Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural System for temporary or semi-permanent buildings such as trade show displays, corporate lobbies, or Museum Displays

Abstract

A rapid deployment and reuseable, multi-level structural system called Metrideck that uses traditional types of walls structures and handrail. Metrideck system includes (a) a set of vertical columns each with a set of attachment features; (b) a set of pre-manufactured beams each said beam with a set of attachment features; (c) a Quicset for connecting beam and columns; (d) a deck panel with hardware to attach it to the beams and with slots to attach a hanger bracket to connect to the wall structure; (e) a series of curbing that encircles the deck panel perimeter with a set of attachment features; (f) a stair system; and (g) a set of handrail/guardrails wherein the decking system maintains a modular relationship to the mating wall structures, provides multiple platform configurations, uses fewer components, and provides a higher strength to weight ratio compared to other rapid deployment structural systems.

Claims

1. A Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) made of durable materials and comprising: (a) a set of at least four vertical columns (35), each column with a set of attachment features; (b) a set of at least four horizontal pre-manufactured beams each said beam with a set of attachment features; (c) a Quicset for each connection of each said beam and each vertical column; (d) at least one deck panel (60); (e) a series of curbing which encircles the at least one deck panel at a perimeter; (f) a stair system; and (g) a set of straight and/or curved handrail/guardrail configurations wherein the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) maintains a modular relationship to the mating wall structures and wherein Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system provides multiple platform configurations provides a higher strength to weight ratio compared to other rapid deployment decking systems.

2. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the columns further comprise an inner stiffener (34).

3. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the durable materials are selected from the group consisting of Metals, reinforced plastics, and composite materials.

4. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 4 wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of steel alloys, aluminum, and titanium.

5. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 4 wherein the reinforced plastics are selected from the group consisting of poly urethanes, nylons, Poly Vinyl Chlorides, cast, and injection molded acrylics, and other reinforced polymers manufactured with reinforcing fibers.

6. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the modular relationship to the mating system walls is selected from the group consisting of walls with a bottom setting contiguous to a floor surface and/or deck surface and the walls are hanging outside the deck perimeter.

7. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the component configuration can permit at least 14 structural configurations from a single M14 (6 m by 6 m) beam, column, deck, and handrail combination with the addition of one 1 m by 1 m deck panel.

8. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the set of attachment features for the vertical columns are selected from the group consisting of holes for attachment bolts, holes for a female Quicset, an adjustable column foot, a stiffener, a wire management hole, and a column extension.

9. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the set of attachment features for the beams are selected from the group consisting of a beam to column attachment plate (41) with holes for male Quickset (43), an intermediate beam support (55) with shoulder bolt (64), an intermediate beam attachment plate (65), a beam end (48), a set of beam lightening openings (57), and a torsion lock (59).

10. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the Quicset includes with a pair of threaded structural bolts and nuts to attach to a column and beam, a male Quicset attached to an end of the beam and a female Quicset attached to the top area of the column wherein both the male and female Quicset have mating dovetails to provide a tight interlock without the need for tools or fasteners during an initial assembly of the column and beam.

11. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the at least one deck panel is further comprising hardware (81) to attach the deck panel to the beams and slots (73) to attach a hanger bracket for connecting to a wall structure.

12. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein set of attachments for the curbing is selected from the group consisting of corners (69,70), covers (71), slots (74) for a handrail or guard rail, roto locks (67,68), and a hanging bracket (72) for straight and curved walls (77,78).

13. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) described in claim 1 wherein the stair system includes components selected from the group consisting of upper and lower stair assembly, upper and lower landings, guard rails, and support structures, fasteners, treads, and tread noses.

14. A Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) made of durable materials and comprising: (a) a set of at least four vertical columns (35), each column with a set of attachment features including holes for attachment bolts, holes for a female Quicset, an adjustable column foot, an inner stiffener, a wire management through hole, and a column extension; (b) a set of at least four horizontal pre-manufactured beams each said beam with a set of attachment features including a beam to column attachment plate (41) with holes for male Quickset (43), an intermediate beam support (55) with shoulder bolt 64), an intermediate beam attachment plate (65), a beam end (48), a set of beam lightening openings (57), and a torsion lock (59); (c) a Quicset for each connection of each said beam and each vertical column, each Quicset includes with a pair of threaded structural bolts and nuts to attach to a column and beam, a male Quicset attached to an end of the beam and a female Quicset attached to the top area of the column wherein both the male and female Quicset have mating dovetails to provide a tight interlock without the need for tools or fasteners during an initial assembly of the column and beam; (d) at least one deck panel (60) and further comprising hardware (81) to attach the deck panel to the beams and slots (73) to attach a hanger bracket for connecting to a wall structure; (e) a series of curbing which encircles the at least one deck panel at a perimeter the curbing having a set of attachment features including corners (69,70), covers (71), slots (74) for a handrail or guard rail, a set of roto locks (67,68), and a set of hanging bracket (72) for connecting the curbing to straight and curved wall structures (77,78); (f) a stair system including components selected from the group consisting of upper and lower stair assembly, upper and lower landings, guard rails, and support structures, fasteners, treads, and tread noses; and (g) a set of straight and/or curved handrail/guardrail configurations wherein the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20) maintains a modular relationship to the mating wall structures and wherein Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system provides multiple platform configurations, and provides a higher strength to weight ratio compared to other rapid deployment decking systems.

15. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 15 wherein the durable materials are selected from the group consisting of Metals, reinforced plastics, and composite materials.

16. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 16 wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of steel alloys, aluminum, and titanium.

17. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 16 wherein the reinforced plastics are selected from the group consisting of poly urethanes, nylons, Poly Vinyl Chlorides, and other reinforced polymers manufactured with reinforcing fibers.

18. The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reuseable Decking system (20) described in claim 15 wherein the modular relationship to the mating system walls is selected from the group consisting of walls with a bottom setting contiguous to a floor surface and/or deck surface and the walls are flush with the outside of the deck surface or hanging outside the deck perimeter.

19. A method to build a Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system (20), the method to build comprising the following steps in series: Pre-step: Gathering and organizing a full set of components and fasteners near a location for building a first main section of the structural system; Step 1: Assembling a part of the components, a first side perimeter beam connected to a first pair of two columns without the need of structural hardware; Step 2: Assembling a pair of end perimeter and connector beams to the first pair of two columns and to a second pair of two columns without the need of structural hardware; Step 3: Attaching an intermediate beam between the pair of end perimeter and connector beams by lifting the intermediate beam and rolling it onto a set of shoulder bolts on each of the pair of end perimeter and connector beams; Step 4: Assembling a second side perimeter beam connected to the second pair of two columns without the need of structural hardware; Step 5: Preparing and assembling a stair landing beam assembly (127A) comprising at least three stair beams (127) and at least two upper landing support columns (112), the stair landing is assembled with structural hardware on the ground and then is lifted into a vertical position and connected to the first main section of the structural system; Step 6: Assembling by lifting and placing a landing deck panel (109) and a plurality of a deck panel (60) with a curbing to the beams of the stair landing and to the first and second side perimeter beams and each of the pair of end perimeter and connector beams of the first main section, each of the plurality of deck panels is attached in an order specified on a set of setup drawings and each deck panel is fastened to the beams with a plurality of torsion locks (59) whereby the torsion lock drops into a machined reveal in a deck surface and through a mating hole in a top flange of the beam, and each of the plurality of torsion lock is secured with a flange nut on the underside of the top flange of the beam and whereby each of the plurality of the deck panels is secured to a contiguous deck panel with rotolocks (67) and (68) in the edges of the plurality of deck panels; Step 7.1: Attaching the inside top handrail section (129) to the inside stringer on the top staircase (117) and sliding a pair of adjustable stair legs (103) into the leg pockets (102) of the stringers (98); and securing with the integral clamp bolts; Step 7.2: Lifting and sliding the upper section of the staircase (117) toward one of the stair beams (127) of the landing beam assembly (127A), the one of the stair beams (127) further comprising 2 sets of upper and lower slotted holes (134) to locate and secure the upper section of the staircase (117) further comprising an attached upper bracket (100) with locating shoulder bolt (131) and slotted hole for structural hardware (56); Step 7.3: Removably placing the shoulder bolt (131) of the upper bracket (100) into the slotted holes (134) of the stair beam (127) at an uppermost section of the upper section of the staircase (117) and then securing and connecting the bracket (100) to the stair beam (127) with a set of hardware (56); Step 7.4: Assembling a lower section of the staircase (118) by lifting the lower section of the staircase (118) into position and by using the downward facing tenons on the lower stringer top brackets (104) which is dropped into an upward facing mortise in the upper stringer bottom brackets (102) and whereby the weight of the lower staircase pivoting off the bottom of the staircase on the ground, holds the lower section of a staircase (118) in position; Step 7.5: Finishing the staircase assembly (117,118) whereby the remaining sections of stair guardrail and handrails are secured to the stringers and whereby adjustable feet (105 on the stair legs (103) are used to straighten the tops of the upper and lower stringers (98,99) relative to one another so the upper and lower stair guardrails fit correctly together in the center; Step 8: Attaching a landing guardrail assembly (108) to the landing deck with a set of hardware that passes through a bottom flange of the guardrail, through an oversize hole in the landing panel and through an oversize hole in the top flange of the beam, then securing the set of hardware on the underside of the top flange with a group of flange nuts in a configuration such that a pair of two pieces of guardrail are connected on an outside corner with a handrail corner assembly (133), and finally connecting a set of pins with set screws to a solid aluminum handrail corner; Step 9: Lifting a group of system walls onto the deck surface and securing each of the group of walls with an 8 mm wall system clamp bolts (130) by inserting the clamp bolts into a group of 8 mm threaded inserts in the curbing; Step 10: Repeat steps as needed to build an additional section of deck and walls as pre-determined; and Step 11: Remove any surplus materials from the full set of components and fasteners from the location for building.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems (called a Metrideck Building System) that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below are provided to explain the principles of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural System. It is understood, however, that the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural System as a fast, reliable, and strong building system is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0039] FIG. 1 is an overview drawing of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Decking system for temporary or semi-permanent buildings such as trade show display systems and corporate lobbies with the components noted.

[0040] FIGS. 2 A through 2 G are sketches of the columns for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with components and features noted.

[0041] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are sketches of the beams for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with the components and features shown from various views. Discussed are beam size configurations with standard sizes.

[0042] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are sketches showing the beam to column interconnections for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with components and features described.

[0043] FIG. 5 A through 5 E are sketches of a unique connection system for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with no use of special tools and fast installation.

[0044] FIG. 6 A through 6 K are sketches of assembly and installation of the decks and curbing for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with components, features and variations of assembly shown.

[0045] FIG. 7 A through 7 G are sketches of stairs and landings for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with various configurations shown along with the components and features respective of the stairs.

[0046] FIG. 8 A through 8 N are sketches describing assembly and the steps taken when one installs the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system.

[0047] FIGS. 9 A and 9 B are illustrations of the seamless integration of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with metric wall systems available in the marketplace.

[0048] FIG. 10 A through 10 C are sketches of the assembly of a custom structure assembled with standard Metrideck modules that integrates seamlessly with metric wall systems (see 10C) as one simple installation scheme to describe assembly of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a comparison chart with other building systems comparing sections and strength for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Reconfigurable Structural Decking system.

[0050] FIGS. 12 A through 12 R is a group of prior art building systems for interior and exterior building structures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0051] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 20 Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems. 30 aperture, opening, hole 30 for beam attachment bolts 31 wire management through hole, aperture, opening 31 32 female Quicset 43 attachment bolt 32 33 Hole, aperture, opening 33 for beam attachment bolts 34 column head stiffener plate 34 35 main column 35 36 ACME thread 36 37 ACME nut 37 38 adjustable column foot 38 39 column extension assembly 39 40 wire management through hole, aperture, opening 40 41 main beam to column 35 attachment plate 41 42 male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41 42.1 alternative round male Quicset 42.1 42.2 alternative rectangular male Quicset 42.2 42.3 alternative triangular male Quicset 42.3 42.4 alternative trapezoidal male Quicset 42.4 42.5 alternative square male Quicset 42.5 43 female Quicset (RTM) 43 bolted to column 35 43.1 alternative round female Quicset (RTM) 43.1 43.2 alternative rectangular female Quicset (RTM) 43.2 43.3 alternative triangular female Quicset (RTM) 43.3 43.4 alternative trapezoidal female Quicset (RTM) 43.4 43.5 alternative square female Quicset (RTM) 43.5 44 Assembly 44 of male Quicset (RTM) 42 and female Quicset (RTM) 43 45 column 35: configuration 4 - 45 46 column 35: configuration 1 - 46 47 column 35: configuration 3 - 47 48 main beam end 48 49 A six-meter (6 M) beam assembly 49 is beam 52 plus beam 53 plus beam 54 50 A five-meter (5 M) beam assembly 50 is beam 52 plus beam 53 51 A four-meter (4 M) beam assembly 51 is beam 52 plus beam 54 52 A three-meter (3 M) beam 52 53 A two-meter (2 M) beam 53 54 A one-meter (1 M) meter beam 54 55 intermediate beam 62 support 55 56 structural hardware 56 57 lightening hole, aperture, opening 57 for air conditioning flexible ducting, sprinkler systems and ease of installation of lighting when there is a drop ceiling 58 M-14 structure 58 59 torsion lock 59 60 deck panel 60 61 top 61 of beam 62, 63 62 intermediate beam 62 63 main beam 63 64 shoulder bolt 64 on intermediate beam 62 support 55 65 intermediate beam 62 attachment plate 65 66 Curbing 66 67 male rotolock 67 68 female rotolock 68 69 small curb corner 69 70 large curb corner 70 71 1-meter curb cover 71 72 hanging bracket 72 for straight walls 73 slots 73 for hanging bracket 72 74 slots 74 for handrail bolts 75 hole, aperture, opening 75 for male rotolock key 76 reversible beam 76 for small radius assembly 77 hanging bracket #1 77 for curved wall frames 78 hanging bracket #2 78 for curved wall frames 79 reversible (LH or RH) curved deck panel 79 80 reversible beam 80 for small radius assembly 81 FH hardware attaching 81 the deck to the beam 82 countersunk boss 82 for FH hardware 83 handrail bolt hole 83 84 R1 radius wall 84 85 R2 radius wall 85 86 R3 radius wall 86 87 R4 radius wall 87 88 curved rail 88 for curved module CM1 89 curved rail 89 curved module CM2 90 curved rail 90 curved module CM3 91 curved module CM1 - 91 92 curved module CM2 - 92 93 curved module CM3 - 93 94 curved module CM4 - 94 95 curved module CM5 - 95 96 modular guardrail and handrail assembly 96 97 removable infill panel 97 98 top stringer 98 99 bottom stringer 99 100 upper stair 117 to beam 127 bracket 100 101 stair nosing 101 102 upper stringer bottom bracket 102 103 adjustable stair leg 103 104 lower stringer top bracket 104 105 adjustable feet on 105 stair legs 103 106 changeable treads 106 107 removeable/changeable risers 107 108 reversible upper landing guardrail 108 109 single end upper landing assembly 109 110 double end upper landing assembly 110 111 upper landing extension panel 111 112 upper landing support column 112 113 stair leg stiffener plate 113 114 lower landing assembly 114 115 lower landing guardrail 115 116 Kit 116 to join (2) 90-deg. lower landing assemblies 114 to make a 180- deg. landing 117 upper stair assembly 117 118 lower stair assembly 118 119 deck guardrail assembly 119 of (2) 2- meter rails 120 deck guardrail assembly 120 of (1) 2- meter plus (1) 1-meter rail 121 deck guardrail assembly 121 of (2) 2- meter plus (1) 1-meter rail 122 Assembly 122 of (3) 992 mm 2418 mm walls plus (2) 62 mm 62 mm corner 123 perimeter beam assembly 123 (1)2-meter beam 53 plus (1) 3-meter beam 52 (side or end) 124 intermediate beam assembly 124 (1)2- meter beam 53 plus (1) 3-meter beam 52 125 3-meter perimeter and connector beam 125 (side or end) 126 1-meter by 1-meter deck panel 126 127 landing beam assembly 127A 127A landing beam assembly 127A with three stair beams 127 128 main deck assembly 128 129 inside 129 top guardrail/handrail assembly 130 8 mm wall system clamp bolt 130 131 stair shoulder bolt 131 132 stair beam 132 133 handrail corner 133 134 Double slotted holes 134 in landing stair beam to locate and secure the upper section 117 of the staircase 135 comparison chart 135 of traditional beam systems versus beams of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural System 300 prior art 300 US Patent Application 2018/0209144 by Hedgcock made in 2018 for a System and Method of Interlocking Wall Panels. 310 prior art 310 German patent DE 102007051058 issued to Hans Bruder and Octanorm in 2010 and called Mounting bracket and system for creating superstructures. 320 prior art 320 European application EP 2084996 A2 issued to Hans Bruder in 2010 named Support element and system for the erection of exhibition stands and the like. 330 prior art 330 is European Application No. EP 3862502 A1 issued to VAN DER VENNET, Edwin and Bematrix in 2020 and called a MODULAR TRUSS STRUCTURE 340 prior art 340 is a U.S. Pat. No. 956, 642 issued to Klein in 1910 for an Office Partition and the like. 350 prior art 350 is U.S. Pat. No. 4, 030,219 issued to Donovan for a Portable Display apparatus 360 prior art 360 is U.S. Pat. No. 4, 583,359 issued to Staeger for a series of Profile Tubes to produce Readily Assembled and Dismantled Structures. 370 prior art 370 is a U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,440 issued to Izatt et al. in 1998 for a Partition System. 380 prior art 380 is a U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,000 issued to Matsubara for a Modular Units, Modular Structures having Modular Units and a Method for Constructing Modular Structures 390 prior art 390 is a U.S. Pat. No. 6, 014, 842 issued to Matsubara in 2000 and called a Modular Units, Modular Structures having Modular Units and a Method for Constructing Modular Structures 400 prior art 400 is a U.S. Pat. No. 6, 065, 854 issued to West et al. and called a LED Modular Display System 410 prior art 410 is a U.S. Pat. No. 7, 137, 898 issued to Savage in 2006 and called a Knockdown Labyrinth Framework 420 prior art 420 U.S. Pat. No. 8, 572,928 by Bruder issued in 2013 for System for Erecting Structures and Support Profile. 430 prior art 430 is a U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,703 issued to Quinn et al. in 2016 for a System and Method for Constructing Temporary, Re-Locatable Structures 440 prior art 440 is a U.S. Pat. No. 9,874, 011 issued to Oliveira et al. in 2018 for a Modular Panel System 450 prior art 450 is a U.S. Pat. No. 11,098,494 issued to LeSage in 2021 for a Profile, Frame, and Promotion Booth for the Construction of Stands and/or for Interior Applications and/or for Exterior Applications and a Method for making the Profile and a Use of the Profile 460 prior art 460 is a French patent FR2834020A1 by Moise et al. that is a partitioning system 470 prior art 470 is a U.S. Pat. No. 10,487,499 issued to Berkowitz in 2019 for a System and Method for an Easily Erectable Modular Business Cubicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PERFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0052] This invention relates to a Metrideck Rapid Deployment Reconfigurable Structural system for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems. The present novel technology relates generally to building construction and, more particularly, a system of deck, beam, and column construction for supporting various items including walls and display architecture. This system relates to a structure for supporting walls, product spaces, interlocking wall panels, and various other components that are useful in rapid and reusable construction of building units, exhibition stands, and display modules as an example, or a temporary exhibition multiple-story structure. This system of support is configured to interlock with one or more adjacent supports. The building system is directed to systems and methods of constructing temporary or re-locatable structures and relates to support structures such as modular wall systems, the structure having an improved beam and column system to secure decks, stairs, and wall panels in various arrangements. The present invention relates generally to a structural support system for a variety of items and allows for interconnection of adjacent panels without the need for special tools and/or detachable parts.

[0053] The advantages for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0054] A. Designed for Fast and Safe Setup. [0055] B. Unique Quicset Fasteners. [0056] C. Unique Beam Design. [0057] D. Unique Column Design. [0058] E. Unique Staircases. [0059] F. Unique Deck Panels and Curbs. [0060] G. Unique Integration with the Metric Wall systems already in the market. [0061] H. Unique Custom Designs. [0062] I. Ease of assembly and disassembly. [0063] J. Optimized structure strength by design. [0064] K. Security of joints and connections. [0065] L. Maximized utility design with different wall systems.

[0066] The preferred embodiment of Metrideck is a rapid deployment and Reconfigurable multi-level structural system used with various types of walls and guardrails. It is made of durable materials and includes (a) a set of at least four vertical columns, each column with a set of attachment features such as holes for attachment bolts, holes for a female Quicset, an adjustable column foot, an inner stiffener, a wire management through hole, and a column extension; (b) a set of at least four horizontal pre-manufactured beams each said beam with a set of attachment features including a beam to column attachment end plate with holes for male Quicset, an intermediate beam support with shoulder bolt, an intermediate beam attachment plate, a beam end, a set of beam lightening openings, and a torsion lock; (c) a Quicset for each connection of each said beam and each vertical column, each Quicset includes a pair of threaded structural bolts and nuts to attach to a column and beam, a male Quicset attached to an end of the beam and a female Quicset attached to the top area of the column wherein both the male and female Quicset have mating dovetails to provide a tight interlock without the need for tools or fasteners during an initial assembly of the column and beam; (d) at least one deck panel and further comprising hardware to attach the deck panel to the beams and slots to attach a hanger bracket for connecting to a wall structure; (e) a series of curbing which encircles at least one deck panel at a perimeter, the curbing having a set of attachment features including corners, covers, slots for a handrail or guard rail, a set of roto locks, and a set of hanging brackets for connecting the curbing to straight and curved wall structures; (f) a stair system including components selected from the group consisting of upper and lower stair assembly, upper and lower landings, guard rails, and support structures, fasteners, treads, and tread noses; and (g) a set of straight and/or curved handrail/guardrail configurations wherein the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system maintains a modular relationship to the mating wall structures and wherein Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system provides multiple platform configurations, is lighter weight, and provides a higher strength to weight ratio compared to other rapid deployment decking systems.

[0067] There is shown in FIGS. 1-12 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Decking system 20. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that FIGS. 1-12 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this system and its component parts. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system 20 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the Metrideck system 20. It is understood, however, that the Metrideck system 20 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of temporary and permanent rapid build building structures are still understood by one skilled in the art of building structures to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0068] FIG. 1 is an overview drawing of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Reconfigurable Structural system for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems with the components noted. Shown is a Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems. The various parts are noted for the Columns, Stairs, Beams, Decks and curbs, Handrail, Curved Modules, and Extension Modules.

[0069] FIGS. 2 A through 2 G are sketches of the columns 35 for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system 20 with components and features noted. Various components and features are noted: a Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems; an aperture, opening, hole 30 for beam attachment bolts; a wire management through hole, aperture, opening 31; a female Quicset 43 attachment bolt 32; a hole, aperture, opening 33 for beam attachment bolts; a column head stiffener plate 34; a main column 35; an Acme thread 36; an Acme nut 37; an adjustable column foot 38; a column extension assembly 39; a wire management through hole, aperture, opening 40; a main beam to column 35 attachment plate 41; a male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41; a female Quicset 43 bolted to column 35; an assembly 44 of male Quicset 42 and female Quicset 43; a column 35: FIG. 6A reveals and teaches: configuration 4 45; a column 35: configuration 146; a column 35: configuration 347; and a structural hardware 56. Columns 35 are shown in FIGS. 2 A to 2 G. FIG. 2 G teaches various alternatives for the design of Quicset: male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41; alternative round male Quicset 42.1; alternative rectangular male Quicset 42.2; alternative triangular male Quicset 42.3; alternative trapezoidal male Quicset 42.4; alternative square male Quicset 42.5; alternative female Quicset 43 bolted to column 35; alternative round female Quicset 43.1; alternative rectangular female Quicset 43.2; alternative triangular female Quicset 43.3; alternative trapezoidal female Quicset 43.4; and alternative square female Quicset 43.5.

[0070] There are several design challenges:

[0071] COLUMN DESIGN CHALLENGE A: To integrate the structure with the wall systems, the perimeter supporting columns must be as close as possible to the edge of the structure. This creates two problems: 1] Multiple columns are required to meet the various configurations of beams and columns in a modular structural design system. See FIG. 2F. Many of these columns can only be used in one configuration which increases column inventories and may require additional columns when the configuration of existing inventories of beams, deck panels and handrail is changed. 2] When the center of the perimeter columns centered on the perimeter beams, is changed to the outside edges of the columns being flush with the outside edges of the perimeter beams, the beam lengths change in different configurations: perimeter and internal beams are no longer the same length. The system is no longer modular [i.e., any beam can be used in any location]. See FIG. 6A. SOLUTION: Metrideck has designed a single column with an adaptor kit that can fulfill all possible configurations and maintain standard beam lengths in all these configurations. See FIGS. 2F and 6A. ADVANTAGES: 1] When a design is changed, the same columns can be reconfigured to meet the requirements of the new design. 2] This minimizes column inventories and costs.

[0072] COLUMN DESIGN CHALLENGE B: These structures are set-up and dismantled often, in multiple configurations. Setup and dismantle times are a significant part of the cost per use. Existing systems, even when they have a method of lining up the beam and column holes, require each beam to be bolted to the columns at either end, and the bolts torque tightened. Systems typically use four (4) or more bolts per connection. The rest of the setup crew stands and watches while two (2) members of the crew, on ladders, install and tighten all the bolts at both ends of every beam. SOLUTION: Metrideck has reduced the connecting bolts to two (2) per column and designed Quicset, a feature that locks the beams to the columns without the need for bolts during assembly. The whole column and beam structure is assembled from the ground without structural bolts. A beam is lifted with a portable lift (Genie or equal) and lowered into position. As the male Quicset on the beam begin to engage with the female Quicset on the columns, they pull the beam tight against the columns and locate the beam vertically. The setup team moves to the next beam and column. One member of the crew installs and torque tightens the bolts while the rest of the crew install the staircases and landings. See FIG. 6D.

[0073] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are sketches of the beams 52, 53, 54 for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system 20 with the components and features shown from various views. Discussed are beam size configurations with standard sizes. Portrayed in these sketches are: a Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems; a main column 35; a main beam to column 35 attachment plate 41; a male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41; an assembly 44 of male Quicset 42 and female Quicset 43; a main beam end 48; a 6-meter beam assembly 49 is beam 52 plus beam 53 plus beam 54; a 5-meter beam assembly 50 is beam 52 plus beam 53; a 4-meter beam assembly 51 is beam 52 plus beam 54; a 3-meter beam 52; a 2-meter beam 53; a 1-meter beam 54; an intermediate beam 62 support 55; a structural hardware 56; a lightening hole, aperture, opening 57 for air conditioning flexible ducting, sprinkler systems and ease of installation of lighting when there is a drop ceiling; a M-14 structure 58; a torsion lock 59; deck panel 60; a top rail 61 of beam 62,63; an intermediate beam 62; a main beam 63; a shoulder bolt 64 on intermediate beam 62 support 55; and an intermediate beam 62 attachment plate 65.

[0074] BEAM DESIGN CHALLENGE A The beam design must meet all the deflection, stress, and load requirements of IBC 2018, and yet be light enough for 2 people to handle, when free spanning 6 meters. SOLUTION: Shown in FIG. 11 compares the strength/weight ratio of the Metrideck beam with a standard aluminum I-beam, standard steel I-beam, and a custom aluminum I-beam that are closest to the weight per foot of the Metrideck beam. All these beams meet the weight per foot criterion that allows two people to pick up a 6-meter beam. The loadbearing capacity of the Metrideck beams is enhanced by bolting the top of the beams to the stress skin deck panels capturing any torsional buckling movement using the torsional lock 59. See FIG. 3D.

[0075] BEAM DESIGN CHALLENGE B There is always a demand for new and innovative designs using existing properties as marketing budgets impose cost constraints, particularly during periods of economic slowdown. The wall systems that integrate with Metrideck have been designed to meet this need. SOLUTION: 1] The Metrideck beam has been designed so that several modular lengths of beams can be bolted together in multiple configurations. See FIGS. 3 A and 3 B. FIG. 3 C illustrates how (1) 6-meter6-meter deck structure, plus (1) additional 1-meter1-meter deck panel, can be used to create 14 different deck structures by reconfiguring the beam assemblies (as shown in FIG. 3 A).

[0076] BEAM DESIGN CHALLENGE C Fast setup. SOLUTIONS: 1] The main beams, which attach to the columns, have male Quicset 42 bolted to either end of the beam. This allows the beam to be lowered onto the female Quicset 43 bolted to the columns (see FIG. 2 D). When the male and female Quicset are fully engaged, the beam is locked to the column without the use of structural hardware. This allows the setup crew to proceed to the next section of the structural assembly, without waiting for the structural hardware to be installed and torque tightened at either end of the beam. The structure is locked safe and stable by the double dovetail action of the Quicset without the clamping action of the structural hardware. Once the structure is assembled, a member of the crew installs and torque tightens the structural hardware while the rest of the crew is assembling the staircases and landings. See FIG. 4 B. 2] The intermediate beams are assembled by lifting into position and rolling the beam with its downward tapered slot onto the shoulder bolts 64 on the main beam. This automatically positions the intermediate beam vertically and horizontally. See FIGS. 4 D and 4 E.

[0077] BEAM DESIGN CHALLENGE D Easy hidden wire management for signal and power cables. SOLUTION: The main beam attachment plates 41 intermediate beam attachment plates 65 and intermediate support plates 55 all have large wire management holes which line up with the wire management holes in adjacent beams and columns. See FIGS. 4 A and 4 B.

[0078] BEAM DESIGN CHALLENGE E1] Large holes must be available in the beam web for air conditioning flex ducts (in different locations for different design configurations) without reducing the bending strength of the beams. 2] Holes (in different locations for different designs) are required to run sprinkler system pipework. SOLUTION: The beam lightening holes 57 meets both requirements. They also provide easy access to wire harnesses and lights when installing a drop ceiling. See FIG. 3 B.

[0079] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are sketches showing the beam to column interconnections for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with components and features described. These are described below in the Operation Section.

[0080] FIG. 5 A through 5 E are sketches of a unique connection system for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system with no use of special tools (a simple torque wrench) and fast installation. It is called a Quicset 44. Here are shown various features. A main column 35; a male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41; a female Quicset 43 bolted to column 35; and an assembly 44 of male Quicset 42 and female Quicset 43. QUICSET is shown in FIGS. 5 A through 5 E

[0081] QUICSET DESIGN CHALLENGE These structures are setup and dismantled often, in multiple configurations. Setup and dismantle times are a significant part of the cost per use. Existing systems, even when they have a method of lining up the beam and column holes, require each beam to be bolted to the columns at either end, and then the bolts torque tightened. The rest of the setup crew stands and watches while 2 of the crew, on ladders, install and tighten all the bolts at both ends of every beam. During this time, the rest of the crew is completely unproductive. SOLUTION: 1] Metrideck designed Quicset, a fixture that locks the beams to the columns without the need for bolts during assembly. The whole column and beam structure is assembled from the ground without ladders or forklifts, and without structural hardware. A beam is lifted with a portable lift (Genie) and lowered into position. As the male Quicset 42 on the beam begin to engage with the female Quicset 43 on the columns, they pull the beam tight against the columns and locate the beam vertically. The setup team then moves on to the next beam and column. The whole structure can be setup without adding bolts. The structure is held safe and stable by the double dovetail action of the Quicset without the clamping action of the structural hardware. Once the structure is assembled, a member of the crew installs and torque tightens the bolts while the rest of the crew install the staircases and landings. The Quicset fixture has two (2) actions, which occur simultaneously as the male Quicset 42 is lowered into the female Quicset 43. 1] As the vertical dovetails AAAA and BBBB engage fully, the beam is secured vertically in relation to the column. See FIGS. 5 A through 5 C and ref 1Ta and 1Tb. 2] As the horizontal dovetails CD on the male Quicset 42 and EF on the female Quicset 43 engage, the beam attached to the male Quicset is pulled tight against the column 35 see FIGS. 5 D and 5 E and ref 1Tc, 1Td, and 1Tf.

[0082] FIG. 6 A through 6 K are sketches of assembly and installation of the decks and curbing for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system with components, features and variations of assembly shown. These are described below in the Operation Section.

[0083] FIG. 7 A through 7 G are sketches of stairs and landings for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 with various configurations shown along with the components and features respective of the stairs. Provided in these sketches are: a modular guardrail and handrail assembly 96; a removable infill panel 97; a top stringer 98; a bottom stringer 99; a upper stair 100 to beam bracket; a stair nosing 101; a upper stringer bottom bracket 102; an adjustable stair leg 103; a lower stringer top bracket 104; a set of adjustable feet 105 on stair legs 103; a changeable treads 106; a removeable/changeable risers 107; a reversible upper landing guardrail 108; a single end upper landing assembly 109; a double end upper landing assembly 110; an upper landing extension panel 111; an upper landing support column 112; a stair leg stiffener plate 113; a lower landing assembly 114; a lower landing guardrail 115; a kit 116 to join (2) 90-deg. lower landing assemblies 114 to make a 180-deg. landing; an upper stair assembly 117; and a lower stair assembly 118. STAIRCASE is shown in FIGS. 7 A through 7 G.

[0084] STAIRCASE DESIGN CHALLENGE A Over and above its functional requirements to safely convey the occupants of a two-story structure up to the upper deck while satisfying all applicable structural codes, the staircase is an important element in the overall aesthetics of the design. SOLUTION: 1] The staircase components are available in a wide variety of powder coat colors. 2] The Metrideck staircase has changeable treads and risers: A] The tread material can be changed, for example from metal to custom finished wood, and covered with different surface finishes such as carpet or tread overlays. B] The riser material and finish can be changed, or the risers removed to create an open stair architecture. C] The width of the staircase can be changed by replacing the treads and risers with ones of a different length, while still utilizing all the rest of the staircase assembly. The infill material in the stair guardrail can easily be changed to include custom graphics and/or custom materials.

[0085] STAIRCASE DESIGN CHALLENGE B The ease and speed of the setup of the staircase is very important SOLUTION: 1] The upper and lower stringers, treads and risers ship assembled (see FIGS. 7C: components 117 and 118). Materials have been selected so that both stair halves are light enough to be lifted into position by four people. Shoulder bolts on the contact faces of the stair to beam brackets 100 on the top of the upper stair assembly hook onto mating slots in the structure beams. The structural hardware can be added and tightened later after the staircase is accurately positioned laterally relative to the other components on the structure. The bottom of the upper stair assembly is supported by the adjustable columns 103, which slide into pockets in the brackets 102. 2] Rather than keeping the whole crew waiting while four or five people lift the lower staircase assembly up and try to line up the assembly holes between the upper and lower sections and install and tighten the hardware (this can typically take 15 to 20 minutes), the lower stair assembly is easily engaged in the upper stair assembly using the weight of the lower staircase pivoting off the bottom corner. The bracket 104, on the lower stair half, with its downward angled tenon, slides into the upward facing slot or mortise in the upper staircase bracket 102. The tangs on the bottom of the tendon are bent slightly inward, towards the center of the stair. They provide a simple guide for the tenon to slide easily into the mortise. The weight of the lower staircase assists in the sliding engagement and holds the lower staircase in position, automatically holding the two stair halves in the correct alignment both vertically and horizontally. 3] The guardrail assemblies are assembled with only six bolts per section. These can be tightened from the outside of the staircase, making access easy. Precision manufacturing techniques and oversized holes on the inside of the balusters where they connect to the stringers make assembling the bolts quick and easy. See FIG. 7 B.

[0086] STAIRCASE DESIGN CHALLENGE C Different design configurations, different installation spaces and different product and product display locations require different stair configurations. SOLUTION: The Metrideck staircase 117 and 118 has been designed with upper and lower landing kits (FIG. 7 C) so a single stair can be straight, 90 degree or 180 degree and be connected to the structure in multiple ways: illustrated as configurations S1-S10 in FIGS. 7 D through 7 G.

[0087] FIG. 8 A through 8 N are sketches describing assembly and the steps taken when one installs the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system. FIGS. 9 A and 9 B are sketches of corners of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system with extensions and modules described. FIG. 10 A through 10 C are sketches of the assembly of a system with curved walls and integral stairs as one simple installation scheme to describe assembly of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system. These sketches are described below in the Operation Section.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a comparison chart with other building systems comparing sections and strength for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system. The proprietary design of the Metrideck beam offers a minimum of a 40% reduction in weight compared to standard I-beams and beams from other traditional structural systems with similar load-bearing capacities. The FIG. 11 shows a comparison chart 135 of traditional beam systems versus the beam configurations of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural System. One notes the comparison of the result of the terms IXE (Moment times elasticity). The modulus of elasticity E (a more general term regarding the overall stiffness of a member). If E increases, then so does the stiffness. MOMENT OF INERTIA or I represent the bending stiffness of a structural member's cross-sectional shape. Here one sees the favorable comparison of the I times E for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Decking system 20.

[0089] FIGS. 12 A through 12 R is a group of prior art building systems for interior and exterior building structures. Here former patents and applications for various building systems and methods of building the structures. These include: prior art 300 US Patent Application 2018/0209144 by Hedgcock made in 2018 for a System and Method of Interlocking Wall Panels; prior art 310 German patent DE 102007051058 issued to Hans Bruder and Octanorm in 2010 and called Mounting bracket and system for creating super structures; prior art 320 European application EP 2084996 A2 issued to Hans Bruder in 2010 named Support element and system for the erection of exhibition stands and the like.

prior art 330 is European Application No. EP 3862502 A1 issued to Van der Vennet and Bematrix in 2020 and called a Modular Truss Structure; prior art 340 is a U.S. Pat. No. 956,642 issued to Klein in 1910 for an Office Partition and the like; prior art 350 is U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,219 issued to Donovan for a Portable Display apparatus; prior art 360 is U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,359 issued to Staeger for a series of Profile Tubes for the Production of Readily Assembled and Dismantled Structures; prior art 370 is a U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,440 issued to Izatt et al. in 1998 for a Partition System; prior art 380 is a U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,000 issued to Matsubara for a Modular Units, Modular Structures having Modular Units and a Method for Constructing Modular Structures; prior art 390 is a U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,842 issued to Matsubara in 2000 and called a Modular Units, Modular Structures having Modular Units and a Method for Constructing Modular Structures; prior art 400 is a U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,854 issued to West et al. and called a LED Modular Display System; prior art 410 is a U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,898 issued to Savage in 2006 and called a Knockdown Labyrinth Framework; prior art 420 U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,928 by Bruder issued in 2013 for System for Erecting Structures and Support Profile; prior art 430 is a U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,703 issued to Quinn et al. in 2016 for a System and Method for Constructing Temporary, Re-Locatable Structures; prior art 440 is a U.S. Pat. No. 9,874,011 issued to Oliveira et al. in 2018 for a Modular Panel System; prior art 450 is a U.S. Pat. No. 11,098,494 issued to LeSage in 2021 for a Profile, Frame, and Promotion Booth for the Construction of Stands and/or for Interior Applications and/or for Exterior Applications and a Method for making the Profile and a Use of the Profile; prior art 460 is a French patent FR2834020A1 by Moise et al. that is a partitioning system; and prior art 470 is a U.S. Pat. No. 10,487,499 issued to Berkowitz in 2019 for a System and Method for an Easily-Erectable Modular Business Cubicle. As can be seen, the Metrideck system 20 is a unique system and combination of components and use as described herein.

[0090] The Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 anticipates various materials for producing or manufacturing the various components. Strength and weight are factors. Various structural metals such as steel alloys, aluminum, and titanium are candidates. Likewise, reinforced plastics such as poly urethanes, nylons, Poly Vinyl Chlorides, and other various polymers as long as they are manufactured with reinforcing fibers or the like. Finally composite materials with various fillers and reinforcing fibers are under evaluation.

[0091] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a Metrideck system 20 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of building structures and their deployment well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0092] The Metrideck system 20 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems. The preferred embodiment of Metrideck is a rapid deployment and reconfigurable multi-level structural system used with various types of walls and guardrails. It is made of durable materials and includes (a) a set of at least four vertical columns, each column with a set of attachment features such as holes for attachment bolts, holes for a female Quicset, an adjustable column foot, an inner stiffener, a wire management through hole, and a column extension; (b) a set of at least four horizontal pre-manufactured beams each said beam with a set of attachment features including a beam to column attachment plate with holes for male Quicset, an intermediate beam support with shoulder bolt, an intermediate beam attachment plate, a beam end, a set of beam lightening openings, and a torsion lock; (c) a Quicset for each connection of each said beam and each vertical column, each Quicset includes with a pair of threaded structural bolts, washers and nuts to attach to a column and beam, a male Quicset attached to an end of the beam and a female Quicset attached to the top area of the column wherein both the male and female Quicsets have mating dovetails to provide a tight interlock without the need for tools or fasteners during an initial assembly of the column and beam; (d) at least one deck panel and further comprising hardware to attach the deck panel to the beams, lock the deck panels together and slots to attach hanger brackets for connecting to a wall structure; (e) a series of curbing which encircles at least one deck panel at a perimeter the curbing having a set of attachment features including corners, covers, slots for a handrail or guard rail, a set of roto locks, and a set of hanging brackets for connecting the curbing to straight and curved wall structures; (f) a stair system including components selected from the group consisting of upper and lower stair assembly, upper and lower landings, guard rails, and support structures, fasteners, treads, and tread noses; and (g) a set of straight and/or curved handrail/guardrail configurations wherein the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system maintains a modular relationship to the mating wall structures and wherein Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system provides multiple platform configurations, is lighter weight, and provides a higher strength to weight ratio compared to other rapid deployment decking systems.

[0093] The Metrideck system 20 installs somewhat like other building systems but without the need for special tools and heavy lifting mechanisms like cranes or forklifts. Most can be accomplished by trades people at shows or on jobsites with little previous training. The assembly schemes and methods are well described in the following paragraphs with drawings accompanying the descriptions.

[0094] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are sketches showing the beam 52, 53, 54 to column 35 interconnections for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 with components and features described. Demonstrated are: a wire management through hole, aperture, opening 31; a main column 35; a wire management through hole, aperture, opening 40; a main beam to column 35 attachment plate 41; a male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41; a female Quicset 43 bolted to column 35; an assembly 44 of male Quicset 42 and female Quicset 43; a main beam end 48; a 1-meter beam 54; an intermediate beam 62 support 55; a structural hardware 56; a lightening hole, aperture, opening 57 for air conditioning flexible ducting, sprinkler systems and ease of installation of lighting when there is a drop ceiling; an intermediate beam 62; a main beam 63; a shoulder bolt 64 on intermediate beam 62 support 55; and an intermediate beam 62 attachment plate 65.

[0095] Advantages and special features are described further with reference to these FIGS. 4 A through 4 E. [0096] 1. FAST and SAFE SETUP. [0097] A] The Quicset assembly (FIG. 2 E) allows the structure to be set up from the ground without requiring structural fasteners. Safety hands-free operation. This saves up to 40% in setup time and costs compared to other systems. [0098] B] Intermediate beams can be lifted and rolled into position on the shoulder bolts mounted on the main beams (FIG. 4 D). Reduced setup time and cost. [0099] 2. Quicset. [0100] The Quicset assembly (FIG. 2 E) automatically positions the beams vertically and horizontally on the columns, locking the components together. Ease and speed of assembly [0101] 3. BEAM DESIGN. [0102] A] The beam structure and lengths are designed to make it possible to connect several beams together to make different beam lengths (FIG. 3 A): a 6-meter beam can be reconfigured to make 4 different beam lengths. Significantly reducing inventory costs. [0103] B] The design flexibility and value of this technology are demonstrated in (FIG. 3C). [0104] Purchasing a single 6-m6-m structure gives one 14 other design configurations. [0105] This satisfies end user requirements for different configurations (a new look): minimizing inventory costs and storage space. [0106] C] The proprietary design of the Metrideck beam offers a minimum of a 40% reduction in weight compared to standard I-beams and beams from other structural systems with similar load-bearing capacities (FIG. 11). Saving on shipping and drayage costs and making installation easier. [0107] D] The lightning holes in the beam webs provide easy access through the beams for the assembly of lighting and electrical in the space above the ceiling. The holes also eliminate the need for special holes to be drilled to accept sprinklers, air conditioning ducts and power and signal cables. The size and frequency of these lightning holes satisfy these service access needs for all designs. Additional functionality is integral to the beam design. [0108] 4. Column Design. [0109] The column design (FIGS. 2 A, 2 B and 2 D) in combination the column adaptors (FIG. 2 C) and Quicset connector (FIGS. 2 E, 5 A, 5 B, 5 C, 5 D and 5 E) allow a single column to have 8 different configurations (FIG. 2 F). The same column can satisfy all possible configurations as the design changes. FIGS. 6 A, 6 B and 6 C are examples of the same column used in different configurations. This minimizes column inventories and costs. [0110] 5. STAIRCASES. [0111] A] The Metrideck stair and stair guardrail technologies offer 11 different configurations of the standard staircase and guardrail with the addition of standard landings and adaptive kits (FIG. 7 C, 7 D, 7 E, 7 F, and 7 G). This adds design versatility, reduced inventories, and smaller capital and storage costs. [0112] B] The proprietary connection between the lower and upper sections of staircase uses the weight of the lower staircase to engage and hold in place the downward facing tenon on the lower bracket, in the upward facing mortise on the upper bracket (FIG. 7 B). This connection holds the two staircase halves in correct alignment to one another, both horizontally and vertically. The two stair halves simply drop together. It does not require a team of assemblers supporting either side of the lower staircase trying to align the connecting holes and installing the hardware. [0113] Reduces setup costs by up to 40% [0114] 6. DECK PANELS AND CURBS. [0115] A] The deck and curb technologies make it possible to reconfigure the standard stressed skin deck panels to meet the requirements of all design changes (FIGS. 6 F, 6 G, 6 H and 6 I) This minimizes deck inventories and costs and eliminates the need for the deck panels to be modified as the design changes. [0116] B] The slots, reveals and holes machined into each deck curb (6G, 6H provide easy and immediate access for all connecting hardware required for deck handrail and system walls: whether they are located on the deck or wrap around the outside of the deck (FIGS. 9A and 9B). [0117] The ability to move the curbs as required by a new design preserves the integrity of the deck panels. The curb design accommodates all possible structural configurations including the attachment of the custom curved modules, preserving deck panel integrity and the need for custom modifications. [0118] 7. INTEGRATION WITH THE METRIC WALL SYSTEMS IN THE MARKET. [0119] A] The Metrideck technology is sized so that the metric wall systems that dominate the marketplace in the exhibit and other industries will fit perfectly on the deck surface or wrap around the outside of the structures with a uniform clearance, using the standard straight walls, curved walls and connecting extrusions of those systems (FIGS. 9 A, 9 B, 6 J, and 6 K). This eliminates the need to purchase or manufacture custom sized frames when using these metric wall systems when using existing structural systems and repeating this process when the configuration of the structure changes. [0120] 8. CUSTOM DESIGNS. [0121] The ability to add on the custom Metrideck modules (FIG. 6K) as part of the initial design, or as an upgrade to the existing properties (FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C): significantly increases the design opportunities of the integrated Metrideck structure and metric wall system: the ability creates fresh designs with the same inventories saving capital costs. [0122] 9. Ease of assembly and disassembly, reducing the manpower and time expenditure without limiting the system's integrity. [0123] 10. Optimized structure strength while lowering the volume of components and their associated weight. [0124] 11. Security of joints, ensuring stability and ease of connection in the structure against dislocation of locking joints. [0125] 12. Maximized utility, allowing for diversity of design while limiting the overall components needed. The technologies currently used in post and beam construction do not meet all these criteria and as such there remains a need for a system that effectively incorporates each. The present novel technology addresses this need.

[0126] FIG. 6 A through 6 K are sketches of assembly and installation of the decks and curbing for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Reconfigurable Structural Decking system 20 with components, features and variations of assembly shown. Portrayed and described here are: a Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems; a main column 35; a column extension assembly 39; a male Quicset 42 bolted to beam attachment plates 41; a female Quicset 43 bolted to column 35; an assembly 44 of male Quicset 42 and female Quicset 43; a column 35: configuration 445; a column 35: configuration 146; a main beam end 48; a 3-meter beam 52; a 2-meter beam 53; a 1-meter beam 54; an intermediate beam 62 support 55; a structural hardware 56; a lightening hole, aperture, opening 57 for air conditioning flexible ducting, sprinkler systems and ease of installation of lighting when there is a drop ceiling; a M-14 structure 58; a torsion lock 59; deck panel 60; an intermediate beam 62; a main beam 63; an intermediate beam 62 attachment plate 65; a curbing 66; a male rotolock 67; a female rotolock 68; a small curb corner 69; a large curb corner 70; a 1-meter curb cover 71; a hanging bracket 72 for straight walls; a slots 73 for hanging bracket 72; a slots 74 for handrail bolts; a hole, aperture, opening 75 for male rotolock key; a reversible beam 76 for small radius assembly; a hanging bracket #1 77 for curved wall frames; a hanging bracket #2 78 for curved wall frames; a reversible (LH or RH) curved deck panel 79; a reversible beam 80 for small radius assembly; a FH hardware attaching 81 the deck to the beam; a countersunk washer 82 for FH hardware; a handrail bolt hole 83; a R1 radius wall 84; a R2 radius wall 85; a R3 radius wall 86; a R4 radius wall 87; a curved rail 88 for curved module CM1; a curved rail 89 curved module CM2; a curved rail 90 curved module CM3; a curved module CM1-91; a curved module CM2-92; a curved module CM3 93; a curved module CM4-94; and a curved module CM5-95. DECKS and CURBING are shown in FIGS. 6 A through 6 K.

[0127] DECKS and CURBING/DECKS-DESIGN CHALLENGE A: The deck panel must free span 2-m while supporting a live load of 125 pounds per square foot (psf) per the International Building Council (IBC) 2018. SOLUTION: Metrideck has designed the lightest stress skin panel that will meet the above criteria while satisfying deflection and design stress criteria per International Building Codes (IBC) 2018.

[0128] DECKS and CURBING/DECKS-DESIGN CHALLENGE B: The deck panel must maintain a modular relationship to the mating system walls, whether they are on the deck or hanging outside the deck, in all possible configurations. SOLUTION: The standard deck panels are one wall wide by two walls deep, and one wall wide by one wall deep. The geometry of the deck panels for the curved wall deck assemblies are very carefully designed so they will not only fit the mating curved and straight walls but can be installed at any modular point on assemblies of standard deck panels.

[0129] DECKS and CURBING/DECKS-DESIGN CHALLENGE C: There is a basic contradiction between the need to keep the structure as light as possible and the need to maintain the necessary lateral stability, so the occupants of the structure feel safe (i.e., the structure does not shake). SOLUTION: Metrideck solves this problem most efficiently by making the whole structure act as one integrated unit. All the stress skin deck panels are locked together using rotary cam locks so they become a single deck membrane that cannot change shape in the horizontal plane. The stress skin deck panels are locked to the beam structure using a combination of torsion locks 59, handrail bolts that run through oversize holes in the curbing that is attached to the deck panels with cam locks 74 or flat head FH hardware 81 and countersunk washers 82 that are morticed into the custom deck panels 79. The columns and staircases are bolted to the beams which in turn are bolted to the deck membrane. This distributes the lateral stability developed in each of the columns and staircases throughout the whole structure.

[0130] DECKS and CURBING/DECKS-DESIGN CHALLENGE D: 1] Any particular deck panel in the inventory can be used on an outside corner, the top or bottom perimeter, the side perimeter (LH or RH), or somewhere in the center, and may or may not support handrail or walls on top of the deck surface or walls hanging on the outside of the structure. If that deck panel must be modified each time it is used in a different location or a different design configuration, the panel becomes peppered with holes. The integrity of the panel is destroyed, and there is a cost associated with each change. 2] When connecting extrusions are added to a run of walls (i.e., on the corners) the overall length of the wall assembly changes. The deck structure must be able to accommodate all wall configurations with their necessary extrusions. SOLUTION: Metrideck uses a system of curbing 66 that is attached to the standard deck panels using cam locks, to meet the challenges of 1] and 2] above. See FIGS. 6F through 6J. FIG. 61 illustrates how the function of a single standard deck panel can be changed by changing the location of the curbs, curb covers and curb corners.

[0131] DECKS and CURBING/CURBING-DESIGN CHALLENGE: The functional solutions designed into the Metrideck curbing are as follows: 1] The slotted holes 74 on FIG. 6 H are to receive the handrail bolts that pass through the base plate of the handrail, through the curbing and into the top flange of the beam below. These slots accommodate all possible combinations of handrail and beams. 2] The mortised slots machined into the connecting faces of the curbs 73, shown in FIG. 6 H and FIG. 6 G, provide slotted receivers for the straight wall bracket 72 so the location of the brackets can be adjusted to fit the wall frames. 3] The slots in the curbing that contain the cam locks, line up with the slots 67 in the edges of deck panels that carry the deck cam locks. This automatically lines up each piece of curb with the adjacent deck panel. 4] Production curbing will also have holes in the tops of the curbing to receive threaded inserts. Standard wall attachment hardware can be inserted through the holes in the bottom of the wall frames and screwed into the threaded inserts. This will lock the perimeter walls onto the edge of the deck surface. Building all these features into the curbing, rather than the deck panels, means that the deck panels maintain their standard form regardless of where and how they are used.

[0132] DECKS and CURBING/CUSTOM DECK-DESIGN CHALLENGE: FIG. 6J illustrates one of the five custom curved modules that integrate with the standard curved walls in the marketplace. FIG. 6Kcurb module (CM) shows all five curved modules (CM). The overall assemblies have been carefully designed to meet the following criteria: 1] To minimize inventories: A] All beams can be used in a LH or RH structure. B] Beam geometries have been adjusted so the same beam can be used in different locations as well as being reversible. C] Standard deck panels and curbing are used whenever possible. The custom deck panels are machined on both the top and bottom surfaces so they can be flipped over and be used in either LH or RH assembly configurations. 2] All custom deck panels have features that accommodate: A] Mounting holes or slots for curved and straight wall mounting brackets. B] Clearance holes for handrail bolts for all possible handrail configurations. C] Attachment points to the custom beams in either LH or RH assembly configurations. D] Cam lock locations on the contact faces that line the curved module assemblies up perfectly with the standard deck panel assemblies. These can be seen in FIG. 6J.

[0133] FIG. 8 A through 8 N are sketches describing assembly and the steps taken when one installs the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20. Shown are the same details and components in the above sketches. Here, they are shown step-by-step how the assembly is accomplished. This ASSEMBLY is shown in FIGS. 8 A through 8N. FIG. 8 A shows the assembled sample structure that includes a straight staircase, landing and deck guardrail and three system walls (by others) mounted on the deck surface. FIG. 8 B shows an exploded view of the sample structure. STEP 1FIG. 8C shows the first beam being assembled to the first two columns using the Quicset connections (see detail). No structural hardware is used. STEP 2FIG. 8D shows the end perimeter beams and their supporting columns are connected as above. No structural hardware used. STEP 3FIG. 8E shows how the intermediate beam assembly is attached to the beam structure by lifting the beam and rolling it onto the shoulder bolts on the end beams (see detail). STEP 4FIG. 8F shows the last perimeter beam installed on the supporting columns. This closes the beam structure of the main deck. One of the setup crew installs and torque tightens the structural hardware while the rest of the crew moves on to STEP 5. STEP 5FIG. 8G The landing beams and columns are assembled with structural hardware on the ground and then lifted into position and connected to the main deck. STEP 6FIGS. 8 H, 8 I. The landing deck panel 109 and standard deck panels 60 with attached curbing, are lifted onto the beams and attached, one at a time, in the order specified on the setup drawings. Each deck panel is positioned so there is the correct overhang over the perimeter beams (see FIG. 8Ha, FIG. 8H). The deck panel is fastened to the beams with torsion locks 59 and handrail through bolts. The torsion lock drops into the machined reveal in the deck surface, through the mating hole in the top flange of the beam and is secured with a flange nut on the underside of the top flange of the beam (see FIG. 3D). As the next deck panel is lifted into place, it is secured to the deck panel already installed with the rotolocks 67 and 68 in the edges of the deck panels. This panel is now bolted to the beams below with torsion locks. This procedure is repeated for the rest of the deck panels. STEP 7FIG. 8J, 8K, AND 8L The upper section of staircase 117 is lifted into position next to the landing on the ground. The upper stair guardrail and handrail assembly that sits next to the deck structure 129 is bolted to the stringer. This is done for easy access and tightening of the guardrail hardware. The bottom end of the upper staircase is lifted and the two adjustable stair legs 103 are slid into the pockets of the of upper stringer bottom brackets 102 and the locking bolts tightened. (See FIG. 7B). The top of the upper section of the staircase is then lifted by hand and slid towards the stair beam until the shoulder bolts on the upper stair to beam brackets 100 engage with the slotted holes in the stair beam. (see FIGS. 8H PLAN and 8J ISOMETRIC VIEW). The lower section of the staircase 118 is lifted into position and using the downward facing tenons on the lower stringer top brackets 104 is dropped into the upward facing mortises in the upper stringer bottom brackets 102. The weight of the lower staircase pivoting off the bottom of the staircase on the ground, holds the lower stair in position. See FIGS. 7A and 7B. To finish the staircase assembly the remaining sections of stair guardrail and handrails 130, 131 and 132 are bolted to the stringers. The adjustable feet on the stair legs 103 are used to straighten the tops of the upper and lower stringers (relative to one another) so the upper and lower stair guardrails fit together correctly in the center. STEP 8 FIG. 2Q. The landing guardrail assembly 108 is bolted to the landing deck with hardware that passes through the bottom flange of the guardrail, through an oversize hole in the landing panel and through an oversize hole in the top flange of the beam. The hardware is secured on the underside of the top flange with flange nuts. The two pieces of guardrail are connected on the outside corner with the handrail corner assembly 133. This is a solid aluminum handrail corner with two connecting pins on the connecting faces. The pins are locked into the ends of the guardrails using setscrews in the guardrails. STEP 9FIG. 8N. The system walls are lifted onto the deck surface and secured with the 8 mm wall system clamp bolts 130 which are bolted into the 8 mm threaded inserts in the curbing.

[0134] FIGS. 9 A and 9 B are sketches of corners for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system 20 with extensions and modules described. FIG. 10 A through 10 C are sketches of the assembly of a system with curved walls and integral stairs as one simple installation scheme to describe assembly of the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system. These show some configurations and assemblies for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment Structural system 20. COMBINING MODULES AND INTEGRATING WALLS are shown well in FIGS. 9 A and 9 B and FIGS. 10 A through 10 C. FIG. 9 A shows that walls sitting on the edge of the deck are flush with the outside edge of the structure. The walls are attached to the deck using the 8 mm wall system hardware that bolts into 8 mm threaded inserts in the curbs. FIG. 9 B shows curved and straight walls that wrap the outside of the Metrideck structure. The top of the stacked walls is at the same height as the top of a standard height wall sitting on the deck surface. Walls sitting on the deck can be connected to the stacked walls sitting on the floor with wall system hardware. FIG. 10 A shows in a plan view a sample custom Metrideck structure that is created by adding together the modules shown at the bottom of the page. This custom structure was designed to show how metric wall systems (by others) integrate perfectly with Metrideck structures. FIG. 10 B shows the above structure in an isometric view. FIG. 10 C shows an isometric view of the same structure with metric system walls (by others) added. On the right-hand M5 deck module, the walls sit on top of the structure, precisely fitting the edge of the deck. On the left-hand M5 structure, the walls wrap around the outside of the structure from the floor one wall above the deck.

[0135] Many uses are anticipated for the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00003 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 Trade show exhibits. 2 Museum displays. 3 Law enforcement and military temporary or short- term conference and office buildings. 4 Showcase item for displays. 5 Corporate lobbies 6 Airport bespoke/executive lounges 7 Museums

[0136] With this description it is to be understood that the Metrideck Rapid Deployment and Reconfigurable Structural system 20 for temporary buildings such as trade show display systems is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the Metrideck system 20 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0137] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0138] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0139] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particularly disclosed embodiments described above.

[0140] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0141] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed considering the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0142] The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.