Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Compound curve structure – Geodesic shape
Patent
1983-07-08
1985-06-11
Bell, J. Karl
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Compound curve structure
Geodesic shape
52646, 403 64, 403170, E04B 132, E04B 140
Patent
active
045219982
ABSTRACT:
A new hub provides flexible or universal coupling for securing struts at the vertices of geodesic type grid or framework. Each hub is formed by a plurality of universal connectors securing adjacent pairs of converging struts forming a closed ring of universal connectors and converging struts at each vertex of the geodesic type spatial framework. Each connector includes a pair of hinge plates or faces positioned at the facing side surfaces of adjacent chords or struts converging at a vertex. Each hinge face is secured in parallel for rotation of the hinge face relative to the side surface of the strut during construction. The universal connectors are formed with hinge ears defining a hinge axis offset from the plane of the corresponding hinge face. Hinge ears from adjacent hinge faces of a universal connector overlap to define a common hinge axis. The universal connector is therefore a universal joint which may rotate in a first degree of freedom around the hinge axis and in second and third degrees of freedom about pivot points securing the hinge faces or plates at the facing side surfaces of adjacent struts. The geodesic type spatial framework may therefore depart from the mathematical or geometrical regularity associated with traditional geodesic domes. The framework is in the form of a grid of triangle patterns which may all differ as may also differ the converging angles, articulating angles, and lengths of the chords or struts. The framework of an irregular network of chords or struts is particularly suited for filling an enclosing irregular or unusual spaces. The invention is applied in geodesic type domes and spatial enclosures, window enclosures and kiosques.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3757476 (1973-09-01), Schoen
patent: 3771274 (1973-11-01), Vaughan
patent: 4262461 (1981-04-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 4277922 (1981-07-01), McAllister
patent: 4355918 (1982-10-01), Van Vliet
patent: 4450851 (1984-05-01), Beavers
patent: 4464073 (1984-08-01), Cherry
Bell J. Karl
Kane, Jr. Daniel H.
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