Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Compound curve structure – Geodesic shape
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-27
2001-04-24
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Compound curve structure
Geodesic shape
C052S080100, C052S081100, C052S109000, C052S646000, C052SDIG001, C446S478000, C446S487000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219974
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,942,700 and 5,024,031, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein, disclose a method for constructing reversibly expandable truss-structures in a wide variety of shapes and the teachings therein have been used to build structures for diverse applications including architectural uses, public exhibits and unique folding toys.
In accordance with the teaching of the '700 patent, the resulting structures comprise substantially linear, but angulated, strut elements and smaller hub elements that are pivotally connected. The angulated struts always have three pivot points, one central pivot point and two terminal pivot points, and they lie in planes that are essentially orthogonal to the surface of the structure. Utilizing the methods taught in the '700 patent, one may construct foldable structures in a wide variety of shapes. However, certain shapes are more practical to construct in order to maintain a reasonable part count, have good structural integrity and ease of movement. In particular, the method is better suited to structures whose shape has a gentle curvature, rather than sharp corners. Also, the parts that make up a given structural shape will, in general, be unique to that particular shape. Therefore, it is not a simple matter to make a kit of interchangeable parts that may be used in different shaped structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links which lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. The polygon links in the loop assembly have at least three pivot joints. At least some of the polygon links however, have more than three pivot joints. One of the pivot joints on each link is a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for interconnecting adjacent link pairs to form the loop assembly. Finally, loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention link pairs may be connected to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly through hub elements that are connected at the respective internal pivot joints of the two link pairs. Similarly hubs elements can be used to connect loop assemblies together or loop assemblies to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the pivot joints can be designed as living hinges as described more fully below.
Structures built in accordance with the subject invention have specific favorable properties, including: a) The ability to use highly rigid materials rather than bending or distortion of the mechanical links, allowing for a smooth and fluid unfolding process; b) The use of compact, structurally favorable and inexpensive joints in the form of simple pivots; c) Retaining the strength and stability of the structure during folding and unfolding since all movement in the structure is due to the actual deployment process, without floppiness in the structure; d) A wide range of geometries; e) Inexpensive manufacture of structures with flexible hinges that are formed continuously with the links themselves; f) Convenient assembly of structures of many different shapes through kits of the necessary parts; and g) The ability to create a ‘space-filling’ structure by arranging linkages in a three-dimensional matrix.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4942700 (1990-07-01), Hoberman
patent: 5024031 (1991-06-01), Hoberman
patent: 5540013 (1996-07-01), Diamond
patent: 5761871 (1998-06-01), Atake
Friedman Carl D.
Horton Yvonne M.
Lieberman & Nowak LLP
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