Patent ID: 7546654
Filing Date: 2009-06-16
Classification: E01D,E04B

Abstract:
1. A free-standing mobile compression and tension structure comprising: a plurality of parallel structural elements, wherein adjacent parallel structural elements are in contact with each other while in a free-standing state, said plurality of parallel structural elements being perpendicular to a length of the structure; means for absorbing a tension between each adjacent structural element as a compression load is applied to an upper portion of the adjacent structural elements and for preventing said adjacent structural elements from separating, said means being a tension device that is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of a lower surface of each adjacent structural element such that said tension device is under a tension load while said structure is in said free-standing state; each of said adjacent structural elements having an upper portion width that is larger than a lower portion width; and said structure being configured as an arch in its free-standing state.