US3757481A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Monolithic structural member and systems therefor
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-09-18
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1990-09-18
Abstract
Abstract A structural member suitable for diverse applications including foundation and ceiling systems comprises a lightweight, monolithic body particularly strong in compression and preferably composed of a synthetic resin that may be readily shaped by vacuum forming, expansion molding or other suitable techniques. Aligned rows of hollow, tapered support elements project from a uniform lattice and present spaced, load-supporting surfaces. In a foundation or ceiling system, the lattice is the base of the body and the load-supporting surfaces define the mounting centers for the overlying floor or roof. Accordingly, the base of the body presents a grid of surfaces on its underside at the mouths of the cavities formed by the hollow support elements. In a foundation system, the base grid directly overlies a pad of sand, silt or gravel chips to seal each individual cavity and thereby trap air therein to establish air pockets of resistance to load. A single chamber is formed beneath the overlying floor between the upstanding support elements to provide a network of intercommunicating mechanical chases which also serves as a duct for heating and air-conditioning. One embodiment of the member is specially shaped to spread a nonuniformly applied load throughout its body.
Inventors
- 👤 J Skinner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 02:17
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04F; E04F15/00; E04F15/02; E04F15/024; E04F15/02405; E04F15/02411; E02; E02D; E02D27/00; E02D27/01; E04B; E04B5/00; E04B5/02; E04B5/04; E04B5/48; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24628; Y10T428/24661
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
A structural member comprising: a structurally strong, rigid, monolithic body having a lattice of integral, intersecting structural components capable of bearing a substantial load and presenting a plurality of closed structural units, and a plurality of spaced, discrete support elements projecting from corresponding units out of the plane of the lattice, each of said units circumscribing the axis of projection of the corresponding element, each of said elements presenting a load-supporting surface spaced from said lattice for receiving the force of an applied load directed generally axially of the element toward said lattice, each of said elements being of circular cross-sectional configuration transversely of said axis from said loadsupporting surface thereof to said lattice to thereby effect uniform distribution of said force to said unit, and having sidewall structure converging toward the load-supporting surface to present a tapered element configuration, said sidewall structure of each element adjacent said lattice being arcuate in the direction of taper of the element and merging with the corresponding unit along tangents extending in directions radiating from said axis substantially in the plane of said lattice to transmit said force to the unit and to the sidewall structures of adjacent elements and change the direction of said force to said directions substantially in the plane of said lattice, whereby the force is dissipated throughout lesser loaded regions of the body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
A structural member comprising: a structurally strong, rigid, monolithic body having a lattice of integral, intersecting structural components capable of bearing a substantial load and presenting a plurality of closed structural units, and a plurality of spaced, discrete support elements projecting from corresponding units out of the plane of the lattice, each of said units circumscribing the axis of projection of the corresponding element, each of said elements presenting a load-supporting surface spaced from said lattice for receiving the force of an applied load directed generally axially of the element toward said lattice, each of said elements being of circular cross-sectional configuration transversely of said axis from said loadsupporting surface thereof to said lattice to thereby effect uniform distribution of said force to said unit, and having sidewall structure converging toward the load-supporting surface to present a tapered element configuration, said sidewall structure of each element adjacent said lattice being arcuate in the direction of taper of the element and merging with the corresponding unit along tangents extending in directions radiating from said axis substantially in the plane of said lattice to transmit said force to the unit and to the sidewall structures of adjacent elements and change the direction of said force to said directions substantially in the plane of said lattice, whereby the force is dissipated throughout lesser loaded regions of the body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The member as claimed in claim 1, said elements being arranged in aligned rows, said lattice defining a grid, whereby said units are rectangular, said sidewall structure of each element being of generally frusto-conical configuration, tapered toward the load-supporting surface, said load-supporting surface of each element being annular and disposed to effect uniform distribution of said force thereon to said sidewall structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The member as claimed in claim 1, said body being composed of a light density synthetic resin foam material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
In combination with the member as claimed in claim 1, a second member resistant to tensile load spanning said load-supporting surfaces and interconnecting said elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as claimed in claim 4, said lattice being generally horizontally disposed, said elements depending from said lattice, said second member being in underlying engagement with said load-supporting surfaces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
The combination as claimed in claim 4, said lattice being generally horizontally disposed, said elements depending from said lattice, said units cooperating with said elements to define a plurality of upwardly facing cavities, said second member being endless and having a lower stretch in underlying engagement with said load-supporting surfaces, and an upper stretch above said body; and means extending through said cavities and tieing said stretches together at each of said elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The combination as claimed in claim 4, said lattice being generally horizontally disposed, said elements depending from said lattice, said units cooperating with said elements to define a plurality of upwardly facing cavities, said lattice and said cavities presenting a bed; and a load structure overlying said body and received within said bed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
The member as claimed in claim 1, said elements projecting from said lattice in one direction generAlly perpendicular to the plane of the lattice, and said components having substantial thickness and presenting a network of intersecting surfaces spaced from said tangents in the opposite direction, said units defining openings in the lattice presenting cavities extending therewithin having mouths defined by said intersecting surfaces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The member as claimed in claim 8, said elements providing a network of intercommunicating chases extending therebetween adjacent the side of the lattice opposite said network of intersecting surfaces; and a load structure secured to said load-supporting surfaces of the elements and spanning said load-supporting surfaces in nonobstructing relationship to said chases.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The member as claimed in claim 8, said body being composed of a light density synthetic resin foam material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The member as claimed in claim 10, there being a continuous skin over the lattice presented by said sidewall structures and the portions of said components with which they merge.
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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 |