US3757430A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible module
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-04-18
•
Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1992-04-18
Abstract
Abstract A flexible module for the construction of three dimensional hollow objects, consisting of a flat sheet of semi-rigid elastic material, the edges of which may be joined to the edges of forms of similar shape, by means of coupling pins or integral clips. The form of each module is symetrical about both horizontal and vertical axes, being characterized along the longitudinal axis by a middle section and an end section. The middle section is formed of sides in the form of concave arcs, with the end sections consisting of straight converging sides which approach each other as the sides approach the end of the module. Modules are joined together by joining the edge of one straight side to the similar edge of another unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Bride R Mac
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 23:28
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B5/00; F16B5/06; F16B5/0607; G; G09; G09B; G09B25/00; G09B25/04; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S52/00; Y10S52/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A module construction unit adaptable to being joined to similar shaped module units so as to form hollow three dimensional objects and buildings, said module being formed of sheet material of flexible semirigid nature, with the shape of said module unit being characterized as symetrical about both longitudinal and lateral axes, the mid-longitudinal section of said module being bounded on each side by a concave longitudinal circular arc which joins at each end of the circular arc straight sides, said sides being oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of less than 180*, such that the lateral width of the module progressively decreases as the straight sides approach the ends of the module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A module construction unit adaptable to being joined to similar shaped module units so as to form hollow three dimensional objects and buildings, said module being formed of sheet material of flexible semirigid nature, with the shape of said module unit being characterized as symetrical about both longitudinal and lateral axes, the mid-longitudinal section of said module being bounded on each side by a concave longitudinal circular arc which joins at each end of the circular arc straight sides, said sides being oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of less than 180*, such that the lateral width of the module progressively decreases as the straight sides approach the ends of the module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device as described in claim 1 in which the end sides of the module are perpendicular to tHe longitudinal axis, said end sides meeting each of the straight sides at an angle of greater than 90*.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device as described in claim 2 in which the edges of said straight sides are formed in the shape of a hollow rib, so as to be joinable to the sides of other similar shaped modules by use of a U-shaped coupling pin fitting in the hollow ribs of two adjacent sides.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device as described in claim 2 in which the edges of said straight sides are formed in the shape of a rib, said rib being of greater thickness than the thickness of the module, together with a coupling unit which mates with the two adjoining ribs of two adjacent modules.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
110 words
The device as described in claim 2 in which some of the edges of the straight sides are formed in the shape of a rib of greater thickness than thickness of the module, and some of the edges of the straight sides of the module are formed in the shape of a hollow rib, with a slot along the outer edge of said hollow rib, said slot being of the same or greater thickness than the thickness of the modules, such that the edge of a side of a module bearing the solid rib will mate with the edge of a side of another module bearing the hollow slotted rib.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |