Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Three-dimensional space-defining
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-20
2002-04-30
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Three-dimensional space-defining
C403S171000, C403S218000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06378265
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a space frame assembly, and more in particular, to components which may be assembled to form a space frame assembly capable of defining a wide variety of structures having any one of numerous design configurations. The space frame assembly of the present invention preferably comprises a plurality of equivalently structured and elongated frame members interconnected by a plurality of equivalently structured connectors, and further, wherein any of the plurality of frame members may be interconnected in an intended configuration by any of the plurality of connectors in order to form a support frame which may be utilized in the construction of domestic or commercial buildings, bridges, platforms, hangers, towers, panels and other structures.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of support frames or assemblies of the type referred to as “space frames” or “space framing” has been generally known and used in the construction of a variety of architectural and engineering structures. Certain recognized advantages of space frame construction include a substantially equal distribution of loads and stresses throughout the formed structure, as well as the ability to take advantage of the normally light-weight and high strength material from which such support frame assemblies are formed. In addition, the resulting structure offers a relatively unusual appearance although one which many deem to be aesthetically appealing. When a space frame support assembly is incorporated in the construction of various buildings or other structures, the above set forth characteristics are achieved through the use of a plurality of components, which in general, are used repetitively to achieve a triangulated geometry that is normally presented in a predetermined, three dimensional, reticulated, truss-like framework. The resulting framework is generally defined by a plurality of interconnected struts normally joined or attached to one another at appropriate points, and collectively arranged to produce the intended resulting structure. One advantage in utilizing such a repetitive framework is that the various components thereof may be mass produced in a factory, and then easily and relatively cheaply transported to a construction site where they are assembled. It has been recognized that the small size and light-weight material of the large number of components comprising the support framework simplifies transportation, and supposedly, handling and construction as well.
Space framing assemblies are particularly adaptable for roof coverings and walls in that the resulting structure is extremely rigid and has an exceptional ability to resist large, concentrated and/or symmetrical loads or stresses. In addition, framework of the type set forth above is hyperstatic, and accordingly, even when partially damaged, due to fire, explosion, earthquake or other natural disasters, seldom fails or collapses totally. This feature makes support frames comprised of space frame construction particularly desirable in areas where earthquakes, hurricanes, and like occurrences are prevalent.
In spite of the generally recognized advantages associated with space frame assemblies, the complexity of the various components used in forming the truss-like framework frequently results in relatively high manufacturing and assembling costs. Therefore, the complexity of the various components may significantly limit the use of such structures. For these reasons, truss-like space framing of the type referred to above is frequently limited to the construction of hangars, or other buildings and structures designed to enclose a large space, wherein the cost is closely regulated, due to the space framing acting as a skeleton for the structure. Also, space framing is known to be utilized in the construction of buildings, wherein the aesthetic and visual impact may be important and cost is a secondary consideration.
Generally speaking, there are two basic types of space frame construction previously developed and known in the art. The first type involves the attachment of each of a plurality of struts to a connecting component wherein the various struts are joined together repetitively by bolts or like fasteners. The connecting components are connected by and therefore include the same number of bolts or like fasteners as there are struts being interconnected. The second type involves forming a space frame assembly with the struts and connecting components in a two or three part sequence, wherein the entire connecting component is fastened to a corresponding strut by only a single bolt or like fastener. However, the problems exhibited by both of these known types of space frame assemblies are well recognized. More specifically, the connecting components utilized in forming the known types of space frame construction generally require the use of a large number of components, and may typically include four or more cruciform clamping elements which form the basis of the connecting components. This structural arrangement generally increases the manufacturing cost, and also, increases the possibility of errors being made in the calculations of the amount of material needed during manufacturing and the number of pieces needed during assembly.
In order to overcome the requirement of using a large number of fasteners with such known assemblies and connecting components, attempts have been made to incorporate threaded connections to secure the struts to the connecting components. However, a new set of problems arise when the struts are threadingly engaged with the connecting components at the point of attachment which does not typically occur when fasteners are used. This is due to the fact that the threads typically have fine tolerances, and when used by unskilled labor, the threads can be easily stripped, thereby rendering use of the connecting components impossible or even dangerous should they be forced into attachment with one another. In addition, the threading procedure is time consuming, and therefore, expensive considering the number of components involved in the formation of a given structure.
In a similar but somewhat different space frame assembly, connecting components have been developed which include the plurality of interconnected struts having ends which are either flattened or bent. More importantly, it is believed that there is a greater occurrence of failure in the extremities of the mechanically deformed end portions of the struts, based primarily on the fact that such mechanical deformation weakens the structural integrity of the entire framework.
In addition to the foregoing, others have attempted to improve space frame assemblies by using different kinds of materials for the various connecting components employed by the assembly. This sometimes results in the generation of galvanic corrosion between the parts formed of different materials, which also serves to weaken the entire structure over a period of time. The environment and geographic location, as well as the various weather systems, to which the building is exposed also have a significant effect on this type corrosive degeneration. Also, the close tolerance required in this type of construction has resulted in the interconnected joints having a tendency to fuse, due to the aforementioned galvanic corrosion after a period of time, particularly when subjected to a moist environment. This, in turn, makes the separation or detachment of individual connecting components for purposes of removal, repair or maintenance, extremely difficult, if not impossible. The replacement of such fused parts in an already completed structure, therefore, becomes both time consuming and expensive. Finally, because the construction of space frame assemblies has historically required that a very large number of small, connecting components and struts be interconnected, which is compounded given the highly repetitive nature of the intended geometric configuration, manufacturing of such components demands clo
Malloy & Malloy P.A.
Safavi Michael
LandOfFree
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