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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A collapsible structure capable of being set in a folded state and an unfolded state, said collapsible structure comprising:
a base member;
a first lower unit comprising a first side structure having a base end pivotally supported on to the base member, and a second side structure separated from the first side structure and having a base end pivotally supported on to the base member; and
a first upper unit comprising a first side structure pivotally supported on a top end of the second side structure of the first lower unit, and a second side structure having a base end pivotally supported on to the first side structure of the
first lower unit and a top end pivotally supported on the first side structure of the first upper unit;
wherein the first and the second side structure of the first lower unit are laid down so that the respective top ends thereof are separated from each other, the second side structure of the first upper unit is laid down on the first side
structure of the first lower unit, and the first side structure of the first upper unit is laid down on the second side structure of the first lower unit in a folded state; and the first and the second side structure of the first lower unit are set up
on the base member, and the first upper unit having the first and the second side structure is set up on the first lower unit in an unfolded state.
2. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein the first side structure of the first lower unit has a U-shaped cross section and is formed by connecting a pair of opposite side substructures to opposite side edges of a main
substructure, the second side structure of the first lower unit has a flat shape and has a base end pivotally supported on the base member, the first side structure and the second side structure are combined to form the first lower unit having a
substantially rectangular cross section in an unfolded state;
the first side structure of the first upper unit has a U-shaped cross section and is formed by connecting a pair of side substructures to opposite side edges of a main substructure pivotally connected to the top end of the second side structure
of the first lower unit, the second side structure of the first upper unit has a flat shaft and has a base end pivotally supported on the first side structure of the first lower unit, and the first side structure and the second side structures are
combined to form the first upper unit having a substantially rectangular cross section in an unfolded state.
3. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein the top end of the second side structure of the first upper unit, and the top end of the first side structure of the first upper unit are connected pivotally to an upper member.
4. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein each of the side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit or the first upper unit can be turned on each of the side edges of the main substructure between a
folded position parallel to the main substructure and an unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the main substructure.
5. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein each of the side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit or the first upper unit can be folded along each of the side edges of the main substructure of the
first side structure.
6. The collapsible structure according to claim 3, further comprising:
a second lower unit comprising a first side structure having a U-shaped cross section, and a second side structure having a base end pivotally supported on the upper member; said first side structure having a main substructure pivotally
supported on the upper member, and a pair of opposite side substructures connected to opposite side edges of the main substructure;
a second upper unit comprising a first side structure having a U-shaped cross section, and a second side structure having a base end pivotally supported on the top end of the main substructure of the first side structure of the second lower unit,
said first side structure having a main substructure pivotally supported on the main substructure of the first side structure of the second lower unit, and a pair of opposite side substructures connected to opposite side edges of the main substructure;
and
an additional upper member pivotally connected to the respective top ends of the first and the second side structure of the second upper unit.
7. The collapsible structure according to claim 6, wherein each of the side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit, the first upper unit, the second lower unit or the second upper unit can be turned on each of the side
edges of the main substructure between a folded position parallel to the main substructure and an unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the main substructure.
8. The collapsible structure according to claim 6, wherein each of the side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit, the first upper unit, the second lower unit or the second upper unit can be folded along each of the
side edges of the main substructure of the first side structure.
9. A collapsible structure capable of being set in a folded state and an unfolded state, said collapsible structure comprising:
a base member;
a first lower unit comprising a first side structure having a base end pivotally supported on the base member, and a second side structure having a base end pivotally supported on the first side structure;
a first upper unit comprising a first side structure pivotally supported on a top end of the second side structure of the first lower unit, and a second side structure having a base end pivotally supported on the first side structure of the first
lower unit and a top end pivotally supported on the first side structure of the first upper unit;
wherein the first side structure of the first lower unit is laid down on the base member and the first side structure of the first upper unit is laid down on the first side structure of the first lower unit when the collapsible structure is in a
folded state; the first side structure of the first lower unit is set up on the base member, and the first side structure of the first upper unit is set up on the first side structure of the first lower unit set up on the base member by turning the
second side structure of the first lower unit and the second side structure of the first upper unit when the collapsible structure is in an unfolded state.
10. The collapsible structure according to claim 9, wherein the first side structure of the first lower unit is formed by assembling:
first, second, third and fourth longitudinal members parallel to each other,
first, second, third and fourth lower transverse members interconnecting respective lower ends of the longitudinal members,
first, second and third upper transverse members respectively interconnecting upper ends of the first and the second longitudinal member, upper ends of the first and the third longitudinal member, and upper ends of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member, and
first, second, third and fourth intermediate transverse members interconnecting middle parts of the first and the second longitudinal member, middle parts of the first and the third longitudinal member, middle parts of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member, and middle parts of the third and the fourth longitudinal member;
the first lower transverse member is pivotally connected to the base member;
the second side structure of the first lower unit has a base end pivotally connected to the fourth intermediate transverse member of the first side structure of the first lower unit;
the first side structure of the first upper unit is formed by assembling:
first, second, third and fourth longitudinal members parallel to each other,
first, second and third lower transverse members respectively interconnecting lower ends of the first and the third longitudinal member, lower ends of the second and the fourth longitudinal member, and lower ends of the third and the fourth
longitudinal member,
first, second and third upper transverse members respectively interconnecting upper ends of the first and the second longitudinal member, upper ends of the first and the third longitudinal member, and upper ends of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member, and
first, second, third and fourth intermediate transverse members interconnecting middle parts of the first and the second longitudinal member, middle part of the first and the third longitudinal member, middle parts of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member, and middle parts of the third and the fourth longitudinal member;
the third lower transverse member is pivotally connected to a top end of the second side structure of the first lower unit; and
the second side structure of the first upper unit has a base end pivotally connected to the first upper transverse member of the first side structure of the first lower unit, and a top end pivotally connected to the first intermediate transverse
member of the first side structure of the first upper unit.
11. The collapsible structure according to claim 10, wherein the first longitudinal member and the second upper transverse member, the second upper transverse member and the third longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member and the second
lower transverse member, and the second lower transverse member and the first longitudinal member of the first lower unit are connected pivotally, respectively, so as to be able to be laid down on the first longitudinal member;
the first longitudinal member and the second upper transverse member, the second upper transverse member and the third longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member and the second lower transverse member, and the second lower transverse
member and the first longitudinal member of the first upper unit are connected pivotally, respectively, so as to be able to be laid down on the first longitudinal member;
the second longitudinal member and the third upper transverse member, the third upper transverse member and the fourth longitudinal member, the fourth longitudinal member and the third lower transverse member, and the third lower transverse
member and the second longitudinal member of the first lower unit are connected pivotally so as to be laid down on and along the second longitudinal member; and
the second longitudinal member and the third upper transverse member, the third upper transverse member and the fourth longitudinal member, the fourth longitudinal member and the third lower transverse member, and the third lower transverse
member and the second longitudinal member of the first upper unit are connected pivotally so as to be laid down on and along the second longitudinal member.
12. The collapsible structure according to claim 9, wherein the first side structure of the first lower unit is formed by assembling:
first, second, third and fourth longitudinal members parallel to each other,
first, second, third and fourth lower transverse members interconnecting respective lower ends of the longitudinal members, and
first, second and third upper transverse members respectively interconnecting upper ends of the first and the second longitudinal member, upper ends of the first and the third longitudinal member, and upper ends of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member;
the first lower transverse member is pivotally connected to the base member;
the second side structure of the first lower unit has a base end pivotally connected to the fourth lower transverse member of the first side structure of the first lower unit;
the first side structure of the first upper unit is formed by assembling:
first, second, third and fourth longitudinal members parallel to each other,
first, second and third lower transverse members respectively interconnecting lower ends of the first and the third longitudinal member, lower ends of the second and the fourth longitudinal member, and lower ends of the third and the fourth
longitudinal member,
first, second and third upper transverse members respectively interconnecting upper ends of the first and the second longitudinal member, upper ends of the first and the third longitudinal member, and upper ends of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member, and
first, second, third and fourth intermediate transverse members interconnecting middle parts of the first and the second longitudinal member, middle part of the first and the third longitudinal member, middle parts of the second and the fourth
longitudinal member, and middle parts of the third and the fourth longitudinal member;
the third lower transverse member is pivotally connected to a top end of the second side structure of the first lower unit; and
the second side structure of the first upper unit has a base end pivotally connected to the first upper transverse member of the first side structure of the first lower unit, and a top end pivotally connected to the first intermediate transverse
member of the first side structure of the first upper unit.
13. The collapsible structure according to claim 12, wherein the first longitudinal member and the second upper transverse member, the second upper transverse member and the third longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member and the second
lower transverse member, and the second lower transverse member and the first longitudinal member of the first lower unit are connected pivotally, respectively, so as to be able to be laid down on the first longitudinal member;
the first longitudinal member and the second upper transverse member, the second upper transverse member and the third longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member and the second lower transverse member, and the second lower transverse
member and the first longitudinal member of the first upper unit are connected pivotally, respectively, so as to be able to be laid down on the first longitudinal member;
the second longitudinal member and the third upper transverse member, the third upper transverse member and the fourth longitudinal member, the fourth longitudinal member and the third lower transverse member, and the third lower transverse
member and the second longitudinal member of the first lower unit are connected pivotally so as to be laid down on and along the second longitudinal member; and
the second longitudinal member and the third upper transverse member, the third upper transverse member and the fourth longitudinal member, the fourth longitudinal member and the third lower transverse member, and the third lower transverse
member and the second longitudinal member of the first upper unit are connected pivotally so as to be laid down on and along the second longitudinal member.
14. A composite collapsible structure comprising a plurality of collapsible structures according to claim 4, and arranged in a row so as to be movable toward and away from each other by pivotally connecting end parts of the side substructures of
the first side structure of the first lower unit and the first upper unit.
15. A composite collapsible structure comprising a plurality of collapsible structures according to claim 5, and assembled by joining together side substructures of the adjacent first side structures of the first lower unit and the first upper
unit, or by sharing each side substructure by the adjacent first side structures of the first lower unit and the first upper unit.
16. A composite collapsible structure comprising a plurality of collapsible structures according to claim 7, and arranged in a row so as to be movable toward and away from each other by pivotally connecting end parts of the side substructures of
the first side structure of the first lower unit, the first upper unit, the second lower unit and the second upper unit.
17. A composite collapsible structure comprising a plurality of collapsible structures according to claim 8, and assembled by joining together side substructures of the adjacent first side structures of the first lower unit, the first upper
unit, the second lower unit and the second upper unit, or by sharing each side substructure by the adjacent first side structures of the first lower unit, the first upper unit, the second lower unit and the second upper unit. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a large- or medium-sized collapsible (foldable, spreadable) structure for use in outer space for constructing space colonies, solar power satellite systems, large antennas, space stations and the like or for use
on the ground for constructing portable emergency temporary buildings.
2. Description of the Related Art
The volume and weight of payloads to be carried into outer space by a launch vehicle, such as a rocket or a space shuttle, are subject to restrictions placed by the launching ability of the launch vehicle. Therefore, structures to be used in
outer space must be lightweight, collapsible for carrying, capable of being easily assembled in outer space and rigid. Under such circumstances, a collapsible structure is considered to be a promising space structure. The collapsible structure is
folded in a small volume for launching and is unfolded in outer space in a desired form.
Such a collapsible structure is disclosed in, for example, JP-B No. 26653/1974. This prior art collapsible structure is folded by folding the members thereof at joints placed in their middle parts and has a complex construction. Particularly,
the middle parts of the members most subject to buckling have low rigidity and low strength, so that the rigidity and strength of the collapsible structure as unfolded are not necessarily high enough.
The mechanism of the collapsible structure for used in outer space must be highly reliable to enable the collapsible structure to be surely unfolded automatically or semiautomatically in outer space. The applicant of the present patent
application previously proposed a rigid, strong collapsible structure comprising members, which are not folded at their middle parts as shown in FIG. 23 in JP-B No. 94236/1995. This collapsible structure has a first set of horizontal members A, B, C and
D connected by joints a, b, c and d in a quadrilateral, a second set of horizontal members I, J, K and L connected by joints e, f, g and h in a quadrilateral, and four vertical members E, F, G and H having lower ends connected to the joints a, b, c and
d, respectively, and rising from the joints a, b, c and d perpendicularly to a plane including the horizontal members A, B, C and D. The vertical member G, i.e., one of the vertical members E, F, G and H, is longer than the rest. The upper ends of the
vertical members E, F and H, and a part of the vertical member G on the same level as the upper ends of the vertical members E, F and H are connected to the joints e, f, h and g, respectively. The vertical member G is provided with a slide hinge M
placed on top of the joint g. A diagonal member N connects the joint a and the slide hinge M.
As the slide hinge M slides away from the joint c along a part of the long vertical member G extending upward from the joint g, the diagonal member N is pulled toward the vertical member G, and the vertical member E connected to the joint a
approaches the long vertical member G. Consequently, the horizontal members A, B, C, D, I, J, K and L turn on the corresponding joints and, eventually, the diagonal member N, all the short vertical members E, F and H, and the horizontal members A, B, C,
D, I, J, K and L are gathered around the long vertical member G so as to extend along the long vertical member G to collapse the collapsible structure. This procedure is reversed to unfold the folded collapsible structure.
Thus, the component members of the prior art collapsible structure need not be folded at their middle parts and need not be contracted to collapse the collapsible structure, and the unfolded collapsible structure has high rigidity and strength.
Although the vertical members and the horizontal members are gathered around the long vertical member and the collapsible structure can be folded in a folded structure having small lateral dimensions, the longitudinal dimensions of the folded structure
are not necessarily small.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible structure sufficient in rigidity and strength when unfolded, and capable of being folded in a folded structure having small lateral and longitudinal dimensions and
of being easily stored in a small space.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a collapsible structure capable of being set in a folded state and an unfolded state comprises: a base member; a first lower unit comprising a first side structure having a base end hinged to
the base member, and a second side structure separated from the first side structure and having a base end hinged to the base member; and a first upper unit comprising a first side structure having one end hinged to an extremity of the second side
structure of the first lower unit, and a second side structure having one end hinged to the first side structure of the first lower unit and the other end hinged to the first side structure of the first upper unit. In this collapsible structure, the
first and the second side structure of the first lower unit are laid down so that the respective extremities thereof are separated from each other, the second side structure of the first upper unit is laid down on the first side structure of the first
lower unit, and the first side structure of the first upper unit is laid down on the second side structure of the first lower unit in a folded state, and the first and the second side structure of the first lower unit are set up on the base member, and
the first upper unit having the first and the second side structure is set up on the first lower unit in an unfolded state.
In the collapsible structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and the second side structure of the first lower unit are laid down, the second side structure of the first upper unit is put on the first side
structure of the first lower unit so as to extend along the latter, and the first side structure of the first upper unit is put on the second side structure of the first lower unit so as to extend along the latter to store the folded collapsible
structure. Thus, the folded collapsible structure has a very small height and has a flat shape, and the unfolded collapsible structure has sufficient rigidity and strength because the component structures need not be folded at middle parts and need not
be contracted.
In the collapsible structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first side structure of the first lower unit has a U-shaped cross section and has a main substructure having a base end pivotally
supported on the base member and a pair of opposite side substructures connected to the opposite side edges of the main substructure, the second side structure of the first lower unit has a base end pivotally supported on the base member and has a flat
shape, the first and the second side structure form the first lower unit of a substantially rectangular cross section in the unfolded state, the first side structure of the first upper unit has a substantially U-shaped cross section and has a main
substructure having a base end pivotally supported on the second side structure of the first lower unit and a pair of opposite side substructures connected to the opposite side edges of the main substructure, the second side structure of the first upper
unit has a base end pivotally supported on the first side structure of the first lower unit and has a flat shape, and the first and the second side structure form the first upper unit of a substantially rectangular cross section in the unfolded state.
Thus, the first and the second side structure form the lower unit having the substantially rectangular cross section, the first and the second side structure form the first upper unit having the substantially rectangular cross section, and the
collapsible structure can be folded in a compact structure with the second side structure of the first upper unit fitted in a space between the side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit, and the second side structure of the
first lower unit fitted in a space between the side substructures of the first side structure of the first upper unit in a folded state.
It is preferable that the respective other ends of the first and the second side structure of the first upper unit are connected pivotally by upper members. When the first and the second side structure of the first upper unit are thus connected,
he upper member can be flat and the collapsible structure can be folded in a flat shape.
It is preferable that the respective side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit and the first side structure of the first upper unit are capable of being turned on the opposite side edges of the corresponding main
substructures between a perpendicular position perpendicular to the corresponding main substructures and a parallel position parallel to the corresponding main substructures. When the side substructures are set in the parallel position, the collapsible
structure can be folded in a further flat shape.
A plurality of such collapsible structures may be arranged in a row so as to be movable toward and away from each other by pivotally connecting the end parts of side substructures to build a large collapsible structure.
The respective side substructures of the first side structure of the first lower unit and the first side structure of the first upper unit may be capable of being turned on the opposite side edges of the corresponding main substructures so as to
be turned down on the corresponding main substructures. When the side substructures are thus turned down on the main substructures, the side substructures do not project from the folded collapsible structure and the collapsible structure can be folded
in a flat shape.
A plurality of such collapsible structures may be arranged with the side substructures of the adjacent first side structures and those of the adjacent first side structures joined together, respectively, or with the adjacent first side structures
and the adjacent first side structures sharing the side substructures, respectively. A large collapsible structure can be built by thus combining the plurality of collapsible structures.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the collapsible structure further comprises a second lower unit and a second upper unit. In this collapsible structure, the second lower unit has a first side structure having one end
pivotally supported on one end of each of the upper members of the first unit and a second side structure having one end pivotally supported on the other ends of the upper members of the first unit, the second upper unit has a first side structure having
one end pivotally supported on the other end of the second side structure of the second lower unit, a second side structure having one end pivotally supported on the other end of the first side structure of the second lower unit, and an upper member
pivotally connected to the other end of the second side structure and the other end of a main substructure of the first side structure.
When the collapsible structure according to the second aspect of the present invention is unfolded, a plurality of collapsible structures can be disposed above the first unit to build a large collapsible structure.
It is preferable that the side substructures of the first side structures of the first units and the first side structures of the second units are capable of being turned on the side edges of the corresponding main substructures between a
perpendicular position perpendicular to the corresponding main substructures and a parallel position parallel to the corresponding main substructures. When the side substructures are set in the parallel position, the collapsible structure can be folded
in a further flat shape.
A plurality of collapsible structures similar to the collapsible structure according to the second aspect of the present invention can be arranged in a row so as to be movable toward and away from each other by pivotally connecting the end parts
of the side substructures thereof to build a large collapsible structure.
The side respective substructures of the first side structure of the first and second lower unit, and the respective side substructure of the first side structures of the first and second upper units may be capable of being turned on the opposite
side edges of the corresponding main substructures so as to be turned down on the corresponding main substructures. When the side substructures are thus turned down on the main substructures, respectively, the side substructures do not project from the
folded collapsible structure and the collapsible structure can be folded in a flat shape.
A plurality of such collapsible structures may be arranged with the side substructures of the adjacent first side structures of the first and second lower units, and the adjacent first side structures of the first and second upper units joined
together or with the adjacent first side structures of the first and second lower units sharing the side substructures, and the adjacent first side structures of the first and second upper units sharing the side substructures. A large collapsible
structure can be build by thus combining the plurality of collapsible structures.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a collapsible structure comprises a base member; a lower unit capable of being laid down and set up on the base member; and an upper unit capable of being laid down on the base member and of
being set up on the lower unit set up on the base member. In this collapsible structure, the lower unit has a first side structure having one end pivotally supported on the base member, and a second side structure having one end pivotally supported on
the first side structure; the upper unit has a first side structure having one end pivotally supported on the other end of the second side structure of the lower unit, and a second side structure having one end pivotally supported on the first side
structure of the lower unit and the other end supported pivotally on the first side structure of the upper unit; the first side structure of the lower unit is laid down on the base member and the first side structure of the upper unit is laid down on the
first side structure of the lower unit when the collapsible structure is in a folded state; the first side structure of the lower unit is set up on the base member, and the first side structure of the upper unit is set up on the first side structure of
the lower unit set up on the base member by turning the second side structure of the lower unit and the second side structure of the upper unit when the collapsible structure is in an unfolded state.
When the collapsible structure is folded, the first side structure of the lower unit is laid down on the base member, and the first side structure of the upper unit is laid down on the first side structure of the lower unit. The folded
collapsible structure has a small height and has a flat shape. Since the structures are neither folded not contracted, the unfolded collapsible structure has high rigidity and strength.
In the collapsible structure according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that each of the first side structure of the lower unit and the first side structure of the upper unit are formed by assembling a plurality of
longitudinal members, lower transverse members, upper transverse members and intermediate transverse members, and the first side structure and the first side structure are connected pivotally by the second side structure of the lower unit and the second
side structure of the upper unit.
It is preferable that the first longitudinal member and the third upper transverse member, the third upper transverse member and the third longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member and the second lower transverse member, and the second
lower transverse member and the first longitudinal member of each of the lower unit and the upper unit are connected pivotally so that those members can be folded so as to extend along the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member and the
second upper transverse member, the second upper transverse member and the fourth longitudinal member, the fourth longitudinal member and the third lower transverse member, and the third lower transverse member and the second longitudinal member of each
of the lower unit and the upper unit are connected pivotally so that those members can be folded so as to extend along the second longitudinal member.
Since the connected members can be turned relative to each other, the collapsible structure can be folded in a flat shape suitable for storing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will become understood from the following detailed description referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure in a first embodiment according to the present invention in a folded state;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible structure of FIG. 1 in an intermediate state between the folded state and an unfolded state;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the collapsible structure of FIG. 1 in the unfolded state;
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of assistance in explaining a process of unfolding the collapsible structure of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are front views of a locking mechanism included in the collapsible structure of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in a second embodiment according to the present invention;
FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are diagrammatic perspective views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrammatic perspective views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in a modification of the collapsible structure in the second embodiment;
FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in a third embodiment according to the present invention;
FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are diagrammatic perspective views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D;
FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in a fourth embodiment according to the present invention;
FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are diagrammatic perspective views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C;
FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in a modification of the collapsible structure in the fourth embodiment;
FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are diagrammatic perspective views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C;
FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are diagrammatic perspective views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in another modification of the collapsible structure in the fourth embodiment;
FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a collapsible structure in a fifth embodiment according to the present invention;
FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are diagrammatic perspective views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C;
FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a construction that enables the collapsible structure in the fifth embodiment to be folded in a flat shape;
FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a second construction that enables the collapsible structure in the fifth embodiment to be folded in a flat shape;
FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a third construction that enables the collapsible structure in the fifth embodiment to be folded in a flat shape;
FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrammatic views of assistance in explaining a fourth construction that enables the collapsible structure in the fifth embodiment to be folded in a flat shape;
FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D are diagrammatic perspective views of a collapsible structure in a sixth embodiment according to the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a prior art collapsible structure; and
FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of the collapsible structure of FIG. 23 in an unfolding process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
A collapsible structure in a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A and 5B.
Referring to FIG. 1, a collapsible structure 1 has a base member B, a first unit 10 and an upper unit 20. The lower unit 10 has a first side structure 11 and a second side structure 16.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first side structure 11 has a rectangular main substructure 12 formed by assembling a pair of longitudinal members 12a and 12b having base ends pivotally supported by a hinge 15 on the base member B, a lower transverse
member 12c connecting the base ends of the pair of longitudinal members 12a and 12b, an intermediate transverse member 12d connecting respective middle parts of the pair of longitudinal members 12a and 12b, and a plurality of auxiliary members 12f
serving as members of a trussed structure. Side substructures 13 and 14 are disposed opposite to each other and connected to the main substructure 12. The side substructure 13 has a longitudinal member 13a extended in parallel to the longitudinal
member 12a, a lower transverse member 13c connecting the respective base ends of the longitudinal members 12a and 13a, a middle transverse member 13d connecting the respective middle parts of the longitudinal members 12a and 13a, an upper transverse
member 13e connecting the respective upper ends of the longitudinal members 12a and 13a, and a plurality of auxiliary members 13f serving as members of a trussed structure formed in a frame of the longitudinal members 12a and 13a, the lower transverse
member 13c and the middle transverse member 13d, and a trussed structure formed in a frame of the longitudinal middle members 12a and 13a, the middle transverse member 13d and the upper transverse member 13e. The side substructure 14, similarly to the
side substructure 13, has a longitudinal member 14a extended in parallel to the longitudinal member 12b, a lower transverse member 14c connecting the respective base ends of the longitudinal members 12b and 14a, a middle transverse member 14d connecting
the respective middle parts of the longitudinal members 12b and 14a, and an upper transverse member 14e connecting the respective upper ends of the longitudinal members 12b and 14a, and a plurality of auxiliary members 14f serving as members of a trussed
structure formed in a frame of the longitudinal members 12b and 14a, the lower transverse member 14c and the middle transverse member 14d, and a trussed structure formed in a frame of the longitudinal members 12b and 14a, the middle transverse member 14d
and the upper transverse member 14e.
The second side structure 16 has the shape of a trussed structure and comprises a lower transverse member 16c forming a base end of the second side structure 16 and pivotally supported on the base member B by a hinge 17 disposed opposite to the
hinge 15 on the base member B, a middle transverse member 16d and a plurality of auxiliary members 16f. The length of the second side structure 16 is approximately equal to or slightly greater than that of the first side structure 11.
The upper unit 20 has a first side structure 21 and a second side structure 27. As shown in FIG. 1, the first side structure 21 comprises a main substructure 22, and side substructures 23 and 24. The side substructures 23 and 24 are disposed
opposite to each other on the opposite sides of the main substructure 22 and spaced a distance that allows the second side structure 16 to swing apart from each other. The main substructure 22 has the shape of a rectangular trussed structure and
comprises a pair of longitudinal members 22a and 22b extended opposite to and in parallel to each other, a lower transverse member 22c connecting the respective base ends of the longitudinal members 22a and 22b, an upper transverse member 22d connecting
the respective upper ends of the longitudinal members 22a and 22b, and a plurality of auxiliary members 22f. The lower transverse member 22c is supported pivotally on the upper end of the second side structure 16 by a hinge 26. The side substructure 23
has the shape of a rectangular trussed structure and comprises a longitudinal member 23a disposed opposite to and in parallel to the longitudinal member 22a, a lower transverse member 23c connecting the respective base ends of the longitudinal members
22a and 23a, an upper transverse member 23d connecting the respective upper ends of the longitudinal members 22a and 23a, and a plurality of auxiliary members 23f. The side substructure 24, similarly to the side substructure 23, has the shape of a
rectangular trussed structure and comprises a longitudinal member 24a disposed opposite to and in parallel to the longitudinal member 22b, a lower transverse member 24c connecting the respective base ends of the longitudinal members 22b and 24a, an upper
transverse member 24d connecting the respective upper ends of the longitudinal members 22b and 24a, and a plurality of auxiliary members 24f. The upper transverse members 22d, 23d and 24d of the first side structure 21 are connected to an upper base
member 25 for supporting a device, such as an antenna.
The second side structure 27 is formed in the shape of a trussed structure and has a lower end pivotally supported on the middle transverse member 12d of the first side structure 11 of the lower unit 10 by a hinge 28, a middle transverse member
27b, a plurality of auxiliary members 27d and an upper end pivotally connected to the upper transverse member 25d of the first side structure 21 by a hinge 29. The distance between the lower end of the second side structure 27 and the middle transverse
member 27b is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the middle transverse member 12d of the first side structure 11 of the lower unit 10 and the upper end of the first side structure 11 of the lower unit 10. The distance
between the middle transverse member 27b and the upper end of the second side structure 27 is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the length of the first side structure 21.
A coil spring 31 (see FIG. 4), i.e., an actuator for biasing the second side structure 16 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4, is disposed between the lower end of the first side structure 21 of the upper unit 20 and the
upper end of the second side structure 16 of the lower unit 10 pivotally joined to the former by the hinge 26. A coil spring 32 (see FIG. 4) for biasing the second side structure 27 in a counterclockwise direction is interposed between the middle
transverse member 12d of the first side structure 11 and the second side structure 27 of the upper unit 20 pivotally connected to the former by the hinge 28.
The collapsible structure 1 is provided with a plurality of locking mechanisms 35 for fixedly joining together the upper end of the lower unit 10 and the lower end of the upper unit 20.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrating the locking mechanism 35 in an unlocking state and in a locking state, respectively, the locking mechanism 35 has a locking unit 36 attached to an upper end part of the longitudinal member 12a of the
first side structure 11 of the lower unit 10, and a pin 37 supported on a lower end part of the longitudinal member 23a of the first side structure 21 of the upper unit 20. The locking unit 36 has a member projecting from the first side structure 11 of
the lower unit 10 and provided with a groove 36a extending substantially in parallel to the upper transverse member 13e, and locking pin receiving holes 36b and 36c formed coaxially opposite to each other on the opposite sides of the groove 36a,
respectively, a locking pin 36d axially slidably fitted in the locking pin receiving hole 36b, a spring 36e biasing the locking pin 36d outward of the locking pin receiving hole 36b, a latch 36f capable of being turned between a locking pin retaining
position where the latch 36f is engaged with the locking pin 36d to retain the locking pin 36d at a retracted position and a locking pin releasing position where the latch 36f is disengaged from the locking pin 36d to allow the locking pin 36d to project
from the locking pin receiving hole 36b to a locking position, and a spring 36g biasing the latch 36f toward the locking pin holding position.
In a state shown in FIG. 5A, in which the locking pin 36d is retained at the retracted position in the locking pin receiving hole 36b by the latch 36f, the first side structure 21 is moved and the pin 37 is inserted into the groove 36a of the
locking unit 36. As the pin 37 is advanced toward the depth of the groove 36a, the lower end of the first side structure 21 turns the latch 36f against the resilience of the spring 36g to disengage the latch 36f from the locking pin 36d as shown in FIG.
5B. Consequently, the locking pin 36d is pushed outward by the spring 36e, the outer end part of the locking pin 36d is inserted into the locking pin receiving hole 36c to hold the pin 37 in the groove 36a by the locking pin 36d.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the collapsible structure 1 thus constructed, the first side structure 11 and the second side structure 16 of the lower unit 10 pivotally supported by the hinges 15 and 17 on the base member B are laid down in opposite
directions substantially in a straight line so that the upper ends thereof are apart from each other, the first side structure 21 of the upper unit 20 is laid down on the second side structure 16 with its upper end disposed on the side of the base member
B, and the second side structure 27 of the upper unit 20 is laid down between the side substructure 13 and the side substructure 14 of the first side structure 11 of the lower unit 10. Thus, the collapsible structure 1 can be folded in a flat shape and
can be stored in a space having a limited height. The collapsible struct | | |
