Dome structure

Details Dome structure Dome structure

1999-04-21

2001-08-21

Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)

Static structures (e.g., buildings)

Compound curve structure

Geodesic shape

C052S080100, C052S080200, C052S081200, C135S100000, C135S100000, C135S125000, C135S135000, C135S136000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06276095

ABSTRACT:

DESCRIPTION
1. TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a support structure and, more particularly, to a support structure for a domed building and a method of making that structure.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art discloses various configurations for supporting different kinds of structures. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,793 (“the '793 patent”) is directed to a dome structure. As may best be seen in
FIG. 10
thereof, the '793 patent discloses a structure having an outer base
44
, an inner base
43
, and outer
39
and inner membranes
16
, respectively. Generally, these outer and inner membranes are inflated and are held down from uplift forces by concrete members anchored to the ground. Alternatively, the membranes are tailored to a specific shape and are positioned on the inner or outer bases.
FIG. 7
of the '793 patent shows the wire structure underlying this dome.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,852 (“the '852 patent”) is directed to a free-standing structure. As may best be seen in
FIG. 2
of the '852 patent, the structure has a polygonal base. In particular,
FIG. 2
shows a pentagonal base. At each of the points of the pentagon there are two arch members
16
. The arch members are elongated and have two opposite ends, a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the arch members emanates from the same point on the pentagon. Each of these arch members
16
whose first end emanates from this same point crosses over the other arch member. The second ends of the respective arch members
16
, however, are secured to the pentagon at different points.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,259 (“the '259 patent”) is directed to a tent and may best be seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2
thereof. The '259 patent discloses a series of stressed, arcuate rods
11
which surround a convex polyhedra such as a hemispherical structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,922,827 (“the '827 patent”) is directed to a hyperbolic tower structure. As shown in
FIG. 1
, the '827 patent discloses a tower structure consisting of a central vertical frame shaft surrounded by an outer structure in the form of a hyperboloid of revolution composed of two sets of intersecting straight linear structural elements arranged to define the hyperboloid. The linear elements are connected at their intersections to the central shaft by horizontal radial bracing members.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,270 (“the '270 patent”) is directed to a pressure vessel comprising a walled body formed of concrete. This concrete walled body is built upon a wire frame. Each of the wires making up this frame is prestressed. Further, each of these wires extends continuously throughout the length of the body within the wall of the body between first and second anchor locations which are positioned at a same general longitudinal location. The structure of these wires is best seen in FIG.
2
. The '270 patent discloses that the wires are positioned at a same general longitudinal location along the cylindrical member of the structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,401 (“the '401 patent”) is directed to a method of making an ornamental structure for supporting a piece of furniture. Essentially, the structure of the '401 patent is comprised of a pair of end plates to which strands are attached. The strands are saturated with a polyester resin which hardens to provide the structure with rigidity.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,753,818 (“the '3818 patent”) and 2,670,818 (“the '0818 patent”) are directed to structures supporting a hemispherical dome. As can best be seen from
FIGS. 2 and 3
of the '3818 patent and
FIGS. 5-6
,
10
, and
12
-
13
of the '0818 patent, these domes are supported by radially extending ribs
13
and b, respectively. The ribs of the '3818 and '0818 patents do not cross over any of the other ribs thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,976,188 (“the '188 patent”) is directed to an arcuate metal structure serving as a truss.
FIGS. 1 and 2
of the '188 patent disclose that this structure is made of rods or unit-elements
1
that are configured in a pure arc, i.e., as “parabolic, semi-circular and other convexed curvatures of substantially continuous nature.” (emphasis added) (See '188 patent, page 1, lines 3-6.) One end of each unit element
1
touches the ground, while the other end of each unit element
1
is secured to the frame of one of the two arches. (See especially
FIG. 1.
)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The support structure of the present invention includes at least one upper ring member, and more preferably two upper ring members, and a plurality of structural members in a lattice formation extending downward from and secured to the upper ring member. The support structure also includes a lower foundation member having a diameter greater than the diameters of the upper ring members, and most preferably, the diameter of the lower foundation member is equal to at least three times the diameter of the upper ring member or members.
According to one aspect of the present invention the structural members comprise a plurality of initially straight and elongated structural members which extend from the upper ring members. Preferably, each of the elongated structural members have a substantially circular cross section. Each of the elongated structural members have a first and a second lateral end. The elongated structural members extend radially outward from the upper ring members at equal angular intervals thereof. Further, each of the elongated structural members are secured adjacent their first lateral ends to the upper ring members. In the embodiment having first and second upper ring members, an equal number of elongated structural members extend from and are secured to each of the ring members. As such the elongated structural members preferably alternate being secured to and extending from the first ring member and the second ring member, respectively, with a first structural member extending from the first upper ring, a second structural member extending from the second upper ring, a third structural member extending from the first upper ring, a fourth structural member extending from the second upper ring, and so on. The elongated structural members are secured adjacent their second lateral ends to the lower foundation.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the initially straight, elongated structural members are elastically deformed or modified. As such the structural members assume a generally S-shaped lattice configuration between the upper member and the lower foundation. The S-shaped lattice configuration of the structural members contributes to the strength of the support structure.
According to another aspect of the present invention, after the structural members are elastically deformed to form the S-shaped lattice configuration each of the structural members overlap portions of adjacent structural members at connection points.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the structural members are secured to overlapping structural members at the connection points with fasteners.
According to another aspect of the present invention, at least two methods for manufacturing or installing the support structure of the present invention, including variations thereof, are provided.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1976188 (1934-10-01), Nozawa
patent: 2670818 (1954-03-01), Hacker
patent: 2753818 (1956-07-01), Green
patent: 3300942 (1967-01-01), Horstman
patent: 3649401 (1972-03-01), Gunnerson
patent: 3893270 (1975-07-01), Schupack et al.
patent: 3922827 (1975-12-01), Rosenblatt
patent: 4265259 (1981-05-01), Gillis
patent: 4277922 (1981-07-01), McAllister
patent: 4326363 (1982-04-01), Leonhardt et al.
patent: 4473976 (1984-10-01), Kuznetsov et al.
patent: 4589236 (1986-05-01), McAllister
patent: 4998552 (1991-03-01), Kiksic et al.
patent: 5117852 (1992-06-01), Bryant
patent: 5170599 (1992-12-01), Knight
pa

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Dome structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Dome structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dome structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2482536