Abstract: A raised access floor and method for modifying a raised access floor understructure construction uses a beam support bracket which allows additional support beams to be installed at any desired location within the mid-span of the adjacent stringer support beams of the respective quadrant sections within the raised access floor understructure. The bracket is capable of being mounted at any position along the length of a stringer support beam of a raised access floor quadrant section. This allows for great flexibility in available understructure modification schemes to allow appropriate modification for a wide variety of different sized obstructions installed within the raised access floor understructure.

Abstract: A framework structure comprises three or more primary constituent units each including two rigid diagonal members constituting the diagonals of a quadrangular lateral face of a solid and coupled together for relative rotation about a first rotation axis passing through the intersection of the diagonals. The primary constituent units are coupled to one another via second and third rotation axes into a ring-like form. A more complicated framework structure can be obtained by using a plurality of these framework structures as secondary constituent units which are coupled to one another with a coupler or a primary constituent unit used in common between adjacent ones of the secondary constituent units. The framework structure can provide one which is capable of being expanded and contracted in three-dimensional directions and which has rigidity in any directions.

Abstract: A prefabricated framing unit for constructing non-load-bearing walls and partitions is disclosed. The framing units have vertical studs which both pivot in respect to the horizontal members, to allow collapsing of the unit, and telescope to allow the unit to be raised to fit the space between ceiling and floor without measuring and cutting to height.

Abstract: The improved reinforcing brace frame is utilized in building walls and the like to increase their resistance to severe stress such as it encountered during earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, cyclones and other high wind situations. The frame is all metal, preferably steel and includes a vertically spaced pair of horizontally extending frame members joined at their opposite ends to a spaced pair of vertically extending frame members. The frame also includes a diagonal member rigidly connected to opposite ends of the horizontally extending frame members. Preferably, each of the horizontal frame members and the diagonal member include a pair of telescoping members so that the brace frame can be expanded and contracted in width to fit into a desired wall space. In one embodiment, the vertically extending frame members also each include a pair of telescoping members to control the heighth of the brace frame.

Abstract: A panel support assembly apparatus for supporting panel members used in a new roof assembly is disclosed. The panel support assembly provides the ability to support a new roof assembly over underlying support structure, which may be a preexisting roof assembly such as a built up roof. An adjustable support spacer supports a new roof assembly over underlying support structure and has base support members disposed in a first direction over the underlying support structure. A support spacer is disposed in a second direction substantially normal to the direction of the base support members. Further, web spacer means support the support spacer and include attachment means for connecting the web spacer means to the base support members and top support means for connecting the web spacer means to the support spacer, thereby rigidly securing the support spacer in the first and the second directions.

Abstract: An adjustable truss is made up of a chain of truss elements sharing common edges. Pairs of adjacent elements are pivotally joined at their common edges, these shared edges acting as hinges. Tension cables are slidably received at the ends of each hinge. The truss can be erected by providing tensile forces in the tension cables. The precise angle of a specific hinge is controlled by actuators driving mechanical linkages connecting the adjacent truss elements associated with that hinge. The mechanical linkages serve to guide the amount of the forces from the cables which are applied to the hinge. In this way, the truss as a whole can be adjusted through an infinite range of configurational changes in three dimensions. The tension cables can be clamped at each hinge end, locking the selected hinge angles and pre-stressing the overall structure. In this way, the truss elements bear the compressive loads, while the cables bear the tensile loads.

Abstract: In a family of collapsible structures, each collapsible structure has a collapsible beam. For each collapsible structure of the family of collapsible structures, the collapsible beam includes a plurality of curved strut pairs of the same length as the curved strut pairs as in every other collapsible structure of the family of collapsible strut pairs. The struts of each curved strut pair are pivotally connected to each other at points closer to the one end of the struts than the other end of the struts. Different collapsible structures of the family of collapsible structures have a different number of curved strut pairs than any other collapsible structure of the family of collapsible strut pairs.

Abstract: A connecting linkage is provided between two structural members which includes a pinned connection to allow rotation of one structural member with respect to the other and which permits adjustment and alignment before locking the device in position without the need for drilling a precisely positioned hole for the pin in the structural member. An oversized hole is formed in one of the structural members and the pin is placed through the hole. A first support plate having pin-sized holes is then placed over each end of the pin followed by a second pair of support plates also having pin-sized holes. The assembly is then moved with respect to the first structural member as permitted by the oversized hole around the pin into a desired position. The second pair of support plates are then welded to the second structural member and the first pair of support plates are welded to the first structural member. If desired, the pin may be welded to the second pair of support plates.

Abstract: An architectural support comprised of various splines, key ways, and collars which interlock and when assembled form a complete unit. This unit may be used as an architectural support in the construction or fabrication of a table, display, cabinet, stand, and platform. This architectural support in the above items would be used as a table leg, support leg, or door pull. In addition, the architectural support could be used for decorative or aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A portable wall component is disclosed. The wall component comprises a pair of vertical posts. Each post has an upper component and a lower component with a hollow aperture extending therethrough. Each post also has a downwardly extending smaller cylindrical section at the bottom of the upper component and a complimentary cylindrical recess at the top of the lower post for receiving the smaller cylindrical section. An elastic band is located within each aperture extending along the length thereon and slightly beyond. A ring at the upper end of each upper component is coupled to the upper end of its associated band. A base component at the lower end of each lower component is coupled to the lower end of its associated band. A flexible sheet is provided with parallel upper and lower horizontal edges and parallel vertical end edges therebetween coupled to the posts. The flexible sheet has half-moon wind flaps cut therein and openings at the regions where the upper and lower components join.

Abstract: A display frame work is described in terms of a display header, with upper and lower horizontal tubes and vertical end tubes to define a rectangular frame to which a flexible cloth, paper or plastic header panel is attached. Each of the horizontal members has a central hinge with a horizontal pintle from which leaves extend in opposite directions when the device is assembled. One of the leaves is fixed in a central tube; the other is constructed to permit the tube to which it is mounted to slide toward and away from the pintle. The fixed leaf has a locking tab projecting beyond the pintle, and the sliding travel of the tube that is slidably mounted is from a position clear of the locking tab to one embracing the locking tab. Outboard end sections of the horizontal members are hinged to the central tube members in a way similar to that of the two central tubes, but on hinges pintles of which are oriented perpendicularly to the central member hinge pintle. The tubes are hollow and open ended.

Abstract: A longitudinally divisible crane boom segment includes at least a first and a second section that are easily nested together for transport. The sections each include at least one chord member, at least one bracket attached to the section, and a plurality of partial lacing elements. Each partial lacing element has a first end permanently attached to the at least one chord member and a second end. The second end of at least one of the plurality of partial lacing elements of the first section is connectable to a bracket attached to the second section to hold the sections in a nested fashion.

Abstract: A header frame for a display system which is easily and quickly erected without tools and which is collapsible to a compact shape for packing, storage, and transport. The header frame is disassembled to only four portions for packing, storage, and transport, i.e., two frame portion assemblies and two elongate connector assemblies. Each of the frame portion assemblies comprises a plurality of members joined to be U-shaped when the header frame is erected and hingedly connected to be collapsible compactly so that the members are parallel to and lie alongside each other. Thumbscrews are provided for detachably attaching the connector assemblies to the frame portion assemblies so that tools are not required for erection or disassembly of the header frame.

Abstract: A geometric toy construction system has a multiplicity of flat, regular polygonal construction panels interengageable edge-to-edge by means of shared but separate intervening cylindrical axles positioned parallel to the edges of the panels and attached thereon, thereby enabling the building of two- and three-dimensional constructions. One axle enables up to six panels to be snap-fit into position about the axis of their commonly shared axle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new guide for brick laying for facilitating uniform arrangement of bricks during construction of floors, walkways, patios, and the like. The guide comprises a rectangular lattice panel having square openings for temporary placement flat on top of a prepared work area whereby bricks placed inside the square openings will automatically align to a desired pattern. A handle is included whereby a user may easily grasp the panel after brick placement to facilitate removal of the panel without disturbing alignment of the bricks. The lattice panel is separated longitudinally into hingedly connected left and right half panels for providing an operating position wherein the half panels extend coplanarly relative to each other and a storage/transport position wherein the right half panel is pivoted 180.degree. to lie adjacent the left half panel. A latch is additionally included whereby the panels may be releasably locked in the operating position to prevent unwanted pivotal movement thereof.

Abstract: A hinge structure having a leaf having knuckles so formed that leaves having two identical such knuckle structures can be joined together to form a hinge, rather than requiring knuckle structures that are not identical. The hinge structure can have plates to hold beams in alignment to form a structure that is initially pivotal but, with the addition of other beams or structures, can be rigid and with the beams at any desired angle relative to each other.

Abstract: Structural frameworks of differing shapes and for diverse purposes may be assembled by linking essentially rectangular, open centered frames together in end to end relationship by extending side members of individual ones of the frames into the open centers of adjacent ones of the frames. Sidewardly extending projections on individual frames overlap and abut side members of the adjacent frames to hold the members in a linked condition and to impart load bearing capability to the framework. Frameworks of differing geometry can be assembled from the same set of frames. The linked frames may be angled relative to each other to form an arch and the linked frames may be pivoted together at the locations where the frames intersect to enable folding of the framework into a more compact shape.

Abstract: A longitudinally divisible crane boom segment includes a plurality of sections that are easily transportable. The sections each include at least one chord member, and a plurality of partial lacing elements. Each partial lacing element has a first end permanently attached to the at least one chord member and a second end connectable to one or more corresponding ends of plurality of partial lacing elements attached to a chord member of another section. Preferably the partial lacing elements are connected by dovetail connectors.

Abstract: This invention provides an arcuate frame rib for the frame of a covered shelter. The arcuate rib includes an adjustable and pivotal base mounting at each end of the arc. The rib is formed by sections of tubing joined by a rigid coupler having an angled upper member with tube receivers at both ends to slideably receive the tubular sections, a lower member with tube guides at both ends to slideably receive and guide the tubular sections received in the tube receivers and a central body member joining the upper and lower members. The lower member generally includes a reinforcement that carries a double assembly pin receiving tab. Rib braces generally connect the lower members of successive rigid couplers to support the rib by being pinned to the double pin receiving tabs. For further reinforcement, there are generally knee braces formed of knee tubing strengthened by a gussett plate and clamped to the rib braces.

Abstract: An adjustable camber truss comprising an upper chord member having opposed ends and being disposed to receive a load acting in one direction; a major support structure fixed to and subtending substantially the entire length of the upper chord member, the major support structure including a major king post fixed to the upper chord member at a post position proximate the midpoint between the opposed ends and extending therefrom in the one direction to a distal end and a pair of major tension members, each major tension member having a first end fixed to the upper chord member proximate a respective one of the opposed ends thereof and an axially opposed second end slidably extending through one end of a tube fixed to the distal end of the major king post and threadably receiving a nut for selective adjustment against one end of the tube.

Abstract: A rafter to plate connection in a wood frame building including wood top plate, and a wood rafter joined by a variable pitch connector including a rafter seat for receiving a portion of the wood rafter, a fixed base member affixed to the outside edge of the wood top plate, first and second side members joined to opposite sides of the wood rafter, an adjustable base member joined to the rafter seat along a bend line and having a lower end in contact with the upper surface of the wood top plate. Fasteners join the fixed base member to the outside edge of the wood top plate, the adjustable base member to the wood top plate and the wood rafter to the side members.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. Rail extensions are also provided for added safety and to further protect components during transportation between venues. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A collapsible modular display tower assembly has a three-dimensional, collapsible display panel structure having two opposing pairs of pivotally-connective links with upper and lower ends arranged to form four side faces when erect. A plurality of upper and lower hub assemblies are pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of the links of adjacent side faces. Four vertically-oriented expansible support and attachment braces are provided with each brace being connected to one pair of the vertically-aligned upper and lower hub assemblies. The braces permit the attachment of graphic representations and display accessories to the tower assembly. Releasable hub-connecting means in the form of male and female connectors are provided on the upper and lower hub assemblies for releasably interlocking a multiplicity of display panel structures into a vertical display tower.

Abstract: A frame structure having collapsed and erected conditions and comprising a plurality of rigid frame sections (21) hingedly connected one to another by hinges (23). An erection means is provided for effecting relative pivotal movement between the frame sections to erect the frame structure. The erection means comprises at least one cable (39) having one end thereof connected to one of the outer frame sections (21a) and the other end thereof fixed to a power device (40) connected to the other outer frame section (21a) whereby operation of the power device to tension the cable effects movement of the outer frame sections in a direction towards each other.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a recovered second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.

Abstract: A roof includes a plurality of rafters each having at its upper end a connection and having at its lower end a fixing section, and a rod for retaining the rafters at predetermined intervals. The roof further includes a reinforcement material provided between the rafters, and an eaves trough extending along the periphery of the lower edge of the sheathing surface laid on the rafters. Accordingly, the labor hours required for, e.g., the positional change of the ridgepole or rafters when remodeling the conventional roof, are reduced, thereby enabling occupancy within the house under remodeling, as well as restraining the remodeling cost.

Abstract: A support apparatus has lengthwise beams which are coupled together by a plurality of cross members. The beams are hingedly fixed to the plurality of cross members via intermediate members. The apparatus is pantographically movable, and thus the volume of the apparatus can be reduced for transport. Two such apparatus can be coupled together to form a support system on which a cover is held. The cover is supported on a number of arcuate supports which extend between the beams, the ends of the arcuate supports being folded over to hold the cover in place.

Abstract: An expandable framework structure is formed by connecting together a plurality of polygonal prism-like framework structure modules with one side of a module serving also as one side of another module adjacent thereto. A module employed comprises stems each having a joint as well as a slide hinge, pairs of pantograph-like diagonal members and cables. This serves to provide an expandable framework structure having high stability and reliability and which is free from any rattling of the connecting pin at the pin connected portion. Thus, the expandable framework structure provided is highly rigid and hence is capable of maintaining a stable configuration after developed. The module employed also comprises vertical frames, foldabIe members, main hinges, intermediate hinges and diagonal cables. The rotational axis of the pin of the intermediate hinge deviates from the center axis of the foldable member realized when it has been unfolded.

Abstract: A symmetrical structural component (FIGS. 1A-1D), which when replicated can be used to create a 2- or 3-dimensional framework. Each end of the component comprises two projections 10 that serve as the primary means for multiple component coupling; two internal recesses 12, perpendicular to the projections, for linear coupling; four perimeter recesses 14 for perpendicular coupling; four perimeter members 16, which form the perimeter recesses and have laterally extended portions 19, for perpendicular coupling; and two notches 18 for perpendicular coupling.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other components having a strong rigid frame and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are highly accessible. The system may be connected to other systems either collinearly or in angled configurations. Caster legs are retractable and the deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing coiled cable shocks between the frame and deck.

Abstract: Extruded aluminum members are provided in a framework for supporting glazed panels in an inclined or sloped glazing structure. A sill at the lower edge of the glazed panels has an upper surface that defines a raised portion of the convex contour to receive a concavely contoured support bar at an angle alpha which may very depending upon the particular installation. The upper edge of the glazed roof structure is supported by a header which is designed with a ribbed flange that can be combined with a mating top bar of L-shape cross section in a variety of positions to accommodate different angles alpha between a vertical wall against which the inclined structure is mounted and the plane of the sloped glazing structure itself.

Abstract: In the case of a known multiple-layer space-framing plate of rods and gusseted joints, which consists of a plurality of circular meshwork arrangements which are connected with one another, which extend as a honeycomb in a space, the circular meshworks define hollow spaces which are open to the outside, in the area of which no brackets are present for attachment of roofing or side wall coverings. Because of the dimensions of the openings on the top or the side walls of the space-framing plate, it is therefore not suitable for use in roof construction. The invention provides for a "cut out" or "design" of the space-framing plate in such a manner that in the hollow spaces which are open to the outside on the top and on the side walls of the space-framing plate which is to be cut to size, two-layer complementary space-framing elements can be incorporated in such a manner that on the top and on the side walls of the space-framing plate a screen of rods and gusseted joints is present, arranged in a plane.

Abstract: A portable pavilion which is easy to assemble, break down and transport is disclosed. The portable pavilion comprises a framework and coverings. The framework is assembled from a multiplicity of each of a series of five basic standardized relatively compact elements and can be covered with canvas, clear material or screen etc. Attached serving tables and the like can also be provided. A number of portable pavilions can be assembled in close proximity to one another with open sides thereof interconnected to form a larger structure. Assembly of a portable pavilion can be facilitated by use of a removable telescoping center pole.

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.

Abstract: A frame structure having collapsed and erected conditions and comprising a plurality of rigid frame sections (21) hingedly connected one to another by hinges (23). An erection means is provided for effecting relative pivotal movement between the frame sections to erect the frame structure. The erection means comprises at least one cable (39) having one end thereof connected to one of the outer frame sections (21a) and the other end thereof fixed to a power device (40) connected to the other outer frame section (21a) whereby operation of the power device to tension the cable effects movement of the outer frame sections in a direction towards each other.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable mast which can be rotated while deployed, using only one drive means for all three functions. Flexible longerons carry followers which pass through guides in a storage cannister for transition between a coiled retracted condition and an extended deployed condition. The followers pass through a gate opening, past a gate, and when the mast is rotated, the gates enable or prevent followers from taking the longerons into the retracted condition, and entitles rotation of the mast when retraction is disabled.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjustably attaching roof panels to the sidewalls of an enclosure and for securing the pitch of the roof panel with respect to the sidewalls after it has been established is disclosed. The apparatus includes a header support member which is placed on top of the sidewall and has a longitudinally extending pocket therein. A header arm having a longitudinally extending yoke at one end thereof is received in the longitudinally extending pocket in the header support member. After the roof pitch has been established by rotating the yoke portion of the header arm within the pocket in the header support member, the header arm is fastened to the header support member to secure the roof pitch. The header support member and the header arm each have a pocket formed therein which is filled with insulating material providing a thermal break within each of these components.

Abstract: A system for maintaining in a folded position a set of elements that are hinged to one another and to a structure (e.g. solar panels on a spacecraft), which elements are capable of occupying either said folded position in which said elements form a stack, or else a deployed position in which said elements are in end-to-end alignment, said system comprising:a retaining member passing through said elements in the folded positive and connected by a first one of its ends to said structure and bearing via a second one of its ends against the outermost element of said set;locking means for locking said retaining member in the folded position of said elements; andcontrol means for unlocking said locking means and releasing said retaining member, thereby enabling said set of elements to pass from the folded position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A hinged building truss, such as a roof truss, includes elongated wooden structural members connected by a double hinge joint. The joint has a central elongated flat plate having first and second pivots located toward respective ends of the elongated plate. First ends of first and second flat plates overlap first and second ends of the central flat plate and rotate in the plane of the plates at the first and second pivots, respectively.The first and second plates each include a plurality of teeth, struck from second end areas of each plate, for fastening each plate to a face of a structural member to be pivoted. The structural members can thus be rotated about the pivots. The length of the elongated plate between the overlapping portions of the first and second plates is sufficient to accommodate sheet sheathing attached to each of the structural members when the double hinged joint is in folded position with the structural members substantially parallel and adjacent to each other.

Abstract: In a deployable mast composed of: a plurality of resiliently flexible longeron elements; a plurality of resiliently flexible lateral elements arranged in groups of lateral elements constituting batten frames spaced apart along the longeron elements and delimiting respective bays of the mast, with each group of lateral elements being connected to all of the longerons; and a plurality of flexible diagonal elements each connected between two longeron elements and extending between two groups of lateral elements, the longeron, lateral and diagonal elements being constructed and connected to constitute a structure movable between a deployed state defining a column of predetermined length and a stowed state defining a structure having a length less than the predetermined length, there are provided five such longeron elements and each group of lateral elements is connected to all of the longeron elements.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a modular system for making structural frameworks in which crystal-like hubs are used to connect lightweight struts in a variety of configurations. The hubs are comprised of uniform nodes and cylindrical trunnions, several embodiments of which be used in a structural configuration to create irregular shapes. The struts are equipped with end grips which snap into engagement with the trunnions and nodes of the crystal-like hubs. The end grips have C-shaped gripping sections and stems which fit into a hollow tube which forms the body of the strut. The end grips are free to rotate about the axis of the strut, and the end grips can rotate about the axis of the trunnions to which it is attached. Such freedom of rotation allows complete flexibility of design.

Abstract: A staging and seating understructure which provides a base frame for a multiplicity of support panels. The base frame consists of a series of vertical cross frames, usually having different levels, each cross frame being connected to another cross frame by collapsible gates at each end which fold inwardly to allow movement of the cross frames close toward each other wherein the entire base frame assembly may be stored compactly.

Abstract: A collapsible truss structure in a basic form comprises eight joint connectors, twelve skeletal bars pivotally connected at their ends by the joint connectors, a diagonal bar or bars, and a slide hinge, and in its expanded or deployed state is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped formed by the twelve bars, the diagonal bar or bars being pivotally connected at its one end to one joint connector and extending diagonally within the deployed structure toward the most remote joint connector or connectors, near which the other end or ends of the diagonal bar or bars are pivotally connected to the slide hinge slidably fitted around one of the bars. The structure is collapsed by sliding the slide hinge away from said most remote joint connector. Lenghts of flexible bracing material can be stretched diagonally across bars of the structure to stably preserve the deployed state.

Abstract: Electrically-operated Folding Stage System An electrically-operated folding stage system comprises a pair of first and second stage components connected to each other and each including a platform, plural operating means each having a pair of output shafts and located directly below a borderline between the platforms of the stage components, a first link means with a lower end fixed to one of the output shafts, a second link means with a lower end fixed to the other output shaft, means for pivotally connecting an upper end of the first link means to a bottom of the platform of the first stage component, and means for pivotally connecting an upper end of the second link means to the bottom of the platform of the second stage component. The platforms of the first and second stage components provide a single continuous surface when the first and second stage components are in horizontal positions on a floor.

Abstract: A module for an expandable truss structure which defines one unit of the structure and which is capable of being transformed from a folded state to a deployed state is disclosed. A wire is tensely stretched between each pair of adjacent vertices of each tetrahedral module when the truss structure is deployed to thereby eliminate looseness from the joints of the constituent members. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain high rigidity with ease. Further, synchronous beams for effecting synchronous deployment and a compression spring for supplying energy for deployment are incorporated to allow reliable deployment to be achieved and also to enable the truss structure to be deployed without the aid of any external force. Also disclosed is an expandable truss structure composed of a plurality of interconnected expandable truss structure modules of the type described above.

Abstract: An assembly for securing roof panels at selectable pitch angles includes a ridge beam having a horizontal ledge for contacting the underside of the upper edge of roof panels and a horizontally extending drip flange which overlies this ledge and provides a downwardly open cap channel. A sealing strip of elongated elastomeric material is slidably received in this cap channel and also is provided with a downwardly open flange channel therein which coextends therewith and receives and grips the upper edge of an elongated ridge cover flange therein and the lower portion of the cover flange extends over the top of the upper edge of the roof panels. This ridge cover flange is thus permitted to pivotly adjust vertically within the elastomeric strip to mate with the pitch of the roof panels to be covered by the cover flange at the upper ends of the roof panels.

Abstract: A collapsible framework comprises a plurality of spars pivotally connected with hub members. The hub members comprise a first set which are disposed at the front of the framework when erected and a second set which are disposed at the rear of the erected framework, each of said spars being connected at one end with a hub member of the first set and at the opposite end with a hub member of the second set, and the spars being pivotally connected in pairs. The arrangement is such that each hub member of the first set is opposite a respective hub member of the second set and moves nearer to its opposite hub member as the framework is moved from a collapsed to an erected state and moves further from its opposite hub member as the framework is moved from its collapsed to its erected state. Opposite hub members of the first and second sets are connected by tension springs which assist in the unfolding and erection of the framework and provide the forces necessary to hold the frame in its erected position.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterized by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.