Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
  • E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
  • E04C2/30—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure
  • E04C2/34—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure composed of two or more spaced sheet-like parts
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C45/26—Moulds
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
  • F24S10/50—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed between plates
  • F24S10/503—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed between plates having conduits formed by paired plates, only one of which is plane
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1933—Struts specially adapted therefor of polygonal, e.g. square, cross section
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1945—Wooden struts
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1951—Struts specially adapted therefor uninterrupted struts situated in the outer planes of the framework
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1978—Frameworks assembled from preformed subframes, e.g. pyramids
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1981—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
  • E04B2001/1984—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework rectangular, e.g. square, grid
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/199—Details of roofs, floors or walls supported by the framework
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1993—Details of framework supporting structure, e.g. posts or walls
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
  • Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method and apparatus of forming moldable integrated truss structures and to composite structures resulting from incorporating such truss structures between outer framing elements, sheets, skins or by incorporating strengthing structures within the truss structures.
• truss structures typically are utilized to provide support for a thin material such as a metallic skin, a floor, roof or wall or other such surface which is not capable by itself of supporting shear, bending and axial loads in various directions.
• Most truss structures are formed of a plurality of diagonal strut members which are joined together by means of rivets, welds, or a nut and bolt arrangement. Examples of such prior art truss structures -may be found in Bunker, U.S. Patent 2,123,931 and Troutner, U.S.
• a truss structure which requires a substantial amount of labor to join the strut beams to one another to provide a truss which is capable of supporting forces acting thereagainst.
• Another example of such a truss structure is disclosed in Snyder et al, U.S. Patent 3,415,027 wherein an unsymmetrical truss structure is formed of a plurality of steel beams which must be joined to one another by means of a riveting process which requires a substantial amount of labor.
• Kastan disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,791,386 a symmetrical truss structure having a plurality of strut elements joined at bosses at the top and bottom of the truss.
• the truss structure is capable of transmitting shear, bending and axial loads in any direction and is used for the cores of aircraft wings, structural panels and box type structural beams-.
• Other forms of reinforcing structures are illustrated in Pajak, U.S. Patent 2,609,068 and Plumley et al, U.S. Patent 2,849,758 wherein a honeycomb structure is disclosed.
• the drawbacks to a. honeycomb structure are that substantial manual labor is required to join the honeycomb elements together and once formed it is difficult to provide an insulating means for the structure if such is desired, i.e. insulation or foam cannot be injected through the honeycomb structure
• this invention relates to molds for forming integrated truss structures wherein such molds are comprised of two mold portions each including a plurality of male and female mold members.
• the male mold members each have a plurality of open grooves which may be orthogonally disposed with respect to one another or in the alternative may be disposed at 60° angles with respect to each other when viewed in a direction normal to the plane of the skin supported by the truss. The range of angles can be from about 30° to about 75° with a preferred angle being about 45°.
• the grooves slope away from the top surface of the mold member.
• Each of the female mold members have a generally recessed cavity with a plurality of open grooves aligned to mate with the grooves in the male mold members.
• the male and female members are positioned opposite one another with the grooves in the male and female members being aligned to define strut beam chambers and with the top of the male member being aligned with the recessed cavity of the female member to define a junction chamber.
• the male members are each positioned adjacent a female member, and vice versa, to thereby define alternate symmetrical upper and lower junction chambers interconnected by the strut beam chambers.
• OMPI together the chambers defined thereby are all interconnected and a means is provided for injecting a moldable material throughout the chambers to thereby form an integrated, integral, truss panel.
• integrated male and female mold members are formed.
• a first fixed mold member includes a plurality of spaced, raised flat portions together with a plurality of spaced, recessed flat portions and a plurality of open grooves connecting the raised and recessed portions.
• a second movable mold member includes a plurality of spaced, raised flat portions and a plurality of spaced recessed flat portions with a plurality of open grooves connecting the raised and recessed portions.
• the mold members are positioned in opposing relationship with respect to one another wherein the raised portions of the first member are aligned with the recessed portions of the second member and vice versa.
• the alignment of the raised and recessed portions define a junction chamber and the alignment of the open grooves define the strut beam chambers.
• An injection menas is provided for injecting a moldable material into the thus formed chambers.
• the present application also relates to various forms of such integrally molded truss panels.
• the junctions of each of the plurality of strut beams comprises a disc or junction plate.
• junction plates or contact points appearing on the outer, substantially planar, top and bottom surfaces of each of the truss cores used to form panels formed according to the present invention, such points together form the top and bottom outer sides of such cores. Accordingly, the plurality of such junction plates or contact points appearing on the outer, substantially planar, top and bottom surfaces of each of the truss cores used to form panels formed according to the present invention, such points together form the top and bottom outer sides of such cores. Accordingly, the
• OMPI presence of such junction plates provides a relatively large surface area which can be used when welding or adhesively or mechanically securing outer sheets or other outer structures at desired locations on the truss panel.
• the strut beams can ter,ornate at the top and bottom surfaces of the truss panel or, on the sides of hollow, annular bosses. Still another embodiment concerns providing a hole within the center of the junction plate. The structures that include such holes or hollow, annular bosses then can permit the securing of exterior structres by gluing as well as by nails, screws, rivets or other mechanical means.
• Another arrangement includes the use of support saddles or channels into which the strut beams extend and in which they are secured. Thus, the saddle or channel would be designed with a particular cross-sectional profile suitable to receive a particularly shaped member therein.
• the present invention also includes a variety of approaches to strengthen truss panels including the securing of outer sheet members or the incorporation of open grid type structures.
• FIGURE 1 is a plan view of one exemplary integrated truss structure formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention
• FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the truss structure of FIGURE 1;
• FIGURE 3 is a section view taken along the lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2of a strut beam of the truss structure formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention
• FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a male mold member for forming a truss- structure
• FIGURE 5 is a section view taken along the lines 5-5 of Figure 4 of the male mold member
• FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a female mold member for forming a truss structure
• FIGURE 7 is a section view taken along the lines 7-7 of FIGURE 6;
• FIGURE 8 is a simplified section view of three sections of the mold for forming the truss structure
• FIGURE 9 is a partial perspective view of this truss structure formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention.
• FIGURE 10 is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a truss structure formed
• FIGURE 11 is a section view illustrating the opposed male and female members for forming the truss structure of FIGURE 10;
• FIGURE 12- is an alternate truss structure having an interlaced strut beam structure capable of being formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention.
• FIGURE 13 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of another truss structure embodiment capable of being formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention.
• FIGURE 14 is a cross-section view of a modified form of a male mold member for forming the truss structure of Figure 13;
• FIGURE 15 is a cross-section view of a modified female mold member for forming the truss structure of Figure 13;
• FIGURE 16 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of another truss structure embodiment capable of being formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention.
• FIGURE 17 is a cross-section view illus- trating opposed male and female mold members used to form the truss structure of Figure 16;
• FIGURE 18 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of still another truss structure embodiment capable of being formed- " by the method and apparatus of the present invention;
• FIGURE 19 is. a cross-sectional view illustrating opposed male and female mold members used to form the truss structure of Figure 18;
• FIGURE 20 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of another truss structure embodiment capable of being formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention in which the support points extending in one direction have been moved closer together;
• FIGURE 21 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a portion of a truss formed according to the present invention having a wooden beam structure provided on its top and bottom surfaces;
• FIGURE 22 is an end view of the truss structure embodiment of Figure 21;
• FIGURE 23 is a side elevational view of the truss structure embodiment of Figure 21;
• FIGURE 24 is a modification of the truss structure of Figure 21 in which the double beams extend diagonally;
• FIGURE 25 is a diagrammatic top plan view of one contact point of a truss structure made according to the present invention showing a portion
• FIGURE 26 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a grooved contact point of a truss structure made according to the. present invention.
• FIGURE 27 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a portion of a truss structure according to the present invention incorporating the support system. shown in Figure 25;
• FIGURE 28 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a portion of a structural panel structure including an internal truss structure made according to " the present invention.
• FIGURE 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 in Figure 28;
• FIGURE 30 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another structural panel incorporating a truss structure made according to the present invention.
• FIGURE 31 is a diagrammatic end view of another structural panel incorporating a truss structure made according to the present invention.
• FIGURE 32 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a corner member, with portions cut away for clarity, for use with structural panels incorpora ⁇ ting truss structures made according to the present invention
• FIGURE 33 is a diagrammatic side eleva ⁇ tional view of a skylight structure incorporating a truss structure made according to the present invention.
• FIGURE 34 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a solar collection panel incorporating a truss structure made according to the present invention.
• FIGURE 35 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a portion of structural panel incorporating a truss structure made according to the present invention showing an exemplary fastening mechanism for securing an outer panel to the truss structure.
• FIGURE 36 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGURE 37 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 36;
• FIGURE 38 is a side elevational view of a composite structure formed by superimposing two of the structures shown in Figure 37;
• FIGURE 39 is a side elevational view of a curved composite structure embodying the structure shown in Figure 37.
• the truss structure includes a plurality of symmetrically disposed junction plates 11 which are alternately positioned on the top and bottom of the truss. Each of the junction plates 11 are joined to an adjacent junction plate positioned on the opposite side of the truss panel structure by means of a plurality of strut beams 13.
• the strut beams 13 may be formed of a single element or, as illustrated in Figure 1, a pair of elements 13 can be joined together by means of an internal web 15.
• Strut beams 13 extend outwardly away from junction plates 11 and are joined at adjacent junction plates on the underside thereof as illustrated. As illustrated, the strut beams are orthogonally disposed with respect to one another. However, it should be understood that three beams could extend outwardly from the junction plates at equal angles with respect to one another if desired. Other beam configurations are possible in keeping with the concept of the present invention.
• Each junction plate 11 is formed with a substantially flat exterior surface so that an outer skin or skins 10, such as a metallic or plastic plate wood sheet or other natural or synthetic board can be attached thereto by suitable means, such as, for example, glue, electromagnetic bonding, rivets or screws. If rivets or screws are to be used to secure the skin to the truss structure, holes 62 are formed in the junction plates 11 as illustrated in Figure 10. It should also be noted that the outer surface of junction plates 11 together cooperate to
• OMPI form the outer, substantially, planar, top and bottom surfaces of the truss panel.
• a small truss structure is shown in Figure 1, it should be understood that it is representative of such truss panels includes a repeating design unit indicated within the square formed from phantom lines. By having this design unit repeated, truss structures of various sizes and dimensioned can be molded as integral structures.
• the material used for forming truss structures according to the present invention may be any plastic material including, thermoplastics, such as polyolefins, polycarbonate or nylon, etc. ,and thermosetting materials or reinforced plastic materials, polyethylene or polycarbonate.
• the structure could be formed of any plastic or metallic materials, such as aluminum, for which mold material is available to withstand the temperature, pressure and other requirements for molding same.
• Figures 4 and 5 illustrate one of a plurality of male mold sections used in the mold when forming an integrated truss structure.
• the mold includes a metal molding block formed, for example, from beryllium copper castings.
• the beryllium copper castings are subjected to several thousand pounds per square inch pressure while solidifying the mold.
• Beryllium copper is advantageous because of its good heat conducting properties which result in a fairly rapid and uniform cooling of the mold after the hot plastic or metallic material which is to form the truss structure is injected into the mold.
• the male mold member 17 has four orthogonally disposed grooves 19 formed therein which slope downwardly and away from a plateau 21. In the preferred embodi-
• OMPI " ent, the grooves slope away from the plane of the plateau 21 at a strut angle of approximately 45°, although it should be appreciated that the strut angle can be varied depending upon the structural requirements of the panel or skin which the truss supports. It further should be understood that this angle can be different in one direction than in an orthogonal direction. Thus, with reference to Figure 1 the junction plates 11 in one direction would be closer together than in a direction at a right angle thereto.
• the male member 17 has an upper surface 23 which as will be seen mates or engages the recess cavity in the female mold member to define a junction chamber for forming the junction plates 11.
• the male member also includes a mold bearing surface 25 which bears against the corresponding surface on the female mold members to define the molding position of the male and female mold members.
• Figure 5 which is a cross- sectional view of the male mold member taken along the lines 5-5 thereof, the grooves 19 are shown sloping downwardly away from the plateau 21 at about a 45° angle.
• the top surface 23 extends upwardly from the plateau 21 and forms the mold surface for the underside of the junction plates 11.
• the male mold member is fixedly secured to a support plate (not shown) by means of, for example, one or more screws which are inserted into the hole 27 formed in the base of the male mold member or by any other known techniques which will securely hold the mold member in place.
• a suitable alignment means such as a dowel can be utilized to insure that each mold member is positioned on the support plate directly opposite its mating member.
• cooling channels could be formed in the mold member for the purpose of carrying the heat of the molten plastic or metal away from the mold block to thereby facilitate the cooling of the molded material.
• the female mold block 29 includes a recessed cavity 31 having a plurality of grooves 33 extending upwardly, and away therefrom at about a 45° angle with respect to the plane of the bottom surface of the recessed cavity.
• the mold block as illustrated in Figure 7 has an upper bearing surface 35 which bears against the surface 25 of the male mold member 17 when the two blocks are positioned one opposite the other in preparation for injecting a mold material there.
• the female mold block 29 is secured to a base support plate (not shown) by means of one or more screws which are inserted into the threaded holes 37 or securement can be achieved by other techniques known in the art.
• the female members can be aligned by a suitable means, such as dowels, to insure the proper alignment with the mating male member.
• the male and female mold blocks when positioned opposite one another in a mating relationship define a junction chamber and plurality of strut beam chambers.
• the cone angle i.e., the angle at which the sides 20 and 22 of the male and female members, respectively, slope with respect to the axis of the mold travel, is made a suitable size which may vary depending upon the temperature and mold materials utilized. However, this angle preferably should not be so great that the side wall
• OMPI 22 of the female member intersects the side wall of the mold below the mating established by the mold bearing surfaces 25. It should also be appreciated that the grooves must have a draft, i.e., slightly 5 inclined walls, so that the molded truss structure can be easily removed fr.om the mold members.
• a molding material such as a plastic or metallic material is injected into the female mold via channel 39 and then into the recessed cavity 31
• male and female mold members are positioned alternately with respect to one another so that a female mold member is positioned adjacent each male mold member and vice
• female mold member 29 has positioned against each of its sides a male mold member 17 to thereby form a first lower mold member 43a having a plurality of raised plateaus 21, and a plurality of spaced recessed flat portions 31 each connected by 5 means of open grooves 19 and 33.
• a second plurality of male and female members are joined together to form a second upper mold member 43b that is ver ⁇ tically movable with respect to the first mold member 43a.
• This mold member also has male and female members alternately positioned against one another as illustrated to define a plurality of raised cavities 41', and a plurality of plateaus 21', each joined together by means of open grooves 19' and 33*.
• the 5 bottom mold is formed by joining a plurality of mold members by fixedly securing these members to a base plate (not shown) .
• the upper mold 43b is also joined to a support plate (not shown) , but is movable with respect to the lower mold so that once the mold material is " injected into the mold, the upper mold can be moved away from the lower mold to thereby free the truss structure for removal of the mold.
• the bearing surfaces 25 and 35 serve to define the final position of the upper mold with respect to the lower mold.
• a plurality of strut beam chambers 51 are formed from the open grooves 17, 17', 19 and 19'.
• junction plate chambers 53 are formed by means of the recessed cavities 31, and the upper surface 23 of the male mold members.
• the moldable material plastic or metallic materials, is injected into the strut beam chambers and the junction plate chambers thus formed through annular channel 39.
• the channel 39 is preferably formed in one or more of the female mold members which are secured to the bottom support plate.
• a heating element can be positioned in one or more of the female mold members which are utilized for injecting plastic or other mold materials for the purpose of maintaining the temperature of the molten mold material at a substantially uniform high temperature.
• each strut beam is a single beam, however, it should be understood that, in keeping with the present invention, by a simple modification of the mold structure a double or I- beam structure could be provided such as illustrated in Figures 1-3.
• a single mold member could be formed. This would require appropriate machining in order to insure that plateaus 21, recess cavities 41,' and " the open grooves were all in alignment with respect to one another when the mold is closed.
• the cone angle should not be greater than the angle formed by line 50 shown in Figure 8 extending from the edge of one recessed cavity 41 to the edge of an adjacent oppositely disposed cavity 41. This will enable the male and female cones not to be truncated on their sides.
• mold modules could be formed from a group of individual molds with each mold group, perhaps, having a different but compatible design. A plurality of such molds could be assembled together and would thus make up a complete mold structure. This has the benefit of avoiding cumulative dimensional error which could result from making a large integral mold.
• individual male and female mold members were joined to one another on a base plate to form the upper and lower mold members because of the simplicity of the structure thereof and because of the flexibility of size of the truss structure which can result by adding or subtracting male and female members from the upper and lower mold members.
• the apparatus of the present invention for forming a truss structure having hollow annular bosses 61 which permit the use of rivets, screws or inserts to fasten a skin material to the truss structure.
• the annular bosses may also be provided in a panel where the junction plates are adhered or welded to the skins. In this case the bosses provide strong points for attaching other structures to the panel by fasteners such as screws or blind rivets.
• the truss structure is formed of a circular junction plate 63 having a flat upper surface or skin attachment surface 65 with the junction plate having a hole 62 through the center thereof.
• junction pl-ate 63 On the underside of the junction pl-ate 63 is formed an annular, hollow boss 61, which serves as a reinforcement for the junction of the strut beams 13 and the junction plate 63.
• a truss structure may be formed from a mold comprising a plurality of male and female mold members of the type illustrated in Figure 11.
• a female mold member 67 is of the same design as the female mold member of Figures 6 and 7 with one important exception. The exception relates to the manner in which the molten moldable material is injected into the chambers
• OMPI - defined by the juxtaposition of the male and female mold members.
• the male mold member 71 includes a plurality of open grooves 73 together with a plateau surface 75, and an upper surface 77.
• a center post 79 must be formed either in the male mold member 71 or the female mold member 67 or in both in order to define a circular area about which the moldable material flows but by which no moldable material can flow into a cylindrical air volume defined by the post 79. This volume results in the formation of the hole 62 in the junction plate 63.
• a plurality of mold members are joined to one another with the female and male mold members being juxta ⁇ posed alternately to thereby define upper and lower mold members.
• an integral upper and lower mold member may be machined to have the same configuration as the plurality of juxtaposed male and female mold members.
• FIG. 12 where there is illustrated a high strength truss structure having an interleaved truss core structure.
• the molded truss structure of Figure 12 is formed by simply joining together two truss structures of the type illustrated in Figure 9. Such truss structures can be joined together by any suitable means known in the art such as for example, by the use of adhesive compounds. As a result of joining the two truss structures, it can be seen that twice as many strut beams can be provided for a given thickness of the truss structure as would be possible if the two truss structures were not joined together. Thus, with reference to Figure 12, shown in dotted lines is the strut beam structure which would result from a truss beam formed from a single mold.
• the lamination or joining of truss struc ⁇ tures can be increased in number beyond two as required for strength, stiffness, or other require ⁇ ments.
• Intermediate skins may be attached between the layers in addition to the outer skins for various purposes such as improved thermal insulation in translucent panels or reduced radiant heat transmission if reflective surfaces are employed.
• FIG. 13 another exemplary embodiment of the truss structure according to the present invention is shown. This structure differs from the truss shown in Figure 9 in that junction plates 11 have been removed so that strut beams 13
• OMPI now join together directly to form a cross-shaped junction elemtn having an upper or exposed surface 100. While the upper edge of strut beams 13 can directly join or intersect surface 100 a step indicated at.102 is provided between surface 100 and the inserting point of the upper surface of strut beams 13.
• a step indicated at.102 is provided between surface 100 and the inserting point of the upper surface of strut beams 13.
• this modified truss structure as shown in Figure 13 can be used advantageously as a dividing screen or can be used with other like truss elements of a predetermined size to form a protective panel as, for example, a machinery guard.
• the truss structure produced as shown in Figure 13 could be bonded b suitable adhesives to transparent sheets to produce a self-supporting guard which allows observation of the machine. Vision could be further enhanced if the material from which the truss core were made were a clear plastic such as clear polycarbonate.
• the modified truss structure shown in Figure 13 is produced by the use of opposed male and female members 17a and 29a respectively shown in Figures 14 and 15. These members differ from mold members 17 and 29 shown in Figures 5 and 7 in that the upper surface 23 has been extended away from plateau 21 a distance corresponding to the height of step 102 and this added section is shown generally by the bracket indicated at 104. Recessed cavity 31' of female mold member 29a differs from cavity 31 shown in. Figure 7 in that it has been modified in order to receive the added section 104. In order to produce the stepped structure shown in Figure 13 with step 102 grooves 33 would terminate prior to the bottom of cavity 31'.
• FIGS. 18 show two alternative forms of the structure set forth in Figure 10 which sets forth a truss structure according to the present invention.
• This • truss core structure is provided with a modified type of hollow angular boss 61' that forms an integral structure with the ends of strut beams 13.
• the angular bosses 61 were provided with junction plates 11 which had an opening or hole 62 that extended not only through boss 61 but also through plate 11.
• the junction plate 11 has been removed from both embodiments shown in Figures 16 and 18 as there may be many instances where that plate and the bonding surface provided thereby are not needed.
• the tops of strut beams 13 extend upwardly to a height
• OMP equal to the exposed exterior surface of boss 61' so that on both sides of the truss structure the substantially, planar sides of that structure are formed by those upper surfaces of the struts as well as the surface 108 of annular boss 61'.
• the mold members for producing the structure set forth in Figure 16 is shown in Figure 17 and are each comprised of a plurality of male and female mold members as shown at 71 and 67, respectively. These members can be compared with Figure 11 and it can be seen that the recessed cavity 69 as shown in Figure 7 has been removed from the mold structure shown in Figure 17 since it is the cavity 69 in which junction plate 11 is formed about center post 79. Likewise, the length of center post 79' has now been reduced from the length needed in Figure 7 but the post 79' still meets or engages the bottom surface of the cavity within female mold structure 67 so that hole 62 is formed in a manner that allows it to extend completely through angular boss 61'.
• annular bos 61' could be formed without hole 62 simply by omitting post 79' from the mold.
• strut beams 13 By forming the strut beams 13 with respect to angular bosses 61' in this manner I have found that it is possible to have the axis of each of the strut beams 13 arranged in a way such that they can ⁇ intersect the plane of the neutral axis of the surface members attached to the truss core structure, including lattice structures or sheeting materials applied to the exterior of the truss structure. For example, if relatively large trusses having dimensions four feet by eight feet or eight feet by sixteen feetare formed in the manner as
• OMPI - shown in Figure 16 it is possible to apply exterior sheeting materials such as insulation panels, plywood sheets, gypsum board or other common building materials to the exterior of this truss structure either by gluing those materials to exposed surfaces 108 or by employing screws or nails that would fit within holes 62 or if the exterior sheet material were metal, that material could be attached to the truss structure by means of welding to surface 108 or angular bosses 61' or by riveting through hole 62-.
• exterior sheeting materials such as insulation panels, plywood sheets, gypsum board or other common building materials
• strut beams 13 have been shown as having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape such strut beams could be provided with a round, square or relatively flat cross-sectional shape as well depending upon the materials used to make the truss structure and the purpose for which the truss structure is going to be used.
• the mold elements used to construct the truss structure shown in Figure 18 are set forth in Figure 19 and again differ from the members shown in Figure 11 in that the portion of cavity ⁇ 69 surrounding the area in which angular boss 61 is formed is now filled by raising the bottom surface of the inner cavity of female mold member 67a. Specifically, with reference to Figure 19 the centrally located post 79" is still provided between plateau 75 of the male mold member 71 and the bottom
• the recessed area within female mold member 67a is now made up of two surface levels an upper one indicated at 112 and a lower one at 114. Between these two levels is an annular vertical surface indicated at 116 which meshes with an annular surface 118 provided in the male mold member 71a so that it extends ' vertically away from the boundary established by plateau surface 75.
• an annular chamber which forms the annular hollow boss 61.
• Surfaces 112 and 11.4 serve to define the upper surfaces 120 and 122 respectively of the strut beams 13 and annular boss 61".
• the injection point for the molding material must be offset from the center of the cavity existing between the two mold members and accordingly the injection groove 124 shown as being offset from post 79".
• truss structures can be molded with the axes of the strut beams designed so that they will intersect at the neutral plane of the particular thickness of the surface member.
• FIG 20 another alternative exemplary embodiment of a truss structure according to the present invention is set forth.
• a truss structure made according to the present invention is subsequently put into a press ' to develop a predetermined amount of curvature in the truss structure following which the truss structure was then incorporated between two similarly curved outer plates,it would be advantageous to at times concentrate the number of contact points in certain areas.
• Such panel structures could be used when making a wide variety of curved structures including the side wall members
• the distance between horizontal rows, or the height of the equilateral triangle, would be equal to the square root of 0.866S.
• the horizontal rows would be spaced the square root of 3 times further apart than the vertical rows.
• FIG. 21-24 another alternative embodiment of a structural panel incorporating the truss structures made according to the present invention is set forth.
• the truss structure is indicated in Figures 22 and 23 generally at 130 is comprised of struts 132 which tie together and are integrally molded with rectangular shaped pad elements.
• the rectangular pads appearing in the top and bottom surfaces respectively of the truss structure 130 are indicated by numerals 134 and 134', respectively.
• each of the pads 134 and 134' have an open channel or saddle 136 formed between two upwardly extending side pieces 138 and 140.
• This channel, 136 can receive a panel surface member such as, for example, a lattice structure which begins with a wood strip 142 which can be glued or in any other convenient manner secured within channel 136.
• channels 136 extend in what would appear to be the vertical direction and accordingly in this embodiment wood strips 142 would extend on one side of the structure from one pad 134 to the next pad 134 and so on along the length of that side.
• the next layer of the lattic structures formed from a plurality of second wooden strips 144 positioned orthogonally with respect to strips 142.
• the dimensions for wood strips 142 can preferably be about 1 inch wide by 5/8 inches thick whereas the dimensions for wood strips 144 can be approximately 2 inches wide by approximately 5/8 inches thick. Wood strips 144 can be secured to the panel and specifically at the cross points with wood strips 142 by any convenient means such as by screws or glue and together serve to provide additional resistance to bending and shear forces to each side of the panel.
• OMPI While the structure could incorporate only wood strips 142 and 144 I have found that it would be preferable to complete the lattice structure by including a third group of a plurality of additional wood strips 146 identical to wood strips 142, running in the same direction as wood strips 142 and overlying strips 142 and 144. Again, wood strips 146 can be secured to the structure by glue or any other convenient means such as by screws or bolts, and the finished structure produces a building panel to which a wide variety of additional surface sheet structures could be applied either by nails, staples, glue or other conventional means.
• both the top and bottom sides of the panel structure can be formed as just described with respect to the application of wood strips 142-146 and these are indicated in Figures 22 and 23 respectively by reference numerals 142', 144' and 146'.
• the resulting building panel as shown in Figures 21-23 could be filled with various types of thermal insulating materials.
• the truss panel structure could be filled with a foam insulator or, alternatively, following the securing of a surface sheet to one side of the panel, such as a piece of gypsum board or plywood, the entire structure could thereafter be filled with a foam insulating material or blown insulation of various types.
• the second or top skin could be attached which would hold the insulation in place within the panel structure.
• the resulting panel structure could also be provided with end or side pieces so that the resulting building panel could be enclosed not only from the top and bottom by skin material secured to the cross members 142-146 but also by the side or end pieces that would close off the remaining exposed open portions of the panel.
• the truss structure would remain the same except that the pads formed by the junction points for the struts would be changed in configuration so that wood strips 142 are placed diagonally. Wood strips 144 are applied there over as in Figure 16 while wood strips 146 are also applied diagonally across the top of strips 144.
• the angle between diagonal members 142 and 146 can vary widely but the preferred range is about 30°to about 90°.
• the form of the pads appearing on this modified truss structure are shown at 148 in the upper surface and 150, with pads 148 appearing on the upper surface of the structure while pads 150 appear on the lower or bottom surface.
• Each pad is again provided with an open channel or saddle area 152 which is formed between two upwardly extending triangular portion 154 and 156.
• OMPI support and secure the supporting member to the truss structure.
• the diagonal embodiment set forth in Figure 24 produces a truss panel structure which exhibits extremely good stress resistance with respect to both bending and shear forces and because of the presence of the diagonal members would be exceptionally well suited for use in . building roof or wall structures.
• a grid of wires as the surface member in the truss panel
• Grooves 158 and 160 are shown as being perpendicular to each other and crossing in the center of the pad although they could be varied to suit the surface member being used. With such a structure, it is possible to incorporate cross-wires 164 and 166 respectively within grooves 158 and 160.
• the pad could also include the junction plate 11 which in certain circumstances would provide a greater surface to which the wires or a subsequent outer skin could be secured and likewise such a junction plate might provide additional plastic material when securing wires 164 and 166 in place.
• VJ-TPO the thickness of the wires themselves so that the neutral axes of both wires can be in the same plane and at the intersectins of the neutral axes of the truss core struts.
• the thermoplastic material from which the truss element is formed could be melted so that it could be squeezed about the wires or alternatively, the wires could be secured within grooves 158 and 160 by adhesive applied over the wires or means of a separate securing disk, shown in phantom at 168 in Figure 6 that could be bonded by adhesives or by an electromagnetic bonding technique to the upper surface of pad 162. in that case also, the exterior substantially planar surface of the truss structure would be defined by the upper surface of disk 168.
• FIG. 27 still another alternative embodiment of a truss structure according to the present invention is set forth which can incorporate additional truss members in the planes defined by the pads on their exterior surfaces. Such members can, for example, appear on opposite sides of the truss structure or only on one side.
• the truss structure, generally indicated at 170 is comprised of a plurality of connecting struts or beams 172 which terminate at pads. Those appearing on the top surface are indicated at 174 and are arranged into two substantially parallel rows while those appearing on the bottom surface are indicated at 176 and lie in one row substantially parallel to the two rows of pads 174.
• a grid structure comprised of wires or rods 178 and 180 can be subsequently glued, by epoxy or other adhexives, to the top pads 174 with wires 178 extending between the rows of pads 174. While wires 180 extend along or parallel with the rows between adjacent pads 174. In this
• a single row of pads 176 forms the bottom of the truss structure and a single wire 182 extends along the row between adjacent pads 176.
• the truss structure 170 could be comprised of a diagonal segment cut from a truss made according to the Figure 9 embodiment. Alter- - natively,' the structure could be molded as a separate, integral element with any desired length. In that regard, a repeating structural unit is shown by the dotted box 184.
• wire 182 tie together the plurality of pads 176 appearing along the bottom surface so that they will resist bending moments generated within the structure.
• the grid formed from wires 178 and 180, which are preferably welded together prior to their being secured to the truss structure 170 ties together pads 174 horizontally so that pads 174 resist downwardly and outwardly applied bending moments.
• This truss structure which has been strengthened by used of wires 178-182 would provide a very unique support runner or skid device which could be secured by any convenient means such as by stapling or gluing it to the bottoms of containers, pallets or other devices where it would be desirable • to have the container raised off of the floor as, for example, to allow the N of a forklift truck to pass beneath the structure.
• securing means besides wires 178-182 could also be employed, such as, for example, wood strips, plastic rods, or a mesh-type material it only being important to tie the pads appearing in the upper and lower surface together.
• the strengthening structure used with the truss structure 170 could be secured to pads 174 and 176 in any of the ways previously discussed herein.
• the wire structure as shown could also be merely placed on the truss structure with heat then being applied locally to the pads 174 and 176 melting the material appearing therein until it flowed about the wires at which point heating could be stopped to allow the material to solidify.
• Sheet 192 is preferably pressed from sheet metal or could be molded plastic and is provided with a number of alternating depressed and raised areas extending below and above a common middle level.
• the depressed areas are generally indicated at 194, the raised areas are generally indicated at 196 while
• the intermediate level areas are generally indicated at 198. It will be noted that the intermediate areas 198 fall so that they can be aligned with the contact pads 200 of the truss structure 190. As is shown by the shading in Figure 28 the shaped sheet 192 slopes continuously from the bottom of recessed areas 194 up to the top surface of raised areas 196 thus producing a recessed and crossed rib structure or a channelized structure that resists bending and shear forces very well.
• the upper surface of pads 200 lie against the bottom surface of intermediate areas 198 and can be secured thereto by any convenient means as referred to before such as welding, electromagnetic bonding or by use of mechanical means such as rivets or screws.
• the truss structure which can be, for example similar to that shown in Figure 9, is sandwiched between two corrugated panels 204 and 206 with each of the corrugated sheet members 204 and 206 being respectively comprised of an inner sheet 208 and 210, respectively, an exterior sheet, 212 and 214, respectively. Sandwiched between each of the inner and outer sheets is a corrugated member 216 and 218, respectively.
• the inner and outer sheets in the corrugated panels can be comprised of a variety of materials for instance cardboard, plastic, wood inner and exterior sheets with a plastic or cardboard corrugated insert, metal or other various combinations of these materials.
• the two surface panel structures are themselves very stiff and when
• ribs 224 depending from the inner surface of sheet 220 provide additional buckling resistance when sheet 220 is secured to the support pads on the truss structure 222 and add further strength to the composite structure.
• truss structures made according to this invention are uniquely suited in the preparation of containers.
• Such containers could be comprised with top, bottom and side walls such truss structures together with suitable inner and outer skins secured thereto to define the inner and outer walls of the container.
• the walls of the container could include a single
• OMPI i truss core structure or a plurality of truss core structures with skins again secured to the outer sides of the composite structure.
• containers could be comprised of top, bottom and side walls where the number of truss structures used could vary throughout the container depending upon the strength requirements of the varius walls or other properties desired in the container itself.
• Figure 32 shows an exemplary structure and specifically the corner and side fastening arrange ⁇ ment in order to form the truss structures together into such a container.
• the container generally indicated at 230, can be comprised of walls of various thicknesses. Vertical side walls are shown at 232 while horizontal top and bottom walls are indicated at 234.
• Vertical walls 232 are shown as including two internal truss core members, with an inner and outer skin applied thereto and horizontal walls 234 shown are including three interal truss core structures again with inner and outer skins applied. It should be kept in mind that it is the intent of the present invention to be able to construct the vertical and horizontal walls of a container with that number of truss structures required to accomplish a particular end result.
• the corner or joining member can be either an integral one-piece device, one formed in a number of one- piece sections. Each section includes two perpendicularly positioned, inwardly opening channels as indicated at 236 and 238. A portion of the structure extends outwardly from each closed end of channel members 236 and 238 meeting to form the exterior edge of the container which is indicated at 240.
• the edge member could also be comprised of straight side pieces and separate corner elements or alternatively two straight edge members and an integrally molded corner piece.
• the joining members can be molded or extruded structures could be comprised of a wide variety of materials.
• the truss panels would be suitably secured within U-shaped channels 236 and 238, preferably by adhesives, although other joining techniques could be used as well.
• the thickness of the walls defining the legs of the U-shaped channel can vary from container to container again depending upon the strength requirements of the container being designed.
• the truss structure used according to the present invention has a wide variety of uses and two alternatives are set forth in Figures 33 and 34 respectively.
• the truss structure generally indicated in 250 which could, for example, be constructed similar to the portion shown in Figure 9, has a thin glass sheet 252 secured to the bottom pads or junction plates 254 while a thin glass sheet, such as shown at 256, could be secured to the upper pads or junction plates 260.
• Such a structure could be provided with a 'suitable edge or could be cut to a proper size and when so constructed would form a lightweight but extremely strong skylight or window structure.
• the truss structure provides a plurality of support points (i.e. pads 254 and 260) extremely thin glass can be used since there is no wide span across which the glass would have to remain unsupported..
• __OMPI forming truss 250 should be constructed such that they intersect the neutral plane of the glass sheet positioned on both the upper and lower surfaces of truss 250, This again ensures that as strong a composite structure as possible can be produced and minimizes the creation of any additional bending moments when force is applied to the composite structure.
• a solar collector is indicated generally at 270 which is comprised of a clear or transparent sheet of glass or plastic 274 secured to the upper surface of the truss whereas an opaque sheet or skin or material 276 is secured to the bottom surface of truss 272.
• side and end structures indicated at 278 and 280 can be applied so as to extend around the complete periphery of the structure formed of truss 272 and sheets 274 and 276. By forming such a composite structure the space therein could be subjected to a partial so as to make the device an ideal solar collector.
• a channel member 282 can be. secured adhesively or otherwise to the exterior surface of opaque sheet 276 and can be formed with fluid channels 284 through which water, air or other fluids could be passed to absorb the heat collected by sheet 276.
• the axes of the struts forming truss structure 272 would be angled so that they intersect at the neutral axis of both sheets 274 and 276 again minimizing the creation of any bending moments when weight or other stress is applied to the composite structure.
• FIG 35 an alternative embodiment is shown by which exterior sheets could be secured to the truss panels made according to the present invention.
• Struts 290 could terminate at a pad generally indicated at 292 which could be formed with an opening having a T-shaped cross-section generally indicated at 294.
• the rivets could be applied to the outer member by using a jig to properly align th m and in that instance, the sheet 298 with rivets in place could be simply secured to the truss panel by fitting the sheet 298 in place and specifically by fitting the ends of rivets 296 within the openings 294 of pads 292. Thereafter, the portion of the rivet extending through pad 292 would be flattened.
• rivets 296 could be secured within pads 292 and sheets 298 subsequently spot welded or otherwise secured thereto either prior or subsequent to the installation of the truss panel at a desired location.
• Figures 36 - 39 another alternative embodiment of a truss panel is set forth.
• the truss structure 306 may be comprised on any moldable material including plastic or metal such as aluminum and the grid 300 could be pre ⁇ formed from wires, such as aluminum or steel or plastic. Alternatively, the mold cells could be formed so that grid 300 would be simultaneously formed during the molding operation so that grid 300 would be comprised of the same material as the truss structure 306 resulting in a completely integrally formed member 302.
• the grid 300 could also be comprised of a plurality of rods laid in the mold or it could be comprised of a pre-welded mesh structure depending upon the needs of the product being produced.
• FIG. 37 An end view of the resulting structure appears in Figure 37 and is shown in a form ready to receive an outer surface member.
• the axes of the strut are shown as intersection at the point where the grid 300 is secured on one face, as at 312. On the other face, the axes of the struts intersect above pads 308 and at a point substantially equal to the neutral axes of the outer surface member such as sheet 310 in Figure 34.
• a double truss member could be formed with grid 300 appearing on two exterior sides. It should be noted, however, that now the axes of the struts are angled to meet at the surface of pads 308 so that the axes of the struts from both truss structures meet at the center of the composite structure. Thus, a composite truss panel structure would be produced and the two members could be welded or adhered together in any of the ways previously discussed which includes the use of epoxy adhesives or electromagnetic bonding techniques. With reference to Figure 39, the truss members shown in Figure 37 could be curved following the molding process so as to be formed into the curve structure shown in Figure 39.
• an exterior sheet such as shown at 310 could be secured to contact areas or (paths or pads). 308 with the connection of sheet 310 to the truss panel 302 again being accomplished by adhesive materials, welding ' or by mechanical means such as rivets (not shown) . It can be seen that by the present invention an improved integral molded truss structure is formed- which does not require the use . of rivets, bolts or o.ther means for connecting strut beams to surface plates, and hence, substantially reduces the time involved for making the truss structure.
• the thickness of the truss structure can be varied as well as the strength thereof.
• the mold can be made of beryllium copper, steel, ceramics or other suitable material or various combinations of materials depending on the materials used to form the truss structure.
• the truss structure of the present invention can be utilized to form flat or curved panels utilizing a minimum of material to efficiently attain strength and rigidity. The panels so formed may be used for containers, transportation vehicles, buildings and structures of many kinds .

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• 1979
  • 1979-12-19 JP JP55500945A patent/JPH0248343B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1979-12-19 WO PCT/US1979/001110 patent/WO1981001807A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1979-12-19 EP EP19800900828 patent/EP0041946A4/en not_active Ceased

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