U.S. patent application number 09/766242 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-04 for connections to make foldable structures.
Invention is credited to Hoberman, Charles.
Application Number | 20020083675 09/766242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26946801 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020083675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoberman, Charles |
July 4, 2002 |
Connections to make foldable structures
Abstract
A new hub element is disclosed for building reversible
expandable three-dimensional truss structures. The hub element can
directly connect a pin joint towards the center of a scissor
linkage to a pivot located near the extremity of another
out-of-plane scissor linkage. It has the advantages of being more
compact than previously known hub elements and can be used to
create foldable structures that are more structurally sound than
previously possible. The use of this novel hub element can also
reduce the number of pieces required for a given foldable
structure, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Inventors: |
Hoberman, Charles; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Keith D. Nowak
Lieberman & Nowak, LLP
350 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10118
US
|
Family ID: |
26946801 |
Appl. No.: |
09/766242 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60258677 |
Dec 28, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/645 ; 52/641;
52/646; 52/649.5; 52/80.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/088 20130101;
E04B 1/3441 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/645 ; 52/646;
52/641; 52/80.1; 52/649.5 |
International
Class: |
E04H 012/18; E04C
003/38; E04B 001/32 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hub element for building expandable assemblies comprising: a
first connector for connecting a first scissor linkage near the
center of the scissor linkage, at least another connector located
proximate to the first connector for connecting a second scissor
linkage near the extremity of the second scissor linkage, wherein
each scissor linkage lies on a non-parallel plane to each
other.
2. A hub element according to claim 1, wherein the hub element can
connect a pivot joint near the center of a first scissor linkage to
a pivot joint located near the extremity of a second scissor
linkage.
3. An expandable assembly comprising: at least one pair of hub
elements according to claims 1 or 2; at least two scissor linkages
lying on non-parallel planes with each other with at least one
pivot of each scissor linkage pivotally attached to the hub
elements, wherein each scissor linkage is comprised of one scissors
pivotally connected to one or more adjacent scissors at the
terminal pivots, wherein each scissor has two pairs of terminal
pivots and is comprised of two links pivotally connected to each
other at their central pivots, wherein each link has a central
pivot and two terminal pivots, and said scissor linkages attached
to said hub elements can freely extend and retract.
4. An expandable assembly according to claim 3 that is
pre-assembled.
5. An expandable assembly according to claim 3 that comes in a kit
to be assembled by a user.
6. An expandable assembly according to claim 3 comprising: hub
elements according to claim 1 or 2 pivotally attaching at least two
scissor linkages such that the attachment points lie towards the
center of one scissor linkage and towards the extremity of one or
more other scissor linkages.
7. A folding spherical linkage that is comprised in part of hub
elements according to claims 1 or 2.
8. A kit of at least one expandable assembly according to claim 3
that may be assembled to build a reversibly expandable
structure.
9. A reversibly expandable three-dimensional truss structure that
is at least in part comprised of an expandable assembly according
to claim 3, wherein the three-dimensional shape of the structure is
unchanged as it is expanded and contracted.
10. A reversibly expandable three-dimensional truss structure that
is at least in part comprised of an expandable assembly according
to claim 3, wherein the three-dimensional shape of the structure
changes as it is expanded and contracted.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on a Provisional Application,
Serial No. ______, filed on Dec. 28, 2000, entitled "Connections to
Make Foldable Structures."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The current invention relates to the construction of folding
expandable truss structures for architectural use, public exhibits
and folding toys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,942,700 and 5,024,031, hereby incorporated
by reference as if fully disclosed herein, teaches methods for
constructing reversibly expandable truss-structures in a wide
variety of shapes. The teachings therein have been used to build
structures for diverse applications including architectural uses,
public exhibits and unique folding toys.
[0004] Utilizing the teachings of the '700 and '031 patents,
self-supporting structures than maintain their overall curved
geometry as they expand or collapse in a synchronized manner can be
constructed. A basic building block of such structures is the
"scissor" which consists of two links pinned together at mid-point,
each also having pivots at their ends. These "scissors" may be
further joined together in tongs-like fashion to create scissor
linkages. In particular, the '700 patent teaches methods for
joining scissor linkages together to form these expandable
structures. These methods utilize hub elements that pivotally join
scissor linkages by their ends, such that the scissor linkages lie
in non-parallel planes (i.e., the linkages are "out-of-plane.")
Such hub elements are small relative to the scissor links
themselves, and allow adjacent scissor linkages to fold freely and
synchronously.
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a new type of hub
element is presented that negotiates the out-of-plane connection
between scissor linkages in a novel manner. It has the advantages
of being more compact than the previously disclosed hub element and
can be used to create foldable structures that are more
structurally sound. The use of this novel hub element can also
reduce the number of pieces required for a given foldable
structure, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Further, when used for toys or novelties the hub element is less
obstructive and provides a pleasing appearance, allowing the
overall visual pattern of the structure to be seen clearly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a new method of attaching
scissor linkages together to make foldable structures. This method
utilizes a new type of hub element that directly connects a pin
joint lying towards the center of one scissor linkage to a second
pivot located near the extremity of a second scissor linkage.
[0007] The '700 Patent taught a hub element that can only connect
the end pivots of scissor linkages together. Since the center of a
given scissor linkage is more stable and better supported than an
endpoint, the hub element disclosed herein offers improved strength
and stability. Further, a connection of this type reduces the
degrees of freedom in the overall assembly and thereby enhances the
level of synchronized movement between all of the links in the
structure.
[0008] Various embodiments of this hub element are disclosed
herein. Certain elements may connect to pre-assembled scissor
linkages. Other types of hub elements are integrated into a scissor
linkage providing connection points that are built into the
linkage. Such integrated hub elements may provide the basis for
folding structures that come in kit form to be assembled by a
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be further described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a scissor comprised of two
links.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a scissor linkage comprised of
eight scissors.
[0012] FIGS. 3-4 are plan views of the scissor linkage in its
folded and extended state respectively.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the scissor linkage shown
with two hub elements which are basic embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6-7 are perspective views of two scissor linkages being
attached by these same hub elements.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a third attached scissor linkage.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a complete spherical linkage
made of six scissor linkages joined by hub elements. FIGS. 10-11
show the spherical linkage in its folded and extended state
respectively.
[0017] FIGS. 12-14 show an alternate embodiment of a hub element in
perspective, plan, and elevation view.
[0018] FIGS. 15-17 show yet another embodiment of a hub element in
perspective, plan, and elevation view.
[0019] FIGS. 18-22 show a sequence of steps for assembling a hub
element to a pair of links.
[0020] FIGS. 23-27 show another sequence of steps for assembling an
alternate embodiment of a hub element to a pair of links.
[0021] FIGS. 28-31 show an alternate embodiment of the invention
that is made up of an assembly of several parts.
[0022] FIG. 32 is a plan view of a scissor linkage that is
comprised of both links as well as integrated hub elements.
[0023] FIGS. 33-34 are perspective views of two such scissor
linkages being assembled together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention discloses a new hub element for
building reversible expandable three-dimensional truss structures
that can directly connect a pivot towards the center of a scissor
linkage to a pivot located near the extremity of another
out-of-plane scissor linkage.
[0025] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1
shows a scissor 10 which is comprised of two links 4 and 6. Link 4
has a center pivot 7 and two terminal pivots 2 and 5. Link 6 is
joined to link 4 by center pivot 7 and has two terminal pivots 3
and 8. FIG. 2 shows scissor linkage 1 which is comprised of
scissors 10,11, 12,13,14,15,16 and 17. Each scissor is comprised of
two links. Each link has a center pivot and two terminal
pivots.
[0026] Scissor 10 is situated between scissors 11 and 14. It is
attached to scissor 11 by terminal pivots 3 and 5. It is further
attached to scissor 14 by terminal pivots 2 and 8. Thus scissor 10
shall be referred to as an attached scissor.
[0027] Scissor 12 lies at the extremity of scissor linkage 1, and
is attached to scissor 13 by terminal pivots 9 and 26. Its other
terminal pivots 18 and 19 remain unattached. Thus scissor 12 shall
be referred to as an unattached scissor.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows scissor 1 in a folded condition. FIG. 4 shows
scissor 1 in an extended condition.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of scissor 1. Hub elements
23 and 24 are shown in an exploded view indicating a pivot
connection to be made with terminal pivot 3. Hub elements 22 and 25
are shown in an exploded view indicating a pivot connection to be
made with terminal pivot 5 In FIG. 6 hub elements 24 and 25 are
shown pivotally attached to scissor linkage 1. Scissor linkage 30
is shown in proximity to linkage 1 where terminal pivots 31 and 32
are about to be attached to hub elements 24 and 25.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows linkage 1 and linkage 30 having been joined
together by hub elements 24 and 25. Also shown are hub elements 33
and 34 which are attached to terminal pivots belonging to an
attached scissor within scissor linkage 30.
[0031] FIG. 8 shows a third scissor linkage 40 which has been
joined to linkage 3 0 by hub elements 33 and 34, and has been
further joined to linkage 1 by hub elements 42 and 43. Note that
hub elements serve to join terminal pivots belonging to an attached
scissor pair on one linkage to the terminal pivots belonging to an
unattached scissor pair on a second linkage. In simpler language,
the end of each scissor linkage is joined to the middle of another
scissor linkage.
[0032] FIG. 9 shows a spherical linkage 100 comprised of six
scissor linkages 1,3 0,40,50,60 and 70. Hub elements join the
linkages together connecting the end of each linkage to the middle
of a joined linkage.
[0033] FIG. 10 shows spherical linkage 100 in a folded condition.
FIG. 11 shows spherical linkage 100 in an extended condition. The
hub elements serve to synchronize the folding and unfolding of the
six scissor linkages that comprise spherical linkage 100.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of hub element 110 which
has three sections 112, 114 and 116. Section 116 is cylindrical in
form and has two grooves 117 and 118. It is centrally located
within element 110.
[0035] Section 112 extends outwards from one end of section 116 and
has a hole in it. Similarly, section 114 extends from the other end
of 116 and has a hole in it.
[0036] FIG. 13 shows a plan view of hub element 110. Central
section 116 provides a pivot axis 117. Terminal section 112
provides a pivot axis 113. Terminal section 114 provides a pivot
axis 115. Terminal pivot axes 113 and 115 are non-parallel to
central axis 117.
[0037] FIG. 14 shows an elevation view of element 110.
[0038] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of element 120 which has
three sections 122, 124,126.
[0039] Section 126 is a cylindrical in form and has two grooves 128
and 129. It is centrally located within element 120.
[0040] Section 122 extends outwards from one end of section 126 and
has a pin extending from it.
[0041] Similarly, section 124 extends from the other end of 126 and
has a pin extending from it.
[0042] FIG. 16 shows a plan view of hub element 120. Central
section 126 provides a pivot axis 127.
[0043] Terminal section 122 provides a pivot axis 123. Terminal
section 124 provides a pivot axis 125. Terminal pivot axes 123 and
125 are non-parallel to central axis 127.
[0044] FIG. 17 shows an elevation view of element 120.
[0045] FIG. 18 shows a scissor-link 130 having a hole 131 and two
pins 134 and 136. Adjoining hole 131 is a slot 133. Hole 131 has a
ridge 132.
[0046] FIG. 19 shows link 130 and hub element 120. FIGS. 20 and 21
show element 120 being inserted through hole 131. Pin 122 may be
seen to pass through slot 133. Groove 129 snaps into ridge 132 to
retain the link and hub together.
[0047] FIG. 22 shows link 130 rotated relative to element 120. A
second link 135 is shown connected to hub element 120. Thus hub 120
provides a pivot connection to two links 130 and 135 while still
offering two additional connecting points 122 and 124.
[0048] FIG. 23 shows a scissor-link 140 having a hole 141 and two
holes 144 and 146. Adjoining hole 141 is a slot 143. Hole 141 has a
ridge 142.
[0049] FIG. 24 shows link 140 and hub element 110. FIGS. 25 and 26
show element 110 being inserted through hole 141. Section 112 maybe
seen to pass through slot 143. Groove 118 snaps into ridge 142 to
retain the link and hub together.
[0050] FIG. 27 shows link 140 rotated relative to element 110. A
second link 145 is shown connected to hub element 110. Thus hub 110
provides a pivot connection to two links 140 and 145 while still
offering two additional connecting points 112 and 114.
[0051] FIG. 28 shows an alternate embodiment of a hub element.
Element 150 is comprised of three separate sections 152, 154 and
156. Central section 156 has two connecting blocks 157 and 158
which may be inserted into holes within sections 152 and 154. FIG.
29 shows sections 152, 154 and 156 joined rigidly together.
[0052] FIG. 30 shows a plan view of hub element 150. FIG. 31 shows
an elevation view of element 150.
[0053] FIG. 32 shows a scissor assembly 170 that is comprised of
scissors 130, 135, 140, 145, 150 and 155. Hub elements 110 and 120
join scissors 140 and 145 at their terminal pivots.
[0054] FIG. 33 shows a scissor assembly 180 with terminal pivots
181 and 182 which are proximate to hubs 110 and 120. FIG. 34 shows
scissor assembly 180 joined to assembly 170 via hub elements 120
and 110.
[0055] FIG. 35 shows a third scissor linkage 190 which has been
joined to linkage 170 by hub elements 193 and 194. Linkage 190 has
been further joined to linkage 180 by hub elements 183 and 184. The
end of each scissor linkage has been thus joined to the middle of
another scissor linkage, thereby forming a triangular linkage.
[0056] FIG. 36 shows a complete spherical structure 200 comprised
in part of assemblies 170, 180 and 190 along with an additional
nine similar assemblies.
[0057] FIG. 37 shows spherical structure 200 in its fully folded
condition. FIG. 38 shows spherical structure 100 in its fully
extended condition. The hub elements serve to synchronize the
folding and unfolding of the twelve scissor linkages that comprise
spherical linkage 200.
[0058] It will be appreciated that the instant specification and
claims set forth by way of illustration and not limitation, and
that various modifications and changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *