U.S. patent application number 11/458449 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for folding frame system with cantilever arrangement.
Invention is credited to Theodore R. Zeigler.
Application Number | 20080017232 11/458449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38970289 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080017232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zeigler; Theodore R. |
January 24, 2008 |
FOLDING FRAME SYSTEM WITH CANTILEVER ARRANGEMENT
Abstract
A cantilever arrangement for a folding structure is provided.
The folding structure is of the type including a plurality of strut
members foldable between an open position in which the strut
members define a non-zero angle with each other and a closed
position in which the strut members define a substantially
0.degree. angle with each other. The cantilever strut arrangement
includes a first cantilever strut pivotably adapted to be attached
at a first point on the folding structure and a first support
member adapted to be attached at a second point on the folding
structure and attached at a point on the first cantilever strut.
When the folding structure is folded to the closed position, the
first cantilever strut member defines a substantially 0.degree.
angle with the strut members.
Inventors: |
Zeigler; Theodore R.;
(Alexandria, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WRB-IP LLP
1217 KING STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
38970289 |
Appl. No.: |
11/458449 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/131 ;
135/123; 135/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/131 ;
135/145; 135/123 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/50 20060101
E04H015/50; E04H 15/38 20060101 E04H015/38 |
Claims
1. A modular frame system, comprising: a frame system comprising a
first and a second plurality of scissor assemblies, each scissor
assembly of the first and the second plurality of scissor
assemblies comprising at least a pair of pivotably connected
struts, the scissor assemblies of each of the first and the second
plurality of scissor assemblies being pivotably connected end to
end by hub assemblies at ends of the struts, the hub assemblies
having first and second ends, the scissor assemblies of the first
and the second plurality of scissor assemblies being movable from a
closed position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair
of each scissor assembly are substantially parallel and ends of the
struts are substantially adjacent, and an open position in which
all of the struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor
assembly define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the
struts are separated by a predetermined distance; and a scissor
assembly connection arrangement, comprising, for at least one
scissor assembly of the first and second plurality of scissor
assemblies, a first connecting strut pivotably attached at a first
end thereof to a first end of a hub assembly, and a second
connecting strut pivotably attached at a first end thereof to a
second end of the hub assembly, the second connecting strut being
pivotably attached to the first connecting strut, each first
connecting strut for the first scissor assembly being removably
attached to a corresponding first connecting strut of the second
scissor assembly.
2. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
second connecting strut and the first connecting strut are
pivotably attached to each other such that, when the first
connecting strut of a first scissor assembly is disconnected from a
first connecting strut of a second scissor assembly, the struts of
the at least one strut pair and the second connecting strut and the
first connecting strut are adapted to be pivoted between the closed
position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly and the second connecting strut and the first
connecting strut are substantially parallel, and an open position
in which all of the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly and the second connecting strut and the first
connecting strut define non-zero angles with each other.
3. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
second end of the second connecting strut is pivotably attached to
the first connecting strut.
4. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
hub assemblies each include first and second members that are
lockable relative to each other to retain the ends of the struts
separated by the predetermined distance.
5. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
second connecting strut is in compression when the first and second
scissor assemblies are in the open position.
6. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 1, comprising a
manual lock associated with second ends of each first connecting
strut for locking the second ends of each first connecting strut to
the corresponding second end of a corresponding first connecting
strut.
7. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 1, comprising a
cantilever arrangement comprising a cantilever strut pivotably
attached at a first end thereof to an end of a hub assembly, and a
second member pivotably attached to an opposite end of the hub
assembly and to the cantilever strut.
8. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the
cantilever arrangement is foldable such that the cantilever strut
and the second member are adapted to be pivoted between the closed
position in which at least the struts of the at least one strut
pair of each scissor assembly and the cantilever strut are
substantially parallel, and an open position in which all of the
struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor assembly
define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the struts
are separated by a predetermined distance.
9. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 8, wherein, in
the open position, the cantilever strut defines a second non-zero
angle with struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor
assembly that is different than the non-zero angle defined by the
struts of the at least one strut pair with each other.
10. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the
second connecting strut and the first connecting strut are
pivotably attached to each other such that, when the first
connecting strut of a first scissor assembly is disconnected from a
first connecting strut of a second scissor assembly, the struts of
the at least one strut pair and the second connecting strut and the
first connecting strut are adapted to be pivoted between the closed
position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly and the second connecting strut and the first
connecting strut are substantially parallel, and an open position
in which all of the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly and the second connecting strut and the first
connecting strut define non-zero angles with each other.
11. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 7, comprising a
cover for covering an exterior of the modular frame system, a
portion of the cover being suspended by a first and a second
cantilever arrangement and including a doorway, the first
cantilever arrangement being pivotably attached to the first
plurality of scissor assemblies and the second cantilever
arrangement being pivotably attached to the second plurality of
scissor assemblies.
12. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 7, comprising a
cover for covering an exterior of the modular frame system, a
portion of the cover being suspended by a first and a second
cantilever arrangement and including a doorway, the first and the
second cantilever arrangement being pivotably attached to two
respective scissor assemblies.
13. A modular frame system, comprising: a frame system comprising a
plurality of scissor assemblies, each scissor assembly of the
plurality of scissor assemblies comprising at least a pair of
pivotably connected struts, the scissor assemblies of the plurality
of scissor assemblies being pivotably connected end to end by hub
assemblies at ends of the struts, the hub assemblies having first
and second ends, the scissor assemblies being movable from a closed
position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly are substantially parallel and ends of the struts
are substantially adjacent, and an open position in which all of
the struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor assembly
define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the struts
are separated by a predetermined distance; and a cantilever
arrangement attached to at least one of the pairs of pivotably
connected struts, the cantilever assembly comprising a cantilever
strut pivotably attached at a first end thereof to an end of a hub
assembly, and a second member pivotably attached to an opposite end
of the hub assembly and to the cantilever strut.
14. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
cantilever arrangement is foldable such that the cantilever strut
and the second member are adapted to be pivoted between the closed
position in which at least the struts of the at least one strut
pair of each scissor assembly and the cantilever strut are
substantially parallel, and an open position in which all of the
struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor assembly
define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the struts
are separated by a predetermined distance.
15. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
second member is a flexible member.
16. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 13, wherein,
when the frame system is in an open position, the second member is
in tension.
17. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
frame system comprises first and second scissor assemblies arranged
parallel to each other when the frame system is in an open
position, first and second cantilever arrangements being attached
to at least one of the pairs of pivotably connected struts of each
of the first and second scissor assemblies, respectively.
18. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 17, comprising a
cover for covering an exterior of the modular frame system, a
portion of the cover being suspended by the first and the second
cantilever arrangement and including a doorway.
19. The modular frame system as set forth in claim 13, wherein, in
the open position, the cantilever strut defines a second non-zero
angle with struts of the at least one strut pair that is different
than the non-zero angle defined by the struts of the at least one
strut pair with each other.
20. A cantilever arrangement for a folding structure, the folding
structure comprising a plurality of strut members foldable between
an open position in which the strut members define a non-zero angle
with each other and a closed position in which the strut members
define a substantially 0.degree. angle with each other, the
cantilever strut arrangement comprising: a first cantilever strut
pivotably adapted to be attached at a first point on the folding
structure; and a first support member adapted to be attached at a
second point on the folding structure and attached at a point on
the first cantilever strut, wherein, when the folding structure is
folded to the closed position, the first cantilever strut member
defines a substantially 0.degree. angle with the strut members.
21. The cantilever arrangement as set forth in claim 20, wherein
the first support member is a second cantilever strut.
22. The cantilever arrangement as set forth in claim 21, wherein
the first support member is in compression when the folding
structure is in the open position.
23. The cantilever arrangement as set forth in claim 20, wherein
the first support member is in compression when the folding
structure is in the open position.
23. The cantilever arrangement as set forth in claim 20, wherein
the first support member is a cable.
24. The cantilever arrangement as set forth in claim 20, wherein
the first support member is a tension member.
25. The cantilever arrangement as set forth in claim 20, wherein
the first cantilever strut and the first support member define a
first cantilever, the cantilever arrangement comprising a second
cantilever comprising a second cantilever strut and a second
support member, and a cover adapted to be suspended by the first
and the second cantilevers and including a doorway.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0001] The present invention relates to folding frame systems and,
more particularly, to folding frame systems including cantilever
arrangements useful for, e.g., doorway arrangements and frame
system connection arrangements.
[0002] My U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,946, which is incorporated by
reference, discloses forming shelters from a plurality of
expandable and collapsible frame modules, each frame module
comprising a plurality of scissor-strut arrangements connected
end-to-end by hub assemblies. The frame modules are particularly
well-suited for use in forming shelters in the form of arches.
[0003] While shelters such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,946 are
collapsible to facilitate transporting the shelters by means such
as trucks to desired locations, there is a practical limit to how
large of a shelter can be transported in a single crate, although
that limit will, of course, vary depending upon the construction of
the shelter. However, in the field, it will often be desirable to
connect a plurality of shelters to form one large shelter with a
plurality of connected sections, such as for use for large vehicle
repairs and maintenance, or for use as a mobile hospital or a
command center. It is desirable to provide an arrangement to
facilitate the connection of two or more discrete frame systems to
form a single, larger frame system.
[0004] Particularly with structures in the form of arches, access
to the interior of the structures is generally available at only
one end of the structure. However, it is often desirable to have
access to the structure at various points along the length of the
structure, as opposed to merely having access at the ends of the
structure. It is desirable to provide an arrangement to facilitate
access to a structure comprising a frame system.
[0005] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
modular frame system comprises a frame system comprising a first
and a second plurality of scissor assemblies, each scissor assembly
of the first and the second plurality of scissor assemblies
comprising at least a pair of pivotably connected struts, the
scissor assemblies of each of the first and the second plurality of
scissor assemblies being pivotably connected end to end by hub
assemblies at ends of the struts, the hub assemblies having first
and second ends, the scissor assemblies of the first and the second
plurality of scissor assemblies being movable from a closed
position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly are substantially parallel and ends of the struts
are substantially adjacent, and an open position in which all of
the struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor assembly
define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the struts
are separated by a predetermined distance, and a scissor assembly
connection arrangement, comprising, for at least one scissor
assembly of the first and second plurality of scissor assemblies, a
first connecting strut pivotably attached at a first end thereof to
a first end of a hub assembly, and a second connecting strut
pivotably attached at a first end thereof to a second end of the
hub assembly, the second connecting strut being pivotably attached
to the first connecting strut, each first connecting strut for the
first scissor assembly being removably attached to a corresponding
first connecting strut of the second scissor assembly.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a modular frame system comprises a frame system comprising a
plurality of scissor assemblies, each scissor assembly of the
plurality of scissor assemblies comprising at least a pair of
pivotably connected struts, the scissor assemblies of the plurality
of scissor assemblies being pivotably connected end to end by hub
assemblies at ends of the struts, the hub assemblies having first
and second ends, the scissor assemblies being movable from a closed
position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly are substantially parallel and ends of the struts
are substantially adjacent, and an open position in which all of
the struts of the at least one strut pair of each scissor assembly
define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the struts
are separated by a predetermined distance, and a cantilever
arrangement attached to at least one of the pairs of pivotably
connected struts, the cantilever assembly comprising a cantilever
strut pivotably attached at a first end thereof to an end of a hub
assembly, and a second member pivotably attached to an opposite end
of the hub assembly and to the cantilever strut.
[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a cantilever arrangement for a folding structure is
provided. The folding structure is of the type comprising a
plurality of strut members foldable between an open position in
which the strut members define a non-zero angle with each other and
a closed position in which the strut members define a substantially
0.degree. angle with each other. The cantilever strut arrangement
comprises a first cantilever strut pivotably adapted to be attached
at a first point on the folding structure and a first support
member adapted to be attached at a second point on the folding
structure and attached at a point on the first cantilever strut.
When the folding structure is folded to the closed position, the
first cantilever strut member defines a substantially 0.degree.
angle with the strut members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The features and advantages of the present invention are
well understood by reading the following detailed description in
conjunction with the drawings in which like numerals indicate
similar elements and in which:
[0009] FIGS. 1A-1C are frontal cross-sectional, side, and top views
of frame systems according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2C are front, side, and top views of a shelter
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of a portion of a frame system
according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in an
open position and a closed position, respectively;
[0012] FIG. 4A is a side view of a scissor assembly connection
arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 4B is a side view of a scissor assembly connection arrangement
together with connected scissor assemblies according to an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4C and 4D are side
and top cross-sectional views of a manual locking arrangement for a
scissor assembly connection arrangement according to an embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 5A is a side view of a cantilever arrangement according
to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 5B is a
partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the cantilever
arrangement as shown in FIG. 5A taken at section 5B-5B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Modular frame system 21 according to an embodiment of the
present invention is seen in FIGS. 1A-1C. Frame system 21 of the
general type shown in FIGS. 1A-1C can be used to form shelters 23
such as are shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, however, other forms of frame
systems than those specifically illustrated can be used to form
shelters and other structures other than those specifically
illustrated. Also, it will be noted that FIG. 1A shows a frame
system 21 in the form of an arch having eight pairs of scissor
assemblies connected end-to-end; FIGS. 1B-1C show a frame system 21
similar to that of FIG. 1A having ten pairs of scissor assemblies
connected end-to-end; and the shelters 23 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C show
covers over frame systems (not shown) that will ordinarily be made
up of six pairs of scissor assemblies connected end-to-end, to
identify only a few differences between the frame systems of FIGS.
1A and 1B-1C and the shelters of FIGS. 2A-2C. For purposes of
discussion, frame systems of the general type described in my U.S.
Pat. No. 5,230,196, U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,946, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,141,934, which are incorporated by reference, will be used to
describe illustrative, but not limiting, environments in which the
present invention can be used.
[0015] As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the frame system 21 comprises a
first and a second plurality of scissor assemblies 25 and 27. FIG.
1A is a cross-sectional view and shows, on the left side, scissor
assemblies 25 and, on the right side, scissor assemblies 27. As
seen in FIG. 1A, each scissor assembly 25 and 27 of the first and
the second plurality of scissor assemblies comprises at least a
pair of pivotably connected struts 29 and 31, and 33 and 35,
respectively. As seen in FIG. 1A, the scissor assemblies 25 and 27
of each of the first and the second plurality of scissor assemblies
are pivotably connected end to end by hub assemblies 37 at ends of
the struts. As seen in FIG. 3A, which will describe the scissor
assemblies 25 for purposes of illustration, it being understood
that the description applies as well to the scissor assemblies 27,
the hub assemblies 37 have first and second ends 39 and 41. The
scissor assemblies 25 are movable from a closed position (FIG. 3B)
in which the struts 29 and 31 of each scissor assembly are
substantially parallel and ends 43 and 45 of the struts 29 and 31
(and 35 and 33), respectively, are substantially adjacent, and an
open position (FIG. 3A) in which all of the struts of each scissor
assembly define non-zero angles with each other and the ends of the
struts are separated by a predetermined distance D1.
[0016] Components of a scissor assembly connection arrangement 47
are seen in FIGS. 1B-1C and 4A-4D. A scissor assembly connection
arrangement 47 can be provided for at least one scissor assembly 25
and 27 of the first and second plurality of scissor assemblies and,
ordinarily, is provided between each scissor assembly of the first
plurality of scissor assemblies and a corresponding scissor
assembly the second plurality of scissor assemblies. As seen, for
example, in FIGS. 4A-4D, the scissor assembly connection
arrangement 47 can include a first connecting strut 49 pivotably
attached at a first end 51 (FIGS. 4A-4B) thereof to a first end 39
of a hub assembly 37. The scissor assembly connection arrangement
47 can also include a second connecting strut 53 pivotably attached
at a first end 55 thereof to a second end 41 of the hub assembly
37. The second connecting strut 53 can be pivotably attached to the
first connecting strut 49. Ordinarily, the second connecting strut
53 will be pivotably attached at a second end 57 thereof to a
substantial midpoint 59 of the first connecting strut 49.
[0017] As seen in FIG. 4B, a second end 61 each first connecting
strut 49 for the first scissor assembly(ies) 25 is removably
attached to a corresponding first connecting strut 49 of the second
scissor assembly(ies) 27. In this way, a convenient means of
connecting otherwise separate frame systems can be provided. For
example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B-1C, scissor assemblies
25 and 27 at ends of two separate frame systems 21 can be joined
together at an ereaction site, while those separate frame systems
can be shipped separately, thereby avoiding the need to have all
components of a frame system in a single package or shipment.
[0018] The second connecting strut 53 and the first connecting
strut 49 can be pivotably attached to each other such that, when
the first connecting strut of a first scissor assembly 25 is
disconnected from a first connecting strut of a second scissor
assembly 27, the struts of the at least one strut pair 29 and 31,
and 33 and 35, and the second connecting strut 53 and the first
connecting strut 49 are adapted to be pivoted between the closed
position in which the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly and the second connecting strut and the first
connecting strut are substantially parallel, and an open position
in which all of the struts of the at least one strut pair of each
scissor assembly and the second connecting strut and the first
connecting strut define non-zero angles with each other.
[0019] The hub assemblies 37 in the illustrated embodiments are of
the type that each include first and second elongated members 37a
and 37b that are lockable relative to each other to retain the ends
of the struts separated by the predetermined distance. A manual
lock 63 (FIGS. 4A, 5A) that can be in any suitable form can be used
to connect the first and second elongated members 37a and 37b. A
suitable form of manual lock includes telescoping end portions of
the first and second elongated members that can be secured together
by a spring loaded button disposed inside an inner one of the end
portions that extends through holes in both of the end portions.
Other hub assemblies may include multiple discrete components to
which struts and other structures are attached. For example, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.
000002-084), entitled FOLDABLE FRAME ELEMENT AND SYSTEM WITH
TENSION LOCK, filed on even date herewith, discloses hub assemblies
for shelters with outer and inner components that are not connected
to each other and are retained at a predetermined distance from
each other by other means, in this case by a tension lock
arrangement.
[0020] The second connecting strut 53 in the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1B and 4A-4B is ordinarily in compression when the first and
second scissor assemblies 25 and 27 are in the open position. Such
an arrangement in the illustrated embodiments facilitates forming a
supporting frame for an outer cover with the various scissors of
the first and second plurality of scissor assemblies and the first
connecting struts 49 that is substantially continuous, for example,
in the sense that it has no significant depression at the location
of the first connecting struts. Of course, the arrangement shown in
FIG. 4A could be turned upside down so that the second connecting
strut is in tension and a depression would be formed.
[0021] As seen in FIGS. 4B-4D, a manual lock 65 can be associated
with second ends 61 of each first connecting strut 49 for locking
the second ends of each first connecting strut to the corresponding
second end of a corresponding first connecting strut. The manual
lock 65 can be in any suitable form, such as in the form of the
manual lock 63 described in connection with the hub assemblies 37.
The manual lock 65 illustrated in FIGS. 4C-4D comprises spring
loaded buttons 67 disposed in the second ends 61 of each first
connecting strut 49. A sleeve 69 is adapted to slide over both of
the second ends 61. The buttons 67 extend through holes 71 in the
second ends 61 of each first connecting strut 49 and through holes
73 in the sleeve 69 to lock the first connecting struts relative to
each other.
[0022] As seen in FIGS. 3A and 5A-5B, a cantilever arrangement 75
can be provided and is particularly useful as a means for providing
an access point in a frame system or shelter that would ordinarily
only have an access point at an end of the structure, such as an
elongated arch structure of the type shown in FIGS. 1A-2C. The
cantilever arrangement 75 comprises a cantilever strut 77 pivotably
attached at a first end 79 thereof to an end of a hub assembly 37,
ordinarily the inner end, such as the second end 41 shown in FIG.
5A. The cantilever arrangement 75 also comprises a second member 81
pivotably attached at a first end 83 to an opposite end of the hub
assembly 37, such as the first end 39 and to the cantilever strut
77.
[0023] Much like the scissor assembly connection arrangement 47,
the cantilever arrangement 75 is ordinarily foldable such that the
cantilever strut 77 and the second member 81 are adapted to be
pivoted between the closed position in which at least the struts 29
and 31 and 33 and 35 of the strut pairs of each scissor assembly 25
and 27 and the cantilever strut are substantially parallel, and an
open position in which all of the struts of the at least one strut
pair of each scissor assembly define non-zero angles with each
other and the ends of the struts are separated by a predetermined
distance. However, as seen in, e.g., FIG. 1A-1C and 3A, in the open
position, the cantilever strut 77 defines a second non-zero angle
with struts 29 and 31 and 33 and 35 of the at least one strut pair
of each scissor assembly 25 and 27 that is different than the
non-zero angle defined by the struts of the at least one strut pair
with each other.
[0024] As seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, a cover 85 for covering an exterior
of the modular frame system 21 can be provided to form a shelter
23. A portion 87 of the cover can be suspended by a first and a
second cantilever arrangement 75. The portion 87 can include a
doorway 89 to facilitate ingress and egress from the shelter 23.
The first and second cantilever arrangements 75 are pivotably
attached to the first plurality of scissor assemblies, e.g., to a
first scissor assembly 25, and to the second plurality of scissor
assemblies, e.g., to a second scissor assembly 27. Ordinarily, they
are attached to the scissor assemblies in the sense that they are
pivotably attached to the hubs 37 associated with those scissor
assemblies. As seen in FIGS. 1B-1C, the cantilever arrangements 75
can be provided on different scissor assemblies of a single frame
system 21 or on scissor assemblies of multiple frame systems, i.e.,
by scissor assemblies of frame systems that are connected to
scissor assembly connection arrangements. Ordinarily, tension
members 91 (e.g., FIG. 3A) are provided at various locations along
the frame system 21. Inner and outer covers may function as the
tension members but, ordinarily tension members in the form of,
e.g., cables, will be provided as well as covers. Tension members
are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,196, U.S. Pat. No.
5,444,946, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,934, which are incorporated by
reference.
[0025] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 5A-5B, the
second member 81 is a flexible member, such as a cable with cable
connectors 91 to facilitate attachment to a portion of a hub 37,
such as by a bolt, screw, or rivet. If the second member 81 is
flexible, when the frame system 21 is in an open position, the
second member will ordinarily be arranged so that it is in tension.
If the second member 81 is not flexible, such as if a rigid strut
is used as the second member, the second member may be arranged so
that it is in tension or compression, i.e., by turning the
cantilever arrangement shown in FIG. 5A upside down.
[0026] As seen in FIG. 5B, the cantilever arrangement 75 ordinarily
extends at a different angle from the hub 37 than the struts that
are pivotably attached to the hub. This is not, however, necessary
and the cantilever arrangement may extend substantially parallel
to, e.g., the struts forming the arch, which may be useful if it is
desired to provide a larger opening.
[0027] In the present application, the use of terms such as
"including" is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning
as terms such as "comprising" and not preclude the presence of
other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of
terms such as "can" or "may" is intended to be open-ended and to
reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the
failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that
structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that
structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be
essential, they are identified as such.
[0028] While this invention has been illustrated and described in
accordance with a preferred embodiment, it is recognized that
variations and changes may be made therein without departing from
the invention as set forth in the claims.
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