Continuous tension, discontinuous compression structures

• US 3,169,611 A
• Filed: 03/14/1960
• Issued: 02/16/1965
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1960
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kenneth D. Snelson
• Original Assignee: Kenneth D. Snelson
• Inventors: Snelson, Kenneth D.
• Application Number:
  US04/014,491
• Time in Patent Office: 1,800 Days
• US Class Current: 52/648.1
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/19 Three-dimensional framework structures
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1927 of essentially circular cross section
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1978 Frameworks assembled from preformed subframes, e.g. pyramids
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1981 characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1993 Details of framework supporting structure, e.g. posts or walls
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/1996 Tensile-integrity structures, i.e. structures comprising compression struts connected through flexible tension members, e.g. cables

Claims

1. A CONTINUOUS TENSION, DISCONTINUOUS COMPRESSION LATTICE COMPRISING A FIRST SET OF ONLY TWO GENERALLY ELONGATE COMPRESSION MEMBERS CROSSING INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS THEREOF, THE COMPRESSION MEMBERS OF SAID FIRST SET BEING ARRANGED GENERALLY IN A FIRST PLANE, A SECOND SET OF ONLY TWO GENERALLY ELONGATE COMPRESSION MEMBERS CROSSING INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS THEREOF POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID FIRST SET AND LYING GENERALLY IN A SECOND PLANE, A NETWORK OF TENSION MEMBERS ATTACHED GENERALLY TO THE ENDS OF EACH OF SAID COMPRESSION MEMBERS IN BOTH SETS AND PULLING ADJACENT ENDS TOWARD EACH OTHER TO FORM A SELF-SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, SAID TENSION MEMBERS BEING ATTACHED SELECTIVELY TO SEPARATE SAID COMPRESSION MEMBERS IN A GIVEN SET.