US4214409A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Space frame constuction
Assignee: SPACE FRAMES Inc A CORP OF
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Filing: 1977-10-28
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Granted: 1980-07-29
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Expires: 1997-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A space frame construction of generally pentahedron pyramidal modules comprising chord members forming a rectangular base, strut members of closed tube configuration and which converge to form an apex, and flat connector plates at the apex and at the corners of the rectangular base.
Inventors
- 👤 Dale H. Gebhardt
- 👤 Carl H. LaLonde
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 05:28
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/18; E04B1/19; E04B1/1903; E04B2001/1918; E04B2001/1924; E04B2001/1936; E04B2001/1957; E04B2001/1963; E04B2001/1981; E04B2001/1984
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A space frame module of generally pentahedron pyramidal configuration comprising: a generally square base made up of four chord members arranged in a single plane and connected at their extremities to form base corners; four strut members connected to the base corners and converging to form an apex; said strut members being of tube cross-sectional configuration and having a substantial straight length and with smooth curve portions near their longitudinal ends with the distal portions each being in a straight section in a plane parallel to the plane of said chord members and parallel to each other, said distal portions being tubular in cross-section; said straight sections each having an access opening in an interior side of the tube section to facilitate handling of fastening means, a connector plate at each of said base corners and at said apex for connecting said chord members and said strut members to form said module; and said plate presenting coplanar bearing seats for said chord members on one face of said plate and coplanar bearing seats for said strut members on the opposite face of said plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
A space frame module of generally pentahedron pyramidal configuration comprising: a generally square base made up of four chord members arranged in a single plane and connected at their extremities to form base corners; four strut members connected to the base corners and converging to form an apex; said strut members being of tube cross-sectional configuration and having a substantial straight length and with smooth curve portions near their longitudinal ends with the distal portions each being in a straight section in a plane parallel to the plane of said chord members and parallel to each other, said distal portions being tubular in cross-section; said straight sections each having an access opening in an interior side of the tube section to facilitate handling of fastening means, a connector plate at each of said base corners and at said apex for connecting said chord members and said strut members to form said module; and said plate presenting coplanar bearing seats for said chord members on one face of said plate and coplanar bearing seats for said strut members on the opposite face of said plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a space frame having (a) a plurality of spaced substantially parallel chords; (b) a plurality of strut members arranged in pyramidal units; and (c) a connector plate at the apex of each pyramidal unit joining together the chords and the strut members forming the apex of a unit, the improvement wherein: (1) said strut members are generally S-shaped and tubular in cross-section throughout their longitudinal extent, the distal portions of the S being tubular in cross-section, as opposed to being closed by flattening, and having on the exterior side thereof a mounting opening for receiving and mounting therein fastening means and on the interior side thereof an access opening to facilitate handling of fastening means, (2) said connector plate is generally flat and connects chords on one flat planar face thereof and strut members on the opposite flat planar face thereof, and (3) each of said chord and said strut members is independently secured to said connector plate by fastening means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a space frame having (a) a plurality of spaced substantially parallel chords; (b) a plurality of strut members arranged in pyramidal units; and (c) a connector plate at the apex of each pyramidal unit joining together the chords and the strut members forming the apex of a unit, the improvement wherein: (1) said strut members are generally S-shaped and tubular in cross-section throughout their longitudinal extent, the distal portions of the S being tubular in cross-section, as opposed to being closed by flattening, and having on the exterior side thereof a mounting opening for receiving and mounting therein fastening means and on the interior side thereof an access opening to facilitate handling of fastening means, (2) said connector plate is generally flat and connects chords on one flat planar face thereof and strut members on the opposite flat planar face thereof, and (3) each of said chord and said strut members is independently secured to said connector plate by fastening means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
129 words
In combination with a connector plate and a fastening member a generally S-shaped strut member in space frame construction, said strut member being tubular in cross-section through its longitudinal extent, and with the distal portions of the S-shape being straight sections, which straight sections are parallel to each other; each straight section having an opening in an exterior side of the tubular cross-section for receiving fastening means and an access opening in an interior side of the tubular cross-section to facilitate handling of fastening means; said fastening member having an elongate form dimensioned in respect to the inside of said strut member such that upon insertion through said access opening and after initial turning the elongate form will interference fit and press against the wall of said strut member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
129 words
In combination with a connector plate and a fastening member a generally S-shaped strut member in space frame construction, said strut member being tubular in cross-section through its longitudinal extent, and with the distal portions of the S-shape being straight sections, which straight sections are parallel to each other; each straight section having an opening in an exterior side of the tubular cross-section for receiving fastening means and an access opening in an interior side of the tubular cross-section to facilitate handling of fastening means; said fastening member having an elongate form dimensioned in respect to the inside of said strut member such that upon insertion through said access opening and after initial turning the elongate form will interference fit and press against the wall of said strut member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
106 words
A space frame comprising: (a) a plurality of chord members, (b) a plurality of strut members, and (c) a connector plate connecting said chord members and said strut members, the improvement wherein: (1) said strut members are generally S-shaped and tubular in cross-section throughout their longitudinal extent; (2) said connector plate connects said chord members on one face thereof and said strut members on the opposite face thereof; (3) said strut members have an opening at their distal portions in exterior sides of their tubular cross-sections for receiving fastening means and access openings in interior sides of their tubular cross-sections to facilitate handling of fastening means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
106 words
A space frame comprising: (a) a plurality of chord members, (b) a plurality of strut members, and (c) a connector plate connecting said chord members and said strut members, the improvement wherein: (1) said strut members are generally S-shaped and tubular in cross-section throughout their longitudinal extent; (2) said connector plate connects said chord members on one face thereof and said strut members on the opposite face thereof; (3) said strut members have an opening at their distal portions in exterior sides of their tubular cross-sections for receiving fastening means and access openings in interior sides of their tubular cross-sections to facilitate handling of fastening 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) | 1983-07-29 | 1984-01-28 | 1984-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-07-29 | 1988-01-28 | 1988-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-07-29 | 1992-01-28 | 1992-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |