Structure having Multiple Interwoven Structural Members Enhanced for Resistance of Multi-Directional Force

Abstract

A structural assembly has a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection, and a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection. Compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces.

1 . A structural assembly comprising:
 a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection; and   a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection;   wherein compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces.   
   
   
       2 . The structural assembly of  claim 1  wherein the compressive mechanism comprises a rod, wire or cable passing through aligned openings in the adjoining blocks and structural members at the intersection, and one or more elements applying tension to the rod, wire or cable. 
   
   
       3 . The structural assembly of  claim 1  wherein the structural members and the blocks have complementary shape such that adjoining blocks and structural members engage at a specific angle defined by the engagement shapes of the blocks. 
   
   
       4 . The frame assembly of  claim 3  wherein the structural members have an I-beam shape with a central planar member and wider rails at each end and the locking blocks have channels to engage the wider rails, with sets of channels on opposite sides to engage adjacent structural members, with the sets of channels oriented at an angle to one another, defining the angle of the planes at the intersection. 
   
   
       5 . The structural assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a third set of structural members defining a third plane parallel to the first plane and a fourth set of structural members defining a fourth plane parallel to the second plane, the first and second planes intersecting at a first intersection at ninety degrees, the second and third planes intersecting at a second intersection at ninety degrees, the third plane and the fourth plane intersecting at a third intersection at ninety degrees, and the fourth plane and the first plane intersecting at a fourth intersection at ninety degrees, the four planes defining a rectangular box. 
   
   
       6 . The structural assembly of  claim 5  further comprising panels fastened to the separate sets of structural members, providing a top, a floor, and two sides to the structural assembly. 
   
   
       7 . A method for making a rigid structural assembly, comprising the steps of:
 (a) spacing apart a first and a second set of elongate structural members alternately with locking blocks such that the first set defines a first plane and the second set defines a second plane in an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection; and   (b) compressing the adjoined structural members and inter-spaced locking blocks at the intersection with a spanning compression mechanism.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the compressive mechanism comprises a rod, wire or cable passing through aligned openings in the adjoining blocks and structural members at the intersection, and one or more elements applying tension to the rod, wire or cable. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the structural members and the blocks have complementary shape such that adjoining blocks and structural members engage at a specific angle defined by the engagement shapes of the blocks. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the structural members have an I-beam shape with a central planar member and wider rails at each end and the locking blocks have channels to engage the wider rails, with sets of channels on opposite sides to engage adjacent structural members, with the sets of channels oriented at an angle to one another, defining the angle of the planes at the intersection. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising a third set of structural members defining a third plane parallel to the first plane and a fourth set of structural members defining a fourth plane parallel to the second plane, the first and second planes intersecting at a first intersection at ninety degrees, the second and third planes intersecting at a second intersection at ninety degrees, the third plane and the fourth plane intersecting at a third intersection at ninety degrees, and the fourth plane and the first plane intersecting at a fourth intersection at ninety degrees, the four planes defining a rectangular box. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising panels fastened to the separate sets of structural members, providing a top, a floor, and two sides to the structural assembly.