Structure clad with tensioned cladding membrane
AssigneeBirdair, Inc.
InventorsRobert F. Wieber, David P. Capezzuto, John D. Hayes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A doubly curved structure which is clad with a tensioned, fabric-containing membrane which is disposed above but not contiguous with the exterior surface of the structure. The two ends of the cladding membrane are each connected to an attachment member which, in turn, is attached to the exterior surface; and the intermediate portion of the membrane is contiguous with a standoff member which is disposed between the cladding membrane and the exterior surface. An arc with a substantially concave curvature is formed by such membrane between at least one of the attachment members and the standoff member.
Claims19
A structure comprised of an exterior surface which is both vertically and circumferentially curved, wherein said exterior surface is clad with an integral, tensioned cladding membrane which has a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion disposed between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein:
- (a) said tensioned cladding membrane is not contiguous with said exterior surface of said structure;
- (b) said tensioned cladding membrane consists essentially of coated fabric material;
- (c) said structure is comprised of a first tensioned cladding membrane attachment member which is contiguous with and attached to said proximal end, a second tensioned cladding membrane attachment member which is contiguous with and attached to said distal end, and a first standoff member which is contiguous with said intermediate portion of said tensioned cladding membrane and is disposed between said exterior surface of said structure and said intermediate portion;
- and
- (d) from said proximal end of said tensioned cladding membrane to said first standoff member, said tensioned cladding membrane forms an arc with a substantially concave curvature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.