Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Compound curve structure – Geodesic shape
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-10
2001-07-03
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Compound curve structure
Geodesic shape
C052S080100, C052S578000, C052S245000, C052S249000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253501
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a structural element in which horizontally compressive support of its members against each other results from vertically downward loading on the members.
The prior art that this invention resembles is the structural element known simply as the “arch”, embodied in ancient structures as an element known as the “Roman arch”, and known medievally as the “Gothic arch”. The “arch” thus known is structured vertically and functions vertically, providing vertical self-support and load bearing by compression of its members together along the arc of the arch which lies in a vertical plane. It does not provide horizontal self-support except to the extent of the frictional forces between its members or other mechanical attachment of the members to one another that may prevent horizontal movement. In contrast, the horizontal arch functions to provide vertical support by using the vertically downward load on its members to compress its members horizontally together along an arc which lays in the horizontal plane, and thereby also functions to provide horizontal self-support.
Prior art considerations include some dome structures which may appear to employ a horizontal arch, such as the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. In that case the dome structure is a series of interleaved vertical arches which are radial within the dome. Another similarity in structure exists in the form of the well known arch of some water-restraining dams which are convex to the load of the restrained water. Such dam arches, however, are vertical arches laid horizontally, and bear no vertically downward load from the water restrained.
The present invention is covered generally by class
52
, static structures.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a structural element formed from a series of compression members which are connected side-to-side in an arc of a curve in the horizontal plane, and compressed together horizontally under the application of downward loading near the top of each of the compression members. The horizontal arch may be employed as a part of various types of vertically layered constructions in which each layer subjects the next layer below to vertically downward loading, such as towers and buildings. The vertically downward loading of the members may also result from structures suspended from near the tops of the members of the horizontal arch structure.
The object of the invention is to provide a structural element with horizontal cohesiveness for inclusion in self-supporting frameworks for the exterior of structures and exoskeletal structures, as well as a general structural alternative to other vertically downward load bearing structures, such as foundations.
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A Phi Dieu Tran
Friedman Carl D.
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