Saddle span shelter and joining system
US5899028A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04B7/102
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Two curved arch rib supports are provided with a pre-shaped flexible membrane cover attached to the ribs; the ends of the ribs are hinged on a common locus at base supports. When erected, a saddle shaped roof is formed to which contoured end walls may be added. Additional modules may be joined to the structure so formed, by applying a pre-shaped and independent fabric membrane or cable net attached by rings to only each of the two structure base pivot axles. A catenary cable and web belt stress concentrator connect each ring to its opposite on each separate structure. The cable and web are of pre-set length and are shorter than the perimeter of the outer chord of the beam. Alternatively, for joining a plurality of the saddle shaped structures, geodetic stress concentrators may be added to enhance and maintain the shape and performance of the cable net, thus stabilizing and drawing pre-stress or wind reactions from the membrane and facilitating their efficient flow to the ground anchors in purely tensile forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.