U.S. patent application number 10/993383 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for lighting systems.
Invention is credited to Callahan, Michael.
Application Number | 20050103326 10/993383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34577127 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050103326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Callahan, Michael |
May 19, 2005 |
Lighting systems
Abstract
A system for assembling a variety of structures is disclosed.
The system comprises a number of relatively short members having
integral terminator portions suitable for reusable mechanical
connection to other said members, at least a plurality of said
members preferably incorporating a bend in at least one terminator
to permit the assembly of complex, dimensional structures without
additional components.
Inventors: |
Callahan, Michael; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIDSON, DAVIDSON & KAPPEL, LLC
485 SEVENTH AVENUE, 14TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10018
US
|
Family ID: |
34577127 |
Appl. No.: |
10/993383 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60523530 |
Nov 19, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/562 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 10/02 20130101;
F24S 25/13 20180501; Y02E 10/47 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/562 |
International
Class: |
F24J 002/42 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a structure for the support of loads: a plurality of similar
elongated structural members, a plurality of said structural shapes
disposed in a substantially parallel relationship; additional said
members mechanically connected to and between said elongated
structural shapes for maintaining said substantially parallel
relationship; said members and said additional members forming a
substantially rigid structure that is longer in at least one axis
than the longest said member perpendicular to said axis; said
members having at least two integral terminator portions suitable
for reusable mechanical interconnection with the terminator
portions of said members and a plurality of said members
incorporating a bend in at least one of said terminator portions.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/523,530 filed Nov. 19, 2003, and relates to
structures and components thereof.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The application discloses a variety of improvements to
structures and components thereof and other equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one element of the structural
system.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a similar element of the
structural system of greater length.
[0005] FIG. 3 is an elevation of the element in the prior Figure
rotated 90 degrees about its long axis.
[0006] FIG. 4 is an elevation of an element similar to that in the
prior figure, whose terminators have been bent.
[0007] FIG. 5 is an elevation showing a plurality of elements like
those in the prior Figures at a joint/intersection.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a side view of a complex structure assembled from
the elements of the prior Figures.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a complex structure in which
otherwise parallel members of different length are used to produce
curved or facetted shape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Prior trusses and similar structures are typically
fabricated by the use of parallel lengths of continuous tubing for
the main chords of the truss, parallel to its elongated centerline,
and then machining shorter lengths of tube stock to form
intersecting cross-bracing between such main chords, which are
welded in place. In less expensive versions, cross-bracing is
provided by continuous rod that is repeatedly bent to "zig-zag"
back and forth between main chord tubes. Trusses are typically
fabricated in sections that, for reasons of modularity and
shipping, are far shorter than the desired span of the final
structure. A load-bearing detail for joining multiple sections
end-wise in the field is required.
[0011] Trusses fabricated using these methods are essentially
hand-built and custom; cannot be altered in design or repaired in
the field; and consume considerable volume in shipping; and are
bulky in handling. There are also particular disadvantages when the
truss is curved or facetted along its elongated centerline because
of the increased complexity in fabrication and increased volume
consumed in shipping.
[0012] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an improved method of truss fabrication
with many advantages.
[0013] At least the members used to cross-brace the main chords are
fabricated by flattening tube stock to form a "tab" and punching at
least one pass hole for a bolt or other fastener. (For example, tab
10A and pass hole 10B in the case of member/structural element 10
of FIG. 1.) The "tab" may also be bent (as illustrated in FIG. 4)
to provide for connections at angles and/or attached to
intermediate, angled brackets. Such cross-braces can then be bolted
to the main chords either in the shop or in the field to form a
structure. However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, similar
elements/members can be used to form all parts of the structure,
including the main chords, such that the truss or other structure
is entirely assembled from a selection of these relatively-short
members, completely in the shop; completely in the field; or
assembled in intermediate lengths (sections) that are field-joined
on site. The method is extremely flexible, allowing trusses in a
vast number of sizes and shapes to be assembled from a relatively
small number of components. Specific trusses can be modified,
repaired, and even "recycled" by changing members. And, if stocked
and shipped as individual members, the system is extremely
efficient in stocking and transport.
[0014] The system is also very efficient in producing structures
having curves, facets, and angles. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,
complex structures can be produced, as can curved or facetted
structures by using members that are longer on one side (e.g.
element/member 71 of FIG. 7) of a structure than the other (e.g.
element/member 72)--a segmented curve can be formed from "standard"
straight members (although such members could also be
radiused).
[0015] Such an approach has advantages in many applications,
including trusses and space frames used in architectural
applications.
[0016] One application is, for example, in structures that support
solar arrays, which must be supported and at specific angles. Such
a supporting structure can be free-standing or attached to a
building or other structure. It will be seen that the tremendous
flexibility of the disclosed approach allows near infinite
variation in structure design.
[0017] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate solar panels attached to one
portion of a structure.
[0018] In addition to the arrays often seen on roofs; such a
structure can serve other functions. Such structures can be used to
fabricate awnings or canopies over building entrances or walkways;
providing protection from sun, rain, and snow.
[0019] Such panels can be mounted to buildings to serve as
sun-shades or awnings over windows, serving the dual functions of
generating power and of reducing solar gain (and, therefore, the
need for air-conditioning).
[0020] Whether they rely on photocells or heat a fluid, such panels
can take many forms, including in the former case, not only the
traditional rigid panels, but flexible materials that can be
adhered to a rigid backing or used as a fabric.
[0021] In the case of sun-shades, for example, types are known in
which a series of relatively narrow and vertical "slats" parallel
the building wall/window opening. The height, angle, and spacing of
the slats are set to block the sun's rays at specific angles. The
sunward faces of such slats can mount photo-electric cells for
power generation; the slots themselves can be, effectively,
radiators that convert incident solar energy to heat transmitted to
a fluid passing through them; and/or the sunward surface of the
slat can incorporate shapes that concentrate incident light on the
facing side of the next sunward slat or on a member inbetween.
[0022] In applications of solar arrays, snow collecting on the
array will block incident light and reduce the array's output until
removed. Manually clearing snow from the array represents not only
an inconvenience and in cost, but, given their typical location, a
potential safety risk. The failure to clear snow promptly from the
array may lead to a frozen "crust" that is difficult, at best, to
remove.
[0023] Desirably, therefore, means will be provided to apply
sufficient heat to the exposed surfaces of the array that snow will
melt rather than collect. In the case of arrays using fluids, the
fluid can be heated as necessary and the array converted into a
radiator. Photocell arrays can incorporate electric heater
provisions, such as are used on car windows. And thin, flexible
films applied to surfaces can be heated by heating the surface to
which they are mounted--for example, such material applied to a
metal roof can be warmed by heating the roof--which can be done
from the rear side.
[0024] Such "solar solutions" are typically installed exterior to a
building, producing issues of mounting; weather; access; and
appearance. But it is also possible to generate power and serve
other, desirable functions in applications interior to a
structure.
[0025] Vertical or horizontal ("venetian") blinds are mounted to
window openings that admit energy, but are protected from the
elements. Desirably, the slats of such "blinds" could be or be
provided with "solar cells". Desirably, their operation can be
motorized and made responsive to factors including incident solar
energy; time of day/day/season; and the occupancy of the adjacent
space. If, for example, the space in which they are mounted is
presently unoccupied, then, upon detecting significant solar energy
from a local or a remote sensor, the "blinds/array" would be closed
and optimized for maximum collection--which would also reduce heat
gain into the space. If the space is occupied, it can be expected
that many occupants, under conditions of bright, direct sunlight
will prefer a "blind" setting that will result in power generation.
Where the user does not intervene, the disposition of the "array"
can be optimized for maximum generation--including predictively. As
the sun's passage through the sky is predictable, entering the
building's location and the "blind/array"'s compass orientation
once on installation, would allow automatically setting optimum
angle.
[0026] In "vertical" blind applications, the "slats" can rotate to
"follow the sun"--which has the benefit of generating power;
reducing heat load; and preserving a shaded view.
[0027] Where an energy-generating material can be made translucent
or transparent, it can be used in a fashion that need not block
views. Indeed, if transparent enough, the material can be
permanently applied to window and curtain-wall surfaces.
[0028] Materials are now known that electrically convert from
transparent to translucent and such materials could be combined
with a transparent solar generator material, such that the
deployment of "blinds" for generating power need not block the
occupants' views unless desired.
[0029] One face of the "slats" in an array might include a coating
that reflects solar energy and the other face a coating that
absorbs it (or a material used whose properties depend upon the
direction in which energy passes thru it). When solar gain in the
space is not desired (as in summer) the reflective surface would be
rotated toward the sun/exterior. When it is desired (in winter) the
absorbtive face would be rotated toward the sun to produce
"constructive thermal gain".
[0030] Such "solar solutions" are not limited to "blinds" with
rigid slats. As flexible energy-generating materials come on-line,
they can be used in roll-down "sun-shades".
[0031] And the exterior of a building, particularly one of modular
construction, can include modules that absorb (or selectively
absorb or reflect) solar energy and convert it into electrical
and/or thermal output, while appearing integral to the building's
architecture.
[0032] Another application of trusses and other structures,
including the modular approach previously disclosed, is in the
creation of structures for recreational purposes.
[0033] Many individuals would prefer to enjoy the recreational
benefits of a lake, pool, beach or other body of water. For many
millions, especially those in urban areas, such recreational
opportunities are not very practical. Although many urban areas are
built on or near bodies of water, such bodies of water are
frequently not suitable for bathing. Travel to more suitable waters
involves both time and expense, as well as braving the "rush hour"
produced when large numbers travel to residences and recreation in
outlying areas at the same time. Many suitable waters cannot be
readily accessed without the use of a private automobile, which
many urban dwellers do not own. There are generally few suitable
facilities, particularly outdoor ones, in urban areas.
[0034] The instant disclosure includes improved methods of
fabricating and operating recreational facilities.
[0035] Such facilities can be produced rapidly and relatively
inexpensively by one of several means.
[0036] One method is to "float" a pool on another body of water,
particularly when that body of water is not itself suitable for
bathing. The perimeter of the pool can be defined by the
"shoreline" of the body of water and/or by floating structures such
as pontoons, trusses, barges, buoys, etc. A membrane can be
suspended between the perimeter elements and potable water pumped
into it. The result is a pool of bathable water largely supported
in and by the larger body of water, which may not be suitable for
bathing.
[0037] (Leaks in the membrane can be detected when the water
quality of the pool water is tested. A "double-bottomed"
double-membrane design can be used with the space between the two
membranes filled with a buffer fluid that includes non-toxic
compound that is readily detectable in the potable water contained
by the inner membrane (for example, a colored dye). The density of
the fluid in the intermediate layer can be adjusted and/or
materials (like sand and gravel) inserted to assist in forming the
membrane's shape. A leak in the outer membrane can be detected from
testing the fluid in the intermediate layer and a leak in the inner
membrane can be detected by the appearance of the tracer in the
pool water.)
[0038] The structures used to support the perimeter of the pool can
also be used to support access decks, ladders, slides, seating
areas, landscaping and other facilities. The shore adjacent can be
used for the same function. Facilities can be packaged in modular
elements--for example, cargo containers that can be trucked or
barged to the facility location and deposited on shore or on a
floating structure.
[0039] One appeal of the disclosed approach is that it creates
recreational bathing and related activities quickly and
inexpensively on a body of water and many urban areas include
extensive shorelines along rivers and bays that can be reached on
foot, by taxis, bicycles, and by urban mass transit. The location
of the facility on a body of water also permits access by
watercraft such as ferries.
[0040] As the facility is largely or completely on water, little is
required on land, maximizing the number of and minimizing the costs
and requirements for a suitable site.
[0041] Such a facility is highly "portable"; can be readily
relocated, expanded and/or reconfigured; and can be rapidly
reproduced at a number of locations.
[0042] Another alternative site is an excavation or other recess
that may be a permanent feature of a site or may be the interim
result, for example, of an ongoing construction project.
[0043] Because of the versatility of its design; the economy of its
fabrication; its efficiency in shipping; and its flexibility in
being possible to modify, repair, and even "recycle" in the field,
the disclosed structural approach has advantages in the
construction of structures for such facilities. Modular scaffolding
system like "Super-Scaf" also has application.
[0044] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. ?, a structure
defining the perimeter of a floating pool is constructed. That
structure is made positively buoyant by wrapping it in a waterproof
membrane and/or by incorporating buoyant elements like air-filled
containers and/or closed cell foam. A perimeter deck and railings,
etc. can be attached to the upper surface of the structure and the
membrane or membranes that separate the potable water from the
surrounding waters can be attached to the structure.
[0045] The result is a uniquely fast, flexible, and economical
method of producing a recreational facility that can be "deployed"
on a temporary basis.
[0046] Another aspect of the invention is a "floating hot tub".
[0047] Where a recreational body of water (ocean, lake, or pool) is
present, there is frequently the desire to provide for a "hot tub"
or "soak pool"--smaller volume of water at higher temperatures and
often with jets.
[0048] Typically, they require separate, rigid, in-ground or
above-ground tubs that are expensive to purchase and hardly
portable.
[0049] Alternatively, such a "hot tub" or "soak pool" can be
designed as a largely flexible assembly that floats in a larger
body of water, drastically reducing the cost over traditional
approaches and offering true portability and a wider range of
applications.
[0050] For example, a buoyant "ring" can be fabricated of
closed-cell foam or an inflated shape. From that ring hangs a rigid
or flexible "tub" or bag. Heated water is pumped into the interior
of the "tub" or bag. Seats or benches can be suspended within it,
as can tubing for "jets". The material(s) used for the "tub" or
"bag" can be thermally-insulating.
[0051] The result is a simple, portable, and inexpensive solution
that brings the luxury of a "hot tub" or "soak pool" to virtually
any larger body of water. It can be floated in a pool, a lake, or
in reasonably flat seas; used seasonally and stored; carried in
cars and onboard boats.
[0052] The functions of heating and circulating water; water
treatment; and/or "jets" can be provided by several methods.
[0053] Most pools include provisions for water circulation and
water treatment and, in some cases, water heaters. The treated
water in the pool can be diverted to fill the "tub". The pool
heater; an accessory heater (including a solar one); and/or
domestic hot water can be used to raise the temperature in the
"tub" above that in the pool. And the water in the "tub" can be
returned to the general supply for treatment.
[0054] A portable unit with pump, filter, and heater can be used
where a connection to the apparatus of a larger pool is not
available--for example, in portable applications.
[0055] Several other improvements to larger aquatic facilities can
be made:
[0056] Traditional bathing facilities require and include public
changing and locker rooms that consume large amounts of space and
are less than private. A facility can, however, include a number of
smaller, private or semi-private changing rooms. The function of a
locker can be served by a lockable case or bin. Upon entering the
changing room, several such cases or bins would be abutted/inserted
from an external service area with their door in an opening in a
wall of the changing room--resembling in appearance traditional
lockers recessed in the wall surface. The customer would fill the
locker/case and secure it. Upon leaving the changing room, the
customer's sealed locker would be removed from the external service
area side and placed in a high-density storage area. An empty
locker would be positioned in the room opening for the next
customer. When the customer is ready to leave the facility, they
would request access to a changing room and upon reaching it would
find that their locker had been retrieved from the high-density
storage area and replaced in an opening in the changing room wall,
such that they could recover their belongings as if the locker were
permanently located in the wall. Varying degrees of privacy are
possible as is direct access to the "locker" in a public area.
[0057] Such bin/lockers can be handled manually or by mechanized,
automated systems and positioned from the same and/or a higher or
lower level.
[0058] Various advantages would also result from a more efficient
method of controlling access to and billing for the use of this or
many other recreational facilities.
[0059] Customers could, preferably, be able to reserve access to
the facility at a specified day and time for a specified number of
guests. This would assure the customer that they would gain access.
By time-reserved reservations/entry and linking the customer's
credit or debit card or account to his/her/their activities, a
variety of benefits would result.
[0060] Access to the facility could be priced--and re-priced--for
yield management. Access in periods of high demand--whether due to
time of day; day; date (holiday) and/or weather could be priced or
re-priced to maximize revenues. Price could be based on the time
spent at the facility in a given visit--again, as modified by time
of day/day/weather/activitie- s/etc.
[0061] Once onsite, a customer account would allow convenient
billing for facilities and services used--as well as purchases from
concessions like drink and food service.
[0062] A card, pendant, wristband, or other object incorporating a
machine-readable identifier like a bar code or RFID and/or a
personal PIN number the user could key into a POP interface would
allow the user to charge access, goods, and services. Charges could
be adjusted based on actual usage--for example, by the hour or
quarter-hour for time spent in the facility; for use of a private
changing room (with, for example, a certain charge for a defined
period of use, for example, five minutes, with incremental and
escalating additional charges if the changing room is not vacated
after the defined period).
[0063] Such an "account" system simplifies the purchase of, for
example, food and drink, creating a "cash-less" environment. It
also permits parents to enjoy the use of the facility while
requiring less supervision of their children. A parent could, for
example, during the reservation process, set up accounts for their
children that would permit the parent to set dollar amount and
other limits (for example, nutritional ones) on the purchases that
could be made by their children on those accounts.
[0064] While the advantages of such a bin/locker and such a
reservations and account system are described in the context of one
facility, it will be apparent that they have many other possible
applications, not necessarily limited to only recreational
ones.
[0065] For example, in many applications, many persons present on a
temporary basis in a venue will have needs to communicate with
other parties at or outside of the same venue by a variety of
means. Those individuals may bring a cell phone and perhap a
personal computer to the event, but access to their cellular
service and to data lines, much less high speed ones, may be
limited and expensive. The individual may need to make copies and
send and receive faxes. The individual may need to input or output
information in the form of printed pages, drawings, or photographs,
a task that requires the use of peripheral input or output devices
that the individual will not have brought with them to the site,
and to which they may not have access, unless via a "business
center" or other business that may be distant, expensive, and not
consistently available.
[0066] One solution is the use of one or more "kiosk", which can be
portable or permanently installed at convenient locations.
[0067] Such a kiosk can contain a variety of input and output
devices such as printers, plotters, copiers, and scanners, whether
discrete or integrated. The user may connect their personal
computer to the kiosk either by means of a wired (e.g. Ethernet,
USB, etc) or wireless connection (wireless local area network) and
employ the input and output devices and functions needed. In a
vending model, the user may be charged for the service(s) used.
[0068] In one embodiment, a user would establish (or access an
existing) account that would debit a credit card or a cash deposit
for services used. For outgoing services (e.g., internet) the user
would "log on" to the wired or wireless connection. For interactive
services like copying, the user would move to a "kiosk" and
interact directly.
[0069] But tunctions like printing and incoming fax can be handled
on a "store and retrieve" basis. That is, the user could send a
file to be printed to the local network. The user could provide
others with a temporary telephone number for incoming faxes. It
would not, however, be necessary for the user to visit a kiosk to
determine whether a fax had been received, nor a risk that a
received fax or requested printout might be lost or fall into other
hands. In the case of a fax, receipt of a fax by the system would
result in a voice or digital page to the user at a number
designated to inform them that a fax had been received and with the
details of its length and sender ID. The user could then, at any
time, approach any kiosk in the system and, upon entering a PIN or
other identifying code, those faxes (and any pending print jobs)
would print out in their presence. The system could also include
provisions, accessed by a user via telephone and/or on-line
connections to redirect faxes and files to other telephone numbers
and edresses.
[0070] Another aspect of the same or another system is for the
purpose of telephonic communication. Cellular service at a given
location (for example a convention center) may be less than ideal
as well as being expensive. The temporary installation of "land
lines" for voice or data (for example, in a trade show booth) is
expensive, limited to fixed locations, and is often not
accomplished--or not accomplished correctly--until some time after
the actual need for it begins.
[0071] An alternative is to employ a high-speed data connection or
other telecom to a general location, at which point the service may
be continued by wired or wireless means to one or more near or
distant locations at which the service is adapted to
"voice-over-internet" and from there to wired or, preferably,
cordless telephones. The result is immediate high-quality
communications at a fraction of the cost of either cellular or
traditional installed wired service as well as data communications
over wireless local links to the high-speed connection.
[0072] In a vending model the cordless phones can be dispensed
against a deposit assuring their return or compensating the owner
for loss of the phone.
[0073] In one version, the cordless phones can be provided with
electronic timers and/or "locks". Each phone might be stored (and
recharged) in a compartment of a vending machine. The vending
machine could uniquely identify the phone (for example. by serial
number). Upon "signing up" for a phone and establishing a deposit
on the instrument and service, the user would remove one phone from
the vending machine. By a local or the wireless connection, the
vending machine would "enable" the phone for service. After a
defined period; on exceeding the established "credit line", or for
other cause, the system would disable the instrument not only by
denying access through the network, but by disabling the instrument
itself. Upon returning the phone to a charging station in the same
(or, in principle, any other) vending machine, and upon the vending
machine interrogating the phone for both its serial number and its
condition, the phone would be marked "returned" and the user's
transaction closed.
[0074] The use of "locks" and "timers" has other applications. For
example, large events may require the rental and distribution of
dozens or hundreds of walkie-talkies that are used in coordinating
the event. Attempting to track the issue and return of radios by
identifying to whom they have been issued and whether they are
returned either relies on an "honor system of "sign-out sheets", or
assigning specific staff to check radios in and out. Alternatively,
radios could be supplied "locked". With a connection (for example,
via an existing programming port) to the radio, an individual would
be required to provide "identification" if not a deposit by the
swipe of a credit card, drivers license, or identification card.
This would electronically and unambiguously associate the specific
radio with that individual. The radio would be scanned on return.
Where setting time limits on the use of the radio is desired to
allow reassigning the radio or prevent theft, the radio can be
programmed with a "count-down" that disables it or limits its
operation after a defined period. A shut-down command can be sent
at any time to specified radios or all radios on a frequency.
Similarly, with the correlation between a radio and a specific
person, while the radio connected in a programming mode, each radio
can be updated with specific frequencies, modes, and
limitations.
[0075] In these, as in all other cases, variations and other
embodiments are possible within the scope of the inventions, which
should not be understood as limited except by the claims.
* * * * *