US3901551A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stressed structure for supporting weight
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-10-09
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Granted: 1975-08-26
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Expires: 1993-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A stressed structure assembly providing support for a predetermined maximum weight, such as a chair having a framework supporting a seat. Framework members are assembled so that each member is in pure compression or tension. Framework member configuration is of comparatively light cross section due to the absence of necessity for supporting bending stress. The framework includes means for supporting the assembly on a surface which is conformable to irregularities in the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen J Wiesner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:55
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C4/00; A47C4/28; A47C4/286; E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/18; E04B1/19; E04B2001/1996
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
322 words
A stressed chair assembly for supporting a weight comprising left and right upright compression members, left and right arm compression members, a crossing compression member, said compression members being non-touching and stressed in the assembly to thereby include substantially compressive force only, whereby compression member mass may be minimized while providing structural strength for supporting forces from the assembly stress and the supported weight, a plurality of structure vertices defined by the ends of said compression members, a plurality of tension members extending between predetermined ones of said structure vertices, said tension members being stressed in the assembly to include tensile force only, whereby tension member mass may be minimized while providing structural strength for supporting forces from the assembly stress and the supported weight, a single one of said plurality of tension members being a redundant member, so that when tensile force is removed from said redundant member the tensile and compressiVe forces are removed from all of said tension and compression members so that the chair assembly may be collapsed and stored, said compression and tension members being disposed so that a plane of symmetry extends through the center thereof, said crossing compression member being substantially orthogonal to and passing through said plane of symmetry, said left and right upright and arm compression members having one end each for contacting an underlying support surface, and a flexible seat member suspended between the other ends of said left and right upright and arm compression members for supporting the weight, said compression and tension member assembly having at least one soft mode allowing said one ends of said compression members to adapt to the shape of the underlying surface for stabilizing the structure, said left and right upright compression members and said left and right arm compression members each having three tension members connected to each end thereof, and said crossing compression member having five tension members connected at each end thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
322 words
A stressed chair assembly for supporting a weight comprising left and right upright compression members, left and right arm compression members, a crossing compression member, said compression members being non-touching and stressed in the assembly to thereby include substantially compressive force only, whereby compression member mass may be minimized while providing structural strength for supporting forces from the assembly stress and the supported weight, a plurality of structure vertices defined by the ends of said compression members, a plurality of tension members extending between predetermined ones of said structure vertices, said tension members being stressed in the assembly to include tensile force only, whereby tension member mass may be minimized while providing structural strength for supporting forces from the assembly stress and the supported weight, a single one of said plurality of tension members being a redundant member, so that when tensile force is removed from said redundant member the tensile and compressiVe forces are removed from all of said tension and compression members so that the chair assembly may be collapsed and stored, said compression and tension members being disposed so that a plane of symmetry extends through the center thereof, said crossing compression member being substantially orthogonal to and passing through said plane of symmetry, said left and right upright and arm compression members having one end each for contacting an underlying support surface, and a flexible seat member suspended between the other ends of said left and right upright and arm compression members for supporting the weight, said compression and tension member assembly having at least one soft mode allowing said one ends of said compression members to adapt to the shape of the underlying surface for stabilizing the structure, said left and right upright compression members and said left and right arm compression members each having three tension members connected to each end thereof, and said crossing compression member having five tension members connected at each end thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A stressed chair assembly as in claim 1 wherein said compression and tension members are disposed so that a second soft mode operates to provide a limited motion in a generally vertical direction of said flexible seat member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stressed structure assembly as in claim 2 wherein said one soft mode is softer than said second soft mode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3123395A
Cited
US1969313A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-25 | 1979-02-24 | 1979-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-25 | 1983-02-24 | 1983-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-25 | 1987-02-24 | 1987-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |