U.S. patent application number 13/552544 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-25 for collapsible longeron structures.
This patent application is currently assigned to Composite Technology Development, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Adam Gray, Philip N. Keller, Mark Reavis, Doug Richardson, Robert Taylor. Invention is credited to Adam Gray, Philip N. Keller, Mark Reavis, Doug Richardson, Robert Taylor.
Application Number | 20130186011 13/552544 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48796056 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130186011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keller; Philip N. ; et
al. |
July 25, 2013 |
COLLAPSIBLE LONGERON STRUCTURES
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are directed toward rollable and
collapsible structures. These structures, for example, can include
a plurality of tubular longerons with a slit or gap that extends
along the longitudinal length of the longerons. Such longerons can
be combined in an arrangement that creates a structure. The
structure can be collapsed and the longerons rolled either
singularly or as a group into a stowed configuration.
Inventors: |
Keller; Philip N.;
(Longmont, CO) ; Taylor; Robert; (Superior,
CO) ; Gray; Adam; (Castle Rock, CO) ;
Richardson; Doug; (Westminster, CO) ; Reavis;
Mark; (Berthoud, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Keller; Philip N.
Taylor; Robert
Gray; Adam
Richardson; Doug
Reavis; Mark |
Longmont
Superior
Castle Rock
Westminster
Berthoud |
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Composite Technology Development,
Inc.
Lafayette
CO
|
Family ID: |
48796056 |
Appl. No.: |
13/552544 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13036199 |
Feb 28, 2011 |
8066227 |
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13552544 |
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13014299 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
8109472 |
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13036199 |
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12873615 |
Sep 1, 2010 |
8061660 |
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13036199 |
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11695163 |
Apr 2, 2007 |
7806370 |
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12873615 |
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12873615 |
Sep 1, 2010 |
8061660 |
|
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13014299 |
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11695163 |
Apr 2, 2007 |
7806370 |
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12873615 |
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60788449 |
Mar 31, 2006 |
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60788449 |
Mar 31, 2006 |
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61310205 |
Mar 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 20/00 20130101;
E04H 12/00 20130101; H02S 30/20 20141201; Y02E 10/50 20130101; E04H
15/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/108 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/00 20060101
E04H012/00 |
Claims
1. A longeron structure comprising: a tubular longeron having a
first end, a second end, and a longitudinal length extending from
the first end to the second end, wherein the tubular longeron
includes a gap extending along the longitudinal length of the
tubular longeron from the first end to the second end, a first slit
at the first end extending a long a portion of the longitudinal
length of the tubular longeron, and a second slit at the second end
extending a long a portion of the longitudinal length of the
tubular longeron.
2. The longeron structure according to claim 1, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a rolled configuration wherein the
tubular longeron is rolled along the longitudinal length of the
tubular longeron.
3. The longeron structure according to claim 1, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a deployed configuration wherein the
tubular longeron is bent at the first slit.
4. The longeron structure according to claim 3, wherein the
longeron forms two legs when the tubular longeron is split at the
first slit.
5. The longeron structure according to claim 1, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a deployed configuration wherein the
tubular longeron is split at the second slit.
6. The longeron structure according to claim 5, wherein the tubular
longeron forms two legs when the longeron is split at the second
slit.
7. The longeron structure according to claim 1, wherein the tubular
longeron is curved along the longitudinal length of the
longeron.
8. The longeron structure according to claim 1, wherein the tubular
longeron comprises a cross section that varies along the
longitudinal length of the tubular longeron.
9. A longeron structure comprising: a main tubular longeron having
a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending from the
first end to the second end, and a gap along the longitudinal
length of the longeron from the first end to the second end; and a
first tubular longeron having a first end, a second end, a
longitudinal length extending from the first end to the second end,
and a gap extending along the longitudinal length of the longeron
from the first end to the second end, wherein the longitudinal
length of the first tubular longeron is shorter than the
longitudinal length of the main tubular longeron, and wherein the
second end of the first tubular longeron is coupled with the main
tubular longeron at a first couple point such that the first
tubular longeron can rotate about the couple point.
10. The longeron structure according to claim 9, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a rolled configuration wherein the
main tubular longeron and the first tubular longeron are rolled
along the longitudinal length of the longerons.
11. The longeron structure according to claim 9, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a deployed configuration wherein the
first tubular longeron and a portion of the main tubular longeron
form two legs.
12. The longeron structure according to claim 9, wherein the
longitudinal length of the first tubular longeron is less than half
the longitudinal length of the main tubular longeron.
13. The longeron structure according to claim 9, further comprising
a shear member coupling the first tubular longeron with the main
tubular longeron.
14. The longeron structure according to claim 13, wherein the shear
member comprises a strap or a photovoltaic sheet.
15. The longeron structure according to claim 9, further
comprising: a second tubular longeron having a first end, a second
end, a longitudinal length extending from the first end to the
second end, and a gap extending along the longitudinal length of
the longeron from the first end to the second end, wherein the
longitudinal length of the second tubular longeron is shorter than
the longitudinal length of the main tubular longeron, and wherein
the second end of the first tubular longeron is coupled with the
main tubular longeron at a second couple point such that the first
tubular longeron can rotate about the couple point.
16. The longeron structure according to claim 15, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a rolled configuration wherein the
main tubular longeron, the first tubular longeron, and the second
tubular longeron are rolled along the longitudinal length of the
longerons.
17. The longeron structure according to claim 15, wherein the
longeron structure comprises a deployed configuration wherein the
second tubular longeron and a portion of the main tubular longeron
form two legs.
18. The longeron structure according to claim 15, further
comprising a strap coupling the second tubular longeron with the
main tubular longeron.
19. A longeron structure comprising: a first longeron having a
first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending from the
first end to the second end, and a gap extending along the
longitudinal length of the longeron from the first end to the
second end, wherein the first longeron includes a first attachment
mechanism near the first end and a second attachment mechanism near
the second end; a second longeron having a first end, a second end,
a longitudinal length extending from the first end to the second
end, and a gap extending along the longitudinal length of the
longeron from the first end to the second end, wherein the second
longeron includes a third attachment mechanism positioned between
the first end and the second end of the second longeron and
configured to couple with first attachment mechanism; and a third
longeron having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length
extending from the first end to the second end, and a gap extending
along the longitudinal length of the longeron from the first end to
the second end, wherein the third longeron includes a fourth
attachment mechanism positioned between the first end and the
second end of the third longeron and configured to couple with
second attachment mechanism.
20. The longeron structure according to claim 19, wherein the
first, second, third and fourth attachment mechanisms comprise a
snap, Velcro, carabineers, etc.
21. The longeron structure according to claim 19, further
comprising a shear member coupling at least two of the first
longeron, the second longeron, and the third longeron.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/036,199, filed Feb. 28, 2011, entitled
"Deployable Structures Having Collapsible Structural Members", and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/014,299 filed Jan. 26, 2011,
entitled "Collapsible Structures With Adjustable Forms", the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable structures that can be deployed and stowed come in
a number of configurations and can be used in a number of ways.
Tents, for example, can be stowed in a compact form and set up or
deployed for a variety of uses.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of the invention include tubular longerons that
can have a deployed and a stowed state. In the stowed state one or
more tubular longerons can be rolled into a single roll. In the
deployed state, one or more tubular longerons can be extended and
formed into a structure. This longeron structure, for example, can
be an A-frame-shaped structure. Embodiments of the invention can
provide large, usable structures that can be combined and/or stowed
in a small stowed configuration.
[0004] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention" and
"the present invention" used in this patent are intended to refer
broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent
claims below. Statements containing these terms should not be
understood to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit
the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the
invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below,
not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various
aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that
are further described in the Detailed Description section below.
This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features
of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in
isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The
subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire
specification of this patent, all drawings and each claim.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail below with reference to the following drawing
figures:
[0006] FIG. 1A shows a longeron structure in an unrolled
configuration according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 1B shows a longeron structure in a deployed
configuration according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2A shows a longeron structure in an unrolled
configuration according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2B shows a longeron structure in a deployed
configuration according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 3A shows another longeron structure in an unrolled
configuration according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3B shows the longeron structure in FIG. 3A in a folded
configuration according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3C shows the longeron structure in FIG. 3A used in a
longeron structure according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3D shows a longeron structure according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a tubular longeron being rolled from a deployed
to a stowed configuration according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 5A shows a tripod constructed from three longerons
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 5B shows a tripod coupled with a sheet of solar
arrays.
[0017] FIG. 5C shows three longerons aligned along their
longitudinal length and in the process of being rolled into a
stowed configuration.
[0018] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show various views of a complex
longeron and according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6D shows a longeron structure formed with complex
longeron according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a longeron structure with a curved cross-member
longeron according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a structure with two additional interior legs
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B are examples of longerons with complex
shapes according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a longeron structure with six
supporting legs according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 shows a longeron structure coupled with a solar
array panel according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 shows a picture frame longeron structure according
to some embodiments of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 shows a longeron structure with a strap coupled with
a bag according to some embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention
is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements,
but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope
of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other
ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in
conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This
description should not be interpreted as implying any particular
order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements
except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of
elements is explicitly described.
[0028] Embodiments of the invention employ various longerons to
create longeron structures. These longerons can have a number of
configurations. For example, the longerons disclosed herein can be
constructed such that they may be flattened and rolled for stowage.
The longerons can regain their original cross-section during
deployment. The disclosed longerons typically include a long tube
with one or more slits or gaps that extend through the longitudinal
length of the longeron. The slits may allow the tube to be
flattened and rolled. When rolled, the longerons can be stacked or
combined and collectively rolled together. The longerons may be
constructed from any type of composite material that may, for
example, include metal, graphite, or polymer.
[0029] Embodiments of the invention include deployable and stowable
longeron structures constructed from these longerons. When
deployed, these longeron structures can be standalone longeron
structures and/or can be used as a tent and/or a longeron structure
that is coupled with solar arrays. A plurality or all of these
longerons can be embedded within each other and rolled up into a
single stowed configuration. In some embodiments, each longeron can
be rolled into separate stowed configurations.
[0030] For added flexural properties the longerons may have some
curvature much like a carpenter's tape. Longerons may also be
stiffened by another mechanism such as a sandwich panel that can be
collapsed for stowage.
[0031] FIG. 1A shows longeron 100 according to some embodiments of
the invention. Longeron 100 is a tubular member having first end
110 and second end 140 with gap 120 (or slit) extending along the
longitudinal length of the longeron from first end 110 to second
end 140. With this slit (or gap) longeron 100 can be referred to as
a slit-tube longeron. Generally speaking, longerons described here
include a slit or gap unless otherwise specified. Longeron 100 also
includes partial slit 112 at first end 110 and partial slit 142 at
second end 140. Partial slit 112 separates a portion of longeron
100 at first end 110 into first leg 114 and second leg 116. Partial
slit 142 separates a portion of longeron 100 at second end 140 into
third leg 144 and fourth leg 146. In some embodiments, longeron 100
can include reinforced material where partial slits 112 and 142
end.
[0032] Longeron 100 can include three states: a rolled state, a
deployed state, and a resting state. FIG. 1A shows longeron 100 in
the resting state. In this state, the longeron is unrolled and
unrolled (undeployed). In the rolled state, longeron 100 is
flattened and rolled along the longitudinal length of longeron 100
(see FIG. 4, for example).
[0033] FIG. 1B shows longeron 100 in the deployed state. In this
state, legs 114 and 116 are separated along partial slit 112 and
bent (e.g., split, hinged, folded, etc.) to form structural legs.
Similarly, legs 144 and 146 are separated along partial slit 142
and bent to form structural legs. Sheer members 122 can be used to
keep legs 114, 116, 144, or 146 from returning to the relaxed
configuration. These sheer members can be coupled with legs 114,
116, 144, 146 and/or cross member 132. Sheer member 122 can be any
type of strap and/or tether comprising, for example, fabric,
leather, or composite material. Sheer member 122 may also be
compliant to allow rolling and/or unrolling with longerons. The
portion of longeron 100 where legs 114, 116, 144, or 146 bend
longeron 100 may be reinforced or be more compliant to accommodate
such bending. Cross member 132 may or may not be a slit-tube
longeron.
[0034] FIG. 2A shows another longeron combination that has rolled,
unrolled, and/or deployed states. FIG. 2A shows main longeron 200
according to some embodiments of the invention coupled with first
longeron 212 and second longeron 214. First longeron 212 and/or
second longeron 214 can be coupled with main longeron 200, for
example, with a rivet at attachment point 215. First longeron 212
and second longeron 214 can be folded so they extend in the same
direction away from attachment points 215. Various other mechanisms
may be used to attach the longerons. The longerons can be attached
in such a way that first longeron 212 and second longeron 214 can
rotate about the attachment point. Moreover, first longeron 212 can
be attached with main longeron 200 such that first longeron 212 is
substantially aligned with first end 222 of main longeron 200 and
second longeron 214 can be attached with main longeron 200 such
that second longeron 214 is substantially aligned with second end
224 of main longeron 200. Various techniques can be used to force
longeron 214 and longeron 212 to fold in the proper direction.
[0035] Main longeron 200 can include three states: a rolled state,
a deployed state, and a resting state. FIG. 2A shows main longeron
200 in the resting state. In this state, the longeron is unrolled
and undeployed. In the rolled state, main longeron 200 along with
first longeron 212 and second longeron 214 is flattened and rolled
along the longitudinal length of main longeron 200 (see FIG. 4, for
example).
[0036] FIG. 2B shows main longeron 200 in the deployed
configuration. In this configuration, first longeron 212 and second
longeron 214 are rotated and extended as legs along with first end
222 and second end 224. Sheer members 122 can be used to keep first
end 222, second end 224, first longeron 212, and second longeron
214 from returning to the relaxed configuration. The portion of
main longeron 200, where first end 222 and/or second end 224 bend,
may be reinforced with additional or different material (e.g.,
composite material or adhesive) to accommodate such bending.
Similarly, first longeron 212 and second longeron 214 can be
reinforced along portions where they bend. Sheer members 122 can be
coupled with longerons 212, 214, 222, 224 and/or cross member 132.
Cross member 132 may or may not be a slit-tube longeron. In some
embodiments, longerons may have portions that are more compliant to
accommodate bending. Such portions can have different or less
material (e.g., composite material or adhesive) to accommodate such
bending.
[0037] First longeron 212 and second longeron 214 can be rotated
around 215 in either direction along the length of longeron 200
either toward the interior of longeron 200 or away from the
interior of longeron 200.
[0038] FIG. 3A shows reverse longeron 300 that includes two
longerons 310 and 320 conjoined at 330 according to some
embodiments of the invention. The two longerons have gaps 311 and
321 on opposite sides of their longitudinal lengths. Reverse
longeron 300 flattens out at the portion of the longeron where
longerons 310 and 320 are conjoined 330. Longerons 310 and 320 can
be conjoined using any technique known in the art. In some
embodiments, longerons 310 and 320 can be constructed from
composite materials and/or can be conjoined using glues or
chemicals similar to those in construction of the composite
materials. In some embodiments, conjoined portion 330 of reversed
longeron 300 can be reinforced to allow for bending without causing
damage to reverse longeron 300.
[0039] FIG. 3B shows reverse longeron 300 in a folded
configuration. Because longerons 310 and 320 have openings on
opposite sides of their longitudinal lengths, reverse longeron 300
can fold upon itself at conjoined portion 330. After being folded,
reverse longeron 300 can be rolled along the longitudinal length of
the folded reverse longeron into a stowed configuration.
[0040] FIG. 3C shows A-frame longeron structure 350 constructed
with two reverse longerons according to some embodiments of the
invention. A-frame longeron structure 350 includes two reverse
longerons 300 coupled with cross member 360, which can also be a
tubular longeron with a slit along its longitudinal length. Reverse
longerons 300 are folded over at conjoined portion 330. Reverse
longerons 300 can be coupled with cross member 360 using any number
of coupling techniques including Velcro, snaps, buttons, etc. And,
in some embodiments, reverse longerons 300 can be coupled with
cross member 360 with sheer members 122.
[0041] FIG. 3D shows A-frame longeron structure 380, similar to
longer structure 350, but constructed with two non-reverse
longerons according to some embodiments of the invention. A-frame
longeron structure 380 includes two longerons 385 coupled with
cross member 360, which can also be a tubular longeron with a slit
along its longitudinal length. When deployed as shown in the
figure, longerons 385 are flattened in middle portion 390 and
folded as shown. Longerons 380 can be coupled with cross member 360
using any number of coupling techniques including Velcro, snaps,
buttons, etc. And, in some embodiments, longerons 380 can be
coupled with cross member 360 with sheer members 122.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows tubular longeron 400 being rolled from into a
stowed configuration. When rolling such a longeron, the tubular
walls of longeron 400 can be opened and/or flattened. Then longeron
400 can then be rolled into a stowed configuration. Often portions
of the longeron are progressively flattened as the longeron is
rolled up. As described previously, multiple longerons can be
stacked upon one another or embedded within each other in the
tubular or deployed state. The combined longeron stack can then be
rolled along the longitudinal length of the longeron into the
stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the many tubular
longerons that form any of the longeron structures shown in FIGS.
1B, 2B and 3C can be collapsed and rolled into a single stowed
roll.
[0043] In some embodiments of the invention longeron structures can
include multiple longerons like those shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A,
2B, 3A, 3B and 3C. In some embodiments the various longerons can be
rolled together in a single roll, or in multiple rolls. Some rolls
may include individual longerons and others may include or two or
more longerons rolled together. During deployment the longerons can
be unrolled and coupled together, for example, using snaps, pins,
hook-and-loop fastener, straps, buckles, etc. Once the longeron
structure is deployed or constructed a sheet of solar arrays can be
coupled with the structure. During deployment the sheet of solar
arrays can be decoupled, the longeron structure taken down by
removing the various attachment mechanisms, and the various
longerons rolled up either individually and/or collectively.
[0044] FIG. 5A show tripod 500 constructed from three longerons
505, 510, and 515 according to some embodiments of the invention.
The three longerons 505, 510, and 515 comprise the three legs of
tripod 500. Longerons 505, 510, and 515 are coupled together at one
end of each longeron to form the tripod longeron structure. FIG. 5B
shows tripod 500 with a sheet of solar arrays 520. Various other
longeron structures can be coupled with tripod 500. Indeed, tripod
500 can be used in any collapsible and/or mobile longeron
structure.
[0045] FIG. 5C shows the three longerons aligned along their
longitudinal length. The longerons are nested in their deployed
configuration 550 and rolled along their longitudinal length.
Element 550 show the three longerons nested in their elongated
shape. Element 550 shows the longerons flattened and element 560
shows a partially rolled portion of the longerons. In this way, the
three longerons are flattened and rolled together. The longerons
can be unrolled together as well. The attachment point, where all
three longerons are coupled together is configured to allow the
longerons to be aligned and/or nested for rolling and stowage. In
some embodiments, the longerons can be detachably coupled together.
In such embodiments, the three longerons can be nested and rolled
together or rolled individually.
[0046] FIG. 6A shows a top view of complex longeron 600, FIG. 6B
shows the front side of complex longeron 600 and FIG. 6C shows the
back side of complex longeron 600. Complex longeron 600 comprises a
plurality of longerons coupled together according to some
embodiments of the invention. Complex longeron 600 can include
cross member longeron 610 and two separate longerons on each end.
Cross member longeron 610 can have a diameter that is larger than
the diameter of other portions of complex longeron 600. Cross
member longeron 610 can have a diameter that is 0.25, 0.5, 0.75,
1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, etc. times larger than the diameter of
other portions of complex longeron 600. Cross member longeron 610
can include slit 605 that extends along its longitudinal length.
Slit 605 can have any width or thickness.
[0047] On both longitudinal ends cross member longeron 610 is
coupled with two separates leg longerons: leg longeron 620 and leg
longeron 622 on one end as well as leg longeron 624 and leg
longeron 626 on the other end. Each leg longeron comprises a
slit-tube longeron with a diameter smaller than the diameter of
cross member longeron 610 and a slit or gap along the longitudinal
length of the leg longeron. In some embodiments slit 605 can
correspond with gap 606 that separates the two legs on each
end.
[0048] In some embodiments, cross member longeron 610 can have
portions that have diameters that reduce from the larger diameter
of cross member longeron 610 to a smaller diameter. In other
embodiments, the leg longerons can have portions that have
diameters that increase from the smaller diameter of the leg
longeron to a larger diameter to couple with cross member longeron
610.
[0049] While complex longeron 600 includes five longerons: cross
member 610 and leg longerons 620, 622, 624, and 626; any number of
longerons can be used. These longerons can be coupled together
using any number of techniques. For example, the longerons can
comprise composite materials and can be coupled together using any
composite binding techniques known in the art. As another example,
the longerons can be fabricated together as a single unitary
longeron structure using composite fabrication techniques.
[0050] Complex longeron 600 can be flattened and rolled into a
stowed configuration; each individual longeron can be flattened and
rolled together as a group into a single stowed roll.
[0051] FIG. 6D shows a longeron structure formed with complex
longeron 600 according to some embodiments of the invention. Leg
longerons 620 and 622 can be extended and separated at one end and
leg longerons 624 and 626 can be extended and separated at the
other end. These leg longerons can support cross member longeron
610. Various straps, connectors, clips, etc. can be used to aide in
holding this configuration. The larger diameter of cross member
longeron 610 can allow it to support great loads.
[0052] FIG. 7 shows longeron structure 700 with curved cross-member
longeron 710 according to some embodiments of the invention. Curved
cross-member longeron 710 can support greater loads than a straight
cross-member and/or can decrease the forces at the joint of legs
720, 722, 724, 726 and cross-member longeron 710. Curved
cross-member longeron 710 can be used with any embodiment of the
invention. For example, curved cross-member longeron 710 can have a
wider the same, a smaller, or a wider diameter cross member than
other portions of the longeron structure. As another example,
curved cross-member longeron can be coupled with legs of various
sizes and/or configurations.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows longeron structure 800 with two additional
interior legs 823, 825 according to some embodiments of the
invention. Interior legs 823 and 825 can be coupled with the other
longerons making up longeron structure 800 in any way. For example,
interior legs 823 and 825 can be part of a single longeron as shown
in FIG. 1A, but with two partial slits that form three longeron
shaped legs, one of which can be either or both of legs 823 and
825. As another example, interior legs 823 and 825 can comprise
fifth and sixth legs respectively as shown in FIG. 2A. Legs 823 and
825 can be coupled with longeron structure as described above. As
another example, longeron structure 800 can have a curved
cross-member as shown in FIG. 7 and/or a cross-member with a larger
diameter as shown in FIG. 8.
[0054] In some embodiments of the invention, longerons can have
complex shapes. For example, longerons can have cross-sectional
shapes that vary along the length of the longeron. As another
example, longerons can have thicknesses that vary along the length
of the longeron. FIGS. 9A and 9B are examples of longerons with
complex shapes. FIG. 9A shows longeron 900 with middle section 910
that has a wider cross section than other portions of longeron 900.
FIG. 9B shows longeron 950 that has a smaller cross section than
other portions of longeron 960. Various combinations of wider
and/or smaller cross sections can be extended along the
longitudinal length of a longeron.
[0055] Longeron structures can have any number of cross members
and/or legs and can come in a variety of configurations. One
example of such a longeron structure is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.
FIG. 10A shows longeron structure 1000 unrolled. And FIG. 10B shows
longeron structure 1000 completely deployed. Longeron structure
1000 includes cross member longeron 1005 and/or six legs 1010,
1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, and 1020. Each longeron may comprise a
tubular structure with slit 1006 along the longitudinal length of
the longeron. Longeron structure 1000 is similar to longeron
structure 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B with the addition of
interior legs 1014 and 1016 that can be secured on the interior
(inside slit 1006) or exterior of cross member longeron 1005.
[0056] FIG. 11 shows longeron structure 1105 coupled with solar
array panel 1110 according to some embodiments of the invention.
Longeron structure 1105 can be any longeron structure shown in any
of the figures and our described in throughout this specification.
Solar array panel 1110 can be a sheer member that provides
structural strength to longeron structure 1105. The sheer forces in
solar array panel 1110 can keep the legs of longeron structure
stable.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows picture frame longeron structure 1200
according to some embodiments of the invention. Longeron structure
1200 can include longeron 1210 that can be formed into a picture
frame shape as shown in the figure. That is, longeron 1210 can be
form the perimeter of a polygon (e.g., a rectangle) by bending in
certain positions of the longeron. A single longeron can be wrapped
and the two ends coupled together with any type of attachment
mechanism. Or two or more longerons can have their ends coupled
together to form the picture frame. Picture frame longeron
structure 1200 can include kick stand longerons 1205 coupled with
longeron 1210 to prop up picture frame longeron structure 1200 at
an angle. The kick stand longerons can be adjusted to change the
angle of the picture frame relative to the sky.
[0058] In some embodiments, the various longerons making up a
collapsible structure may have different diameters and/or lengths.
Moreover, the various longerons can have variable diameters,
thickness, etc. These longerons may also be comprised of different
material. Moreover, stakes and/or tethers can be sued to secure the
structures to the ground.
[0059] In some embodiments longeron structures can include feet
positioned at the end of any of the longeron structures. These feet
can be longerons or other material. In some embodiments the
longeron structures can include a grommet that can be used in
conjunction with a stake to secure the longeron structure to the
ground. The grommet can be disposed with the feet, be part of a
strap, or be included in the longeron.
[0060] FIG. 13 shows longeron structure 1300 with strap 1305
coupled with bag 1310 according to some embodiments of the
invention. Bag 1310 can include a net, pouch, bag, pocket, bucket,
etc. that can be filled with weighted material and can be used to
hold longeron structure 1300 in place during use. For instance, a
user can fill the net with rocks or other material. The length of
strap 1305 can be long enough so that bag 1310 rests on the ground
or floats above the ground.
[0061] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the
drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not
shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and
subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to
other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the invention
have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes,
and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this
patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and
various embodiments and modifications can be made without departing
from the scope of the claims below.
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