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US 6,637,173 B1Granted
Apparatus and methods of forming a curved structure
AssigneeFlex-Ability Concepts, L.L.C.
InventorFrank L. Wheeler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.
Claims73
A method of fixing the shape of a curved structure in the field of construction comprising:
- providing an apparatus having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a base portion, a tab overlapping a portion of the adjacent section and a track portion extending generally perpendicular to the base portion, wherein each section further comprises:
- a first track portion and a second track portion, the track portions being oppositely positioned and generally parallel such that the track portions and the base portion form a channel, the base portions of adjacent sections overlapping;
- strap means slidably engaging the first track portion and the second track portion;
- and
- pivot means comprising a connection centrally located between the track portions toward each end of the base portion;
- and
- impacting the tab to restrict pivotal movement between the adjacent sections, wherein the impacting step further comprises interlocking the base portions of adjacent sections.
4 more elements
A method of fixing the shape of a curved structure comprising:
- providing an apparatus having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having:
- a base portion and a tab overlapping a portion of the adjacent section;
- a first track portion and a second track portion, the track portions being oppositely positioned and generally parallel such that the track portions and the base portion form a channel, the base portions of adjacent sections overlapping;
- strap means slidably engaging the first track portion and the second track portion;
- and
- pivot means comprising a connection centrally located between the track portions toward each end of the base portion;
- and
- impacting the tab to restrict pivotal movement between the adjacent sections by interlocking the base portions of adjacent sections.
5 more elements
An apparatus for forming curved structures in the field of construction comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each of the sections having a base portion, a first track portion and a second track portion, the track portions being oppositely positioned and generally parallel such that the track portions and the base portion form a channel;
- strap means slidably engaging the first track portion and the second track portion;
- pivot means pivotally connecting adjacent sections;
- a tab that may be interlocked with the adjacent section to restrict pivotal movement between the adjacent sections, wherein the tab overlaps the base portion of the adjacent section.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each of the sections having a base portion, a first track portion and a second track portion, the track portions being oppositely positioned and generally parallel such that the track portions and the base portion form a channel, and each of the sections further comprising strap means slidably engaging the first track portion and the second track portion;
- pivot means pivotally connecting adjacent sections;
- and
- a tab overlapping the base portion of an adjacent section such that the tab may be interlocked with the adjacent section to restrict pivotal movement between the adjacent sections.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each section having a base portion and a first track portion extending perpendicular from the base portion;
- a connection pivotally attached to the base portions of adjacent sections;
- a first strap member having a rectangular cross-section and slidably engaging the first track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature;
- and interlockable means for resisting pivotable movement between the adjacent sections.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each section having a base portion;
- a connection pivotally attached to the base portions of adjacent sections such that the base portions are pivotable in a plane parallel to the base portions;
- and
- a tab protruding from the base portion and overlapping a portion of the adjacent section such that an impact exerted on the tab holds a relative position of the adjacent sections.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each section having a base portion and a first track portion;
- a connection pivotally connecting the base portions of adjacent sections;
- a tab protruding from the base portion and overlapping a portion of the adjacent section such that an impact exerted on the tab holds a relative position of the adjacent sections;
- and
- a first strap member slidably engaging the first track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each section having a base portion and a first track portion extending perpendicular from the base portion;
- a connection pivotally attached to the base portions of adjacent sections;
- a first strap member slidably engaging the first track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature;
- and
- a tab that may be interlocked with the adjacent section to restrict pivotable movement between the adjacent sections.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sections, each of the sections having a base portion, a first track portion and a second track portion, the track portions being oppositely positioned and generally parallel such that the track portions and the base portion form a channel;
- pivot means pivotally connecting adjacent sections;
- strap means slidably engaging adjacent sections;
- and
- a tab overlapping the base portion of an adjacent section.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.