Patent US3973364A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3973364A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Reinforced sealed joint for membrane segments
Assignee: Seaman Corp
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Filing: 1975-10-28
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Granted: 1976-08-10
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Expires: 1995-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A sealed joint construction for connecting membrane segments covering a domed framework of rigid trusses. The side edges of adjoining segments are connected to brackets overlying the outer chord of the truss and the segments are tensioned by cables extending between the truss members and along the bottom edges of the segments. The joint is weather sealed by an overlying coextensive membrane strip having tensioning cables in its edges anchored to the foundation and resisting uplift loads on the membrane segments.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman R. Seaman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:33
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H15/00; E04H15/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
In a sealed joint structure connecting adjoining segments of flexible membrane, an upright truss member forming part of a dome framework and having an outer chord, means detachably connecting the adjoining edges of two segments to said truss outer chord, a weatherseal strip of flexible membrane overlying and coextensive with said truss outer chord and overlapping the adjoining edges of said segments, and tensioning outer cables secured to the outer edges of said strip and anchored to the base of said framework to bear on and hold down the membrane segments against uplift loads.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
In a sealed joint structure connecting adjoining segments of flexible membrane, an upright truss member forming part of a dome framework and having an outer chord, means detachably connecting the adjoining edges of two segments to said truss outer chord, a weatherseal strip of flexible membrane overlying and coextensive with said truss outer chord and overlapping the adjoining edges of said segments, and tensioning outer cables secured to the outer edges of said strip and anchored to the base of said framework to bear on and hold down the membrane segments against uplift loads.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 1, wherein the means detachably connecting the adjoining edges of two segments to said truss outer chord comprises brackets detachably supported on said chord and having flanges detachably connected to the adjoining edges of said two segments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 2, wherein the adjoining edges of said two segments are provided with hooks engaging in apertures in said flanges.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 3, wherein said flanges are adapted to connect to the adjoining edges of curtain panels attached to the bottom edges of said membrane segments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 2, wherein said brackets are yokes straddling said outer chord.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 3, wherein the adjoining edges of said two segments are provided with hooks engaging in apertures in said flanges.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 3, wherein said flanges are adapted to connect to the adjoining edges of curtain panels attached to the bottom edges of said membrane segments.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 2, wherein said flanges are adapted to connect to the adjoining edges of curtain panels attached to the bottom edges of said membrane segments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 8, wherein said flanges are adapted to connect to the adjoining edges of insulation segments underlying said flexible membrane segments.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
In a sealed joint structure as described in claim 9, wherein said brackets are yokes straddling said chord.
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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) | 1979-08-10 | 1980-02-09 | 1980-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-10 | 1984-02-09 | 1984-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-10 | 1988-02-09 | 1988-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |