Modular, structural, element, space frame or truss

Abstract

A prefabricated, modular, structural element, space frame or truss assembled from a series of “Z”-shaped modules comprised of three (3) or five (5) structural members, connected at the upper and lower chords. Verticals, end posts or multi-member end sections can be added if required for structural integrity or to improve utility. The individual elements, space frames, or trusses assembled from the modules can be used individually or combined in a variety of configurations to create permanent, temporary or emergency structures on any scale.

1 . The invention claimed is a 3-member, structural, space frame module, comprised of two (2), parallel, structural, chord members joined together by a third structural member connected in a diagonal orientation to form a 3-member, space frame module, in which ends of chord members extend past the ends of the diagonal member.  
   
   
       2 . The invention claimed is a 3-member, structural, truss module, comprised of two (2), parallel, structural chord members joined together by a third structural member connected in a diagonal orientation to form a 3-member, truss module, in which chord members end at and intersect with the ends of said diagonal member, but do not extend past the ends of the diagonal member.  
   
   
       3 . The invention claimed is a 3-member, space frame module or 3-member, truss module according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , further comprising two (2), additional, vertical, structural, members connected from the upper chord to the lower chord, at each end of the parallel chord members of said 3-member, space frame or truss module thereby forming a 5-member, space frame module or a 5-member, truss module.  
   
   
       4 . The invention claimed is a structural module according to claims  1 ,  2  or  3  as further comprising modular, structural elements, space frames or trusses, configured as; an individual module, combinations of modules connected in any orientation or combinations of orientations, or as combinations of said modules configured and assembled with other, new or existing, structural, members in the forming of said structural elements, space frames or trusses.  
   
   
       5 . The invention claimed is a structural module according to claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  as fabricated with continuous upper chord and lower chord members being of the approximate same length or as altered to form a structural arch or cambered elements, entailing any number of truss or frame modules in combination to form a one-piece, structural module extended in length and with fewer chord connections.  
   
   
       6 . The invention claimed is a modular structural element, space frame or truss in accordance with claims  4  or  5  wherein the invention is further comprised of like or similar modular; elements, space frames or trusses by connecting upper chord to upper chord and lower chord to lower chord in a horizontal plane, or connecting upper chord to lower chord in a vertical plane thus assembling a plurality of said elements, space frames or trusses.  
   
   
       7 . The invention claimed is a modular structural element, space frame or truss in accordance with claims  4 ,  5  or  6  as further comprised of additional structural chord members connected to the bottoms of original lower chord members, the tops of original upper chord members, or similarly connected to both original upper and lower chord members of said structural element, space frame, or truss.