Frame Connection Detail Patents (Class 52/81.3)
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Publication number: 20090056239Abstract: A dome connector including a hub portion and at least one pair of strut portions. The at least one pair of strut portions attached to and extending from the hub portion. Each of the strut portions has an upper end, a lower end and an intermediate region between the upper end and the lower end. The intermediate region has a greater thickness than the upper end and the lower end.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Blair F. Wolfram
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Patent number: 7497051Abstract: It is composed of a framework made up entirely of pieces of recycled plastic that basically comprises bearers (1-2), distributed in several sectors along the whole length of the greenhouse and made up of sections (3-4) that are fitted to one another by means of linear connectors (5) which engage on lugs (12-16) and which are in turn joined by means of cross connectors (8) that engage on lugs (17) provided on horizontal sections (6) making up horizontal cross members (7) which brace the framework forming the roof, side walls, front wall and rear wall of the greenhouse. It includes inner spacer clips (23) and intermediate spacer clips (30) that engage on rods (27-27?-27?) securing inner plastic laminar layers (28-28?-28?), between which air chambers are formed that act as thermal insulation for the greenhouse.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Gosei Nakagawa SAInventor: Hiroshi Kawanaka
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Publication number: 20090038237Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a free-standing structure which includes an eight-sided roof perimeter; at least four geodesic structures extending from four sides of the eight-sided roof perimeter and supporting the perimeter; and at least four legs, each leg structurally corresponding with one of the at least four geodesic structures for upholding the free-standing structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventor: Norman L. Jensen
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Patent number: 7481235Abstract: A collapsible self-supporting structure used in combination with an improved articulating hub assembly. The articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: DHS Systems LLCInventor: A. Jon Prusmack
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Publication number: 20090019790Abstract: The present invention sets forth a tile and strut construction system for a geodesic dome. The tile has a generally triangular shape, with the corners cut out to accommodate hubs which retain supporting struts in position. The tile has a faceted 3-dimensional upper surface, integrally molded reinforcing ribs, a recess in the lower surface at each of its 3 edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: James C. Garofalo, James W. Garofalo
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Publication number: 20090007500Abstract: A modular structural system includes a hub in the general shape of a polygon, such as a hexagon or octagon, which may be somewhat rounded or may have a regular shape. The system includes a plurality of other structural members, such as hub spokes, for interfacing adjacent the hub, and leg spokes, for interfacing with the hub or with the hub spokes. The system also includes cross braces for providing additional support between the hub spokes and leg spokes. The hub, the hub spokes, leg spokes, and cross braces are joined by bores in the individual pieces and a plurality of dowels or rods placed into the bores. From these modular pieces, and currently available structural members, many useful and recreational structures may be assembled and then disassembled, such as frames, garden structures, furniture, shelving, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Alfred H. Boots
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Publication number: 20080307720Abstract: A domed structure (500) comprises a plurality of struts (505) of equal or a reduced number of differing lengths. The struts are held in place by hubs (510, 515, 1400). In one aspect, a first hub secures the ends of inserted struts at a constant distance from its center, while other hubs secure the ends of inserted struts at predetermined distances from their centers. The differences between the various predetermined distances is the difference in strut lengths required by the design of the structure. Thus all struts are of equal length and identical, or a reduced number of lengths, resulting in an economy of scale and ease of construction. A cover can be added after the structure is built. Alternatively, the hubs can be sewn into a fabric or plastic cover for further ease of construction. The struts can be glued in place, or removed from the hubs to disassemble the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Robert H. Howe
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Patent number: 7434359Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of panels to form a geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels. Another method includes attaching flanges to a set of permanent structure members that form a permanent geodesic dome structure. The method further includes fastening a set of panels to the flanges. The panels enclose the geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventor: David S. Geiger
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Publication number: 20080204352Abstract: A movable support armature for a curved reflector of electromagnetic radiation is defined substantially as a double layer grid space frame. The armature has plural parallel major chord framing members each having an elongate axis and disposed in a frame major surface. The major chord members include a pair of bottom major chord members essentially in a bottom one of the frame major surfaces. Upper major chord members include a central chord member which is located between two outer upper chord members. The outer chord members lie in respective ones of two planes which also include the central upper chord member; the planes intersect at the central chord member at an included angle which is concave away from the frame bottom plane. Node connector structures are disposed at spaced locations along each major chord member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Glenn A. Reynolds, Dean R. Hackbarth, Gary N. Curtis
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Publication number: 20080190044Abstract: A wire rope tension grid is a walking surface comprised of interwoven wire rope. The wire rope is supported by a framework of steel angle and tubing. The framework is supported by mounts that are hung from the support beams in the ceiling of a structure, often a performing art center, a television studio, a black box theater, museum dioramas, theme park scenes, live animal pens, or other entertainment venues. These grids are not intended for public usage, but rather are intended for operation staff. New improvements to these grids are listed in this document.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Mark Thomas Black
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Publication number: 20080016789Abstract: A modular structure system component includes a body having a substantially spherical core that includes an outer surface. The component further includes a plurality of nodes that each of the plurality of nodes has a first end disposed adjacent to the outer surface and a second end distal to the outer surface and a receiving means provided within each of the plurality of nodes, wherein each of the receiving means is configured to removably cooperate with a corresponding coupler. The body is configured to cooperate with a plurality of structural members that each include one or more of the couplers, and wherein the body and the structural members define a modular structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventor: Alfred H. Boots
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Patent number: 7174851Abstract: An animal display and habitat assembly having a number of modular animal display units coupled together to enclose a common access area, each of the display units including an outwardly facing display frame with a viewing section between opposing upright members and laterally disposed transition members that include first sections coupled to the upright members and second sections projecting inwardly from their respective first sections to provide a pair of door jambs across which an access door may enclose a display compartment or may be opened into the common access area.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: North America Pet ProductsInventors: Ronald K. Bonner, Eric R. Knudsen
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Patent number: 7152384Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system are provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Gerald Joseph McCarty
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Patent number: 7143550Abstract: Structural system and method are disclosed for building a simpler and more efficient double layer reticulated frame structure. The double layer reticulated frame structure includes an internal network that has a lower strut frequency than the external network. The lower strut frequency helps reduce the overall weight, cost, and construction time of the structure. Diagonal struts space apart and connect the internal and external networks. The diagonal struts are connected in an alternating manner such that no more than two diagonal struts are connected together at any point.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Conservatek Industries, Inc.Inventor: Alfonso Lopez
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Patent number: 7100333Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventor: Charles Hoberman
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Patent number: 7069699Abstract: The present invention is a connection for joining toroidal frameworks of toroidal elements. The connector includes one or more arms, each of which can span a toroidal framework to be joined, and each of which may be joined to one or more of the other arms, or to a conventional structure, directly or by an intermediating connector. Bach arm of the connector includes a base to which one or more lugs is attached to form projections from the side of the base. Each of the lugs has at least one surface that engages a toroidal element in order to transmit to the base a force which is applied directly to a toroidal element.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Anthony Italo Provitola
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Patent number: 7036277Abstract: A versatile modular building element, made from the agglutination of three pairs of symmetrical prisms in three overlapping tiers, provides an arched component that can be congruently meshed with a similar one in several different ways. The prism may have rectangular or obliquely parallelogrammic sides or a combination of both while keeping their triangular end walls equilateral and side walls of the same width allowing for up to eight different configurations of the building element. Elements of the same or different types can be combined to construct and infinite variety of structures exhibiting high compressive strength, stability and resistance to multi-directional stresses.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Inventor: Mark A. Burginger
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Patent number: 7024834Abstract: A display framework connection system comprising a plurality of frame members, preferably tubular, a plurality of end flanges, and a hub system. The hub system can comprise a hub plate assembly and/or a hub casting assembly. In addition, at least one clamp assembly, preferably cylindrical, can be included for circumferential attachment to the outer surface of the frame members to provide for selective removable fastening of various attachments and accessories at positions along the length of the frame members. The hub plate assembly and the hug casting assembly can be connected individually to the frame members, or in combination, to enable selective angular configuration of the frame members to construct a frame construction, such as those commonly utilized in display frame systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.Inventors: Dixon S. Gimpel, Curtis H. Lindblom
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Patent number: 7013608Abstract: A series of static structures formed from a plurality of interconnected rigid compression members or struts and flexible tension members or guys (e.g. wire cables, chains or elastic cords) is disclosed. The struts are discontinuous in several embodiments of the invention, intersect at an internal or peripheral point in others, or radiate outwardly from an internal central point in still others. Different configurations of guy arrangements may be described and claimed for each of the embodiments of this invention. Self Guyed Structures (SGS's) can be utilized as a stand-alone module or modules can be combined by connecting them at any point on a strut or guy in a nested, or an adjacently attached configuration to assemble composite SGS 's.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Dennis John Newland
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Patent number: 6996942Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of temporary spacers to a set of connectors. The spacers arrange the connectors in space so that the connectors are referenced with respect to one another to form the geometries of a geodesic dome. The method may further include making the temporary geodesic dome structure permanent. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: David S. Geiger
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Patent number: 6981686Abstract: A conformable modular support/enclosure wall system incorporates a skin formed of modular sheet sections bolted to a skeleton or framework constructed of elongate rib elements that can be fastened, e.g. bolted, together in various relationships including end-to-end, side-to-end and side-to-side configurations. The rib elements are provided in a variety of lengths and wall arrangements and each element has a generally trapezoidal cross-section, with a similar trapezoidal appearance in side elevation. The rib elements include transverse slots and apertures as well as axial apertures all configured to receive bolt fasteners within a range of angular orientations relative to the axial and transverse axes of the ribs. The flexible sheet sections of the skin bear arrays of openings in the form of elongated slots arranged in coordinate grid patterns, with the slots alternately aligned with the x and y axes of the same or independent coordinate grids.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventor: Hugh G. McGuinness
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Patent number: 6869246Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventor: Steven B. Bridgers
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Patent number: 6854238Abstract: The present invention provides a modular frameworking system having various apparatuses and methods of attaching same. A framework built according to the present invention includes a plurality of hubs or nodes, each hub including a plurality of pairs of opposing flat faces. Each face can connect to at least one connector. The present invention includes primary “T” shaped connectors that attach directly to the hubs and secondary “L” shaped connectors that attach to the primary connectors and thus the hub. An adapter is provided and connects at one end to a leg of the connector and at the other end to a structural member, e.g., a straight or curved tube, angle or channel. The adapter and structural member are readily removable from the hub and the connector. The connector can be curved and alternatively includes a hinge so that the connector can rotate. The connectors can attach to each face of the hub and can be rotated in multiple directions on any given face of the hub.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Alfred Boots
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Publication number: 20040159053Abstract: The present invention is a connector for joining frameworks of toroidal elements. The connector includes one or more arms, each of which can span a toroidal framework to be joined, and each of which may be joined to one or more of the other arms, or to a conventional structure, directly or by an intermediating connector. Each arm of the connector includes a base to which one or more lugs is attached to form projections from the side of the base. Each of the lugs has at least one surface that engages a toroidal element in order to transmit to the base a force which is applied directly to a toroidal element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Anthony Italo Provitola
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Patent number: 6748712Abstract: The present invention relates to a scalable suspension system for domed shaped ceilings that includes a framework of suspension members interconnected to a central hub. The framework of suspension members are used to support a domed shaped ceiling fabricated from plaster or gypsum wallboard. The suspension members include primary spoke members, secondary spoke members, intercostal members and cross tees. The primary spoke members are attached to the central hub component. The intercostal members are spanned between the primary spoke members. The secondary spoke members are connected to the intercostal members, and extend between the primary spoke members. The primary and secondary spoke members are interconnected by the cross tees to create a unified structure. The hub includes radially indexed integral tabs that facilitate the attachment of the hanger wires and allows for the rigid attachment of the primary spoke members in a precise radial pattern.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Martin E. Likozar, James A. Fletterick, Alan C. Wendt, David B. Lewis
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Patent number: 6722086Abstract: The present invention provides an improved modular system for constructing a tubular structure. The improved system allows the tubing to be assembled and disassembled in a direction perpendicular to a centerline of the tubing without having to move the tubing along its centerline. The improved system allows the tubing to be positioned at various angles. The system also enables curved tubing to be used. In an embodiment, the structural system includes a hub and a connector that removably couples to the hub. The connector has a first end that couples to the hub and a second that defines a notch. One of the walls of the notch connects to a flange that may extend in one or two directions from the centerline of the connector. The connector and flange removably couple to one end of an adapter, which contains a mating notch, wherein the adapter receives a tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: Alfred H. Boots
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Patent number: 6711860Abstract: A system for interconnecting construction panels suitable for modular construction has a hybrid connector, a receptor connector and locking connector. The hybrid connector is inserted into the aperture of the receptor connector which limit the displacement relative to each other. The locking connector is inserted into the aperture of the hybrid connector to interlock the three connectors. A panel connector can have an extension tab to provide additional locking action. Panel connectors can have stiffening portions that fill spaces between the connectors to reduce the need to insulate the interconnection and assist in repelling foreign matter entry. A method for interconnecting construction panels includes mating the hybrid connector and the receptor connector and then mating the locking connector from either side of the receptor connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: Gregg R. Fleishman
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Patent number: 6708455Abstract: A polyhedron-like structural assembly comprises a plurality of polygonal frames installed in upright position on each of a pair of opposite sides of a structural assembly that is square-shaped in a plan view, a plurality of frames having H-shaped cross-sections and connecting the polygonal frames to form a plurality of triangular planes therebetween, a plurality of polygonal flat plates attached in the triangular planes to provide polyhedron-like upper walls and polyhedron-like side walls between the polygonal frames, and a joint disposed in the center of the assembly and having a plurality of arms formed to fit within the frames.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Housing Kousan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshimi Niiduma
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Patent number: 6701691Abstract: A dome constructing method comprising the steps of assembling a triangular frame, which is the fundamental unit for a polyhedral skeleton, by using three joints and three frame members with the three joints used as the apexes and the three frame members used as the sides and with the triangular frame in contact with the ground, assembling new triangular frames around the ground-contacting triangular frame by using similar frame members and joints, thereby assembling the polyhedral skeleton of a multipyramid, such as pentagonal pyramid or hexagonal pyramid, with one joint that is positioned at one apex in the ground-contacting triangular frame being used as the apex and with the ground-contacting triangular frame used as one surface, wherein each time the polyhedral skeleton for the multipyramid is thus assembled, the same is turned to bring a new triangular frame other than the ground-contacting triangular frame into contact with the ground and then the assembling operation is repeated to assemble a polyhedraType: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Housing Kousan Co, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshimi Niiduma
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Patent number: 6688068Abstract: A strut assembly includes a longitudinal member having a wall and at least a first substantially hollow end portion. A first threaded member is slidably mounted within the first end-portion and is capable of movement along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member between a retracted position and an extended position. The wall has at least a first access opening therein for providing access to the first threaded member. At least a first node is provided having at least one internally threaded radial bore therein which is configured to threadably engage the first threaded member in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: HoneywellInventor: David A. Osterberg
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Publication number: 20030226319Abstract: An improved joint for connecting the ends of tubes for the purpose of assembling a geodesic dome or truss structure (FIG. 6). The tube ends form top and bottom hooks (A4) which face away from each other. The hooked ends (A4) facilitate the attachment of adjacent tubes to the unifying joint by gripping a common top and bottom washer (3). The inner washers (3) are used as tension rings for restricting the movement of the tubes by which they are hooked. The structure is stiffened when the hooks are pressed down into a flattened position by the outer top and bottom washers (2). The outer top and bottom washers are sandwiched by a single nut and bolt assembly (1,5). As the nut and bolt assembly (1,5) is tightened pressure is applied to the outer washers which press the booked ends (4A) of the tubes backwards into a flattened position. The initial condition of the joint is loose to allow adjustments of the positioning of the tubes within the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: Ashton E. Richards
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Publication number: 20030213186Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of temporary spacers to a set of connectors. The spacers arrange the connectors in space so that the connectors are referenced with respect to one another to form the geometries of a geodesic dome. The method may further include making the temporary geodesic dome structure permanent. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: David S. Geiger
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Patent number: 6625938Abstract: A modular approach to designing all-hex mesh conversion templates where triangular and rectangular subdivision patterns may arbitrarily be combined on the exterior faces of the templates. The templates can be created for any arbitrary-shaped, complex geometric domain. The all-hex conversion software according to the present invention take as input any type of a hex-dominant mesh and converts it to an all-hex mesh automatically. An all-hex template according to the present invention is a family of modular sub-templates. These sub-templates can be assembled to form all-hex conversion templates for hexes, pyramids, and prisms. There are two types of modular sub-templates, called a core and a cap. For a hex or prism element, one core is defined, which specifies the subdivision patterns of two faces of the input hex or prism. Then four caps are defined for a hex and three caps for a prism to specify the subdivision patterns of the other faces.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: Kenji Shimada, Soji Yamakawa
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Patent number: 6615552Abstract: A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Robert E. Gillis
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Publication number: 20030159368Abstract: A strut assembly includes a longitudinal member having a wall and at least a first substantially hollow end portion. A first threaded member is slidably mounted within the first end-portion and is capable of movement along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member between a retracted position and an extended position. The wall has at least a first access opening therein for providing access to the first threaded member. At least a first node is provided having at least one internally threaded radial bore therein which is configured to threadably engage the first threaded member in an extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: David A. Osterberg
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Patent number: 6581343Abstract: The invention concerns a girder in reinforced concrete that has a flat intrados (11) and a flat or sloping extrados (12), which consists of two symmetrical halves or girders (13, 14) with adjacent parts that meet in a plane mid-way (15), perpendicular to the intrados, and equipped, near the extrados (12), with connecting plates for bolting (16) and, near the intrados (11), with a joint device (17) that has bars which are parallel to the intrados.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Luigi Metelli
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Publication number: 20030101663Abstract: The present invention provides an improved modular system for constructing a tubular structure. The improved system allows the tubing to be assembled and disassembled in a direction perpendicular to a centerline of the tubing without having to move the tubing along its centerline. The improved system allows the tubing to be positioned at various angles. The system also enables curved tubing to be used. In an embodiment, the structural system includes a hub and a connector that removably couples to the hub. The connector has a first end that couples to the hub and a second that defines a notch. One of the walls of the notch connects to a flange that may extend in one or two directions from the centerline of the connector. The connector and flange removably couple to one end of an adapter, which contains a mating notch, wherein the adapter receives a tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventor: Alfred H. Boots
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Patent number: 6536167Abstract: A structural assembly has elongate members extending at angles to one another from connector members and forming with the connector members a lattice structure having open spaces defined by the elongate members, with the connector members at corners of the open spaces. Tension members extending between the connector members have opposite end portions extending through the connector members to anchor members on the tension members. Adjustable fasteners retain the anchor members on the end portions of the tension members and the anchor members are distributed around the connector members, with each of the anchor members in a respective one of the angles in wedging relationship with a pair of the elongate members.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: John Glavan
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Publication number: 20030019168Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Chris Kinglsey Miller, Tom Zayit
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Publication number: 20020144469Abstract: A structural assembly has elongate members extending at angles to one another from connector members and forming with the connector members a lattice structure having open spaces defined by the elongate members, with the connector members at corners of the open spaces. Tension members extending between the connector members have opposite end portions extending through the connector members to anchor members on the tension members. Adjustable fasteners retain the anchor members on the end portions of the tension members and the anchor members are distributed around the connector members, with each of the anchor members in a respective one of the angles in wedging relationship with a pair of the elongate members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: John Glavan
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Patent number: 6457282Abstract: A skeletal structure is provided, including a plurality of preferably resiliently flexible rings, each ring passing through and thus being interwoven with immediately adjacent rings, preferably five, so that the rings collectively form a flexible mesh, the flexible mesh being formed into a surface having a double curve substantially defining at least a part of a spherical surface. Each ring is formed from a resiliently flexible linear member having first and second member ends, preferably releasibly interconnected by an overlapping clasp. The spherical surface may be a whole sphere, and may comprise thirty two rings. The spherical surface alternatively may be a hemisphere, which is preferable when the skeletal structure is used as the frame for a building, or the roof of a building such as a domed stadium. The bending of resiliently flexible linear material around to close on itself places the resulting rings into tensile loading, or in tension.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: Edwin Donald O'Toole
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Publication number: 20020112413Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventor: Charles Hoberman
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Patent number: 6393793Abstract: The invention concerns a beam end fitting and method for joining together wooden beams, the fitting comprising a tubular member adapted to be firmly secured by gluing inside a hole drilled in at least one of the two ends of a wooden beam, and connecting means for connecting the beams to each other, either directly or by an interposed core fitting, wherein said end fitting is provided with blocking means for blocking the end fitting inside the beam during the gluing step.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Potito Pedone
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Publication number: 20010045065Abstract: Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 1999Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: FRANCISCO CASTANO
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Patent number: 6321502Abstract: A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular frame members, for use in constructing a free span building. The method includes constructing multiple slots, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis; and for each slot; disposing a tooth on either side of the longitudinal axis; and making the area of the connector material in shear to the area of the tubular frame member in tension, as an approximate ratio of the unit strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the unit strength of the material of the connector in shear.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.Inventor: Francisco Castaño
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Patent number: 6295785Abstract: A geodesic dome is created by the steps of: (a) generating a mathematical model of a geodesic dome, (b) fabricating components with which to form a geodesic dome according to the model; and (c) fastening the components to each other according to the model. In the model, M base triangles are generated in a closed three-dimensional shape. M is at, least four, with eight being preferred and the preferred closed three-dimensional shape being a regular octahedron. The closed three-dimensional shape has a center point from which each vertex of each of the base triangles is equidistant, this distance being a geodesic radius. Each leg of each base triangle is then subdivided into N segments of equal length, N being at least two, with eight being preferred, thus defining N+1 segment endpoints or intersections along each leg. A line is then generated between each intersection and two corresponding intersections, thus defining N2 smaller triangles per base triangle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Robert M. Herrmann
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Patent number: 6286283Abstract: A modular structural system for building structural models or for constructing actual structures. The system includes at least one connector hub member comprising a plurality of projections arranged in a plurality of planes each for engaging an end of a strut member, with all projections having cross sectional geometries identical with cross sectional geometries of attached strut members at sites of respective attachment. Second, the system includes at least one strut member having a first end and a second end, with each end having an engageable portion for engagement with a projection of the connector hub member. The strut member has a strut cross-sectional geometry identical to and in alignment with the cross-sectional geometry of a projection and adjacent protuberances of the hub member when the strut member is engaged with the projection.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Steve Kessler
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Patent number: 6237298Abstract: A free span building has connector hubs having slots for mating with tubular frame members. Each slot has a longitudinal axis, and a tooth symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis. The area of the slot in shear is larger than the area of the tubular frame member in tension by at least an approximate ratio of the strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the strength of the material of the slot in shear. The angle between a bearing face of the tooth and the longitudinal axis is within the range of seventy to ninety degrees. The teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. A distance measured on the tubular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and between the slot's teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.Inventor: Francisco Castaño
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Patent number: 6212847Abstract: Disclosed are frame-connecting members such as straight, straight-curved, T-shaped and cross-shaped connecting members being used when assembling or fabricating vinyl houses, etc, and method for manufacturing the same. The frame-connecting member comprises a first connecting part, having a metal pipe shape, which connects a frame of a first direction, a second connecting part, having a metal pipe shape and corresponding to the first connecting part, which connects a frame of a second direction, and a fixed part, placed between the first connecting part and the second connecting part and molded with the molding material of a synthetic resin, which connects the connecting parts.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Sang Do Park
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Patent number: 6173538Abstract: A structural assembly for building dodecahedral-based structures for habitable or commercial use, or for use as play equipment, models, or toys, is provided. Panels with shapes including hexagonal, rhombic, and trapezoidal are assembled edge-to-edge using ordered edge connections (i.e. alternating connector and receptor edges) to minimize the number of different panels required for producing a complete structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventor: Gregg R. Fleishman