US 5,230,196 A · Polyhedron building system

Abstract

Disclosed is a building system which utilizes structural modules (10) to form a shelter (89, 132) having a spherical surface. The shelter includes flat portions (A) composed of flat modules (7), arch portions (B) composed of cylindrical modules (8), and spherical triangle portions (C) composed of spherical modules (9). The modules (10) are composed of crossed pairs of struts (13a-16b) which are hingedly interconnected by hubs (18-25). The structural modules preferably include periphery cables (27-30) and diagonal cables (31, 32, 44, 45), each cable being held in place by a cable keeper member (33-36, 46, 47). The structure also features a locking bar mechanism (26) for maintaining the modules (10) in an expanded configuration, and hubs (114) having radial cutout portions (115) for accommodating angular distortion of the structural framework.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A structural unit, comprising:

(a) four pairs of rods which are pivotally interconnected proximate their center points, the ends of which are hingedly interconnected to each other;
(b) a plurality of flexible cables each having two ends, each of said cable ends being attached to one of said rods;
and
(c) retention means for holding said cables, said retention means being connected to said cable at an intermediate point along said cable.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Polyhedron building system

Life of this patent

Polyhedron building system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18