site. Therefore, considering these references together, nothing in the cited references discloses, teaches, or suggests the configuration of independent Claim 10. Thus, independent Claim 10 is inventive.
suggest each and every element of independent Claim 10 as amended. Therefore, theamended independent Claim 10 is allowable. Applicant respectfully requests that the rejection of independent Claim 10 be withdrawn, and that independent Claim 10 be allowed.
are dependent from one of the independent claims discussed above andare patentable for at least the same reasons. Applicant, therefore, respectfully submits that the rejections herewith are overcome and request that the rejections be withdrawn. Because Applicant maintains that all claims are allowable for at least the reasons presented hereinabove, in the interests of brevity, this response does not comment on each and every comment made by the Examiner in the Office Action. This should not be taken as acquiescence of the substance of those comments, and Applicant reserves the right to address such comments.
CONCLUSION

NEXT OFFICE 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 .
DETAILED CORRESPONDENCE
This communication is a second Office Action on the Merits. Claims 10-18, as amended 22 AUG. 2024, are pending and have been considered as follows:
Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.83 or 1.84 because of the following informalities:
FIG(s) 1-8: each contain inappropriate use of arrows; note, a freestanding arrow may be used to indicate an entire section, but is inappropriate when used to identify a specific element, therefore these arrows should be replaced by a lead line terminating at the element identified (see 37CFR 1.84(r)).
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action.
The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
THE TEXT OF THOSE SECTIONS OF TITLE 35, U.S. CODE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS ACTION CAN BE FOUND IN A PRIOR OFFICE ACTION.
Claim 10-17 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mou et al. US 10633851 B2 (Mou) in view of Radhouane et al. US 9637923 B2 (Radhouane).
As per claim 10 Mou teaches a prefabricated building structure (“Composite Joint” title), comprising:
a first and a second pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5, upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) stacked and having a preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
an upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) of the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) being located at (see “located” FIG. 1) a lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1) of the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1);
a beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) extending substantially horizontally (see “substantially horizontally” FIG. 1) and having a first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1) located at said upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) and said lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1);
fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) for fixing the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
said fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) being able to be at least partly incorporated (see tube 10 “least partly incorporated”, as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) in the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), in the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1), in the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
the fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) comprising projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) and corresponding housing means (slot 14, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) in which the projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) fits defining a joint (see “joint” between elements FIG. 4);
said projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) and said housing means (slot 14, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) defining male-female connections both between the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) and between the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
characterised in that:
the structure (“Composite Joint” title) comprises enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2) which compresses the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
the enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2)  exerting a post compression (see four bars, left side, FIG. 2; these are recognized exerting a post compression —at least somewhat— when tightened by fasteners 9, FIG. 1) by winding (see FIG. 4; the above identified “enveloping means” are recognized as “being coiled completely about” —or “by winding”— the upper and lower bars 9);
the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the horizontal beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts (see “quality problems probably caused by site welding are avoided” 4:17).
Mou fails to explicitly disclose:
the enveloping means comprising a fibre-resin structure;
Radhouane teaches such an obvious cylindrical fibre-resin structure capable of use with the assembly of Mou and capable of being used to provide at least some compression, specifically:
the enveloping means (“adhering helicoidal fiber windings to the at least one of the inner surface of the exterior shell member, the outer surface of the interior shell member, and the inner surface of the interior shell member” 6:2-5) comprising a fibre-resin structure (“at least one of the exterior shell member and the interior shell member comprises fiber reinforced polymer” 3:1-3);
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in before the effective filing date to modify the assembly of Mou by substituting the FRP shell members as taught by Radhouane as a cheaper alternative to enhance the ability of the concrete to act as a compression member when the structure is tightened by resisting outward separation.
As per claim 11 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, and Mou further discloses the projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) comprises:
a first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2) located at said upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) and associated to the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1);
a second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1; also downwardly from unidentified member above 14, FIG. 2) located at said lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1) and associated to the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1);
the first and the second protrusion (circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14 and between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) projecting transversally with respect to said preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
the housing means (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) comprising at the first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1) of the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) a slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1);
the first and the second protrusion  (circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates, FIG. 2) at least partially fitting in the slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1) at the first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1).
As per claim 12 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 11, and Mou further discloses said first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) comprises:
a first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) comprising said first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2);
a first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) to which the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is removably connected;
said second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) comprises:
i) a second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) comprising said second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1; also downwardly from unidentified member above 14, FIG. 2);
ii) a second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2) to which the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is removably connected (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17).
As per claim 13 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 12, and Mou further discloses the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is a head plate (see horizontally extending plate, below 14, above unidentified member 5, FIG. 2) of the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) and the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is a head plate (see horizontally extending plate comprising 11 and 13, above 14, FIG. 2) of the second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2).
As per claim 14 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 13, and Mou further discloses the enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2)  pass between (see “pass between” FIG. 2) the plate of the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) and the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2).
As per claim 15 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 12, and Mou further discloses the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is an angle profile comprising:
a first arm (leftward extending side of unidentified end plate between unidentified lower section 5 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which connects to the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) along a lateral flank  of the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2);
a second arm (rightward extending side of unidentified end plate between unidentified lower section 5 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which projects away from the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) and in which said first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2) is made;
the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) being an angle profile comprising:
i) a first portion (leftward extending side of plate 13 between unidentified upper section 3 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which connects laterally to the second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2);
ii) a second portion (rightward extending side of plate 13 between unidentified upper section 3 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which projects away from the second support (bottom face of unidentified section 3, FIG. 2) and in which said second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is made.
As per claim 16 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 11, and Mou further discloses said slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1) has a preponderant longitudinal direction and extending in width orthogonally to said preponderant extension direction (see longitudinal/vertical direction, FIG. 1; the elements are recognized to extend in a width orthogonally at least somewhat in relation to a vertical axis thereof);
the first and the second protrusion   (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections, FIG. 2) being superposed one on the other and being joined in the width (see “joined in the width”, as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) of the slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1).
As per claim 17 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, and Mou further discloses said beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) comprises a plurality of holes (see FIG. 4; the bolts would create holes; also “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17);
said structure (“Composite Joint” title) comprising threaded joining means (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17) which crosses said holes  and which inserts in threaded counter-shapings made in the first and the second pillar (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17; these would create “counter-shapings” as broadly claimed);
said threaded joining means  being stressed by pure traction (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17; this is recognized as “stressed by pure traction” because the bolts would create at least some friction —or “traction”— against the members).
Claim 18 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mou in view of Radhouane as applied to claim 10 above and further in view of Compton US 4819394 A.
As per claim 18 Mou in view of Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, but fails to explicitly disclose:
in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar and by the beam and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar and the beam.
Compton teaches such a wall, specifically:
in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar and by the beam and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar and the beam (“precast reinforced concrete exterior wall” abstract; see also panels 12, FIG. 1)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the assembly of Mou in view of Radhouane by including the concrete walls as taught by Compton in order to enclose a space between a number of the pillars least because doing so would form the beginnings of a structure.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 22 AUG. 24 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
As per the argument (p. 8, ln. 1):
…suggest at least the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts as recited by independent Claim 10.
the Examiner submits the cited elements are connected on site due to machining done in a factory and such connection explicitly avoids welding. These elements are brought to a job site and “dry-connected without welds and without connection casts” as designed and exemplified in the disclosure as “Inserting” (3:45) and “Connecting” (3:48).
Examiner is considering the claimed “connection” to be the interference fit experienced at the slots and connections by bolts applied to the assembly shown in the figure thus the interaction between elements is “dry-connected” without welds and without casting. The concrete being poured thereafter is incidental to the connection.
As per Applicant’s supposition that “element 8…does not compress a pillar” is not persuasive because the upper element compresses the lower element at least by force of gravity and the explicit fixing disclosed as “two ends of each steel bar are screwed by means of screw nuts” (6:49).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
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 US2100451A: [content unavailable]
Ref US3594971A: Claims:
A building frame including, between foundation and roof, preformed reinforced, concrete column modules, shear head modules including at least two beam portions, and beam modules, one beam module between the proximate beam portions of each two shear head modules, one shear head module between each two vertically aligned column modules, means interconnecting said modules to provide at least two levels, the length of each column module being equal to the space between the beam structure of the two levels, said beam portions being of a length equaling approximately one-quarter of the space between the column modules, and each beam module being of a length equaling approximately one-half said space thereby to establish connecting zones at the point of minimum moment, the connecting means between the several modules including abutting metal plates connected to the reinforcements of the appropriate modules and welded together.
The building frame of claim 1 in which the means interconnecting a beam module to the subjacent column module includes a metal connector protruding from the upper end of the column module and secured to the reinforcement thereof, the shear head module has a metal passageway extending vertically therethrough and dimensioned to receive the connector as a sliding fit, and means attaching the connector to the upper plate of the beam module.
The building frame of claim 2 in which the metal passageway is a spacer of which the upper plate of the shear head module is a part and the attaching means is a weld joining the spacer and the connector.
The building frame of claim 2 in which the lower end of each column module includes a metal socket secured to its reinforcement, the connector of the subjacent column module is of sufficient length to have an end protruding above the upper plate of the shear head module, the socket at the lower end of the column module being dimensioned to snugly receive its protruding end of the connector as it is lowered into position on the beam module.
The building frame of claim 1 in which the means interconnecting a beam module to the subjacent column module includes a plurality of connectors protruding from the upper end of the column module and secured to the reinforcement thereof, each connector is in the form of a metal rod with its upper end threaded, the shear head module has a plurality of metal tubes incorporated therein and establishing passageways extending vertically therethrough, one passageway for each rod and dimensioned to receive said rod as a sliding fit, the rods being dimensioned to extend through the tubes, nuts threaded on the rods and locking the upper plate of the shear head module thereto, and said upper plate includes marginal portions establishing an aligning seat into which the bottom plate of another column module may be fitted.
The building frame of claim 5 in which the lower end of each column module has sockets for the upper ends of the rods and the nuts thereon, and the plate at said lower end has openings, each underlying a socket and dimensioned to receive a rod with a nut thereon.
The building frame of claim 1 and a shear lock between each shear head module and the upper end of the subjacent column model including metal portions with one connected to the shear head module reinforcement and one portion connected to the Column module reinforcement.
The building frame of claim 7 in which the shear lock portion connected to the shear head module reinforcement is a socket in the undersurface thereof.
The building frame of claim 1 in which the end plates of the beam portions include supporting projections and the end plates of the beam modules including projections engageable therewith and supported thereby.
The building frame of claim 9 in which the projections of the end plates on the beam portions and of the end plates at both ends of each beam module are complemental, transverse shoulders engageable as a beam module is lowered into alignment with two beam portions.
The building frame of claim 9 in which both ends of each beam module and the ends of the beam portions of each shear head module are beveled and the plates secured thereto are substantially of the same size as such beveled ends.
The building frame of claim 1 in which the beam portions of two shear head modules and the beam module supported thereby have marginal, aligned shoulders, and a floor slab marginally supported thereby.
The building frame of claim 1 in which the proximate faces of two proximate column modules have vertical channels, a preformed, reinforced concrete wall panel is marginally held by the channels of the column modules and rests on the subjacent beam structure established by two beam portions of the shear head modules that support said two column modules and the intermediate beam module, and the beam portions and intermediate beam modules of the next above course having channels in their undersurface receiving the upper margin of the wall panel.
The building frame of claim 13 in which the panel has a U-shaped metal margin secured to its reinforcement along its edges that are to enter grooves, and the grooves of the column modules, beam portions of the shear head modules, and beam modules include U-shaped linings secured to their reinforcements, and welds joining the margins and linings.
The building frame of claim 14 in which the edges of the linings terminate short of the edges of the margins but externally of the grooves.
The building frame of claim 14 in which the edges of the linings terminate short of the edges of the margins but within the grooves and the grooves include flaring outer portions exposing the edges of the lining.
Ref US3604177A: Claims:
In or for a building frame, a reinforced concrete column, a bracket consisting of a hollow steel section embedded in and projecting laterally from said column, a length of channel-shaped steel section embedded in said column and projecting laterally therefrom above said bracket, a reinforced concrete beam for assembly with said column perpendicularly thereto, a steel shoe of inverted channel shape embedded in the end of said beam and open of access from below, a tubular steel section secured to and projecting from the end of the beam above said shoe, said shoe receiving said bracket in interfitting relation and said channelshaped steel section receiving said tubular section in interfitting relation upon assembly of said column and beam.
In or for a building frame as claimed in claim 1, reinforcing bars extending as stirrups between and welded to the shoe and to the tubular steel section in the end portion of a beam, the beam also having longitudinal reinforcing bars welded to the shoe.
In or for a building frame, a reinforced concrete column, a bracket consisting of a hollow steel section embedded in and projecting laterally from said column, a length of channel-shaped steel section embedded in said column and projecting laterally therefrom above said bracket, a reinforced concrete beam for assembly with said column perpendicularly thereto, a steel shoe of inverted channel shape embedded in the end of said beam and open of access from below, a tubular steel section secured to and projecting from the end of the beam above said shoe, said shoe receiving said bracket in interfitting relation and said channel-shaped steel section received said tubular steel section in interfitting relation upon assembly of said column and beam, and a stuff bar inserted through said tubular steel section for contract with said channel-shaped steel section and secured at opposite ends to the beam and column.
In a building frame a reinforced concrete column, a bracket consisting of a hollow steel section embedded in and projecting laterally from opposite sides of said column, a length of channel-shaped steel section embedded in and projecting laterally from opposite sides of said column above said bracket, a pair of reinforced concrete beams for assembly with said column perpendicularly thereto, a steel shoe of inverted channel shape embedded in the end of each of said beams and open of access from below, a tubular steel section secured to and projecting from the end of each beam above said shoe, each of said shoes receiving said bracket in interfitting relation and said channel-shaped steel section receiving each of said tubular steel sections in interfitting relationship upon assembly of said column and beams, and a stuff bar inserted through said tubular steel section and secured at opposite ends to the respective beams.
In a building frame as claimed in claim 4 a series of reinforced concrete beams and columns assembled together, said beams having bottom flanges extending laterally, reinforced concrete floor units of double T-shaped cross section supported at their ends upon said flanges and reinforcement bars extending laterally from the beams and welded to exposed portions of reinforcement bars partly embedded in the floor units.
Ref US3702523A: Claims:
A connector for connecting two precast concrete structural members comprising a male part and a female part, both of said parts being adapted to be embedded to a respective one of the two structural members to be joined, said male part including connection means for interengaging said female part, said connection means comprising an elongated rib member having opposing side walls and two opposing, flat end walls tapered inwardly along the length thereof, each including a flat plane surface portion, the plane of one said surface portion being parallel to the other said surface as taken along the plumb axis thereof, at least one of said opposing side walls including irregular surface means, said irregular surface means including a plurality of ridges, said male part further including retention means for securing said part within a precast concrete structural member, said female part comprising a hollow body portion means extending therefrom, said hollow body portion means having opposing internal side walls and two opposing, flat end walls forming a recess within said body portion means, each of said end walls of said hollow body portion means including a flat plane surface portion, the plane of one said surface portion being parallel to the other said surface as taken along the plumb axis thereof, and each said surface portion of said end walls of said female part being tapered in the same direction and to the same degree as said surface portions of said male part, at least one of said opposing internal side walls of said female part having a plurality of ridges, said hollow body portion means further being provided with means for retaining said female part within a precast concrete structural member, said hollow body portion means including means for allowing grout to flow to all free spaces between said rib member of said male part and said internal walls of said female part, said surface portion of said opposing end walls of said male part being in face to face contact with the respective corresponding surface portions of said end walls of said female part.
A connector for connecting two precast concrete structural members comprising a male part and a female part, both of said parts being adapted to be embedded to a respective one of the two structural members to be joined, said male part including connection means for interengaging said female part, said connection means comprising an elongated rib member having the shape of a truncated pyramid with opposing side walls and two opposing, flat, end walls tapered inwardly along the length thereof, each end wall including a flat plane surface portion, the plane of one said surface portion being parallel to the other said surface portion as taken along the plumb axis thereof, at least one of said opposing side walls including irregular surface means, said irregular surface means including a plurality of horizontally disposed ridges, each of said ridges extending in length substantially from one of said end walls to the other of said end walls, and said plurality of ridges extending in rows throughout substantially the entire surface of said at least one side wall, said male part further including retention means for securing said part within a precast concrete structural member, and a flange means intermediate said rib member and said retention means and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof, said female part comprising a flange means, a hollow body portion means extending therefrom and being in the shape of a truncated pyramid, and end closure means for closing the end of said hollow body portion means opposite said flange means, said flange means being a rectangular shaped, flat plate disposed perpendicular to the horizontal axis of said hollow body portion means, said hollow body portion means having opposing internal side walls and two opposing, flat end walls forming a recess within said body portion means, each of said end walls of said hollow body portion means including a plane surface portion, the plane of one said surface portion being parallel to the other said surface portion as taken along the plumb axis thereof, and each said surface portion of said end walls of said female part being tapered in the same direction and to the same degree as said plane surface portions of said male part, at least one of said opposing internal side walls of said female part having a plurality of ridges extending from said flange means to said end closure means, and each said ridge extending from one of said opposing end walls of said hollow body portion means to the other of said opposing end walls, said hollow body portion means further being provided with means for retaining said female part within a precast concrete structural member, said hollow body portion means and said end closure means including means for allowing grout to flow to all free spaces between said rib member of said male part and said internal walls of said female part, said opposing end walls of said male part being in face to face contact with the respective corresponding said surface portions of said end walls of said female part, and said flange and said flange means being slightly spaced from one another a distance sufficient to compress a neoprene gasket disposed between the flange and flange means and adapted to prevent grout from spilling out therebetween.
A connector as defined in claim 2 wherein, said retention means of said male part comprises a second rib member having generally rectangular shape and including two side walls and two end walls, at least one of said side walls having irregular surface means for aiding retention of said male part in a precast concrete structural member, said irregular surface means of said second rib member comprising a plurality of disposed ridges, each of said ridges extending in length substantially from one of said end walls of said second rib member to the other of said end walls, and said plurality of ridges extending substantially the entire surface of said at least one side wall.
A connector as defined in claim 2 wherein said retention means comprises a second rib member having a generally rectangular shape and including two side walls and two end walls, each of said side walls of said retention means of said male part including irregular surface means for aiding retention of said male part in a precast concrete structural member, said irregular surface means of said second rib member comprising a plurality of disposed ridges, each of said ridges extending in length substantially from one of said end walls of said second rib member to the other of said end walls, and said plurality of ridges extending substantially the entire surface of said side walls, and at least one hole extending through said first rib member from one of said opposing side walls to the other.
Ref US4819394A: Claims:
A connector for mounting of building components to columns in a building, the connector comprising a base member and an element member each having a mating end portion defining a generally flat yet locally contoured mating surface, the base member having a base portion adapted to be securely affixed to a building column with the mating surface on the mating end portion thereof disposed in a desired plane relative to the column, the element member having a connection part adapted to be connected to a selected building component and to be coupled to the base member by engagement of the mating surface of its mating end portion with the mating surface of a base member and by clamping together of the mating end portions, the mating surface of each moiety being contoured to define, in a manner essentially identical to that of the other moiety's mating surface, a regular pattern of projections and recesses in each of two orthogonal directions in the mating surface, the dimensions of the projections and recesses in combination with the area thereof on the mating surfaces and with the material of which the coupling moieties are defined providing a joint of desired shear strength substantially in the plane of the mating surfaces when the mating surfaces are engaged with the projections of one mating surface disposed in the recesses of the other moiety's surface and the mating end portions are clamped together.
A connector according to claim 1 wherein each member is elongate between a mating end and a mounting end thereof, and the orthogonal directions are substantially parallel to and transversely of such elongate extent.
A connector according to claim 1 wherein the dimensions of the projections and recesses on the mating surface of one moiety in directions normal to and parallel to the mating surface are essentially the same respectively as those corresponding ones of the projections and recesses on the mating surface of the other moiety.
A connector according to claim 3 wherein the projections and recesses are arranged in rows and columns on each mating surface, and the projections and recesses alternate with each other in each row and column.
A connector according to claim 4 wherein each projection on each mating surface is essentially identical to each other projection on that mating surface and to each of the projections on the other mating surface, and each recess on each mating surface is essentially identical to each other recess on that mating surface and to each of the recesses on the other mating surface, whereby the two mating surfaces are matable with each other at a plurality of discrete relative positions along the rows and columns.
A connector according to claim 5 wherein each recess is substantially a negative of each projection.
A connector according to claim 5 wherein each projection has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration at locations along its length between a base end proximate the mating surface and a tip end spaced from the base end.
A connector according to claim 7 wherein said cross-sectional configuration of each projection is substantially a square.
A connector according to claim 7 wherein the sides of the rectangular cross-section of each projection are disposed substantially parallel to the directions of the respective rows and columns.
A connector according to claim 9 wherein each projection is tapered between its ends in at least one direction between opposing sides of its rectangular cross-sectional configuration.
A connector according to claim 10 wherein the corners of each projection are chambered in a diminishing fashion proceeding from its base end toward its tip end.
A connector according to claim 7 wherein the tip ends of the projections on each mating surface are substantially parallel to the mating surface and are disposed substantially in a common plane substantially parallel to the mating surface.
A connector according to claim 3 including at least one hole through each moiety in association with the pattern o
[Truncated to input limit]