Foldable, expandable framework for a variety of structural purposes
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
E04B-001/32
E04H-015/36
출원번호
US-0392148
(2003-03-18)
발명자
/ 주소
Kalnay, Peter A.
대리인 / 주소
Boys Donald R.
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
35인용 특허 :
8
초록▼
A foldable, deployable framework for a structure has a lower hub having a first central axis, sets of tracks, masts, and rafters connected pivotally to the lower hub, to one another, and to an upper hub in a manner that allows the framework to be folded into one, two or three small packages, and to
A foldable, deployable framework for a structure has a lower hub having a first central axis, sets of tracks, masts, and rafters connected pivotally to the lower hub, to one another, and to an upper hub in a manner that allows the framework to be folded into one, two or three small packages, and to be deployed into a structural frame supporting floors, walls, and roof for an enclosed structure. In different versions folding and deployment is accomplished in a different way. Structures based on the framework can be made for many and varied purposes.
대표청구항▼
1. A foldable, deployable framework for a structure, comprising:a lower hub having a first central axis;a set of three or more equal-length tracks each having a first track end pivotally attached to the lower hub such that each track pivots in a separate track plane parallel to the first axis;a set
1. A foldable, deployable framework for a structure, comprising:a lower hub having a first central axis;a set of three or more equal-length tracks each having a first track end pivotally attached to the lower hub such that each track pivots in a separate track plane parallel to the first axis;a set of three or more masts of equal length, the number of masts equal to the number of tracks, each mast having a first mast end pivotally and translatably attached to one of the three tracks such that the masts pivot on the tracks in planes parallel to the planes of the attached tracks, and the first mast ends are free to translate along the length of the joined track;a set of three or more rafters of equal length greater than the length of either masts or tracks, the number of rafters equal to the number of masts, each rafter having a first rafter end pivotally attached at a second mast end, opposite the first mast end, to one of the three masts, such that the rafters pivot in planes adjacent to and parallel to the pivot planes of the attached masts and tracks; andan upper hub having a second central axis coaxial with the first central axis of the lower hub, with each rafter pivotally attached to the upper hub in a manner allowing the rafters to pivot in their respective rafter planes;characterized in that the framework deployed has the tracks in a common plane substantially orthogonal to the first axis, defining, with the lower hub, a structure floor, has the masts each at substantially a right angle to the joined track, at an end of the tracks furthest from the lower hub, adjacent masts defining structure walls, and the rafters at an obtuse angle to the joined masts such that the axes of the upper and lower hubs remain coaxial, the rafters and upper hub defining a structure roof. 2. The framework of claim 1 further comprising locking elements between the first mast ends and the tracks enabled to lock the translation of the first mast ends at any position along a joined track. 3. The framework of claim 2 characterized in that the framework folded comprises a package with the first mast ends translated to a position adjacent the lower hub and locked in that position, and the masts, tracks, and rafters pivoted to lie adjacent lengthwise, forming a package of outer cross-section defined by the hubs, and length defined by the rafter length. 4. The framework of claim 1 wherein the deployed framework further comprises hub-to-track locking elements to lock the tracks and lower hub into a common plane. 5. The framework of claim 4 wherein the hub-to-track locking elements comprise at least one flange to which both tracks and lower hub may be affixed. 6. The framework of claim 5 comprising two flanges translatable to clamp tracks and hubs in a common plane. 7. The framework of claim 1 wherein the deployed framework further comprises locking elements to lock each set of joined track and mast into a right-angle relationship. 8. The framework of claim 7 wherein the locking elements comprise pins passing through openings in each of joined masts and tracks. 9. The framework of claim 7 wherein the locking elements comprise brackets that, affixed to each of a mast and a track, lock the pivot between mast and track. 10. The framework of claim 1 further comprising a telescoping central post joined to the lower hub, and extendable toward the upper hub, away from the upper hub, or both. 11. The framework of claim 1 further comprising joining elements for joining one deployed framework to another deployed framework. 12. The framework of claim 1 further comprising a through opening in the upper hub with an opening area of a significant portion of the overall footprint of the upper hub. 13. The framework of claim 1 further comprising a closed cinch passing around each of the masts of the framework, such that the cinch, in the deployed framework, limits the masts from pivoting relative to the tracks to which they are pivotally joined, by more than ninety de grees. 14. The framework of claim 1 further comprising a mechanical mechanism for unfolding the framework for deployment. 15. The framework of claim 14 wherein the mechanical mechanism comprises a line and pulley system. 16. The framework of claim 1 wherein pivotal attachment between tracks and masts comprises a pivotal and translatable unit connecting the tracks and masts, such that pivoting is accomplished and masts are also translatable through the unit, such that masts may be extended in a deployed framework to below the level of the co-planar tracks, simultaneously lowering the assembly of rafters and upper hub. 17. The framework of claim 1 wherein pivotal attachment between masts and rafters comprises a pivotal and translatable unit connecting the masts and rafters, such that pivoting is accomplished and rafters are also translatable through the unit, such that a roof defined by the rafters and the upper hub may be altered in pitch, flattened, and inverted. 18. The framework of claim 1 wherein pivotal attachment between masts and rafters comprises a pivotal and translatable unit connecting the masts and rafters, such that pivoting is accomplished and masts are also translatable through the unit, such that a roof defined by the rafters and the upper hub may be lowered relative to the lower hub without lowering the masts below the level of the lower hub. 19. The framework of claim 1 wherein all pivotal attachments between masts and tracks and masts and rafters comprise translation capability as well as pivotal capability, such that each pivotal and translatable unit provides fro relative translation between elements engaging the unit as well as pivoting. 20. The framework of claim 16 further comprising one or more additional lower hubs each having a set of tracks joined to the masts by pivotal and translatable units, the additional hub and track sets defining additional floors, such that multiple stories are provided by a single unit.
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