Abstract: A deployable structure (10) includes at least two membranes (20) arranged overlying each other and spaced apart from each other. A deployable perimeter truss structure (40) encircles the at least two membranes (20). A transition truss structure (80) connects the membranes (20) to the perimeter truss structure (40). The perimeter truss structure (40), transition truss structure (80), and membranes (20) form a pre-loaded truss structure in which the membranes comprise integral tension transmitting components of the tensioned truss structure.

Abstract: A mechanically deployable, expandable and collapsible structure is provided. The structure includes at least one scissor assembly made up of a first and a second strut, a first spacer disposed between the first end of the first strut and the first end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position, and a second spacer disposed between the second end of the first strut and the second end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position. A tension member is connected to the first and second struts. The tension member is arranged such that the scissor assembly is moved from the folded position when there is slack in the tension member to the expanded position when the slack in the tension member is taken up.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to increase the rigidity of the integrated formworks at the time of their installation, to facilitate the work of the civil engineers if order to determine easily the contribution of the horizontal frameworks and to reduce manufacturing costs. This aim is reached by a formwork including two parallel formwork walls placed one facing the other provided with shaped bars forming the vertical stiffeners and connected by at least one articulated connection device allowing the maintenance of the formwork walls either at a distance defining a space to receive a filler such as concrete, or folded for storage and transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular HD (Heavy Duty) support system (1) having a strongly increased resistance to breaking strain and strain of flexure for the support of very huge and heavy shuttering for use in modern building. This module comprises vertical upright assembly systems (2) consisting of upright elements (2?) with connecting members (3) and intermediate frames (5). The bottom part and/or top part of each upright assembly (2) is provided with a spindle assembly (4), which is capable of carrying a high load and with adjustable butterfly nuts (20) and coupling pieces (21). In upward direction the upright assembly systems (2) are extended by means of connecting pieces (3) provided with locking pins (8a, 8b) for obtaining a connection which is resistant to tensile strain.

Abstract: A scissors type vertical elevated substructure. The base and the surface of the substructure are articulated through folding legs. The nodes of the legs are articulated through connection rods and form double parallelograms which are mirror images and share a common base. There is a guide device on the base. Lifting sheaves are installed on both the surface of the substructure and the top of the guide. One end of the lifting wireline is fixed on the nodes of the folding legs and the other end of the wireline runs around the lifting sheaves in a given order to connect with the drawworks. The guide pulley sits in the vertical elevated guide-rail which is set on the guide device. The support rod is fixed to the base, the surface, and the folding legs.

Abstract: A collapsible self-supporting structure used in combination with an improved articulating hub assembly. The articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required.

Abstract: A structure that can be folded and unfolded to construct buildings, for example, horse stables, includes frames made from welded profiles and covered with panels having doors, windows or ventilators, covered by a roof. After deployment and installation, the structure forms a parallelepipedal volume with rigid front and rear façades and two folding lateral walls. Each of the lateral walls has a central axis, and joints receiving four rectangular leaves which can be folded accordion-style. The distance between the two central axes remains constant and the structure has two anchoring points on each lateral wall which are positioned on top of the structure and symmetrically relative to the central axis. A lifting beam is used to raise the structure, which folds or unfolds under the influence of the weight of the structure due to forces exerted on cables fixed between the lifting beam and the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure of a roof truss using thin light-gauge shaped steel. In a joining structure for joining a subsidiary roof with a main roof, a valley bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is inserted and disposed in the longitudinal valley direction of a joining member for joining a rafter forming the subsidiary roof with a truss or a rafter forming the main roof. In a joining structure in which a roof truss upper chord member or a rafter intersects a wall on the upper surface of the wall, a bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is disposed at the intersection of these members and fixes the roof truss upper chord member or the rafter to the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing, comprising: a support abutment, one end connecting with a truss frame, and the other end connecting with an interconnecting part; and the interconnecting part connecting with one end of at least two support arms. The support abutment connects with the interconnecting part via a ball pivot, and the support arms hinge with the interconnecting part. The present invention is a simple structure and conveniently assembled during the construction phase of a glass curtain wall or roofing.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes latching features that hold the truss member in a deployed configuration. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).

Abstract: A frame tent system having a plurality of upright columns, a plurality of eave members, and a plurality of rafters. The plurality of members are inter-connected by a system of novel eave weldments. The eave weldment is preferably a four-way connector unit interconnecting the frame members of the tent system at major points of connection to form the frame tent system. The eave weldment is formed of a weldment plate and an insert tube disposed perpendicular to the weldment plate. The frame members of the tent system each include a channel for releasably receiving ends of the eave weldment. In particular, the channel disposed in the rafter receives a first end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the upright column receives a second end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the eave members receive an end of the insert tube thereby forming the frame tent system.

Abstract: A space structure is composed of a post member and a horizontal beam member. The post member has a post member groove portion that constitutes a semi-closed space having an opening portion in a cross section of the post member and extends along its axial direction. The horizontal beam member has one or plurality of horizontal beam member groove portions each of which constitutes a semi-closed space having an opening portion in a cross section of the horizontal beam member and extends along its axial direction.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible structural module is provided. The module includes at least three strut pairs, the at least three strut pairs being arranged end to end, at least three corners being defined by connected ends of the at least three strut pairs. The module also includes at least three legs pivotably connected at respective ones of the at least three corners to the connected ends of the at least three strut pairs, at least one of the at least three legs being a telescoping leg.

Abstract: A stackable building structure frame of the shelter type whereby to shelter shopping carts. The stackable building structure frame can be secured in a collapsed condition whereby to facilitate transport, storage and the erection of such building structures. The frame is comprised of reinforced connecting plates secured to opposed corners of a roof frame and to a vertical support post secured thereto. The connecting plates permit the vertical posts, which constitute the side walls of the structures, to be folded under the roof assembly. The vertical posts are secured to the connecting plates by a pair of connections one of which is a hinge connection. These vertical posts are interconnected in a folded condition by connecting vertical leg braces which are also the adjustable legs for the vertical posts. Stacking corner support legs are detachably secured to opposed corners of the collapsed building structure frame to permit stacking of these collapsed frames one on top of each other.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure includes a plurality of linked, inter-connectable segments that allow the structure to transform between a rigid structure and a flexible chain. The chain is generally extendible in a first direction while the rigid structure extends in a transverse second direction. At least a first linked segment is connectable with a second linked segment that is not immediately adjacent to the first segment within the chain. The chain may be converted to the rigid structure by wrapping the chain about an axis extending in the second direction. The segments may include an overall height and further include a coupling that is connected to an adjacent segment. The coupling may be disposed so that the adjacent segment is offset about 1/Nth of the overall height. With this coupling, the first segment may be connectable with the second segment that is N segments separated from the first segment.

Abstract: A folding frame element includes a first hub element having a first end and a second end, a second hub element having a first end and a second end, a first strut pivotably attached at a first end and a second end to the first ends of the first hub element and the second hub element, respectively, a second strut pivotably attached at a first end and a second end to the second ends of the first hub element and the second hub element, respectively, and a diagonal member extending between the first end of the first hub element and the second end of the second hub element.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A radial-hinge mechanism includes one or more elongated members arranged and interconnected into a unique, geometry-based, closed-loop assembly often resembling a multi-point star when in its fully-closed mode. The mechanism's signature function is its variable nature of pivoting open from a centralized hinge-core as its substantially circular inner-aperture concurrently contracts in its own circular dimensions. Additionally, the mechanism has a natural susceptibility to spring-biasing techniques to further modify its versatility and performance.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting locking members between two truss members.

Abstract: A lightweight structure for space application is deployable from a compact bundle of interconnected struts into a plurality of tiled substantially rectangular bays. Each bay preferably comprises four or six hinged strut members having substantially rectangular cross sections, such that a solar or other suitable blanket may be compactly nested within the bundled struts. In one aspect of the invention, the blanket is attached to two opposed strut members of a six-member strut bundle, such that the blanket is unfolded during deployment of the strut bundle into a substantially rectangular bay. In another aspect of the invention, the blanket is attached to, and held against, a single strut in a strut bundle. After the strut bundle is deployed into a substantially rectangular bay, the blanket is spread across the bay via a cable mechanism or other deployment mechanism.

Abstract: Composite structures obtained by joining two or more structures of the type which presents pairs of joined tubular elements, whose extremity is hinged in universal joints and in which the universal joints are substantially parallelepiped in form and present four seats of hinging corresponding to the sides faces, in which the universal joints present grooves along the sides of the face, in which are scheduled the seats to hinge the extended elements, in proximity of the edges and parallel to the same edges, that cooperate with C-sectioned fixing elements to hold united two matched universal joints belonging to two structures from join.

Abstract: Truss assemblies of this invention comprise elongate chord elements having opposed first and second axial ends. Brace elements are used to orient and connect together the chord elements in a desired spatial orientation and have a plate structure. The brace elements comprise chord receiving openings disposed therethrough that are sized to accommodate placement of a respective chord element therein, and that are positioned to provide the desired spatial orientation between the chord elements. The chord element receiving openings and define a portion of the brace element that surrounds the chord element disposed within the opening. A connector is rotatably attached to an end of the chord elements to facilitate attaching the truss assemblies together for the purpose of forming a desired truss system.

Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.

Abstract: A hinged plate is provided for pivotally attaching a pair of lumber members together in a double-hinged manner. A building truss incorporating the double-hinged plate is provided which can be assembled and erected in a facilitated manner.

Abstract: A portable decontamination system includes a preassembled shelter, convertible between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and a fluid delivery system integral with the shelter. In the stowed configuration the shelter encloses a negligible volume. In the deployed configuration the shelter comprises a plurality of side walls, a plurality of end walls, and a roof. The walls and the roof define a central space. The fluid delivery system is configured to convey decontamination fluid into the shelter and to distribute decontamination fluid throughout at least a portion of the central space.

Abstract: A variable support structure with modular construction includes at least one support structure module, which is bounded by joints (114, 115, 126, 121) of a first joint set that lie in a first surface, and by joints (101, 102, 113, 108) of a second joint set that lie in a second surface, and with at least one joint (109) of a third joint set that lies outside of the first surface. At least some of the joints of the first and second joint sets have a fixable position relative to one another, especially being connectable with one another, by a guide mechanism. The at least one joint (109) of the third joint set is connected with at least two joints (114, 115, 113, 121) of the first and/or second joint set by a connecting element (39, 41, 43, 45) that transmits essentially only tension forces.

Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.

Abstract: An interconnecting sound attenuating enclosure (20) that incorporates a detachable structural frame (22) made of thermoplastic pipe (34) with slip-in fittings (36), thus providing joints that are dissembled for transportation and storage. A set of walls, doors and a top consisting of individual panels (48) covered with fabric bags (58) are attached to the outside of the structural frame (22) to form the enclosure (20). The sound produced within the enclosure (20) is attenuated to a sufficient degree to be acceptable by others nearby.

Abstract: A frame structure has a structural unit containing six elongated posts, each post having first and second ends, the structural unit capable of having at least an unfolded state where the six posts are substantially contained in one plane and a folded state where the six posts extend substantially parallel to each other. The frame structure has post-midpoint joints formed in each of the posts for supporting the posts of the structural unit foldably at approximate midpoints of the posts; a central joint for supporting the posts of the structural unit at the first ends of each of the posts rotatably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded state. The six posts of the structural unit are positioned in the unfolded state such that the posts extend radially from the central joint within substantially one plane, so that a line connecting the second ends of the six posts of the structural unit forms substantially an equilateral hexagon.

Abstract: A panel for use in a drop ceiling system, or with appropriate modification, a wall, wherein the ceiling system includes stringers and cross-members defining areas therebetween for support of the panels wherein the panels include at least one planar sheet of material secured to a reinforcement member having channels formed therein to extend in at least one direction relative to the sheet material. When more than one sheet of material is used, the sheets of material are disposed on opposite sides of the reinforcement member. The panels are flexible for easy insertion into the openings between the stringers and cross-members of the support system and are readily compressed into a thinner profile for shipping purposes.

Abstract: A conservatory framework has an eaves structure from which the roof is supported, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being two connector parts which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first and second elongate frame members, e.g. a hip bar and jack rafter, are coupled together in angular relation relative to one another by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a plate with an upstanding pivot post, a channel associated with and extending longitudinally of the first frame member for receiving the plate and maintaining it captive against separation from the first member in a direction generally transverse to its elongation, and an arm adapted to be coupled to the pivot post and to the second frame member. A roofing structure has a support structure, e.g.

Abstract: A deployable single truss with folding or removable chordal members and diagonals and orthogonal hinge joints for continuous and synchronous retraction and extension, in straight and curved configurations. One or more endframes may be used to close off or mount one of more ends of the deployable trusses. A primary orthogonal hinge joint is used to connect the chordal members and diagonals of the deployable trusses along each primary chord. A secondary orthogonal hinge joint to connect the chordal members and diagonals of the deployable trusses along each secondary chord.

Abstract: A series of static structures formed from a plurality of interconnected rigid compression members or struts and flexible tension members or guys (e.g. wire cables, chains or elastic cords) is disclosed. The struts are discontinuous in several embodiments of the invention, intersect at an internal or peripheral point in others, or radiate outwardly from an internal central point in still others. Different configurations of guy arrangements may be described and claimed for each of the embodiments of this invention. Self Guyed Structures (SGS's) can be utilized as a stand-alone module or modules can be combined by connecting them at any point on a strut or guy in a nested, or an adjacently attached configuration to assemble composite SGS 's.

Abstract: Composite structures obtained by joining two or more structures of the type which presents pairs of joined tubular elements, whose extremity is hinged in universal joints and in which the universal joints are substantially parallelepiped in form and present four seats of hinging corresponding to the sides faces, in which the universal joints present grooves along the sides of the face, in which are scheduled the seats to hinge the extended elements, in proximity of the edges and parallel to the same edges, that cooperate with C-sectioned fixing elements to hold united two matched universal joints belonging to two structures from join.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are hingedly connected together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes frictional hinge surfaces that hold the truss member in a deployed configuration. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A projection screen apparatus is disclosed for displaying an image projected by a projector. The projection screen apparatus includes a collapsible frame and a removable display sheet.

Abstract: An easily manufactured large boom construction includes a plurality of main tube support sections fabricated from plate material of differing material thickness, grade and section dependent on load. The tube support sections include apertured areas which provide a preliminary snap-fit of the main tubes to significantly reduce need for additional fixturing. The opposite ends of diagonal tubes pass through apertures in the fabricated support sections for accurate tube location without complicated weld fixtures or precise tube length and cut end angle tolerances. The tubes are welded on opposite sides of the sections to eliminate need for tube-to-tube connections or connections wherein a cut end edge has to be precisely placed against a planar surface. An inverted right triangle boom cross section with wing over-top fold configuration ability provides strength, stiffness and infinite nozzle placement possibilities.

Abstract: An arch structure (12) comprising several struts (14) interconnected by five joints (15) to form an arch (16), and two series of cables (17, 18). The two ends of the arch (16) rest on ball joints which are fixed to the ground.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: A foldable member including a first structural section foldable flat and biased to have an open configuration and a second structural section also foldable flat and biased to have an open configuration. The second section is longitudinally aligned with the first structural section when both structural sections are in the open configuration. A hinged connection between the first and second structural sections allows the first structural section to be folded against the second structural section when both structural sections are folded flat.

Abstract: A boom structure deployed by inflating the structure to a desired shape and rigidizing the structure via an external influence. The structure frame has a series of frame members which are made of a fibrous material and a resin material. This frame is encased in between a pair of membrane layers, an inner membrane inflatable to move the frame into its desired shape and an outer membrane that allows for folding the structure. Following inflation of the inner layer, an external influence acts on the resin material to solidify it, and render the structure rigid. The external influence may also act on the resin material to soften it when it is already rigid, to allow for collapsing and folding of the structure.

Abstract: A plurality of compression members are arranged to provide a shape. Each compression member has a first end, a second end and a body. At least one of the compression members has a body which is generally non-congruous with a straight line between its first and second ends. At least one tensile member is coupled to at least two compression members. At least one removable ligature can be coupled to at least two compression members, such that the structure is collapsible. At least one surface can be coupled to at least one compression member, forming at least one curved surface of a toroid.

Abstract: A support and attachment brace for a collapsible display structure. The support and attachment brace is attachable between two vertically adjacent hubs of the collapsible display structure, and includes an elongated rigid bar or brace with opposing ends. A first end has a tab with an aperture adapted to receive and engage a fastening button projecting from a first hub assembly. The second end has a slide mechanism having a slide with an open notch. The slide is retractable so that the brace may be aligned with a fastening button projecting from the second hub without the need for forcing the hubs apart. Once in position, the slide is extendable so that the open notch is engaged with the fastening button of the second hub. The support and attachment brace is adapted so as to enable multiple support and attachment braces to be attached to the structure in a vertical column arrangement for providing vertical support and rigidity to the display structure.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for preparing a U-shaped spacer having a longitudinal axis, wherein the spacer has first and second opposing sides extending from a spacer bottom, and wherein the spacer is to be used as a spacer between glass sheets on insulating frames. A method for producing such spacer features is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a free standing portable deck for use with recreational vehicles. The deck further comprises a polygonal shape lower support frame. The support frame further comprises a plurality of removably interconnected rails. A flat planar platform portion is being removably mounted upon the lower support frame. A plurality of leg members are being disposed underneath the lower support frame at each corner such that the platform portion is held in a substantially level position at a predetermined height in relation to the recreational vehicle door. Each leg member is removably connected to each corner of the lower support frame. The upper support frame is removably connected to the lower support frame and extends linearly upward. At least one step means provides for ingressing and regressing onto the platform portion. The at least one step means is located at a predetermined distance from the lower support frame and at a predetermined height in relation to the ground level.

Abstract: A boom structure deployed by inflating the structure to a desired shape and rigidizing the structure via an external influence. The structure frame has a series of frame members which are made of a fibrous material and a resin material. This frame is encased in between a pair of membrane layers, an inner membrane inflatable to move the frame into its desired shape and an outer membrane that allows for folding the structure. Following inflation of the inner layer, an external influence acts on the resin material to solidify it, and render the structure rigid. The external influence may also act on the resin material to soften it when it is already rigid, to allow for collapsing and folding of the structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A folding linkage is hereby disclosed that is comprised of four links, each link having a bevel gear on its end, where each link is in geared contact with a neighboring link, such that both links are held together by a hub element that is small relative to the two links. An alternate embodiment of the invention has links that have a spur gear on each end, whereby each gear end is engaged with a central rack (linear gear).

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include pre-formed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.