Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure system having a first support structure and having a second support structure, wherein the second support structure is at least partly received in the first support structure in at least one position of the support structure system; in that both support structures are able to be displaced or telescoped relative to one another; and in that the first and/or the second support structure is/are formed by a lattice support structure which can be inwardly folded and outwardly folded.

Abstract: A roof, ceiling, dome, bridge, tunnel or similar structure for a construction, a system and method thereof, the structure configured to move between a folded position and an extended position, the structure comprising a folding structure unit with a first end and a second end, the first end being co-lineal with the second end when the structure is in an extended position, a first coupling and folding device between the first end and the second end, an actuating device connected from the first end to the second end, a first rod between the first end and the first coupling and folding device and a second rod between the second end and the first coupling and folding device, and wherein the actuating device and the coupling and folding device are configured to move the transportable and foldable structure from a folded position to an extended position and from an extended position to a folded position. A plurality of structures may be co-lineally connected between themselves.

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 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 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 hub joint includes a metal rod and pin for joining tubular members in three-dimensional space for assembling a frame structure. The hub joint enables rapid assembly, rapid reconfiguration, and rapid disassembly without using any specialized tools. Multiple hub joints may be used to form geodesic domes, freestanding trusses, space frame slabs, tetrahedrons, and pentahedrons. The hub joints allow different frame configurations that are lightweight, strong, durable, scalable, expandable, and portable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having lattice bars in connection with one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars directly or indirectly connecting them, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected 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 reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, characterized in that one, several or all of the connecting lattice bars are not displaceably arranged on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction, but are rather pivotably arranged at the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction or are pivotably arranged at further connecting lattice bars which are in turn pivotably arranged a

Abstract: Deployable structures and methods for assembling the same including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. A columnar space, devoid of any structural members, is centrally located within the structural mechanism. Each of the couplings interconnects two of three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the other two structural members.

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 wall molding system using two (2) prefabricated panels, with finished exterior surfaces placed parallel to each other and held from the inside by separators-anchors. The panels may also use exterior fasteners to hold the weight and pressure of the concrete. Insulating material and structural reinforcements may also be placed inside the mold. Concrete would be used to fill the spaces between the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A structure is described that has an open and closed configuration. In the open configuration, the structure is free standing and is able to support weight. In the closed configuration, the structure is flat. The structure is formed of two elements that are interlocked at their corners in a manner that allows them to pivot with respect to each other. Chamfered surfaces on the sides of the elements provide stops limiting the motion between the elements. Several structures may be combined to form composite products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.

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 hinged structural building element and collapsible system of building elements is disclosed. The core element is a relatively flat structural piece having a hinge section extending from one edge of the element to an opposite edge of the element. The hinge section allows the building element or structural piece to be essentially folded upon itself A preferred embodiment of the hinge section extending the length of each of the building elements is a living hinge. The living hinge may be fabricated from any of a large variety of materials including a flexible or pliable material, such as plastic or rubber, tape, string, wire, rubberized O-rings, and/or any of a wide variety of textile materials. The system of building elements may be easily interconnected to construct and build various structures, in various scales and sizes, including box shapes, cube shapes, or structures as complex as towers, bridges, and geo-domes.

Abstract: A slotted channel with a supplemental flange as a building member has at least one supplemental flange extending from at least one slot in the member web or primary flanges yielding a building member with increased strength, both compressive (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted member presents a reduced area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having longitudinally extending supports which are connected to one another by obliquely extending struts and are also connected to one another in the state of the lattice support structure ready for operation by transversely extending struts provided with a joint, with the struts being pivotably connected to two respective preferably adjacent supports, with at least one connection strut being provided which connects two supports to one another which are not adjacent to one another and which are preferably disposed opposite one another, and with the at least one connection strut and/or at least one component of the lattice support structure connected thereto having fastening means or being connected or connectable thereto, with the fastening means being made such that they prevent a folding together of the lattice support structure in at least one position.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

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 deployable truss that extends and retracts in a stable and synchronous manner, and can deploy integral folding panels. Primary orthogonal joints, each consisting of two hinged halves, connect rotationally to the truss diagonals with an angled fitting. The main hinge pin of the orthogonal joints remains orthogonal to the truss longitudinal axis and remains centered in the folding truss diagonals. Hinge pins of each truss joint are connected by center-folding chords which cause the truss joints of adjacent bays to remain parallel to each other. Folding diagonals connected to the primary joint halves are hinged together, permitting the diagonals on each side of the truss to remain parallel to each as they form the short sides of a rectangular truss. The truss may deploy z-folded panels with active surfaces such as photovoltaic, reflective, heat-radiating, LCD/plasma, or radar; or structural floor panels for folding work platforms, bridges, and walkways.

Abstract: A structure comprises a ridge beam, a plurality of truss beams, and a plurality of legs. The ridge beam comprises a first end and a second end. Each end comprises at least one tab member that projects in a direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of the ridge beam. Each truss beam comprises first and second ends that each comprises a plurality of apertures and at least one tab member that projects in a direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of the truss beam. Tab members of two truss beams are respectively capable of engaging a corresponding aperture of the other truss beam to form a peak section. At least one aperture of each of the two truss beams is capable of being aligned receiving a corresponding tab member of the ridge beam. Each respective leg engages the second end of a corresponding truss beam.

Abstract: Hub structures inter-connectable with and/or connected to elongated frame members (e.g., rod-type members) to form frames. In certain non-limiting, example, embodiments, hubs which have simple configurations and/or which are connectable to elongated frame members (e.g., rod-type members) employing small numbers of connectors (e.g., one screw-type connector per frame member/hub connection) and/or which are more easily assembled/disassembled to frame members for constructing and/or deconstructing frame structures.

Abstract: A wind power machine including a mast that is articulated so as to adopt an upright position above a foundation anchored into the ground and a folded-up position close to the ground. The mast includes substantially straight parts articulated together so as to pivot to bring the mast into the upright position or into the folded-up position. The wind power machine further includes a locking device placed at least one of the articulations between two of these parts to lock the mast in the upright position. The locking device includes: a radially movable clamping ring, placed at the end of one of the two parts of the articulation inside the mast; and an actuation mechanism capable of moving the clamping ring radially so as to produce an intimate male/female-type connection between the two parts of the articulation.

Abstract: A deployable thin-film mirror telescope comprises a base structure and a metering structure. The base structure houses a thin-film mirror, which can be rolled for stowage and unrolled for deployment. The metering structure is coupled to the base structure and can be folded for stowage and unfolded for deployment. In the deployed state, the unrolled thin-film mirror forms a primary minor for the telescope and the unfolded metering structure positions a secondary minor for the telescope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lattice support structure comprising lattice rods interconnected in an articulated manner, wherein, in accordance with the invention, a first structure having small cross-sections extending constantly over its length can be spread apart into a truncated double pyramid structure which tapers toward its ends, with a plurality of first structures being able to be joined together and with the joined together first structures being able to be interconnected by lattice rods to form a second structure, with the additional lattice rods engaging at corner points of the spread-apart cross-sections.

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 truss includes a first cap, a second cap, a core member, at least two struts, and a fastening member securing the struts to the core member between the first cap and the second cap. The struts are rotatably attached to the core member between the first cap and the second cap of an angle between 15° and 180°.

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: A wing, such as a wing for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), includes a beam or box that can be selectively expanded from a collapsed condition, to increase the thickness of the wing. The beam may include a pair of plates that are close together when the beam is in a collapsed condition, and separate from one another to put the beam in an expanded condition. The plates may be substantially parallel to each other, and may have shape memory foam and/or resilient devices, such as coil springs, between them, in order to provide a force to separate the plates before, during, and/or after deployment of the wing. The expandable/collapsible beam may have a lock mechanism to lock it into place when the beam is in an expanded condition.

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.

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: This invention relates to a lattice piece for a large mobile crane, comprising four corner posts and null bars and diagonal bars connecting the same. In accordance with the invention, the lattice piece each is divided in two such that one part of the null and diagonal bars each is foldably hinged at two corner posts connected with each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for erecting such lattice piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile structure for adapting surfaces, which is formed by a grid assembly (1) which is supported at grid nodes by telescopic columns (2) which can be individually extended in order to use the grid assembly (1) to form a variable surface comprising relief elements.

Abstract: An array comprises a plurality of ring elements and a plurality of mortar elements. The ring elements comprise polyhedroids interconnected to one another to form a closed ring shape, with the polyhedroids having a generally polyhedral shape. The mortar elements are configured to connect ring elements to each other.

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 deployable structural assembly is provided along with associated deployment mechanisms and associated methods of forming and deploying the deployable structural assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the deployable structural assembly includes a first structural component and a second structural component. The two structural components have their respective longitudinal edges hingedly coupled to one another. In one embodiment, the hinged connections may include a plurality of discrete flex joints, each having a titanium or other high strength foldable component. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural components each include longitudinal members which, when the deployable structural assembly is collapsed and stored in a coiled rolled configuration, are laterally offset from one another such that they do not become radially stacked. Such a configuration enables storage to the structural assembly with reduced stress in the longitudinal members.

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: Disclosed herein is a three-dimensional cellular light structure formed of continuous wire groups. In the cellular light structure, six orientational helical wire groups are intercrossed each other at 60 degrees or 120 degrees of angles in a three-dimensional space to thereby form a uniform pattern and having a good mechanical property such as strength, rigidity or the like. A method of mass-producing the structure in a cost-effective manner is also disclosed. The three-dimensional cellular light structure has a similar form to the Kagome truss. According to the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional cellular light structure of the present invention, a frame assembly consisting of rectangular frames and connection support bars is used, when the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th-axis helical wires are assembled.

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 structure comprising a plurality of pairs of hingeably connected members, a first hinge element; and a second hinge element; wherein the two members of each pair of hingeably connected members are connected to the first and the second hinge elements respectively; and wherein the first hinge element is capable of being stabilized for facilitating stabilization of the deployable structure into a deployed state.

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 truss connector for releasably coupling ends of truss structures in a quick and uniform fashion. The connector connects trusses, end-to-end, by binding to their tubular truss members in spigot fashion with an arbor, traveling nut and expandable collet assembly and by binding to the truss gusset plates in a directly fastened, mated plate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible enclosure comprising, a plurality of structural support beams, a hub having a plurality of attachment means and a pressure plate positioned below the attachment means to which one end of the structural support beams are attached and a cover disposed upon and traversing between the structural support beams. The top portion of the cover having means for receiving the plurality of structural support beams and the bottom portion having adapters for receiving the other ends of the plurality of structural support beams. The cover may have one or more openings and one or more flaps to secure the one or more openings.

Abstract: A construction module comprises a plurality of shaped plates connected to each other at selected angles and orientations to form the constructions module. The plates have two or more different shapes, and may be arranged with respect to each other so as form a three dimensional construction module whereby external forces acting on the module are balanced by internal tensile and compressive stresses in symmetrical plates acting in opposite directions. Also provided is a frameless structural system comprising a plurality of such construction modules, the plurality of construction modules being fastened to each other to form the structural system.

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: 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 deployable structure comprising a plurality of pairs of hingeably connected members, a first hinge element; and a second hinge element; wherein the two members of each pair of hingeably connected members are connected to the first and the second hinge elements respectively; and wherein the first hinge element is capable of being stabilized for facilitating stabilization of the deployable structure into a deployed state.

Abstract: The described system provides a folding and self-contained truss based entertainment technology support system designed for rapid deployment. Embodiments disclose a system incorporating folding truss technology in conjunction with lighting, dimming, power and data distribution systems encompassing a complete and integrated mobile and rapid deployment lighting and lighting support system. Further embodiments describe truss systems used for the rapid deployment, installation and removal of entertainment systems including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic equipment.

Abstract: A frame element includes a first scissor including a first and a second strut pivotably connected to each other at a first pivot point, a second scissor including a third and a fourth strut pivotably connected to each other at a second pivot point, and a hub to which the first and the third strut are pivotably connected, the first and second scissors being pivotable about the hub between a closed position in which the first, second, third, and fourth struts are substantially parallel to one another and an open, locked position in which the first and third struts define a non-zero angle with each other and abutment portions of the second and fourth struts contact receiving portions of the third and first struts, respectively, and prevent the first and third struts from pivoting beyond the non-zero angle.

Abstract: There is provided a truss element in which space truss diagonal members can be easily integrally formed by being drawn in a predetermined direction. This truss element is formed in a corrugated shape with mountain portions 1a and valley portions 2 in left and right directions alternately and cut portions 4a, each which is perpendicular to a ridge line 3 of the mountain portion 1 and leaves a bottom of the valley portion uncut, and cut portions 4b, each which is perpendicular to a bottom line 5 of the valley and leaves a peak of the mountain portion uncut, are formed alternately with spaces in a front and back directions.