Patent CA809101A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3834005A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3834005A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of threading a cable through panel and tube sections to make a folding structure
Assignee: JOHNSON TRUST UNDER DATE OF TRUST 6/9/88 TRUSTORS DELP W JOHNSON AND RUTH B JOHNSON
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Filing: 1972-11-20
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Granted: 1974-09-10
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Expires: 1992-11-20
Abstract
Abstract A method of constructing a structure whose surface can be approximated by a series of folded intersecting planes; in which a series of panels and tubes are arranged in an alternating sequence in a coplaner relationship; and which series of panels and tubes is fastened together by cables threaded continuously through the panels and holes in the tubes, and securing the ends of the cables to make taut and hold the edges of the panels tight against the tubes. The holes in the tubes are of a size and configuration to permit the panels to rotate freely around the tube and in so doing to increase the tension in the cables. The object of the invention is to provide a method of construction for folding structures wherein the folding action of panels serves to increase the tension in cables holding the structure together.
Inventors
- 👤 D Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:31
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/343; E04B1/344; E04B1/3449; E04B1/02; E04B1/04; E04B1/06; E04B1/38; E04B1/61; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49838
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of constructing a structure whose surface can be approximated by a series of folded intersecting planes, said method comprising: positioning in a coplaner manner an alternating series of panels and tube sections, each of said panels having at least one longitudinally extending opening therein, each of said tube sections having a pair of aligned holes in the tubular wall thereof, threading at least one cable through the openings and the holes, and fastening the ends of said cable whereby the cable is made taut and the panels are free to rotate around the tubes, said holes being of such size and configuration that rotating the panels around the tubes during folding of the assembled structure serves to increase the tension in the cable.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of constructing a structure whose surface can be approximated by a series of folded intersecting planes, said method comprising: positioning in a coplaner manner an alternating series of panels and tube sections, each of said panels having at least one longitudinally extending opening therein, each of said tube sections having a pair of aligned holes in the tubular wall thereof, threading at least one cable through the openings and the holes, and fastening the ends of said cable whereby the cable is made taut and the panels are free to rotate around the tubes, said holes being of such size and configuration that rotating the panels around the tubes during folding of the assembled structure serves to increase the tension in the cable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 where the configuration of the holes through the tube is determined by a cable threaded lengthwise within the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 1 where the configuration of the hole through the tubes maintains a constant degree of tension in the cable during all positions of rotation so that the form of the structure can be changed by changing the plan of the structure, without affecting the tension in the cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1 where the configuration of the hole can be modified to increase the degree of tension developed in the cable, in proportion to the degree of rotation of the panels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 1 where the path of the cable within the panel follows the tensile line of stress within the panel so that the cable serves to act as reinforcing for the panel, in addition to holding the assembly together.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein compressive action between adjoining tubes and panels caused by the tension in the cable serves to make weather-tight the joints between adjoining tubes and panels.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein each end of the cable is anchored to a foundation in order to fix the shape of the assembled structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 2 where the tubes are coated with a bond breaker, and the space between the tubes is filled with concrete or other plastic material while the tubes are in the flat, to form concrete panels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 2 where the configuration of the holes increases the tension in the cable in proportion to the rotation of the tubes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein surfaces of the tubes are corrugated to permit each of the panels to rotate around adjoining tubes while restricting movement of each panel along the length of the adjoining tubes.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of constructing a folding structure, said method comprising: Positioning in a coplaner manner an alternating series of tube sections and hollow spheres, each of said spheres being positioned between ends of adjacent tubes, and having a pair of aligned holes therein, threading at least one cable through the tubes and the holes in the spheres, and fastening each end of the cable whereby the cable is made taut and the tubes are free to rotate around the spheres, said holes being of such size and configuration that rotating the tubes around the spheres during the folding of the assembled structure serves to increase the tension in the cable.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of constructing a folding structure, said method comprising: Positioning in a coplaner manner an alternating series of tube sections and hollow spheres, each of said spheres being positioned between ends of adjacent tubes, and having a pair of aligned holes therein, threading at least one cable through the tubes and the holes in the spheres, and fastening each end of the cable whereby the cable is made taut and the tubes are free to rotate around the spheres, said holes being of such size and configuration that rotating the tubes around the spheres during the folding of the assembled structure serves to increase the tension in the cable.
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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) | 1977-09-09 | 1978-03-11 | 1978-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-09 | 1982-03-11 | 1982-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-09 | 1986-03-11 | 1986-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |