Flexible space frame, components thereof and method of construction
OwnerEric Yatesinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system of cross-shaped units and nodes used to construct strong, lightweight, inexpensive space frames with alternately rigid and flexible components, in which each cross-shaped unit which fits together with five like units to form a spherical node which can be connected to other nodes to form frames for the production of structures including toys, playground structures, lattices, pergolas, statues, roofs, furniture, fixtures, mattresses, kites, lamps, artistic structures and fixtures, floating platforms, flexible joints for machines or robots, buildings, bridges and space stations.
Claims16
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A space frame comprising a plurality of frame units wherein each such unit is connected by a snap fit connection between respective connector piece assemblies of each of the units, such frame comprising opposite unit designs, wherein each such unit consists of
- a spherical unit comprised of six cross-shaped members, each such cross-shaped member comprising a cross-piece with four equidistant arms, each extending outward towards a distal end, each end comprising an integrated connector piece designed to interlock with other connector pieces, each such connector piece comprising a distal connecting pin with a ledge and an angled edge for locking, a distal connecting hole, a short side alignment pin, a short side alignment hole, a tall side alignment pin, a tall side alignment hole a channel and a semicircular protrusion, wherein each pair of connector pieces interlock using the side alignment pins and side alignment holes to form a connector piece assembly with two distal connecting pins and two distal connecting hole, wherein each connector piece is interlocked with another connector piece to form twelve total connector piece assemblies and six convex surfaces, wherein each pair of connector pieces interlocks using the distal connecting pins and distal connecting holes to form a connector piece assembly with two tall side pins, two short side pins, two tall side holes and two short side holes;
- wherein each connection of multiple spherical units results in forming
- a reverse unit wherein each cross-shaped member is inverted, yielding six concave surfaces, wherein each pair of connector pieces interlocks by inserting the side alignment pins into the corresponding side alignment holes to form twelve connector piece assemblies, each connector piece assembly locked with two overlocking blocks and comprising two distal connecting pins and two distal connecting holes.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.