Flexible space frame components and method of construction
OwnerEric Yatesinventor
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims11
A cross-shaped member for constructing a space frame, such 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 holes.
A node for constructing a space frame, such node comprising two or more helical cross-shaped members, each such member with four arms, wherein each such member comprises one or more grooves allowing two or more such members to be reversibly interlocked at an interface joint and each arm comprises a c-channel cut along the axis, each arm thus accommodating a rod for connecting the node to other nodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.