Retractable stadium roofs and transport mechanism therefor
US6367206B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04B7/166
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A stadium that is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather includes a foundation and a pair of movable end roof members that are movable between first, retracted positions and second, operational positions for covering first and second end areas, respectively, of the stadium. The stadium also includes a center roof member that is movable between a retracted position and an operational position for covering a center area of the stadium. All of the roof members are supported for movement between the retracted positions and the operational positions by a guide and support assembly that includes at least one rail member that is secured to the foundation and a plurality of independently suspended follower assemblies that are mounted to the respective roof member. Each of said follower assemblies include a wheel member that is positioned in contact with the rail and a resilient member that is interposed between the wheel member and the roof member, so that each of the wheel members is independently suspended with respect to the other wheel members. This creates a number of advantages, including that it makes alignment easier to achieve and m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.