External flexed structure with pivotable fitting for an internal membrane
OwnerRobert E. Gillisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flexible structure is composed of a plurality of pole or rod elements including at least two series of rows of such rods, the rods of each row being substantially parallel to one another. The rows are intersecting, but are uniform in respective orientation. The rods are stabilized at the intersections by fittings which permit relative sliding movement of restricted degree. These fittings are secured to a flexible membrane or body portion. A swivel relation exists between the fittings and related components. Modification of the fittings to provide multiple layer body portions is achieved through the application of spaced layers of material.
Claims8
A flexible structure comprising:
- a flexible membrane having an inner surface and an outer surface;
- the membrane having a series of connection locations arranged therein in rows;
- a fitting assembly for each of said connection locations, the fitting assemblies each comprising an outer base and an inner base, securing means extending between said bases and extending through the connection locations to clampingly engage the bases, respectively, against the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, a stem extending from the outer base, and an enlarged annular ring pivotally mounted element on said stem;
- a first series of substantially parallel outwardly stressed rods, the rods extending in arch form through the annular ring elements of the fittings aligned therewith, said rods being stressed in said arch form;
- a second series of substantially parallel outwardly stressed rods, the rods extending in arch form through the annular ring elements of the fittings aligned therewith, said rods being stressed in said arch form;
- and
- the rods of said first and second series intersecting one another at said ring elements and said connection locations being common to the respective series to provide an interlocking structure, said rods being located external of said membrane.
A flexible structure comprising:
- a flexible outer membrane having an inner surface and an outer surface and a flexible inner membrane;
- the outer and inner membrane each having a series of connection locations therein arranged in rows;
- a fitting assembly for each of said connection locations, the fitting assemblies each comprising a central body having threaded end portions, an upper body and a lower body, said upper and lower bodies having threaded sockets therein, and the upper bodies having enlarged annular ring elements thereon;
- a first series of substantially parallel rods, the rods extending in arch form through the annular ring elements of the fittings aligned therewith;
- said rods being stressed in said arch form;
- a second series of substantially parallel rods, the rods extending in arch form through the annular ring elements of the fittings aligned therewith, said rods being stressed in said arch forms;
- the rods of said first and second series extending and being in intersecting relationship through the annular ring elements;
- and
- said ring and rod elements being external of said membrane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.