US3909993A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Arch supported membrane structure
Assignee: HOTTEL Corp
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Filing: 1973-05-14
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1993-05-14
Abstract
Abstract A pre-stressed arch supported membrane structure, a method of assembly and erection and a means of tensioning a membrane of double curvature supported by and attached to upright arches. By moving the ends of flat resilient arch structural members closer together, pre-stressed arches are formed by ''''bowing.'''' Assembly and erection consists of attaching flat arch member ends to base beams, one fixed and one movable; attaching membranes to these flat members when reclined on the ground, operatively attaching transverse or inclined arch members to their respective structural members; moving the non-fixed base beam towards the fixed base beam thus causing the arches to be formed as the structure rises to its erected position. Preliminary tensioning of the membrane can take place when the transverse or inclined arches are attached to the arch members in their reclined position. Final membrane tensioning adjustments at the crown and at the base by moving the arches horizontally then anchoring the structure to the base, safely securing the base beams and arch ends completes the erection of the main structure. An alternate method of erection is provided by elimination of the base beams by fastening the arches directly to the base. The support arches are bowed after being attached to the transverse or inclined arches and then attached to the base by means of an adjustable fastener. Lightweight end closures or doors may be assembled and partially attached before erection to eliminate or decrease above ground assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl F Huddle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:06
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H15/00; E04H15/32; E04H15/34; E04H15/42; E04H15/425; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/32; E04B1/3205; E04H15/02; E04H15/10; E04B2001/3217; E04B2001/3235; E04B2001/3252; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S135/00; Y10S135/905; Y10S135/906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A tensioned membrane shelter comprised of a multiplicity of upright arches with curved bights, consecutively spaced apart in parallel relationship and mounted on the ground or other base that includes at least one shallow resilient transverse arch with each end attached to an upright support arch and extending between them in perpendicular relationship as it bridges at least one intermediate upright support arch to form a structural frame in space; a flexible but structural membrane operatively attached to and extending between said upright support arches that is concavely curved inwardly between the bights of said upright arches to form a roof of double curvature that is tensioned longitudinally and transversely between said upright arches; the arrangement being such that the shallow transverse arch is bowed to urge apart the upright support arches attached to its ends to maintain tension in said membrane and to stabilize the structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A tensioned membrane shelter comprised of a multiplicity of upright arches with curved bights, consecutively spaced apart in parallel relationship and mounted on the ground or other base that includes at least one shallow resilient transverse arch with each end attached to an upright support arch and extending between them in perpendicular relationship as it bridges at least one intermediate upright support arch to form a structural frame in space; a flexible but structural membrane operatively attached to and extending between said upright support arches that is concavely curved inwardly between the bights of said upright arches to form a roof of double curvature that is tensioned longitudinally and transversely between said upright arches; the arrangement being such that the shallow transverse arch is bowed to urge apart the upright support arches attached to its ends to maintain tension in said membrane and to stabilize the structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein the upright support arches are pre-stressed by bowing straight structural arch members, by moving the opposite ends of each arch closer together.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure described in claim 2 that includes in addition, a tension member that extends between the opposite ends of said upright support arches to maintain their pre-stressed erected state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein the ends of said upright support arches on at least one side of the structure are operatively attached to a base beam which is secured to said base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein the ends of said upright support arches are so attached to said base or to a base beam to provide for adjustment horizontally.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein said structural frame includes at least one upright support arch and one arch inclined outwardly from the center of the structure with their apexes aligned and operatively attached to each other near their crowns and their ends attached to said base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The structure described in claim 6 wherein said inclined arch is adjustable horizontally on said base; the arrangement being such that said membrane can be variably tensioned by moving said inclined arch then securing it to the base to maintain said membrane in tension.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein said shallow transverse arch is more resilient under compression and bowing in a plane perpendicular with the top surface of the upright support arches where it is attached than in any other plane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein said shallow transverse arch is adjustable in length to vary the membrane tension between said upright support arches to which it is attached.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein the lower part of the fexible roof membrane between the upright arches is attached to: (a) the base, (b) the base beam, (c) the lower part of said upright support arches.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure described in claim 1 with the addition of a safety tension member that is attached to and extends between: (a) the ends of said shallow transverse arc, (b) the upright arches to which the shallow transverse arch is attached.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The structure described in claim 1 wherein said shallow transverse arch is operatively attached to at least one intermediate upright support arch, which it bridges, to maintain alignment of said shallow transverse arch and maintain tension in said roof membrane.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure described in claim 12 wherein the operative attachment between the shallow transverse arch and the intermediate upright support arch is adjustable in length to vary the tension in the roof membrane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure described in claim 13 wherein at least one shallow transverse arch is adjustable in length and is adjustably attached to at least one intermediate upright support Arch which it bridges.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure described in claim 12 wherein said shallow transverse arch is operatively attached to at least one intermediate upright support arch by (a) at least one resilient means.
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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) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |