Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Three-dimensional space-defining
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-13
2001-02-27
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Three-dimensional space-defining
C052S653200, C029S897310
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192644
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a framed structure, and more particularly a framed structure which constitutes a framework or the like as a roofing material used for a building.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, as a framed structure of this type, for example, there exists the one which includes numbers of compression members made of pipe which are continuously disposed via joint members in three dimensions. Such framed structure is used as a framework or the like for a membrane structure.
However, the framed structure of this type requires numbers of the compression members. This involves problems that the total weight of the framed structure is increased, a large scaled associated structures for supporting the framed structure is required, and the cost for constructing the framed structure is increased.
To reduce the number of the compression members in view of the above, there have been recently developed a framed structure, in which tension members such as cables are tensioned between the compression members as a substitute for some parts of the compression members. However, the reduction of the weight and construction cost are still desired even in the framed structure of this type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems which are inherent to the conventional structure. It is an object of the present invention is to provide a framed structure, which has a light weight and can contribute to the cost reduction.
The means which the present invention has employed to solve the above problems is the framed structure which includes a plurality of base units each including in turn three elongate compression members disposed so as to intersect one another, each having a first end and a second end, a first tension member disposed to be tensioned between the first ends of the respective compression members in such a manner as to form a first triangular plane, a second tension member disposed so as to be tensioned between the second ends of the respective compression members in such a manner as to form a second triangular plane opposite to the first triangular plane, and a third tension member disposed so as to be tensioned between the first end of one of the compression members and the second end of one of the remaining compression members in such a manner as to form a self-supporting structure, wherein the plurality of the base units are continuously disposed by using one of the compression members in one of the base units as one of the compressed members of an adjacent base unit.
Each of the base units may be formed of four compression members. In addition, a framed structure may be formed by continuously disposing the base units in a curved surface.
A method of constructing a framed structure in accordance with the present invention is characterized by the step of continuously disposing a plurality of base units by using one of compression members of one of the base units as one of the compressed members of an adjacent base unit, each of the base units including three elongate compression members disposed so as to intersect one another, each having a first end and a second end, a first tension member disposed to be tensioned between the first ends of the respective compression members in such a manner as to form a first triangular plane, a second tension member disposed so as to be tensioned between the second ends of the respective compression members in such a manner as to form a second triangular plane opposite to the first triangular plane, and a third tension member disposed so as to be tensioned between the first end of one of the compression members and the second end of one of the remaining compression members in such a manner as to form a self-supporting structure, and the step of applying tension force over at least one of the first, second and third tension members to change the shape of each of the base units, thereby forming the framed structure into a curved surface.
This method may be applied to a case where four compression members are used.
In accordance with the above arrangement, since one of the compression members also serves as one of a different base unit, it is possible to greatly reduce the number of the compression members. Accordingly, there have been produced remarkable effects that the reduction of the total weight of the framed structure can be attempted, and the arrangement contributes greatly to the reduction of the cost.
There is also provided a practical effect that, since the framed structure in accordance with the present invention is of a very simple arrangement, it can be constructed in a simple manner.
There is further provided a peculiar effect that, since the base units each are of an arrangement that the tension members are respectively tensioned between the compression members, the disposed positions among the respective compression members can properly be varied in accordance with the value of the applied tension force by the tension members, thereby forming the framed structure of the curved surface.
REFERENCES:
patent: 46-34336 (1971-10-01), None
patent: 60-188554 (1985-09-01), None
patent: 7-3890 (1995-01-01), None
Kono Yoshihiro
Kunieda Haruo
Arent Fox Kintner & Plotkin & Kahn, PLLC
Safavi Michael
Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
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