Patent ID: 6233881
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: E04B,E04D,E04H,E06B,F24S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
A fabric suitable for covering a structure of any shape, said fabric woven to allow the passage of light and air, said fabric comprising:a plurality of sets of cables, wherein each set of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, and a third cable;a plurality of panels, wherein each panel has a first coupling mechanism located a first attachment point, a second coupling mechanism located at a second attachment point, a third coupling mechanism located at a third attachment point, and a fourth coupling mechanism located at a fourth attachment point;each said panel spans two adjacent said sets of cables such thatsaid first coupling mechanism engages said first cable of a set of cables andsaid second coupling mechanism engages said second cable in said same set of cables, andsaid third coupling mechanism engages said third cable of said adjacent set of cables and said fourth coupling mechanism engages said second cable of said adjacent set of cables; andsaid panels are arranged in a plurality of rows, such that said second cable in each said set of cables alternatingly engages said second coupling mechanism of one panel in said row and said fourth coupling mechanism of an adjacent panel within said same row, wherein at least one panel of said fabric has a photovoltaic cell attached to its external surface, and said photovoltaic cell is in electrical communication with a source of electrical resistance.