Patent · US Expired

Collapsible structure

US5163262A · kind A · utility

61Cited by
30References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 26, 1990
Grant dateNov 17, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 26, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64G99/00
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A truss structure, which is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position, has at least one frame section. The frame section has a number of frame units, wherein each frame unit includes three elongated members forming a triangle independent of the triangle formed by the other frame units. A first elongated member of each frame unit is coupled to a first elongated member of another frame unit such that these coupled first elongated members form a polygon. The remaining elongated members of each frame unit are pivotally connected to the first elongated member of their respective frame unit so as to be pivoted with respect to the first elongated member during movement of the truss structure between the collapsed and deployed positions. A number of foldable batten members are connected at their ends to the frame units to form a second polygon. The foldable batten members fold, approximately at their midpoints, during movement of the truss structure between the collapsed and deployed positions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.