Modulized space truss assembly

A component (1) and an assembly of components (1) arranged in a running bond coarsing pattern. As a result of this pattern, the assembly forms a space truss load resisting system. The components (1) are of a size consistent with hand insertion within the assembly. The truss chord reinforcing members (2) couple as connections between components (1). These connections provide the gap (37) required between components (1) due to component (1) manufacturing and field erection tolerances. The component (1) could be made from a multiplicity of materials structurally working in conjunction with each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates to an assembly of components to be used in a 
structure primarily for the purpose of resisting loads. 
2. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART 
The present-day construction of concrete block assemblies requires a 
multiplicity of materials at the construction site. Mortar and grout are 
usually field placed and field mixed. Horizontal and vertical reinforcing 
bars must also be field arranged within the block assemblies. Vertical 
reinforcing positioning through block cells is a difficult task with 
questionable results. 
The weather is also a major problem for exterior block construction. 
Precipitation of any sort dilutes the quality of mortar and grout mixes. 
The air temperature is also a major concern of the industry. 
Placement of the block requires skilled laborers proficient in the art of 
blocklaying. Industry experts predict a shortage of proficient 
blocklayers. Even after assembly construction, the structure must be 
skillfully braced until sufficient set of the mortar mix. The usual end 
effect of temporary bracing is that it increases the time allotted and the 
risk taken in the construction process. Also, due to the uncertainties in 
existing block technology, trained inspectors and field material test must 
be provided in order that efficient use of assembly material strengths be 
utilized. With this in mind, a knowledgeable owner should almost always 
consider the quality built within his structure. 
Present building construction methods also require poured concrete grade 
beams and/or strip footings. Blockwall systems laid on these poured 
foundations do not progress until the concrete has gained sufficient 
strength. Again, the construction time for project completion has 
increased. 
Installations of current block assemblies, especially that of reinforced 
systems, require relatively large amounts of material resources, including 
fresh, clean water. Unused mortar or grout must be disposed of properly, 
thereby, increasing project cost and environmental concerns. Also, workers 
expose themselves to caustic substances that may result in serious health 
consequences. 
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,369,334 which issued Feb. 20, 1968 to R. R. Berg and 
1,385,606 which issued Jul. 26, 1921 to J. A. F. Christensen discloses a 
method for attaching concrete modular units. Both systems require 
extensive tooling of units if the screw type attachment mechanisms are to 
work effectively in the field. U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,354 issued by Wynn 
teaches a reinforced wall construction. This wall construction relies on 
field placement of reinforcing and extensive use of field placed grout. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The modulized space truss assembly teaches that an assembly of components 
being comprised of unique component reinforcing members, being juxtaposed 
with a running bond component coarsing pattern and being coupled with a 
unique type of component attaching mechanism, accrues the primary 
following benefits over the prior art: 
1) Increases assembly quality. 
2) Reduces erection time. 
3) Lessens risk to field personnel. 
5) Develops new markets for component systems. 
6) Increases structural strength and reliability of component assemblies. 
7) Decreases material utilization. 
8) Decreases complexity of component assembly for the field laborer. 
An object of this invention is to provide factory control of installation 
of grout mixtures. For most uses, grout will be factory installed. This 
grout will contain a retarding agent such as Mortard produced by the W. R. 
Grace & Co. or Delvo by the By Master Builders, Inc. A typical accelerator 
agent compatible with the retarding agent is place with or on top of the 
grout mixture and upon coupling of adjacent components, initial set of the 
group mixture occurs in a time frame permitting economical installation of 
adjacent coarsing components. Also, upon coupling of adjacent units the 
grout mixture spills outside the grout placement vessel, thereby, sealing 
the adjacent components together. The grout mixture will also have the 
consistency to balance the weight of adjacent coarsing components prior to 
initial set, thereby, providing the gap required for component 
manufacturing and erection tolerances. A factory installed component 
interface material, if necessary, seals the gap. This material will not be 
degraded by block stacking during the shipping process. 
An overall object of the invention is to provide a space truss system in a 
modulized arrangement. Utilizing a running bond coarsing configuration 
with the truss chord and web members positioned within the component, 
linkage of the components within the assembly results in a two-way load 
reinforcing system. An obvious result of this arrangement is that the 
typical horizontal joint reinforcing necessary in present-day construction 
is not required. Another result is that when the space truss system is 
coupled with the block configuration an efficient system in resisting 
earthquake or dynamic loads is developed. 
Another overall object of this invention is to provide for a more efficient 
attaching mechanism between primary reinforcing members. Besides providing 
the construction tolerance between adjacent components, the mechanics of 
the attaching mechanism also result in removing some of the risk to the 
field laborer from potential wall or assembly collapses. Costly wall 
bracing for most applications of the assembly will not be required. 
Correspondingly, various insurance costs of the project should be lowered 
due to the lessening of risk. 
A further benefit resulting from this invention is that the field laborer 
will have less exposure to caustic substances. No field mortar or grout 
will be required if there are no special construction requirements. 
A significant advantage of the assembly is the increase in the number of 
applications for component system use beyond current practices. As a 
result of the interlocking mechanism being confined, the assemblage may be 
build below the water surface without significant impact to assembly 
capacity. Placement of the proper truss web material results in a security 
block able to withstand impactive loads. Such a system could be easily 
utilized for security vaults, prison enclosures, blast resistant 
structures and security walls for residential, commercial and industrial 
interest. Still another advantage of the component system reinforcing 
members is that a tieback earth retaining wall system could be easily 
utilized by placement of a thin ringlike attachment about the chord 
reinforcing members. These ringlike attachments could be easily utilized 
for many wall application connections. Yet another application of the 
invention is use of such a system for home improvement projects. This 
application could use a wire chord or partitioned tube reinforcing system 
placed in the field on a component basis. Such an assembly could utilize 
an epoxy bonding agent placed in prepacked containers ready for direct 
insertion into component chord openings. Still another application 
resulting from the space truss configuration is that the component could 
be easily insulated by rigid insulation between the exterior panel walls. 
Thus the assembly may be utilized for structures requiring control of the 
thermal environment, such as refrigeration units. In any enclosed 
temperature controlled building wall application, the result of insulated 
component would be energy conservation. Also, this type of component lends 
itself effectively to soundproofing with direct application to sound 
studios. Yet another application of the overall invention resulting from 
the limited gap between components in assemblies is a more aesthetically 
looking wall surface than current practice produces. The structure viewed 
from a short distance appears as a cast, poured assemblage. With the ease 
in forming variances in the corresponding new type molds, architectural 
wall surface appearances will be greatly expanded over conventional block 
architectural treatments in modular construction. Still another 
application of the assemblage is that due to the ringlike attachments, 
mentioned previously in this section, a direct hookup with a small 
electric current results in severe cold weather construction of the 
assembly. On the other hand severe hot weather application could be 
negotiated with proper control of the bonding agent. 
Another object of this invention is to decrease material utilization. Large 
amounts of mortar and, if system is reinforced, grout are spent. Fresh, 
clean water is a necessity in present construction methods. This 
invention's interlocking mechanism requires grout placement in a small, 
closed environment. Thus less materials are utilized and wasted, lessening 
the environmental impact of placement of unused mortar and grout, mixtures 
and equipment wash on ground surfaces. 
Yet another application of the invention is that wall or structure 
assemblies may be efficiently built horizontally on ground surfaces and 
almost immediately lifted up into position. A similar advantage is that a 
slab system may be build on a component basis without a need for forms 
required for a poured concrete construction. 
A significant object of this invention is the lessening of difficulties in 
block assembly construction. Less field expertise is required for block 
installation. 
A particular note concerning this invention is that the foundation could be 
excavated the same day the roof assemblage is placed without regard to 
major weather difficulties. 
A further note concerning this invention is that the typical block may be 
reinforced by present day techniques in addition to the space truss 
reinforcing system.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings in which, identical or nearly identical 
features are designated by the same designations, FIG. 1 shows a section 
side elevation view of preferred component 1 configuration taken at the 
chord reinforcing member 2. FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of 
component 1 with chord reinforcing members 2 positioned for typical 
component alignment. 
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of multi-use component 3 with series of continuous 
shafts 4 positioned for specialized use at assembly corner or other 
situations of like abutting with components 1. Chord reinforcing member 2 
as shown in FIG. 2 may be placed within shaft to provide for continuity of 
reinforcement within the assembly. 
FIGS. 4 and 5 shows perspective views of the two typical component 1 types 
necessary for chord reinforcing member 2 to be utilized in the preferred 
embodiment of the space truss configuration. The two components 1 are 
coupled when adjacent chord reinforcing members 2 (the right chord 
reinforcing member 2 of FIG. 4 and the left chord reinforcing member 2 of 
FIG. 5) are interlocked. Truss web panel reinforcement 5 is shown in the 
preferred embodiment connecting the chord reinforcing members 2. This 
truss web panel reinforcing 5 arrangement provides for a direct transfer 
of forces between chord reinforcing members 2. 
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the concrete panel 6 component 1. Chord 
reinforcing members 2 are shown in the same alignment as positioned in 
FIG. 4. Chord reinforcing members 2 are structurally attached and interact 
with the concrete panels 6 in a composite action nature. Rigid insulation 
7 is sandwiched between concrete panels 6. Openings 8, extending 
continuously through the component, provide runways for electrical wiring. 
For various types of truss web panel reinforcement 5 that could be 
utilized in the concrete panel 6 component 1 see FIGS. 14 through 20. 
FIGS. 7 through 9 components 1 are similar to that component 1 shown in 
FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a ceramic panel 9 component 1. 
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a metal panel 10 component 1. Knockout 
openings 11 could be provided to permit ease of pipe or conduit routing 
through assembly wall. Double compression strut web reinforcement 12a 
provides for a direct transfer of forces between chord reinforcing members 
2. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a concrete component 1. Tension wire 
web reinforcement 13 provides for a direct transfer of forces between 
chord reinforcing members. Truss web panel reinforcement 12a, 12b, 13, 20, 
21, 22 shown in FIGS. 14 through 20 are for the most part interchangeable 
depending upon the application and strengths required. 
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a footing component 14. Footing 
reinforcing bars 15 extend the length of footing component 14. The footing 
reinforcing bars 15 are placed at the footing component 14 four corners. 
The partially torn view shows shafts 16. Shafts 16 are positioned 
throughout footing component 14. The reinforcing member 2 type that is 
used for insertion into shafts 16 will typically be vessel 23 as shown in 
FIG. 27. The open side of vessel 23 is either top or bottom depending on 
the particular position of reinforcing member 2 of the coupling component 
1. 
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an elongated component 17. Exterior 
panels 6,9 are either concrete or ceramic depending on weight limitations. 
Rigid insulation 7 is utilized for both the structural properties and 
lightweight nature associated with the filler material. The partially torn 
section shows double compression strut web reinforcement 12a utilized 
between reinforcing members 2. 
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a lintel component 19. Lintel 
reinforcing bars 18 extend continuously along the corners adjacent to the 
opening in the assembly. Reinforcing members 2 are positioned at both ends 
of the lintel component 19. Shafts 16 are located in the interior part of 
lintel component 19 spanning continuously between reinforcing member 2, 
positioned to correspond with coupling from above of component 1. 
FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the embodying truss configuration of the 
invention and reflects the truss arrangements shown in FIGS. 14 through 
20. Tension wire web reinforcements 13 spans between reinforcing members 
2. 
FIGS. 14 and 15 show a front elevation view of the unique positioning of 
the tension wire web reinforcements 13 and the single compression strut 
web reinforcements 12b resulting from component 1 placement requirements. 
FIGS. 16 through 20 show the various configurations of transferring forces 
between reinforcing members 2. FIG. 16 utilizes a single compression strut 
web reinforcement 12b with strut high side on left side of assemblage as 
compared with the high side on right as shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 utilizes 
a tension wire crisscross pattern 20 with wire system wrapped around the 
reinforcing members 2. FIG. 18 utilizes a concrete or fiber reinforced 
concrete shear panel 21 with type of material depending on structural load 
requirements. FIG. 19 depicts a double compression strut web reinforcement 
12a. FIG. 20 shows a combination tension wire and compression strut web 
reinforcement 22. 
FIGS. 21 through 29 show the pipe members 23 of the reinforcing members 2 
in a singular state and also in a state embodying this invention, that is 
with the adjacent reinforcing members 2 being engaged. 
FIG. 21 shows an elevation view of a reinforcing member 2 consisting of 
pipe member 23 with approximately 1/2 of length adequately swedged to 
permit proper insertion of prong member 24a into adjacent component 1 pipe 
member 23. Cap 25 seals the pipe member 23. 
FIG. 22 shows a section view of FIG. The cementitious bonding agent 26 and 
the cementitious bonding agent accelerator capsule 27 is shown placed 
within the pipe member 23. Cap 25 seals the, if required, factory 
installed cementitious bonding agent 26 and cementitious bonding agent 
accelerator capsule 27. 
FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 21 with an epoxy bonding agent 28 used in 
conjunction with the epoxy bonding agent catalyst 29. 
FIG. 24 shows an elevation view of a variation of the pipe member 2 shown 
in FIG. 21. The pipe member 2 is comprised of pipe section 23 structurally 
attached to a prong member 24b consisting of a deformed rod, with the 
attachment providing a transfer of a high percentage of forces between 
pipe section 23 and prong member 24b. 
FIG. 25 shows a partial front elevation view of adjacent components 1 
reinforcing members 2 in an engaged state. The fragmentary torn away view 
depicts the bonding agent overflow 26 and the, if required, adjustment 
washer 30. 
FIG. 26 is an extended section of FIG. 25. Cementitious bonding agent 
accelerator capsule 27 is shown with adjacent components 1 reinforcing 
members 2 in a fully inserted state. FIG. 27 shows an elevation view of 
reinforcing member 2 comprised of pipe member 23 only. FIG. 28 is similar 
to FIG. 21 with the prong member 24a positioned on top of the pipe member 
23. FIG. 29 shows an elevation view of a wire constructed reinforcing 
member 31 utilized in some application methods as an alternate for the 
reinforcing member 2 depicted by FIG. 21. Wire ring 32 acts mainly as a 
restraining mechanism for wire constructed reinforcing member 31 placement 
into component 1. 
FIGS. 30 through 35 depict a typical wall assembly. FIG. 30 shows a front 
elevation view of coarsing 33 shown in a running bond configuration. A gap 
37 between adjacent components 1 is required for construction tolerances. 
A bonding agent and/or sealant mixture is positioned, if necessary, within 
the gap 37. Attachment ring 35, attachment strap 36 and joint slide plate 
37 show, if required, modifications resulting from assembly use 
requirements. Attachment ring 35 connects structurally to assemblages 
exerting either compression or tension forces. The attachment ring 35 is 
placed about the reinforcing member 2. Attachment strap 36 provides an 
attachment to an adjacent modular structural system such as a brick wall. 
Joint slide plate 37 provides structural control over differential wall 
assembly movements at the joint interface. 
FIG. 31 shows a plan view of the joint slide plate 37 as described within 
those descriptions given for FIG. 30. 
FIGS. 32 and 33 show side elevation views of, if required, beam seat 
modification of the typical wall assembly as shown in FIG. 30. 
FIG. 34 shows a side elevation view of the typical wall assembly as shown 
in FIG. 30. FIG. 35 shows a section view of the typical wall assembly as 
shown in FIG. 30 utilizing different wall components 1 types as shown in 
FIGS. 4 and 6. 
FIG. 36 shows a plan view of an assemblage characterized by a large radius 
component 38 such as grain silos. 
FIG. 37 shows a plan view of an assemblage characterized by a small radius 
component 39 such as pipes or columns. 
FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of a strip wall footing 40 assemblage. A 
leveling mat 41 is provided to aid in correct placement of above 
components 1. Multi-use footing component 42 is strategically positioned 
to distribute loads placed by above components 1 between separate wall 
footing 40 assemblages. 
FIG. 39 shows a side elevation view illustrating an earth restraining 
assemblage 43. Tierod 44 is attached to attachment ring 35 with the 
attachment ring 35 as described within those descriptions given by FIG. 
30. Cap component 46 is mainly used to seal the top of a typical wall 
assembly in this case an earth retaining assemblage 43. 
FIG. 43 shows a side elevation view illustrating a revetment assemblage 47. 
Component 1 is placed below the water surface. Component 48 reflects a 
modified component 1 utilizing pipe section 23 as shown in FIG. 27. 
FIG. 42 shows a side elevation view illustrating a horizontal assemblage 
49. No forms are required in this above ground surface construction. 
FIG. 43 shows a side elevation view of a typical wall assemblage as shown 
in FIG. 30 in a state of being lifted after, if required, constructed on 
ground surface utilizing horizontal assemblage 49. 
FIG. 44 shows a side elevation view of a typical wall assemblage as shown 
in FIG. 30 with a slab attachment component 50. 
FIGS. 45 through 51 show various views of a specialized attachment means 
typically used with multi-use component 3. 
FIG. 45 shows a section view of easy-use male element 51. Lip 52 is 
positioned to fit adjacent to the face of component 1 or multi-use 
component 3. Ribs 53 structurally stiffen easy-use male element 51 while 
easy-use male element 51 is placed in an engaged state. Possible 
protrusion 54 provides for an ease for attaching easy-use male element 51 
to multi-use component 3. 
FIG. 46 is similar to FIG. 45, shows the easy-use male element 51 with an 
elongated tube section providing structural strengthening of the easy-use 
male element 51 attachment to multi-use component 3. 
FIGS. 47 through 49 show section views of the easy-use female element 57 
with various materials placed between easy-use female element 57 and seal 
56. The material for FIG. 47 is a bonding agent 55. For FIG. 48, the 
materials are an epoxy bonding agent 58 with an epoxy bonding agent 
compressible wafer 59. FIG. 49 shows the material being a compressible 
wafer 60 with possible adhesive qualities. 
FIG. 50 shows a section plan view, taken through the easy-use male element 
57 without placement of a bonding agent. 
FIG. 51 shows a fragmentary section view of the easy-use male element 51 in 
an engaged state with the easy-use female element 57. Epoxy bonding agent 
58 is shown protruding between components 1. 
Many apparently different embodiments of the present invention may be made 
without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, 
this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.