US 4,070,847 A · Space frame structure

Abstract

A modular, symmetrical space frame structure utilized in the construction of special architectural spanning structures comprises standardized component parts made of corrosion resistant aluminum or high-strength plastic composite for preferred exterior application and of steel for interior application - all manufactured to precise dimensional tolerances giving the assembled structure an inherent uniformity in the transfer of tension/compression load factors within the web and chord members. A basic standardized eight-way connector capable of connecting four diagonal web members and four horizontal chord members can be interchangeably installed in both the top and bottom chord assemblies thus minimizing the number of different component parts required to assemble the structure and also resulting in a totally symmetrical design. The length of the component web and chord members and the location of the integral locking devices are maintained to close and uniform tolerances so that the subsequent assembly results in a self-aligning structure requiring no jigs or fixtures. Assembly is a highly repetitive process with a single hand tool locking a single fastener, permitting the employment of relatively unskilled or semi-skilled workmen for its assembly and installation. The basic design allows installation or removal of any component at any location within the space frame structure. Therefore, assembly is not restricted to a progressive installation.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A modular space frame structure comprising:

a bottom horizontal modular chord structure having a plurality of chord members connected at their ends forming a grid pattern;
a top horizontal modular chord structure having a grid pattern offset from said bottom grid pattern so that the intersections of the top grid are directly over the centers of the openings in the bottom grid;
an intermediate truss structure connected between said bottom and top chord structures having a plurality of diagonal web members each connected from an intersection of the bottom chord members to an intersection of the top chord members;
and
a connector at each said intersection for interconnecting said chord members and web members;
said connector including a cup shaped member having four inclined flat sides each extending along one of said diagonal web members;
threaded means connecting each of said flat sides to its related web member;
reinforcing means connected between adjacent flat sides but not extending outward beyond the planes of said flat sides;
and
each said diagonal web member being connected to a top connector on one face of said web member and to a bottom connector on the opposite face thereof so that the top and bottom connections are the same but inverted.

7 more elements

A modular space frame structure comprising:

a bottom horizontal modular chord structure having a plurality of chord members connected at their ends forming a grid pattern;
a top horizontal modular chord structure having a plurality of chord members connected at their ends forming a grid pattern offset from said bottom grid pattern so that the intersections of the top grid are directly over the centers of the openings in the bottom grid;
an intermediate truss structure connected between said bottom and top chord structures having a plurality diagonal web members of each connected from an intersection of the bottom chord members to an intersection of the top chord members;
and
a connector at each said intersection for interconnecting said chord members and web members;
said connector including a cup-shaped member having four inclined flat sides extending along one of said diagonal web members and each having two holes therethrough;
two nuts fixed to each end of each said web member and precisely aligned with said two holes;
one of said nuts having a neck portion protruding from said web member into one of said holes and fitting snugly therein for initial alignment in assembly, and for adding shear and torsion resistance to supplement that of the other nut connection;
the clearance between said neck and its mating hole being about 0.030 inch;
the other of said nuts being threaded and the distance between said threaded nuts at opposite ends being maintained within a tolerance of about .+-.0.005 inch;
and
a threaded bolt extending through the other of said holes and threaded into said threaded nut, said bolt having a stepped diameter with a tapered shoulder which seats on said nut to precisely position the web member on the connector.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Space frame structure

Life of this patent

Space frame structure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16