CURVED PATHWAY

Abstract

A curved pathway including a double helix form with no center support column includes a plurality of segments, wherein each of the segments is formed from a plurality of rods coupled to a plurality of connecting nodes. The plurality of rods are arranged in a skewed tetrahedral geometry, which causes the plurality of stair segments to form a helical structure when the plurality of segments are coupled together. The plurality of rods form a spine on an underside of the plurality of stair segments. A pathway surface is coupled to each of the segments. In alternate embodiments, the curved pathway may be formed from sheet metal creased to form a plurality of linear support locations and connecting nodes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention relates to a self-supporting curved pathway having a tetrahedral support structure.

State of the Art

Buildings all over the world incorporate spiral or curved staircases or pathways for their space savings and aesthetic appeal. However, spiral staircases and pathways often require a central column for support which makes them look like the scaffolding to build the stair was left in place.

While there are spiral or curved staircases and pathways that do not require a central column, these large double helix stairs are very expensive to build due to very heavy structural elements. Alternatively, they are often built using a curved wall for support.

A more natural light weight structure which imitates to some degree structures found in nature or crystals is a better solution. With the ability of bigger and faster computers, highly redundant structures as here proposed are able to be analyzed to meet building codes for strength and earthquake resistance that could not have been analyzed effectively even 40 years ago.

While there are many patents for circular staircases, most of them are similar to U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,176 issued to Donald R. H. Mackay, entitled Spiral Staircases and which discloses a spiral staircase having a rod through the center of the spiral in order to support the stairs.

Additional patents disclose self-supporting spiral or curved staircases, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,480 issued to Scott A. Turner, entitled Modular Staircase. While this patent discloses, a self-supporting staircase, its design is very bulky and unattractive.

Accordingly, what is needed is a self-supporting curved staircase that is strong and aesthetically pleasing.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention relates to a self-supporting curved staircase or pathway having a tetrahedral support structure.

An embodiment includes a self-supporting curved pathway comprising: a plurality of segments, wherein each of said segments comprises a plurality of rods coupled to a plurality of connecting nodes; wherein said plurality of rods are arranged in a skewed tetrahedral geometry, said skewed tetrahedral geometry causes said plurality of segments to form a curved structure when said plurality of segments are coupled together; wherein said plurality of rods form a spine on an underside of said plurality of stair segments; and a pathway surface coupled to each of said stair segments.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be clearly understood, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of a stair segment of a first embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure.

FIG. 5A is a vertical cross section taken along a center of a self-supporting curved staircase coupled to a floor.

FIG. 5B is a vertical cross section taken along a center of a self-supporting curved staircase coupled to a landing.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a self-supporting curved staircase coupled to a floor.

FIG. 7A is a top view of a first mounting plate for mounting a self-supporting curved staircase to a landing.

FIG. 7B is a top view of a second mounting plate for mounting a self-supporting curved staircase to a landing.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a stair segment of a second embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a third embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure with a railing.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure with a railing.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a self-supporting curved pathway structure.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a self-supporting curved pathway structure.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a self-supporting curved pathway structure with depicting a portion of a pathway surface structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-supporting curved staircase including a curved form such as a winder form, helical or double helix form with no center support column or the like. The curved staircase is supported by a three dimensional curved space frame having a tetrahedral geometric structure.

Tetrahedral structures are described herein for support of a curved staircase. Sweeping larger diameter stairs may use a modified tetrahedron structure for support. The curved staircase structure as described herein may be analyzed for structural and earthquake stability and strength requirements. Further, the described curved staircase is efficient, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing.

For the purposes of this application, the following definitions will apply. A tetrahedron is a 3 dimensional object having four triangular faces; a triangular pyramid. Tetrahedral means pertaining to or having the form of a tetrahedron. Helical means having the shape or form of a helix. Double helix means a pair of parallel helices intertwined about a common axis.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase structure 100 for use with large outside diameter curved stairs, particularly an outside diameter in the range of about 5 feet to about 30 feet or more. With larger outside diameter curved stairs, there is a need for more structural stability and less vibration of the support structure.

The self-supporting curved staircase structure 100 is formed from multiple stair segments 200 coupled together so as to form a helical staircase or double helix shape. The stair segments 200 are a stair step section that holds a single tread. The stair segments 200 are coupled front to back in order to form a full staircase. The front of the next stair segment 200 is coupled to the back of the previous stair segment 200.

Each stair segment 200 is formed from multiple support rods 114. Support rods 114 are illustrated as thin rods formed from metal or other strong, durable material. Support rods 114 may be any shape or size desired. They may be formed as thin rods as illustrated or they may be formed as flat strips of metal, hollow tubes, wooden dowels, polycarbonate rods, creases in sheet metal or the like. Provided that the support rods 114, are strong enough to support the curved staircase 100.

Each support rod 114 may be formed as a single piece or may be multiple pieces coupled together via welding, adhesive, male/female connector or the like. It is anticipated, however, that forming the support rods 114 as a single piece will provide the most strength to the curved staircase 100.

In the embodiment of the curved staircase 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, there are 18 support rods 114 for each stair segment 200. In alternate embodiments of the curved staircase 100, there may be more or fewer support rods 114.

The support rods 114 are connected together at nodes 118. Nodes 118 are connection locations for multiple support rods 114. The nodes 118 may be formed by welding multiple support rods 114 together, or else the nodes 118 may have threaded, clip, compression or other connections in order to connect the support rods 114 together.

In the embodiment of the curved staircase 100, there are illustrated 5 nodes 118 for each stair segment 200.

The support rods 114 and the nodes 118 are arranged so as to create a tetrahedral geometry or in other words, they are arranged so as to form multiple tetrahedrons. The tetrahedrons utilized in the self-supporting curved staircase are skewed or modified in order to cause the staircase to form a helical arrangement or a double helix. The skewed tetrahedrons cause the stair segments 200 to have a non-symmetrical geometry which, when multiple stair segments 200 are coupled adjacent one another, causes the staircase to turn and form a double helix. Additionally, the support rods 114 and the nodes 118 are arranged so as to create a spine 120 which runs along the middle underside of the curved staircase structure 100 adding additional strength. The spine 120 is a line of support rods 114 with node 118 intersections that are arranged so as to create a line that follows the curve of the curved staircase 100.

Each stair segment 200 has a tread 116 placed on top of the top of the stair segment 200. The treads 116 are where the user will step as he/she ascends or descends the curved staircase 100. The treads 116 may be formed from any material desirable, including wood, marble, stone, metal, glass or the like. The treads 116 may be formed in any size or shape desirable. They may be formed as squares, rectangles, ovals, rounded rectangles or the like. However, the treads 116 must fit in the space provided on the stair segment 200. Additionally, the treads 116 should be strong enough to support the weight of a user and lightweight enough to not add significant stress to the staircase support 100.

Treads 116 are coupled to the underlying staircase support structure 100. Treads 116 may be coupled to the support structure 100 using bolts, screws, nails, adhesive, welding, or the like. The treads 116 may appear to be floating on the structure or fit tight to the corners of the structure.

The inner and outer edges of the curved staircase structure 100 each have a cheek which rises above the level of the tread 116. The inner cheek 112 is on the inside of the curved staircase 100 curve. The outer cheek 110 is on the outside of the curved staircase 100 curve. The inner cheek 112 and the outer cheek 110 are formed from multiple support rods 114 coupled with nodes 118. The cheeks 112 and 110 provide additional strength and support to the curved staircase 100. Additionally, they provide a location for balusters or the like to be coupled to the curved staircase 100.

FIGS. 1-3 also illustrate a bottom support plate 122. The bottom support plate 122 is a piece of sheet metal or other strong material which is coupled to the lower end of the curved staircase 100. The bottom support plate 122 is also coupled to the floor of the building the curved staircase 100 is installed in. The bottom support plate 122 may be formed in any size or shape desired.

The top of the curved staircase 100 would be coupled to an upper landing using an upper support plate illustrated in FIGS. 5B, 7A and 7B.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that the curved staircase 100 widens at a lower or bottom portion 124 of the staircase 100. Additionally, the curved staircase 100 widens parallel to the floor at an upper, top or landing portion 126 of the curved staircase 100. In other words, the inner cheek 112 and the outer cheek 110 are farther apart on the bottom few steps and the top few steps. The wider portions at the top 126 and bottom 124 portions of the staircase 100 provide added strength and stability to the structure.

The structure supporting the curved staircase 100 also deepens at the top portion 126 and bottom portion 124 of the staircase 100. In these portions of the staircase 100, the spine 120 is farther from the treads 116 than in the other segments of the staircase 100. This deepening of the support structure of the staircase 100 also adds strength and stability to the staircase 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a stair segment 200 of a first embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase. Each segment 200 is composed of 18 rods and 5 nodes. Each segment is able to be fabricated and will fit against a lower tread segment for final welding or attachment to the lower segment as well as welding or otherwise coupling of sufficient balusters and handrail to meet building safety codes. Treads will also be coupled to the stair segment 200.

Stair segment 200 includes 18 rods labeled 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 211, 212, 213, 214, 216, 217, 218, 219, 221, 223, 224, 222, and 220. Rod 232 is a support rod from the back of the previous stair segment 200. The 5 nodes in this figure are labeled 234, 235, 233, 236 and 237.

The segment of the stair is composed of two cheek structures with 4 rods each (the inner cheek 112 composed of rods 211, 212, 213, and 214; and the outer cheek 110 composed of rods 216, 217, 218, and 219). As discussed previously, the cheeks are coupled to the edges of the stair segments 200 on the inside and the outside. Rods 211 and 216 are coupled from the front of the stair segment 200 illustrated to the front of the stair segment 200 above. This causes the cheeks 110 and 112 to create side edges on the treads.

The spine section 238 is coupled to the bottom of the stair segment 200. The spine section is composed of rods 220, 221, 222, 223, and 224. Rod 222 couples to similar rods on other segment sections to form the spine 120 (see FIGS. 1-3). The spine section 238 in FIG. 4 comprises 5 rods. Rod 222 becomes the spine, while rods 220, 221, 223 and 224 extend at an angle downward from the stair segment 200 to support rod 222.

The remaining pieces of the segment 200 are connecting rods 225, 226, 227, 228, and 229. For orientation rods 228, 229, 214, 219, 223, and 224 may be in the same vertical plane (as noted by the vertical extent of the plane shown as 230). Rods 225, 226, 228, 217, and 212 may be in the horizontal plane shown as 231 under the tread itself. Rod 232 from the lower segment which is the alignment and connecting rod to the newer segment. Planes 230 and 231 are included for illustrative purposes only and are not actual physical surfaces.

Each segment has 5 nodes 233, 234, 235, 236, and 237 which are the 5 corners of the vertical plane of the front of the segment. Nodes 233, 234, 235, and 236 are determined by the geometry of the stair dimensions. Node 237 is a variable height from rod 232 which is determined by structural analysis for strength and rigidity of the structure in large diameter curved stairs.

As illustrated in the figures, the tetrahedral structure in the disclosed staircase is not formed from equilateral tetrahedrons, instead the tetrahedral structure is a skewed tetrahedral structure wherein the lengths of the legs of the tetrahedrons or the proportions of some of the lengths of the legs of the tetrahedrons to the remaining legs of the tetrahedrons have been altered in order to form a curved or helix. As the proportions of the lengths of the legs of the tetrahedrons change, the shape and curvature of the curved staircase are altered.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are vertical sections through the stair near the center of the stair showing the main stair elements, the spine, and how the stairs are attached to the floor as shown in FIG. 5A and how the stair is attached to the upper building structure as shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5A shows the vertical section through the bottom 5 tread segments of the stair. FIG. 5A shows bottom metal plate 122, attachment points 316 to floor structure 319, and typical treads 116. Rods 114 act as spine elements. The last 3 stair segments have nodes 118 which touch floor structure 319. The bottom two steps could be splayed outward to add additional strength to the stair. The spine structure may contact the bottom metal plate 122 for three or more stair segments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom portion of a self-supporting curved staircase 100. The bottom portion of the curved staircase 100 is coupled to floor 319. Floor 319 is the surface to which the lowest end of the curved staircase 100 is coupled. Curved staircase 100 is coupled to floor 319 by bottom support plate 122.

Bottom support plate 122 is a metal plate to which the support structure of the curved staircase 100 is coupled. The support structure 100 may be coupled to the bottom support plate 122 through bolts, screws, welding, adhesive, epoxy or the like. Provided that the connection is strong enough to withstand the forces applied to the curved staircase 100 during use.

The bottom support plate 122 is coupled to floor 319 through couplers 316. Couplers 316 may be screws, bolts, clips, nail, adhesive or the like. Couplers 316 may be any device or substance that can securely attach the bottom support plate 122 to the floor 319 surface. Provided that the connection is strong enough to withstand the forces applied to the curved staircase 100 during use. Additionally, as many or as few couplers 316 may be used to couple to the bottom support plate 122 to the floor 319 as is desired or necessary to secure the bottom support plate 122 to the floor 319.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a bottom support plate 400. The metal plate 414 is shaped with a wide end 416 which supports the lowest stair of the curved staircase. The metal plate 414 narrows towards the other end which is used to support the next few stair segments. The wide end 416 of the bottom support plate 400 may be shaped as an elongated diamond or else the bottom support plate 400 may be formed in any shape desired, provided that the bottom support plate 400 is strong enough and large enough to support the curved staircase and that the bottom support plate 400 does impede with the architecture of the building if at all possible.

FIG. 6 also illustrates rods from the curved staircase coupled to the bottom support plate 400 at nodes 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, and 412. The rods may be welded, bolted, or coupled to the bottom support plate 400 with adhesive or the like. Additionally, the rods may be screwed into threaded female receivers formed in the bottom support plate 400.

While the bottom support plate 400 illustrated in FIG. 6 is one possible shape of a bottom support plate 400, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternatively shaped bottom support plate 122. Additionally, the bottom support plate may be shaped in anyway desired, so long as it serves its purpose. The bottom support plate may also be formed from any material desired, provided it can be coupled to the curved staircase 100 and has enough strength to couple the curved staircase 100 to the floor.

FIG. 5B shows a vertical section through the top 4 stair treads 116 and second floor landing 320. At the top of the stair 100 where the stair 100 is attached to the building, nodes 118 for the top two or more stair segments would be deepened and/or split to form a triangular shape to add additional strength and rigidity to the stair (rods 114 are the typical spine rods of the stair structure). In addition the top two stair segments could be splayed to add to the strength and rigidity of the stair. Attachment of the top of the stair would have the top segment rods welded or otherwise coupled to a metal plate 315 so as to distribute the stresses of the stair onto the supporting building structure 320.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show two different upper support plates 500 which are used to mount the top of the staircase to the upper landing 320 (see FIG. 5B). FIG. 7A illustrates an upper support plate 500 which splays out the upper 1 or 2 stair segments making them wider. FIG. 7B illustrates an upper support plate 500 that supports the stairs by lowering node 118 (see FIG. 5B) and coupling it to the side of the upper landing.

FIG. 7A illustrates an upper support plate 500 formed in the shape of a triangle with a flat top. With additional reference to FIG. 5B, the upper support plate 500 is a flat metal plate that is mounted to the upper landing 320 and to which the staircase is coupled. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, node 118, which is the node at the bottom or along the spine of the staircase is split or bifurcated in order to provide additional support to the staircase. The bifurcated node 118 is coupled to the upper support plate 500 at locations 520 and 522. The inner cheek and outer cheek of the staircase are coupled to the upper support plate 500 at locations 524, 526, 528 and 530. Thereby, securing the staircase to the upper support plate 500 which is secured to the upper landing 320. Outline 540 illustrates the shape of a normal stair before the stair is flared out in order to couple to locations 520, 522, 524, 526, 528 and 530. The flared stair increases structural strength of the staircase and is aesthetically pleasing.

FIG. 7B illustrates an upper support plate 500 formed in the shape of an upside down triangle. With additional reference to FIG. 5B, the upper support plate 500 is a flat metal plate that is mounted to the upper landing 320 and to which the staircase is coupled. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B, node 118, which is the node along the spine of the staircase, is coupled to the upper support plate 500 at location 520. The inner cheek and outer cheek are coupled to the upper support plate 500 at locations 524, 526, 528 and 530. Outline 540 illustrates the shape of a normal stair before the stair is flared out in order to couple to locations 520, 524, 526, 528 and 530. The flared stair increases structural strength of the staircase and is aesthetically pleasing.

The staircase may be coupled to the upper support plate 500 by screws, bolts, welding, epoxy, adhesive or the like.

The upper support plate 500 may be formed in any size or shape desired, i.e., circular, oval, rectangular, square and the like. Additionally, any artistic embellishment desired may be added, so long as it does not impede the strength and purpose of the upper support plate 500.

The upper support plate 500 may also be formed from any material desired, so long as the upper support plate 500 is strong enough to support the weight and stresses of the curved staircase when it is in use. It is likely that a metal plate formed in various shapes will be most often used as an upper support plate 500.

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a stair segment 600. Stair segment 600 has 9 rods per tread 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 617, 618, 619, and 620 with 3 connecting nodes 624, 626, and 625 arranged in a tetrahedral structure for curved stairs that are of a smaller diameter, particularly an outside diameter in the range of from about 4 feet to about 10 feet.

Node 625 is the spine node and it, in combination with rod 613, are coupled to the spine node and rod from other steps to form the spine along the underside of the self-supporting curved staircase.

The stair segment 600 comprises an outer cheek 610 with 4 rods 611, 612, 613, and 614, arranged in a sloped manner. Rod 611 extends from the front of stair segment 600 to the front of the next stair segment above. Rods 612, 613, and 614 are coupled in a triangular shape.

Inner cheek 616 is comprised of only rod 615. Rod 615 of inner cheek 616 is sloped to go from the front of the lower step to the rear of the step it is a part of.

There are 4 lateral rods connecting inner cheek 616 and outer cheek 610. The 4 lateral connecting rods are 617, 618, 619, and 620. Additionally, rod 620 inter connects two stair segments. Plane 622 shows the location of the tread which is supported by rods 617, 618, and 612, and plane 623 shows the surface of the vertical step element structure formed by rods 619, 618 and 614. Planes 622 and 623 are included for illustrative purposes only and are not actual physical surfaces.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase 700 formed from sheet metal and internal stiffening rods, similar to the rods in previous embodiments. As in previous embodiments, this embodiment includes a plurality of linear support locations 714. In previous embodiments, these linear supports were rods. In this configuration, however, the rods of the underbody structure are replaced with creases in the sheet metal used to form the curved staircase 700. Both the 18 rod and 9 rod configurations may be used with the sheet metal curved staircase 700.

The linear support locations 714 may be slight creases in the sheet metal, where the angle formed by the crease is obtuse. Alternately, the linear support locations 714 may be formed as acute angles in the sheet metal, depending on the desired configuration.

Additionally, a spine 712 is also formed in the sheet metal in order to increase the strength of the curved staircase 700.

An outer cheek 718 and an inner cheek 720 are also formed by bending the sheet metal parallel to the tread location of the curved staircase 700.

Treads 710 are placed on top of the sheet metal structure with the treads 710 overlapping and hiding the outer cheek 718 and inner cheek 720. The treads 710 may be formed in any shape or size desired. Additionally, the treads 710 may be formed from any material desired.

The treads 710 may also, as illustrated, be formed from two pieces which are coupled parallel one another on the sheet metal structure.

The treads 710 may be flat and sit on top of the inner cheek 720 and the outer cheek 718, or the treads 710 may have a lip which overlaps the cheeks.

The treads 710 may be coupled to the sheet metal structure through screws, bolts, adhesives or the like.

The creases or linear support locations 714 meet at nodes 716 similarly to the rods in previous embodiments. Nodes 716 are indentations in the sheet metal where multiple linear support locations 714 end.

Additionally, stiffening rods 722 may be placed inside the sheet metal structure to add strength and stiffness to the curved staircase 700. The stiffening rods 722 are coupled between the inner cheek 718 and the outer cheek 720 of the sheet metal staircase. The stiffening rods 722 may be metal rods, metal tubes, wooden dowels, panels or the like.

The sheet metal self-supporting curved staircase 700 may also widen at a top and bottom portion of the staircase 700 in order to add additional strength and stability to the staircase 700.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate an additional embodiment of a self-supporting curved staircase 800. The curved staircase 800 includes rods 814 and nodes 818 that are similar to and provide similar function as previously discussed with regard to rods 114 and nodes 118. Additionally, the staircase 800 includes a spine 820 formed by the rods 814 and nodes 818. The curved staircase 800 also includes a bottom support plate 822 identical to those previously discussed. An upper support plate would be used to couple the self-supporting curved staircase 800 to an upper landing as described previously.

In this embodiment, however, the inner cheek 812 and outer cheek 810 have balusters 824 coupled along them. These balusters 824 may be formed in any shape desired. The balusters 824 illustrated are curved metal strips which bow out at the bottom and taper towards the center of the staircase at the top. The balusters 824 provide added strength and stability to the overall curved staircase structure 800.

The balusters 824 have a railing 826 coupled along a location near the top of the balusters. The railing 826 may be formed from metal, wood, glass or the like. The railing 826 may have a cross-section that is circular, square, rectangular or may have a decorative shape. The railing 826 also increases the strength of the staircase 800.

The railing 826 may be coupled to the balusters 824 by welding, screws, bolts, adhesives, epoxies or the like. Provided the method of coupling the railing 826 to the balusters 824 is sufficiently strong to prevent the railing 826 from coming loose.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a curved staircase 800 with balusters 824 and a railing 826. As illustrated in this figure, the curved staircase 800 may widen at a top and bottom location in order to increase the strength and stability of the staircase 800.

In alternate embodiments of a self-supporting curved staircase with balusters and a railing, artwork may be applied to the treads and/or balusters. Portions of the artwork may be applied to each tread or each baluster in order to allow the user to see the entire image from a distance.

The structure described in this application with respect to curved staircases may also be applied to other curved structures such as curved ramps, curved rooftops and the like and the description herein should not be limited to staircases.

The curved staircases described above may also be formed in many different ways. The curved staircase may be welded, bolted, epoxied or the like. Additionally, the curved staircase may be formed with a 3d printer, wherein the 3d printer would form the staircase from metal, polymers or other materials which are strong enough to meet the structural demands of the staircase.

The curved staircases disclosed herein may be formed from any material desirable. Examples of materials include wood, glass, metal, polymers, plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composites and the like. Additionally, the staircases described herein may be formed from multiple types of materials, i.e. the stair tread may be formed from glass while the rods may be formed from metal or carbon fiber and the upper support plate and floor plate may be formed from wood or metal.

Additional embodiments of the curved staircases disclosed above may be formed with from fewer or greater numbers of rods and nodes, so long as those rods form tetrahedral structures such as those discussed above. Therefore, though the figures disclose a certain number of rods and nodes, the figures were included for exemplary purposes only and are not meant to be limiting in anyway.

Alternate embodiments may also include the stair case being formed from sheet goods, i.e. sheet metal, plastic sheeting, or the like. The sheet goods would be used to form the tetrahedral planes of the structure. Solid materials, i.e. foam, plastic, concrete, foam coated with fiberglass or the like, may also be used to form the stair case. Solid materials would be used to follow the shape of the described stair in either a single form or post tensioned stair segments.

Referring to the drawings again with regard to a curved pathway, FIGS. 14-16 illustrate an embodiment of a self-supporting curved pathway structure 900 for use with large outside diameter curved pathways. With larger outside diameter curved pathways, there is a need for more structural stability and less vibration of the support structure.

The self-supporting curved pathway structure 900 is formed from multiple segments 200 coupled together so as to form a helical pathway or double helix shape. The segments 200 are a pathway section that holds a single portion of the entire pathway. The segments 200 are coupled front to back in order to form a full pathway. The front of the next segment 200 is coupled to the back of the previous segment 200.

Each segment 200 is formed from multiple support rods 114. Support rods 114 are illustrated as thin rods formed from metal or other strong, durable material. Support rods 114 may be any shape or size desired. They may be formed as thin rods as illustrated or they may be formed as flat strips of metal, hollow tubes, wooden dowels, polycarbonate rods, creases in sheet metal or the like. Provided that the support rods 114, are strong enough to support the curved pathway 900.

Each support rod 114 may be formed as a single piece or may be multiple pieces coupled together via welding, adhesive, male/female connector or the like. It is anticipated, however, that forming the support rods 114 as a single piece will provide the most strength to the curved pathway 900.

In the embodiment of the curved pathway 900 illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, there are 18 support rods 114 for each segment 200. In alternate embodiments of the curved pathway 900, there may be more or fewer support rods 114.

The support rods 114 are connected together at nodes 118. Nodes 118 are connection locations for multiple support rods 114. The nodes 118 may be formed by welding multiple support rods 114 together, or else the nodes 118 may have threaded, clip, compression or other connections in order to connect the support rods 114 together.

In the embodiment of the curved pathway 900, there are illustrated 5 nodes 118 for each stair segment 200.

The support rods 114 and the nodes 118 are arranged so as to create a tetrahedral geometry or in other words, they are arranged so as to form multiple tetrahedrons. The tetrahedrons utilized in the self-supporting curved pathway are skewed or modified in order to cause the pathway to form a helical arrangement or a double helix. The skewed tetrahedrons cause the segments 200 to have a non-symmetrical geometry which, when multiple segments 200 are coupled adjacent one another, causes the pathway to turn and form a double helix. Additionally, the support rods 114 and the nodes 118 are arranged so as to create a spine 120 which runs along the middle underside of the curved staircase structure 100 adding additional strength. The spine 120 is a line of support rods 114 with node 118 intersections that are arranged so as to create a line that follows the curve of the curved pathway 900.

Each segment 200 has a tread 116 placed on top of the top of the segment 200. The pathway surface 902 are where the user will step as he/she travels on the curved pathway 900. The pathway surfaces 902 may be formed from any material desirable, including wood, marble, stone, metal, glass or the like. The pathway surfaces 902 may be formed in any size or shape desirable. They may be formed as squares, rectangles, ovals, rounded rectangles or the like. However, the pathway surfaces 902 must fit in the space provided on the segment 200 and provide a smooth transition from one pathway surface 902 to another pathway surface 902 to form a pathway along the pathway structure 900. Additionally, the pathway surfaces 902 should be strong enough to support the weight of a user and lightweight enough to not add significant stress to the pathway support structure 900.

Pathway surfaces 902 are coupled to the underlying pathway support structure 900. Pathway surfaces 902 may be coupled to the support structure 900 using bolts, screws, nails, adhesive, welding, or the like.

The inner and outer edges of the curved pathway structure 900 each have a cheek which rises above the level of the pathway surface 902. The inner cheek 112 is on the inside of the curved pathway 900 curve. The outer cheek 110 is on the outside of the curved pathway 100 curve. The inner cheek 112 and the outer cheek 110 are formed from multiple support rods 114 coupled with nodes 118. The cheeks 112 and 110 provide additional strength and support to the curved pathway 900. Additionally, they provide a location for balusters or the like to be coupled to the curved pathway 900.

FIGS. 14-16 also illustrate a bottom support plate 122. The bottom support plate 122 is a piece of sheet metal or other strong material which is coupled to a first end of the curved pathway 900. The bottom support plate 122 is also coupled to the floor of the building the curved pathway 900 is installed in. The bottom support plate 122 may be formed in any size or shape desired.

A second end of the curved pathway 900 may be coupled to an upper landing using an upper support plate illustrated in FIGS. 5B, 7A and 7B, or may be coupled to another landing utilizing a bottom support plate 122 as described above.

FIG. 15 also illustrates that the curved pathway 900 may widen at a first portion 124 of the pathway 900. Additionally, the curved pathway 900 may widen parallel to the floor at a second portion 126 of the curved pathway 900. In other words, the inner cheek 112 and the outer cheek 110 are farther apart on the entrance/exit on each end of the curved pathway 900. The wider portions at the second 126 and first 124 portions of the pathway 900 provide added strength and stability to the structure.

The structure supporting the curved pathway 900 also deepens at the second portion 126 and first portion 124 of the pathway 900. In these portions of the pathway 900, the spine 120 is farther from the pathway surface structures 902 than in the other segments of the pathway 900. This deepening of the support structure of the pathway 900 also adds strength and stability to the pathway 900.

It will be understood that different types of pathways may be formed as a curved pathway 900. For example and without limitation, the curved pathway 900 may include a ramp, a skywalk, a bridge, wandering pathways and the like.

With regard to curved pathways 900 that are ramps, curved stairs can get quite large and, and in fact, so large that the actual steps evolve into a curved ramp. The ramp in these embodiments would be a curved walkway or ramp and be made of tetrahedral geometry.

With regard to skywalks as curved pathways 900, embodiments could include an advanced use of tetrahedral geometry in skywalks where as much as 100 foot arched walkways are extended over a canyon, abyss or other natural or manmade formation and used as a tourist attraction. Tetrahedral geometry would be ideal for this kind of structure making it very efficient and could also allow for the walkway to slope downward or upward with a great deal of structural ease. This type of curve pathway structural system is very effective and not wasteful like large bent steel structures.

With regard to bridges as curved pathways 900, the bridges could be built using tetrahedral structures. And while not curved around a vertical axis as in a normal curved stair, the bridge could either ramp up or use steps and then curve at the top of the structure down to the other side. Again tetrahedral geometry is just an effective way to efficiently build a vertically curved bridge or walkway.

With regard to wandering pathways as curved pathways 900, wandering pathways may be utilized for wandering around certain structures or locations, such as, but not limited to, an old church or ruin or around the column capitals. Curved arches as part of the wandering pathway would be a wonderful way to get up close and personal with an old structure. The wandering pathway may include partly graded ramps, some stairs and just meander around interesting features and all held up by structures using tetrahedral geometry.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.

Claims

1. A self-supporting curved pathway comprising: a plurality of segments, wherein each of said segments comprises a plurality of rods coupled to a plurality of connecting nodes;wherein said plurality of rods are arranged in a skewed tetrahedral geometry, said skewed tetrahedral geometry causes said plurality of segments to form a curved structure when said plurality of segments are coupled together;wherein said plurality of rods form a spine on an underside of said plurality of stair segments; anda pathway surface coupled to each of said stair segments.

2. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, each of said plurality of segments further comprising 18 rods and 5 connecting nodes.

3. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of segments further comprises an inner cheek and an outer cheek; and wherein said inner cheek and said outer cheek are farther apart at a first portion of said curved pathway than at a middle portion of said curved pathway.

4. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of segments further comprises an inner cheek and an outer cheek; and wherein said inner cheek and said outer cheek are farther apart at a second portion of said curved pathway than at a middle portion of said curved pathway.

5. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of segments further comprises at least 9 rods coupled to at least 3 connecting nodes, wherein said at least 9 rods and said at least 3 connecting nodes form a tetrahedral geometry, and wherein said tetrahedral geometry causes each of said plurality of segments to have a non-symmetrical shape;

6. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein the curved pathway forms a ramp.

7. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein the curved pathway forms a skywalk.

8. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein the curved pathway forms a bridge.

9. The self-supporting curved pathway of claim 1, wherein the curved pathway forms a wandering path.