Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-02-19)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

1\. A system for at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising:
a frame assembly including a leg, wherein the leg comprises an outer leg portion, an inner leg portion partially within the outer leg portion, and a support fastener, and
wherein a bottom edge of the inner leg portion is configured to rest on a top of the support fastener.

2\. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the support fastener is a pin.

3\. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein:
the leg comprises a connection assembly configured to connect the outer leg portion to the inner leg portion, and
the connection assembly includes a collar.

4\. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein:
the outer leg portion includes a plurality of sets of openings configured to receive the pin, each set of openings includes two vertically aligned openings formed in opposite sides of the outer leg portion, each set of openings is vertically spaced-apart from each of the other sets of openings, and each set of openings is vertically below the collar.
5\. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein:
the collar includes a central opening, the central opening includes a first portion and a second portion having a diameter less than the first portion, and
an upper edge of the outer leg portion is received in the first portion.
6\. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the inner leg portion is arranged in the central opening such that the bottom edge of the inner leg portion is vertically below the collar.
7\. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the second portion is above the first portion.
8\. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the collar includes a ledge between the first and second portions of the central opening, and wherein the ledge rests on the upper edge of the outer leg portion.
9\. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein:
a first set of fasteners connect the collar to the outer leg portion, and
a second set of fasteners connect the collar to the inner leg portion.

10\. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein:
the inner leg portion includes a plurality of channels, the second set of fasteners includes a plurality of nuts, each of the nuts is arranged in a corresponding one of the channels, and the second set of fasteners includes a plurality of bolts configured to project through corresponding openings in the collar to engage with a corresponding one of the nuts.

11\. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the plurality of channels are tapered toward a central axis of the inner leg portion.

12\. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein:
an outer surface of the inner leg portion is substantially polygonal in cross-section, the outer surface of the inner leg portion includes a plurality of slots, and
each of the slots leads to one of the plurality of channels.

13\. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein an inner surface of the outer leg portion is substantially polygonal in cross-section and substantially matches a shape of the outer surface of the inner leg portion.

14\. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the inner surface of the outer leg portion and the outer surface of the inner leg portion are both substantially octagonal in cross-section.

15\. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the leg comprises a support channel attached adjacent a top edge of the inner leg portion, wherein the support channel is configured to at least partially support a beam.

16\. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the leg comprises an adjustable leveling foot assembly attached adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion.

17\. A method of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising:
erecting a frame assembly by arranging an inner leg portion of a leg partially within an outer leg portion such that a bottom edge of the inner leg portion rests rest on a top of a support fastener inserted through openings in the outer leg portion.

18\. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the step of erecting the frame assembly includes connecting the inner leg portion to the outer leg portion using a collar of a connection assembly.

19\. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the step of erecting the frame assembly includes adjusting a leveling foot assembly adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion.

20\. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising:
supporting a tension grid panel or a deck panel using the frame assembly. 13 14 15 16 17

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 .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(5) because they do not include the following reference sign(s) mentioned in the description: 96 (mentioned in paragraphs 0053-0054).  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. 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 § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1, 2, 17, and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent No. 4,332,116 to Buchanan (“Buchanan”).
Regarding claim 1, Buchanan discloses a system 11 capable of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising: a frame assembly 11 including a leg 14, wherein the leg comprises an outer leg portion 52, an inner leg portion 51 partially within the outer leg portion, and a support fastener 57, and wherein a bottom edge of the inner leg portion 51 is configured to rest on a top of the support fastener 57.
Regarding claim 2, Buchanan discloses that the support fastener 57 is a pin.
Regarding claim 17, Buchanan discloses a method of extending a stage 11, comprising: erecting a frame assembly (a second one of the plurality of 11) by arranging an inner leg portion 51 of a leg partially within an outer leg portion 52 such that a bottom edge of the inner leg portion rests rest on a top of a support fastener 57 inserted through openings in the outer leg portion.
Regarding claim 20, Buchanan discloses supporting a deck panel (floor panel for 11) using the frame assembly.
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) 1-8, 15, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent No. 4,234,151 to John et al. (“John”) in view of U.S. Patent No. 4,332,116 to Buchanan (“Buchanan”).
Regarding claim 1, John discloses a system capable of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising: a frame assembly (Fig. 1) including a leg 2, 4, wherein the leg comprises an outer leg portion 4, an inner leg portion 2 partially within the outer leg portion, but does not disclose a support fastener and wherein a bottom edge of the inner leg portion is configured to rest on a top of the support fastener.
Buchanan discloses a system 11 capable of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising: a frame assembly 11 including a leg 14, wherein the leg comprises an outer leg portion 52, an inner leg portion 51 partially within the outer leg portion, and a support fastener 57, and wherein a bottom edge of the inner leg portion 51 is configured to rest on a top of the support fastener 57 to provide support for the inner leg portion at a desired predetermined height for properly supporting the inner leg.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the leg of John to have a support fastener and wherein a bottom edge of the inner leg portion is configured to rest on a top of the support fastener as taught in Buchanan with a reasonable expectation of success because it would predictably provide support for the inner leg at the correct location.
Regarding claim 2, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the support fastener (57 of Buchanan as incorporated into John) is a pin.
Regarding claim 3, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the leg comprises a connection assembly 12, 17, 30, 32 configured to connect the outer leg portion to the inner leg portion, and the connection assembly includes a collar 17.
Regarding claim 4, John in view of Buchanan does not disclose that the outer leg portion includes a plurality of sets of openings configured to receive the pin, each set of openings includes two vertically aligned openings formed in opposite sides of the outer leg portion, each set of openings is vertically spaced-apart from each of the other sets of openings, and each set of openings is vertically below the collar.
Buchanan discloses a support wherein the outer leg portion includes a plurality of sets of openings 55 configured to receive the pin 57, each set of openings includes two vertically aligned openings formed in opposite sides of the outer leg portion, each set of openings is vertically spaced-apart from each of the other sets of openings, and each set of openings is vertically below an upper portion of the outer leg.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the leg of John to have the outer leg portion include a plurality of sets of openings configured to receive the pin, each set of openings includes two vertically aligned openings formed in opposite sides of the outer leg portion, each set of openings is vertically spaced-apart from each of the other sets of openings, and each set of openings is vertically below the collar as taught in Buchanan with a reasonable expectation of success because it would predictably allow for the inner leg to be supported at varying heights to adjust the overall vertical height of the leg.
Regarding claim 5, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the collar 17 includes a central opening (through which the inner leg is inserted), the central opening includes a first portion 18 and a second portion 17 having a diameter less than the first portion, and an upper edge of the outer leg portion is received in the first portion 18.
Regarding claim 6, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the inner leg portion 2 is arranged in the central opening such that the bottom edge of the inner leg portion is vertically below the collar.
Regarding claim 7, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the second portion 17 is above the first portion 18.
Regarding claim 8, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the collar 17 includes a ledge (ledge created by the change in diameter between 17 and 18) between the first and second portions of the central opening, and wherein the ledge rests on the upper edge of the outer leg portion.
Regarding claim 15, John in view of Buchanan discloses that the leg comprises a support channel 6 attached adjacent a top edge of the inner leg portion, wherein the support channel is configured to at least partially support a beam.
Regarding claim 16, John in view of Buchanan does not disclose that the leg comprises an adjustable leveling foot assembly attached adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion.
Buchanan discloses a support wherein the leg comprises an adjustable leveling foot assembly 59 attached adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion to allow adjustment due to uneven terrain.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the leg of John to have the leg comprise an adjustable leveling foot assembly attached adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion as taught in Buchanan with a reasonable expectation of success because it would predictably allow for  adjustment due to uneven terrain.
Claim(s) 17-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Publication No. 2002/0116885 to Thiede in view of U.S. Patent No. 4,234,151 to John et al. (“John”) and U.S. Patent No. 4,332,116 to Buchanan (“Buchanan”).
Regarding claims 17 and 18, Thiede discloses a method of at least partially filling an orchestra pit or extending a stage, comprising: erecting a frame assembly 10 but does not disclose arranging an inner leg portion of a leg partially within an outer leg portion such that a bottom edge of the inner leg portion rests rest on a top of a support fastener inserted through openings in the outer leg portion and connecting the inner leg portion to the outer leg portion using a collar of a connection assembly.
John discloses a support system (Fig. 1) including a leg 2, 4, wherein the leg comprises an outer leg portion 4, an inner leg portion 2 partially within the outer leg portion and connecting the inner leg portion 2 to the outer leg portion 4 using a collar 17 of a connection assembly 12, 17, 30, 32.
Buchanan discloses a support system comprising: a leg 14, wherein the leg comprises an outer leg portion 52, an inner leg portion 51 partially within the outer leg portion, and a support fastener 57, and wherein a bottom edge of the inner leg portion 51 is configured to rest on a top of the support fastener 57 to provide support for the inner leg portion at a desired predetermined height for properly supporting the inner leg.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the orchestra pit filler of Thiede to have the steps of arranging an inner leg portion of a leg partially within an outer leg portion such that a bottom edge of the inner leg portion rests rest on a top of a support fastener inserted through openings in the outer leg portion and connecting the inner leg portion to the outer leg portion using a collar of a connection assembly as taught in John and Buchanan with a reasonable expectation of success because it would predictably provide an adjustable height leg that can be easily adjusted and installed with a uniform height.
Regarding claim 19, Thiede in view of John and Buchanan does not disclose adjusting a leveling foot assembly adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion.
Buchanan discloses a support wherein the leg comprises an adjustable leveling foot assembly 59 attached adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion to allow adjustment due to uneven terrain.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the leg of Thiede as modified by John and Buchanan to adjust a leveling foot assembly adjacent a bottom edge of the outer leg portion as taught in Buchanan with a reasonable expectation of success because it would predictably allow for  adjustment due to uneven terrain.
Regarding claim 20, Thiede in view of John and Buchanan discloses supporting a tension grid panel or a deck panel 12 using the frame assembly.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 9-14 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: None of the prior art, alone or in obvious combination absent hindsight, discloses applicant’s invention of a system comprising inter alia a first set of fasteners connect the collar to the outer leg portion, and a second set of fasteners connect the collar to the inner leg portion. While the collar of John uses a second set of fasteners 30 connect the collar 17 to the inner leg portion 2, John does not utilize a first set of fasteners that connect the collar 17 to the outer leg portion. In contrast, John’s collar 17 is connected to outer leg portion via a nut 12 that is threaded onto the outer leg 4. There would be no reason to add an additional nut 12 nor space along an outer threaded portion of the outer leg to have an additional nut 12.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSStatus Subsequent to the Non-Final Office Action:Claims 1-17 and 19-20 are pending, with claims 1, 9, and 17 being independent. Claims 1, 3, 9, 17, and 19 are amended. Claim 18 is canceled.No new matter has been added.The pending claims should be allowed for at least the below reasons.Drawings Reference number 96 has been added to Figure 11, without adding new matter, rendering moot the objection.Anticipation Claims 1, 2, 17, and 20 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) for allegedly being anticipated by Buchanan (U.S. 4,332,116). Applicant traverses this ground of rejection.A claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art reference. Verdegaal Bros. v. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628, 631 (Fed. Cir. 1987).Claims 1 and 17 have been amended similarly. For example, claim 1 recites "wherein the leg further comprises a collar, and wherein a first set of fasteners connect the collar to the outer leg portion and a second set of fasteners connect the collar to the inner leg portion." Buchanan does not teach a collar, a first set of fasteners, or a second set of fasteners, as claimed. Accordingly, this rejection should be withdrawn.Obviousness Independent claim 1 stands rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for allegedly being obvious over John (U.S. 4,234,151) in view of Buchanan. Independent claim 17 stands rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for allegedly being obvious over Thiede (U.S. 2002/0116885) in view of John and Buchanan.In order to establish a prima facie case of obviousness, all the claim limitations must be taught or suggested in the references cited by the Examiner. In re Kotzab, 217 F.3d 1365, 1370 (Fed. Cir. 2000). Furthermore, "it remains necessary to identify the reason why a person of ordinary skill in the art would have combined the prior art elements in the manner claimed" to establish a prima facie case of obviousness. KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex, Inc. 127 S. Ct. 1727 (2007).Neither John nor Buchanan teaches "wherein the leg further comprises a collar, and wherein a first set of fasteners connect the collar to the outer leg portion and a second set of fasteners connect the collar to the inner leg portion," as recited in claim 1, and as similarly recited in claim 17. John discloses a collar 17, but that collar is not connected to inner tube 2 and outer tube 4 via two sets of fasteners, as claimed. Buchanan also lacks this arrangement, as noted above.Therefore, there is no prima facie case of obviousness.Regarding the ground of rejection used Thiede as a base reference, the Examiner uses Thiede to simply teach an orchestra pit or stage extension with a frame assembly, but otherwise makes a similar rejection to the above. Therefore, this rejection is defective for at least the above reasons.Claim 9 Allowable dependent claim 9 has been amended into independent form, including the previous base claim and intervening claims.Reservation of rights Applicant reserves all rights, and, in particular, reserves the right to pursue all originally- filed and previously presented claims in a continuation or divisional application.Further, each of the pending dependent claims should be allowed for at least the reason that it depends from an allowable base claim (without regard to the other patentable features recited therein). In re Fine, 837 F.2d 1071; MPEP § 2143.03.Applicant does not concede to any rejections not specifically addressed herein.Closing Based on the foregoing, the rejections should be withdrawn. Should any minor issues remain, Applicant's representative can be reached at the below number.The Commissioner is authorized to charge Deposit Account No. 50-1482 in the name of Carlson, Gaskey & Olds, P.C. for any required fees or credit the account for any overpayment.Respectfully Submitted, CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C./Timothy J. Murphy/ Timothy J. Murphy Registration No. 64,613 400 West Maple, Suite 350 Birmingham, MI 48009 Telephone: (248) 283-0732

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 .
Drawings
The drawings were received on 04/22/2025.  These drawings are acceptable.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Claims 1-17, 19, and 20 are allowable for the same reasons discussed in page 8 of the Non-Final Rejection dated 02/19/2025.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US4332116A: Claims:
A building structure formed from prefabricated building components, the plan view of which is a polygon having a central support column; a plurality of floor components with each floor component having the shape of an isosceles triangle, and wherein each floor component is fastened to the center support column at the point where the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle are joined, and wherein the floor components are sequentially assembled and fastened to said center support columm, the sum of the angles incorporated between the two equal sides of each isosceles triangle of the assembled floor components totaling 360Â°; a plurality of roof components with each roof component having the shape of an isosceles triangle, and wherein each roof component is fastened to the center support column at the point where the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle are joined, and wherein the roof components are sequentially assembled and fastened to said center support column, the sum of the angles incorporated between the two equal sides of each isosceles triangle of the assembled roof components totaling 360Â°; a plurality of vertically adjustable columns supporting and connecting said floor components at the perimeter of the polygon; wherein the improvement comprises: a. said triangle-shaped floor components are each formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths joined together at one end and having at least one cross joist; b. said triangle-shaped roof components are each formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths joined together at one end and having at least one cross joist; c. said wood stringers each have a notched end so that a slot is formed at the point of each triangle-shaped component where said stringers are joined; d. said wood stringers are gained; e. each triangle-shaped floor component and each triangle-shaped roof component have a steel plate with a single aperture, said steel plate positioned between said two gained wood stringers; f. said central support column has a first support plate welded thereto and a first vertical flange projecting from said first support plate and circularly disposed about said central support column, said first vertical flange having a plurality of evenly spaced apertures along the circumference of said flange; g. said central support column has a second support plate welded thereto and a second vertical flange projecting from said second support plate and circularly disposed about said central support column, said second vertical flange having a plurality of evenly spaced apertures along the circumference of said flange; h. said triangle-shaped floor components are supported by and integrally fastened to said first support plate by means of a bolt positioned through the single aperture in said steel plate and through the slot formed by said joined stringers and through one of the plurality of apertures in said first vertical flange; and said triangle-shaped roof components are supported by means of a bolt positioned through the single aperture in said steel plate and through the slot formed by said joined stringers and through one of the plurality of apertures in said second vertical flange.
a central support column;
a plurality of floor components with each floor component having the shape of an isosceles triangle, and wherein each floor component is fastened to the center support column at the point where the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle are joined, and wherein the floor components are sequentially assembled and fastened to said center support columm, the sum of the angles incorporated between the two equal sides of each isosceles triangle of the assembled floor components totaling 360Â°;
a plurality of roof components with each roof component having the shape of an isosceles triangle, and wherein each roof component is fastened to the center support column at the point where the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle are joined, and wherein the roof components are sequentially assembled and fastened to said center support column, the sum of the angles incorporated between the two equal sides of each isosceles triangle of the assembled roof components totaling 360Â°;
a plurality of vertically adjustable columns supporting and connecting said floor components at the perimeter of the polygon; wherein the improvement comprises:
wherein the improvement comprises:
a. said triangle-shaped floor components are each formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths joined together at one end and having at least one cross joist;
b. said triangle-shaped roof components are each formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths joined together at one end and having at least one cross joist;
c. said wood stringers each have a notched end so that a slot is formed at the point of each triangle-shaped component where said stringers are joined;
d. said wood stringers are gained;
e. each triangle-shaped floor component and each triangle-shaped roof component have a steel plate with a single aperture, said steel plate positioned between said two gained wood stringers;
f. said central support column has a first support plate welded thereto and a first vertical flange projecting from said first support plate and circularly disposed about said central support column, said first vertical flange having a plurality of evenly spaced apertures along the circumference of said flange;
g. said central support column has a second support plate welded thereto and a second vertical flange projecting from said second support plate and circularly disposed about said central support column, said second vertical flange having a plurality of evenly spaced apertures along the circumference of said flange;
h. said triangle-shaped floor components are supported by and integrally fastened to said first support plate by means of a bolt positioned through the single aperture in said steel plate and through the slot formed by said joined stringers and through one of the plurality of apertures in said first vertical flange; and
said triangle-shaped roof components are supported by means of a bolt positioned through the single aperture in said steel plate and through the slot formed by said joined stringers and through one of the plurality of apertures in said second vertical flange.
A building structure formed from prefabricated building components, the plan view of which is a polygon as recited in claim 1, wherein: a. said triangle-shaped floor components number fifteen, each component formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths having an angle of 24Â° incorporated between said lengths; b. said triangle-shaped roof components number fifteen, each component formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths having an angle of 24Â° incorporated between said lengths; and c. said vertically adjustable columns number fifteen.
a. said triangle-shaped floor components number fifteen, each component formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths having an angle of 24Â° incorporated between said lengths;
b. said triangle-shaped roof components number fifteen, each component formed from two wood stringers of equal lengths having an angle of 24Â° incorporated between said lengths; and
c. said vertically adjustable columns number fifteen.
A building structure formed from prefabricated building components, the plan view of which is a polygon as recited in claim 2, including: a. fifteen vertical posts supporting and connecting said fifteen roof components whch vertical posts are supported by said floor components near the perimeter of the polygon; and b. at least five structural wall components fitted between adjacent vertical posts.
a. fifteen vertical posts supporting and connecting said fifteen roof components whch vertical posts are supported by said floor components near the perimeter of the polygon; and
b. at least five structural wall components fitted between adjacent vertical posts.
Ref US4234151A: Claims:
A self-locking adjustable support device comprising: (a) two telescopically interfitting members; (b) a housing; (c) means connecting the housing to one end of one of said telescopically interfitting members in a manner permitting the housing to be adjusted in position longitudinally relative to said one member; (d) said housing being formed with a portion having an internal frusto-conical surface arranged to receive therein a plurality of locking elements; (e) said connecting means permitting rotation of said housing relative to said one member about its longitudinal axis to permit adjustment of the overall length of the support device; (f) a cover member adapted to circumjace the free end of said housing with said locking elements depending therefrom into a space defined between said internal frustoconical surface of said housing and the outer surface of said other one of said telescopically interfitting members; and (g) resilient means disposed within said cover member and normally effective to bias said cover member away from said one member and said locking elements to positions within said housing whereat they are in gripping engagement with said other one of said telescopically interfitting members so as to inhibit movement of said other member in one direction longitudinally relative to said one member.
(a) two telescopically interfitting members;
(c) means connecting the housing to one end of one of said telescopically interfitting members in a manner permitting the housing to be adjusted in position longitudinally relative to said one member;
(d) said housing being formed with a portion having an internal frusto-conical surface arranged to receive therein a plurality of locking elements;
(e) said connecting means permitting rotation of said housing relative to said one member about its longitudinal axis to permit adjustment of the overall length of the support device;
(f) a cover member adapted to circumjace the free end of said housing with said locking elements depending therefrom into a space defined between said internal frustoconical surface of said housing and the outer surface of said other one of said telescopically interfitting members; and
(g) resilient means disposed within said cover member and normally effective to bias said cover member away from said one member and said locking elements to positions within said housing whereat they are in gripping engagement with said other one of said telescopically interfitting members so as to inhibit movement of said other member in one direction longitudinally relative to said one member.
An adjustable self-locking mechanism for use in association with a support device having two telescopically interfitting members, said mechanism comprising: (a) a housing arranged to be connected to one end of the outer one of said telescopically interfitting members in a manner permitting said housing to be adjusted in position longitudinally relative to the other of said members to permit adjustment of the overall length of the support device; (b) said housing having a portion defining an internal frusto-conical surface; (c) a cover member adapted to circumjace the portion of the housing defining the internal frusto-conical surface; (d) a plurality of locking elements depending from the cover member into a space defined between said internal frusto-conical surface of said housing and the outer surface of said other one of said telescopically interfitting members; and (e) resilient means disposed within said cover member and normally effective to bias said cover member away from said one member and said locking elements to positions within said housing whereat they effect a jamming connection between said internal frusto-conical surface of said housing and an outer surface of said other of said telescopically interfitting members whereby to inhibit relative movement between said telescopically interfitting members.
(a) a housing arranged to be connected to one end of the outer one of said telescopically interfitting members in a manner permitting said housing to be adjusted in position longitudinally relative to the other of said members to permit adjustment of the overall length of the support device;
(b) said housing having a portion defining an internal frusto-conical surface;
(c) a cover member adapted to circumjace the portion of the housing defining the internal frusto-conical surface;
(d) a plurality of locking elements depending from the cover member into a space defined between said internal frusto-conical surface of said housing and the outer surface of said other one of said telescopically interfitting members; and
(e) resilient means disposed within said cover member and normally effective to bias said cover member away from said one member and said locking elements to positions within said housing whereat they effect a jamming connection between said internal frusto-conical surface of said housing and an outer surface of said other of said telescopically interfitting members whereby to inhibit relative movement between said telescopically interfitting members.
A support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking elements are in the form of wedge-shaped members.
A support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means connecting the housing to said one of said telescopically interfitting members comprises an internally threaded element arranged to threadedly to engage an externally threaded portion formed at one end of said one member.
A support device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said internally threaded element is formed with an annular groove internally thereof and said housing is provided at one end with a protuberant surface adapted to engage in said groove to permit relative rotation but to inhibit relative longitudinal movement between said housing and said internally threaded element.
A support device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said internally threaded element is provided with a handle member to facilitate rotation of said internally threaded element relative to said one member through its threaded engagement therewith whereby to permit adjustment of the housing longitudinally relative to said one member.
A support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking elements are pivotally connected to said cover member.
A support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover member comprises a centrally apertured plate and has an annular skirt secured thereto and depending therefrom at or adjacent the outer peripheral edge thereof.
A support device as claimed in claim 8, wherein a neck portion extends from the central aperture of said plate coaxially therewith and in a direction opposite to that in which said skirt extends from said plate, said neck portion being arranged to form a snug fit around said one member.
Ref US8117787B2: Claims:
A length-adjustable construction support, comprising: a first pipe; a second pipe having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first pipe; an inner stopper coupled to an outer circumference of the second pipe at a set position, the inner stopper includes a plurality of pressure ridges formed on an inner circumference thereof to press and fix the outer circumference of the second pipe, a separation guide flange protruding outward from an outer circumference thereof by a set length, at least one cutout slot formed in a lengthwise direction thereof, and at least one ring retaining groove formed in at least one of upper and lower ends thereof, and the at least one ring retaining groove is fitted with a snap ring; and an outer stopper having a support wall formed on an inner circumference thereof such that the inner stopper is inserted and supported, and a stop step formed at a lower end of the support wall to be supported on the first pipe.
a second pipe having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first pipe;
an inner stopper coupled to an outer circumference of the second pipe at a set position, the inner stopper includes a plurality of pressure ridges formed on an inner circumference thereof to press and fix the outer circumference of the second pipe, a separation guide flange protruding outward from an outer circumference thereof by a set length, at least one cutout slot formed in a lengthwise direction thereof, and at least one ring retaining groove formed in at least one of upper and lower ends thereof, and the at least one ring retaining groove is fitted with a snap ring; and
an outer stopper having a support wall formed on an inner circumference thereof such that the inner stopper is inserted and supported, and a stop step formed at a lower end of the support wall to be supported on the first pipe.
The support of claim 1 , wherein the inner stopper includes an inclined surface on an outer circumference thereof such that an outer diameter thereof is gradually reduced in an inserting direction thereof, and the support wall of the outer stopper is inclined corresponding to the inclined surface of the inner stopper.
The support of claim 1 , wherein the pressure ridges are formed in the form of a sawtooth or ratchet.
The support of claim 3 , wherein the sawtooth or ratchet form is inclined in a direction opposite to an inserting direction of the inner stopper.
The support of claim 1 , further comprising an outer cap having an inner circumference of which a diameter is equal to a diameter of an upper outer circumference of the outer stopper to be coupled to the upper outer circumference of the outer stopper, and which has a through-hole in the center thereof to allow the inner stopper inserted into the outer stopper to be inserted.
The support of claim 5 , wherein the outer cap includes a threaded part formed on the inner circumference thereof, and the outer stopper includes a first threaded part formed on the upper outer circumference thereof, so that the outer cap is screwed with the outer stopper.
The support of claim 5 , wherein the outer cap includes at least one rotating handle formed on the outer circumference thereof at intervals of a set angle.
The support of claim 5 , wherein the through-hole has a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the separate guide flange.
The support of claim 1 , wherein the outer stopper includes at least one keying groove formed in the inner circumference thereof, and the inner stopper includes at least one keying groove formed in the outer circumference thereof to correspond to the keying groove of the outer stopper, the keying grooves being fitted with an anti-rotation key to prevent the inner stopper from rotating.
The support of claim 9 , wherein the anti-rotation key is integrally formed with the keying groove of the outer stopper.
The support of claim 5 , wherein the inner stopper includes a retaining recess that is recessed inward under the separation guide flange with a predetermined width, so that the through-hole of the outer cap is located in the retaining recess to allow the outer cap to move in the retaining recess within the predetermined width.
The support of claim 1 , further comprising: a third threaded part formed on a lower outer circumference of the outer stopper; a precise adjustor having a fourth threaded part formed on an inner circumference thereof to be screwed with the third threaded part, a fifth threaded part formed below the fourth threaded part, and an adjusting knob formed on an outer circumference thereof; and a coupler having a sixth threaded part formed on an outer circumference thereof to be screwed with the fifth threaded part, and coupled to the outer circumference of the first pipe.
a third threaded part formed on a lower outer circumference of the outer stopper;
a precise adjustor having a fourth threaded part formed on an inner circumference thereof to be screwed with the third threaded part, a fifth threaded part formed below the fourth threaded part, and an adjusting knob formed on an outer circumference thereof; and
a coupler having a s
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