Abstract: A relocatable restaurant, method of assembly, and method of use are provided herein. The relocatable restaurant includes a slab positioned at a desired site, a plurality of modules, including in an exemplary embodiment one module for each of a kitchen, a dishwashing and bar, and bathroom facilities. The modules are positionable atop the slab adjacent exterior edges thereof. In an embodiment, a slab can be provided by an existing structure, such as a parking lot. The relocatable restaurant further includes a plurality of partitions sufficient for bridging the modules, at least one partition having a door structure, to create a substantially continuous exterior wall therearound. A roof is provided for the relocatable restaurant with the use of a substantially planar flexible element affixable about the exterior wall. A blower can be used to retain the roof in an upwardly extended state.

Abstract: A folding beam system 16 for use in the assembly of pre-fabricated modular building units having beam members 20, 22 for supporting the floor and ceiling structures of the modular unit, said beam members being adjacent to each other when the modular units are arranged in a vertical stack, an open web structure 24 pivotally associated with one of the beam members 20 to allow the web structure 24 to be folded from a stored position, to an operative position in which the web structure is connected to the other beam member 22 of a vertically adjacent unit to form a structural truss 16 between the adjacent units, and means 28, 29 for locking the web structure to the other beam 22 in the operative position.

Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.

Abstract: Provided is a movable tensegrity structure capable of performing bending operation, twisting operation, contracting operation, etc. by itself. The movable tensegrity structures (1, 1*, 10) is constituted by combining a plurality of rigid members (2, 11) and tension members (3, 12) for connecting the end points (E, F) of the rigid members (2, 11), respectively. The tensegrity structure is characterized in that all or a part of the plurality of tension members (3, 12) is formed of a contraction-controllable member.

Abstract: Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A.

Abstract: An aircraft engine pylon comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The left side wall includes a left truss structure along with a left upper ledge and a left lower ledge. The right side wall includes a right truss structure along with a right upper ledge and a right lower ledge. The top wall is joined with the left upper ledge and the right upper ledge and an upper truss structure is formed in the left upper ledge, the right upper ledge, and the top wall. The bottom wall is joined with the left lower ledge and the right lower ledge and a lower truss structure is formed in the left lower ledge, the right lower ledge, and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A platform (2) in an interior platform for a tubular tower such as a windmill tower (24) made from steel is disclosed—and more specifically, a platform (2) adapted to be assembled in situ from construction element members in order to fit the inside wall (22) of the tower (24), comprising a basic, preferably circular, center module (4), radial, telescoping supporting beam members (6), wherein the construction element members are modules (10, 12 and 14) which are independent of the diameter of the platform (2), and two-piece pivotable modules (16) which incline for mounting as a periphery ring next to the inside wall (22) of the tower (24).

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size, and spreads the angle of the truss open ends. One embodiment uses a first plate, having a connection part to a first truss, where the connection part is adapted for connection to a first truss. A second plate is movable relative to the first plate. The second plate also has a second connection part adapted for connection to a second truss. An angle setting part forms a connection between the first plate and the second plate, that holds the first plate relative to the second plate at any of a number of different relative locations between the first plate and the second plate. The plates include angle markings to set the connections.

Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed regarding deployable structures with expandable longerons adjustably coupled with supporting structures such that an angle between the supporting structures can be adjusted. Such structures can include and/or be used for solar arrays, bridges, support structures, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.

Abstract: A retractable plane structure includes an unfoldable membrane linked to N main assemblies of n main rods connected end-to-end by n?1 articulations respectively equipped with a deployment means, and further includes at least one intermediate assembly of n intermediate rods, less bulky than said main rods, connected end-to-end by n?1 articulations.

Abstract: Truss structures assembled from modules comprising one hinge link, four spacer links and four apex joinders, one at each end or each hinge link. The second hinge link to complete a tetrahedron is missing from the module, and is provided by the hinge link of a next in line module so as to provide a series of joined tetrahedrons. When the strut is assembled, the apex joinders enable the strut to be formed into a wide variety of shapes.

Abstract: A longitudinal length adjustable header made up of a center section and two end sections moveably attached to the center section. The center section has an “L” shaped cross section and at least two longitudinal slots that are adapted to receive bolt means there through. The end sections have a plurality of apertures that align with the slots in the center section and are adapted to receive bolt means there through. The end sections are longitudinally slidable with respect to the center section whereby enabling adjusting the length of the header.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12. At least some of the tube sections 12 are provided with platform segments 28 that are hinge-connected and foldable from a collapsed position in which they are positioned close to the tube sections 12 to a position of use in which they extend radially inwardly into the tubular building structure 10 in the mounted position of the tube sections 12. In particular the invention relates to a tube segment 16 adapted to be interconnected with other tube segments 16 to 17 form a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12, each tube section being formed by interconnected axially extending tube segments 16.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.

Abstract: A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.

Abstract: A device supporting a first and a second element of a piece of space equipment. The device includes at least two deployable flexible arms each having a first end and a second end, the ends are secured respectively to the first and second elements and each designed to adopt at least one initial position folded in curves and an unfolded final position, in which positions they hold the first element away from the second element by first and second chosen distances respectively, the second distance being greater than the first.

Abstract: A roof panel support system is supported by at least two structural beams, and includes a support matrix for panels, such as solar panels, that can constitute the roof of a structure. The support matrix includes panel rails that can hold panels installed from beneath the support matrix.

Abstract: A preassembled suspended ceiling grid module comprising a plurality of parallel main tees and a plurality of cross tees, the main and cross tees each having horizontal flanges extended to both sides of a central plane, the cross tees being joined at their ends to the main tees with end connections that enable the module to be folded in a plane corresponding to an eventual ceiling plane in a zigzag pattern, such that the cross tees lie in directions generally parallel to the main tees with the cross tees connected on a side of a particular main tee being folded in a common direction relative to their end connection, and where connected to an adjacent main tee being folded in an opposite direction relative to their end connections with said adjacent tee.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: Collapsible solar array structures are disclosed that include a collapsible structure and detachable solar array. The solar array can be detached stowed separately from the collapsible structure. The collapsible structure can include a plurality of longerons and/or support structures. Longerons can have a slit along a longitudinal length of the longeron.

Abstract: A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.

Abstract: A portable skylight replacement safety assembly that includes a first and second support frames releasably connected to each other and having a plurality of support handles and support members which extend substantially perpendicularly from the first support frame for supporting the first support frame on and/or over the skylight on a working surface at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed regarding deployable structures with expandable longerons adjustably coupled with supporting structures such that an angle between the supporting structures can be adjusted. Such structures can include and/or be used for solar arrays, bridges, support structures, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.

Abstract: A rod device that can be erected and retracted into a small amount of space, in which the device is formed of component parts that are flexible and can be rolled up when detached from one another, yet form a rigid assembly when connected to one another.

Abstract: A flexible hinge including a first set of plies and a second set of plies, and a hinge area where the first set of plies and the second set of plies bend. A damping material is disposed between plies of the first set and the second set at least at the hinge area thereof to control the deployment of the hinge.

Abstract: An integrally assembled changeable framework connector used for a spatial structure includes a framework, a predetermined quantity of protruded connecting bases and a specific quantity of positioning element. The framework is a predetermined shaped axial rod, which acts as a main body of the whole connector. The protruded connecting base has a specific quantity of protruding bodies extended in different positions and directions and disposed on a predetermined shaped base body and along the peripheral surface of the framework, and fixed onto the framework by a positioning element to form a connector used for connecting various different spatial structures in any direction and position. An axial pipe and a lateral connecting element are used for connecting the connectors to form the spatial structure. The shapes of the framework, the protruded connecting base and the positioning element can be changed to fit the shape and the connection of the spatial structure.

Abstract: An exhibit or display for tradeshows or the like having a plurality of support members and an axial connection assembly. The support members include opposing ends and a body portion, and further include an exterior channel and a central bore, the channel defining a flange portion and the bore being in communication with a retention feature. The axial connection assembly is configured to releasably couple an end of a first support member to an end of a second support member such that the two support members are axially aligned. The axial connection assembly includes a collar releasably coupled in the bore of each member, with each collar including at least one locator portion to interact with the retention feature, and a pin having a mid portion and two ends, the mid portion configured to be rotatably selectively restrained within the collar.

Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.

Abstract: In the encasement of a height-adjustable support column comprising a plurality of encasement elements (12) which are arranged annularly around the support column and which engage each other in a telescopic manner and can be slid relatively to each other in the axial direction of the support column, the encasement elements (12) each consisting of a material band (14) bent into a ring whose abutting edges (16) each have a rebate (20) bent backwards and are connected to each other by means of a retainer clip (22) having a C-shaped profile and clasping the rebates, at least one of the rebates (20) is provided with a recess (26) into which a locking element (28) provided on the retainer clip (22) can be engaged.

Abstract: Load bearing and non-load bearing frames for walls, roofs and floors are prefabricated according to a predetermined building plan and made to disengage and collapse to a compact and intact frame, where, as with a wall frame, studs are resting against one another and the upper and lower tracks are in close approximation to each other, separated only by said resting studs. Said frames for walls, roofs and floors can be readily be transported to a construction site, where the collapsed frames are expanded, engaged, stabilized and permanently plumbed and braced.

Abstract: A foldable truss having a pair of side frames hinged together by a foldable arm allowing the truss to be collapsed to a smaller width while maintaining the truss length as a constant.

Abstract: A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprising a sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, a processor for comparing the monitored environmental condition to a predetermined value, and an actuator for automatically retracting the telescoping tower if the environmental condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A portable light tower comprises a base and a mast. The mast is movable between a first configuration in which the mast is stored substantially within the base and a second configuration in which the mast extends in an upright position from the base. A light source is disposed on the base and a reflector is positioned on an end of the mast opposite the base. The reflector is configured to reflect light from the light source toward the surroundings of the light tower.

Abstract: A platform (2) in an interior platform for a tubular tower such as a windmill tower (24) made from steel is disclosed—and more specifically, a platform (2) adapted to be assembled in situ from construction element members in order to fit the inside wall (22) of the tower (24), comprising a basic, preferably circular, centre module (4), radial, telescoping supporting beam members (6), wherein the construction element members are modules (10, 12 and 14) which are independent of the diameter of the platform (2), and two-piece pivotable modules (16) which incline for mounting as a periphery ring next to the inside wall (22) of the tower (24).

Abstract: A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.

Abstract: A new connecting node set that is unique and surprisingly effective at aligning interfacing holes in connecting nodes is illustrated by their application to radial tetrahedral structures. This method of connecting one node to another requires that a left handed node be connected to a right handed node. They are called left handed or right handed because their lines of interface in at least two directions of intended use are geometrically coincident with straight line rulings of a hyperboloid of revolution of one sheet which itself consists of two families of straight line rulings, designated a left handed and a right handed family respectively. With these nodes, magnets could be placed on the lines of interface (opposite placement in a left handed one from a right handed one) and thus the magnets would always attract or repel as preferred.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable hierarchical open lattice assembly comprised of hinge boxes of 12 battens connected by hinge nodes. The hinge nodes are made of a plurality of resilient flexure joints, each joint connected to a batten and giving said batten a 90-degree in-plane rotation capability with a neutral-shaped flexure in a deployed state and a deformed-shaped flexure in a compressed state, whereby a restorative moment is created tending to return said flexure to its neutral state. One or more trusses are formed by sets of four longerons connected to the hinge boxes by the resilient flexure joints. Multiple hub boxes connected by longerons may be used to create a hierarchical truss of trusses in either two or three dimensions. These assemblies may be collapsed to a linear dimension by shearing the hub boxes and trusses in a parallelogram manner. The folding kinematics occur in three stages, which may be performed either sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially triangular frame sections connected by flexible joints at corners thereof. At least some of the interconnected frame sections share a collapsible tubular member as one side of the interconnected triangular frame sections and at least some of the ends of rigid tubular members of the interconnected frame sections are disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. An elongated flexible tensioning member extends through the shared collapsible tubular members and between the ends of the rigid tubular members disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. The rigid tubular members of some of the interconnected frame sections form a frame roof with ends thereof tied to form a flexible joint at the apex frame roof.

Abstract: Provided is a movable tensegrity structure capable of performing bending operation, twisting operation, contracting operation, etc. by itself. The movable tensegrity structures (1, 1*, 10) is constituted by combining a plurality of rigid members (2,11) and tension members (3,12) for connecting the end points (E, F) of the rigid members (2,11), respectively. The tensegrity structure is characterized in that all or a part of the plurality of tension members (3,12) is formed of a contraction-controllable member.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible structure and an expandable and collapsible scissor assembly and module therefor are provided. The scissor assembly includes a first strut having a first end and a second end. The scissor assembly also includes a second strut upper portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second strut upper portion being pivotably connected to the first strut at an upper strut connection point, and a second strut lower portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the second strut lower portion being pivotably connected to the first strut at a lower strut connection point.

Abstract: A hinged connector for use in pivotally connecting structural components has improved robustness to carry greater loads through a hinged joint formed using the hinged connector. In one aspect ribs are formed in the hinged connector adjacent the pivoting location. Parts are shaped and arranged to resist tearing in tension and buckling in compression.

Abstract: A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and apices (6) at their respective ends. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) creates dimples (19), thereby securing the chords (2) to the struts (1).

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.

Abstract: A longitudinal length adjustable header made up of a center section and two end sections moveably attached to the center section. The center section has an “L” shaped cross section and at least two longitudinal slots that are adapted to receive bolt means there through. The end sections have a plurality of apertures that align with the slots in the center section and are adapted to receive bolt means there through. The end sections are longitudinally slidable with respect to the center section whereby enabling adjusting the length of the header.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable space frame structure which requires no assembly, and can be either manually or automatically activated. It comprises rigid end rings or the like which attach to a multitude of spaced trusses of generally slender aspect ratio. The trusses are fabricated of two or more generally rigid, beam like strips which are hinged so as to become very flexible and non rigid when hinged strip elements lie planarly flattened, thus allowing the structure to collapse into a minimum volume state. In this configuration truss beams assume a curvature approximating the curvature of the structure end rings. Upon deployment, the truss beams become straight, and hinged beam-like strips fold to create a triangular cross sectional moment of inertia to become very rigid and straight.

Abstract: A method of employing an adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks, with said wall having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

Abstract: A deployable rectangular truss with folding or removable chordal members and diagonals and orthogonal hinge joints for continuous and synchronous retraction and extension. The truss is rectangular in cross section, with four common chords on the corners. Two opposing sides of the truss have diagonals that meet at side joints. One or more end frames may be used to close off or mount one of more ends of the deployable truss. A plurality of telescoping transverse struts may extend between major joints on one side of the truss.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strut (300a, 300b, 300c) for lifting a roof element (I) and/or maintaining same in the open position, said roof element forming a swimming pool enclosure (A) that rests on the edge of the pool. The invention is characterised in that it includes a high end (310a and 310b) hinged to the edge of a roof element (I) and a low end (320a and 320b) joined to the ground by a securing means (400), so that it is possible to vary the position of the point at which the low end (320a and 320b) of the strut (300a and 300b) is joined to the ground. The invention also relates to the method for installing one such strut. The invention is suitable for swimming pool enclosures.

Abstract: A collapsible structure with a self-locking mechanism includes a first hub, at least two struts pivotable connected at a first ends thereof to the first hub and movable relative to each another between a folded position and an expanded position, and a tension member adapted to limit pivotable movement of at least two struts such that, when in the expanded position, the at least two struts define an angle of less than 180°. The structure further includes a locking hub and at least two locking struts pivotably connected at first ends thereof to the locking hub and, at seconds ends thereof, to connection points on respective ones of the at least two struts. A method of erecting a structure is also disclosed.