Gossamer's patented structural technologies provide architects and designers with extraordinary flexibility, creativity and structural performance that simply cannot be matched by competing systems. Gossamer's architectural and civil projects to date provide a mere glimpse of the possibilities afforded by Gossamer's patented structural technologies. Indeed, not even the sky is the limit.

Coaxial Joint System TM

Gossamer Space Frames was originally formed to develop the use of a unique joint – Gossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM -- for applications in "space frame" structures. Gossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM provides a rigid connection for circular tube framing members composed of any material that can be machined. Because of the rigidity and accuracy of Gossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM , it is possible to develop single layer, thin shell structures of any shape , whereas conventional space frame joints lack rigidity and strength and would therefore require double layer grid systems. And yes, " any shape " means literally any shape conceivable -- from spherical to hyperbolic, 3D sine waves, complex, or random compound curve surfaces. With Gossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM , the architect or designer can sculpt whatever form or shape the project may require or the client may desire:

  • Complicated, irregular surfaces with compound curves
  • Single layer system
  • Free-edge structure
  • Reduced number of structural supports
  • High value and low relative cost through the use of a single integrated model for structural design and fabrication process data.
Pike BridgeUnlike competitors' ball-joint and plate-connection joint systems, Gossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM maintains member strength through the joint to a significant degree, while also providing greater stiffness and much higher resistance to bending and axial forces. Gossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM is therefore capable of handling bending moment and shear in any plane. Net result? A lighter weight, higher performing frame – which saves material, assembly, and transportation costs, and provides virtually unlimited freedom of structural design. Moreover, Gossamer's Coaxial Joint SystemTM is completely modular (allowing ease of field assembly and repair), and does not require any welding (shop or field).

Floating Glass WallGossamer's patented Coaxial Joint SystemTM has already been successfully deployed on the following projects:

  • "Roller Coaster Bridge" in Long Beach, California – a 450-foot long pedestrian bridge, consisting of 30-foot wide concrete deck suspended from "roller coaster" structural frame, and featuring a single span of over 150
  • "Floating Glass Wall" at BMW dealership in Glendale , California – a suspended glass curtain wall, with no structural supports at ground level to obstruct the views between the interior and exterior showrooms.
  • Aluminum and Carbon-fiber Canopy at Las Olas Condominium Complex in Fort Lauderdale , Florida – a 100-foot long porte cochere canopy, with integrated lighting, that easily withstood the hurricane winds that removed large panels of siding from neighboring highrise buildings.

Other potential architectural applications include:

  • Floating Glass Wall

    Canopies and covers
  • Atriums
  • Glass Walls
  • Pavilions
  • Arches
  • Arenas
  • Stadiums
  • Facades
  • Signage
  • Entertainment stages
  • Tradeshow Exhibitions
  • Towers
  • Bridges

Organic ConnectorTM

Ben ClarkGossamer's patented Organic ConnectorTM technology was first developed and deployed in 2004 for three-sided, long-span trusses for the Sheriff's Department Ben Clark Shooting Range in Riverside County , California .

Gossamer's patented Organic ConnectorTM technology is equally well-suited for similar uses such as long-span signage (e.g., freeway sign gantries), canopies and covers, entertainment staging, trade show exhibitions, or any other application requiring a lightweight-but-rigid truss structure.