US3889433A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structural frame
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-07-05
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Granted: 1975-06-17
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Expires: 1994-07-05
Abstract
Abstract A structural frame of an extended arcuate configuration for use in constructing vault or tubular like structures. The frame is constructed of a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement, such units comprising a pair of perpendicular strut means for taking the compression forces of the unit and tension means interconnected between the ends of said strut means for taking the tensile forces of the unit. The tension means are connected in tension to place the forces of the frame in equilibrium.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Joseph P Eubank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 05:18
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/32; E04B1/3205; E04B2001/3235; E04B2001/3241; E04B2001/3252
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A structural frame of an extended generally arcuate configuration comprising a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement and comprised of first strut means for taking compression forces along a pair of perpendicular axes in a plane, second strut means for taking compression forces along an axis perpendicular to said plane of said first strut means, said second strut means being spaced from one of said axes of said first strut means and intersecting the other axis of said first strut means whereby said other axis extends between said second strut means axis and said one axis of said first strut means, and means connected in tension between end portions of said second strut means and end portions of said first strut means at said one axis thereof for taking the tensile forces of said unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A structural frame of an extended generally arcuate configuration comprising a plurality of frame units joined together in repeating arrangement and comprised of first strut means for taking compression forces along a pair of perpendicular axes in a plane, second strut means for taking compression forces along an axis perpendicular to said plane of said first strut means, said second strut means being spaced from one of said axes of said first strut means and intersecting the other axis of said first strut means whereby said other axis extends between said second strut means axis and said one axis of said first strut means, and means connected in tension between end portions of said second strut means and end portions of said first strut means at said one axis thereof for taking the tensile forces of said unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said tension means extending between said strut means is connected in tension to place the forces of said frame in equilibrium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are interconnected at the end portions of said strut means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are connected to form a vault having a generally semi-cylindrical configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said units are connected to form a tubular construction having a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said first strut means includes a pair of rod-like members arranged in a perpendicular relationship, said second strut means comprises a rod-like member, and said tension means comprises a plurality of wire-like members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
A structural frame according to claim 6 wherein one of said rod-likE members of said first strut means is longer than the other, said other rod-like member extending between said longer rod-like member and said rod-like member of said second strut means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 wherein said first strut means is a triangular shaped member, said second strut means comprising a rod-like member extending perpendicular to the plane of said triangular shaped member, and said tension means comprises a plurality of wire-like members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 including a plurality of longitudinally spaced arcuate truss members extending around the periphery of said arcuate configuration, said truss members being joined with said frame units at the joints between adjacent frame units.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A structural frame according to claim 9 including a base frame supporting said frame units and said truss members and a cover means extending around the exterior of said truss members for forming an enclosed building.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
A structural frame according to claim 1 including means for joining adjacent frame units including a bolt means for interconnecting the ends of adjacent first strut means and second strut means, and a tension unit mounted on said bolt means and connected to associated tension means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A structural frame according to claim 11 wherein said tension unit is movably mounted on said bolt means for varying the tension on said tension means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of assembling the structural frame according to claim 10 in which the structural frame is initially assembled in an open vault arrangement with the tension members in a loose condition and then moving the frame to the finally installled condition by forcing the bottom ends thereof toward one another to produce a closed vault construction.
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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) | 1978-06-16 | 1978-12-16 | 1979-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-12-16 | 1983-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-16 | 1986-12-16 | 1987-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |