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US 10,094,085 B2Granted
Cellular structures
AssigneeTerram Limited
InventorsWilliam W. Walmsley, Basil John Thomas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cellular structure includes a plurality of interconnected cells of fabric material. The cells are at least partially filled with a composite fill material that includes a particulate material and a bonding agent. A cellular unit made up of a plurality of the interconnected cells may have an associated load-bearing frame to enable lifting and/or transportation of the structure. The fill material is preferably resilient.
Claims20
A structure, comprising:
- a cellular unit embedded within a load-bearing frame;
- the cellular unit having (i) an undulating outer surface defined by perimeter cells having outwardly facing walls;
- (ii) a plurality of constrained interior cells surrounded by the perimeter cells, the constrained interior cells interconnected by intersecting internal walls comprising a fabric material;
- and (iii) a composite fill material at least partially filling the perimeter cells and the plurality of interior cells, wherein the outwardly facing walls are not constrained and are free to bulge with the composite fill material and the composite fill material comprises a particulate material;
- and
- the load-bearing frame configured to bear a load of the cellular unit and the composite fill material, the load-bearing frame comprising (i) an outer frame ring;
- (ii) at least one cross-piece attached to the outer frame ring and configured to pass underneath the cellular unit;
- and (iii) at least one upright member attached to the outer frame ring and extending in a vertical direction from the outer frame ring;
- wherein the at least one upright member includes a first end proximate to the outer frame ring and a second end distal from the outer frame member, and wherein the first end includes a socket and the second end includes a hole aligned with the socket.
6 more elements
A structure, comprising:
- a cellular unit embedded within a load-bearing frame;
- the cellular unit having (i) an undulating outer surface defined by perimeter cells having outwardly facing walls;
- (ii) a plurality of constrained interior cells surrounded by the perimeter cells, the constrained interior cells interconnected by intersecting internal walls comprising a continuous fabric material folded back and forth on itself and bonded;
- and (iii) a composite fill material at least partially filling the perimeter cells and the plurality of interior cells, wherein the outwardly facing walls are not constrained and are free to bulge with the composite fill material and the composite fill material comprises a particulate material and a bonding agent;
- and
- the load-bearing frame configured to bear a load of the cellular unit and the composite fill material, the load-bearing frame comprising (i) an outer frame ring;
- (ii) at least one diagonal cross-piece attached between a first corner and a second corner of the outer frame ring and configured to pass underneath the cellular unit;
- and (iii) at least one upright member attached to the outer frame ring and extending in a vertical direction from the outer frame ring;
- wherein the at least one upright member includes a first end proximate to the outer frame ring and a second end distal from the outer frame member, and wherein the first end includes a socket and the second end includes a hole aligned with the socket.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.