Layered modular constructs and processes therefor

Abstract

Modular constructs are disclosed wherein a plurality of structural members, most often parallel to one another, form spaced-apart layers. Clamping force, applied in some embodiments approximately perpendicularly to a face of each structural member through use of one or more tension assembly comprising a cable, rope, wire, rod, or the like, in association with one or more tubular spacer, is used to draw the structural members into alignment and to provide structural integrity of the modular construct. The subject matter of the present disclosure further relates to processes for creating such layered modular constructs. The subject matter of the present disclosure may find particular application within modular structures, such as, but not limited to, those for aircraft, boats, and other means of transportation, buildings, storage spaces, furniture and cabinetry, modular support systems for electronic equipment, support structures, interfaces, prosthetics, rack systems, modular work partitions, and the like.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A modular system comprising:
 a support layer assembly, said support layer assembly comprising:
 a plurality of structural members in parallel, spaced-apart relationship; 
 a tension assembly configured to provide clamping force approximately perpendicularly to a face of each structural member;
 said tension assembly comprising tension means passing through each said structural member; 
 said tension assembly further passing through a plurality of spacers, each said spacer disposed between, and in endwise, abutting relationship with, two said structural members; 
 terminating means incident an end one of said plurality of structural members, said terminating means receiving a first end of said tension means in cooperative engagement therewith; 
 tension cap means incident another end one of said plurality of structural members, said tension cap means receiving a second end of said tension means in cooperative engagement therewith; 
 said tension cap means operable with said tension means, said structural members, said spacers, and said terminating means to develop tensile force within said tension means and corresponding compression force within said spacers, whereupon said plurality of structural members are drawn into alignment and provide structural integrity of the modular system; and 
 
   means for attaching the modular system to an adjacent structure.   
     
     
         2 . The modular system of  claim 1  wherein said tension means is a rod. 
     
     
         3 . The modular system of  claim 2  wherein said rod comprises a variable diameter portion. 
     
     
         4 . The modular system of  claim 2  wherein said first end of said tension means threads into said terminating means. 
     
     
         5 . The modular system of  claim 4  wherein said second end of said tension means is affixed to said tension cap means, whereby rotation of said tension cap means acts to develop said tension force within said tension means. 
     
     
         6 . The modular system of  claim 1  wherein said tension assembly further comprises a guiding offset rest. 
     
     
         7 . The modular system of  claim 1  wherein said tension assembly further comprises an internal offset tube retainer. 
     
     
         8 . The modular system of  claim 1  wherein said tension assembly is released and tightened via single side access means. 
     
     
         9 . The modular system of  claim 1  wherein a structural layer of said support layer assembly is electrically energized, and further comprises a lighting system powered by said electrically energized structural layer of said support layer assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The modular system of  claim 1  further comprising a cradle assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The modular system of  claim 1  wherein said tension means is selected from the group consisting of a cable, a rope, and a wire. 
     
     
         12 . A modular structure comprising:
 a plurality of structural layers in parallel, spaced-apart relationship;   a tension assembly configured to provide clamping force approximately perpendicularly to a face of each structural layer;
 said tension assembly comprising tension means passing through each said structural layer; 
 said tension assembly further passing through a plurality of spacers, each said spacer disposed between, and in endwise, abutting relationship with, two said structural layers; 
 terminating means incident an end one of said plurality of structural layers, said terminating means receiving a first end of said tension means in cooperative engagement therewith; and 
 tension cap means incident another end one of said plurality of structural layers, said tension cap means receiving a second end of said tension means in cooperative engagement therewith; 
 said tension cap means operable with said tension means, said structural layers, said spacers, and said terminating means to develop tensile force within said tension means and corresponding compression force within said spacers, whereupon said plurality of structural layers are drawn into alignment and provide structural integrity of the modular structure. 
   
     
     
         13 . The modular structure of  claim 12  wherein said tension assembly is released and tightened via single side access means. 
     
     
         14 . The modular structure of  claim 12  further comprising a sliding retaining layer. 
     
     
         15 . The modular structure of  claim 12  wherein a structural layer of said cradle assembly is electrically energized, and further comprises a lighting system powered by said electrically energized structural layer. 
     
     
         16 . The modular structure of  claim 12  further comprising an appliance mount. 
     
     
         17 . The modular structure of  claim 12  further comprising a drawer assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The modular structure of  claim 12  further comprising a surface panel. 
     
     
         19 . A layered construction comprising:
 a plurality of rigid layers in parallel, spaced-apart relationship;   a tension assembly configured to provide clamping force approximately perpendicularly to a face of each rigid layer;
 said tension assembly comprising tension means passing through each said rigid layer; 
 said tension assembly further passing through a plurality of spacers, each said spacer disposed between, and in endwise, abutting relationship with, two said rigid layers; 
 terminating means incident an end one of said plurality of rigid layers, said terminating means receiving a first end of said tension means in cooperative engagement therewith; and 
 tension cap means incident another end one of said plurality of rigid layers, said tension cap means receiving a second end of said tension means in cooperative engagement therewith; 
 said tension cap means operable with said tension means, said rigid layers, said spacers, and said terminating means to develop tensile force within said tension means and corresponding compression force within said spacers, whereupon said plurality of rigid layers are drawn into alignment and provide structural integrity of the layered construction. 
   
     
     
         20 . The layered construction of  claim 19  wherein said tension means is a rod, said rod optionally comprising a variable diameter portion, and wherein said first end of said rod threads into said terminating means, and wherein said second end of said rod is affixed to said tension cap means, whereby rotation of said tension cap means acts to develop said tension force within said rod.