Lightweight construction system
AssigneeSunarc Structures Inc.
InventorRichard C. Nelson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lightweight building construction system comprising multiple similar stressed roof and wall paneling modules (22, 122) assembled together to form a modular building envelope. Each roof module (22, 122) typically includes a double-skin panel (1,4/101) having structurally interacting inner and outer layers (4,3/104,103) joined together at mid-span and stretched in a V-shaped configuration between spaced-apart structural elements (9, 109). A linear gutter (2) can hang from the double-skin panel (22) at the junction of the inner and outer layers (4, 3) thereof to drain water, thereby preventing ponding problems. The stressed paneling modules (22) may be supported by lightweight non-rigid tensely arched members (15, 16).
Claims25
A modular stressed-panel building envelope, comprising a plurality of multi-layer flexible paneling modules adapted to be stretched between structural members, each of said multi-layer paneling modules having at least exterior and interior stressed layers defining a free space therebetween, said exterior and interior layers being operatively connected together between opposed ends thereof to work structurally in opposition to each other.
A lightweight building construction system, comprising multiple similar stressed roof and wall paneling modules assembled together to form a modular building envelope, wherein each roof paneling module includes at least interior and exterior flexible layers stretched between spaced-apart structural elements, said interior and exterior flexible layers being joined together between said structural elements to work in tandem once in a stressed state.
A canopy system for a building structure, comprising panel means stretched in a V-shaped configuration between spaced-apart structural elements so as to define a trough therebetween, and gutter means hanging from said panel means at said trough for draining off water from said panel means, while allowing said gutter means to move jointly with said panel means.
A flexible joist for a lightweight building structure, comprising a first elongated flexible member adapted to be supported in tension in an elevated position, a second elongated flexible member adapted to be supported in tension beneath said first elongated flexible member, and tensor means extending between said first and second elongated flexible members to induce opposing concave deflections in said first and second elongated flexible members, while preventing said first and second elongated flexible members from returning to respective relaxed positions thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.