CA1281607C - Central hub multi-arm actuator device - Google Patents
Central hub multi-arm actuator deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1281607C CA1281607C CA 548638 CA548638A CA1281607C CA 1281607 C CA1281607 C CA 1281607C CA 548638 CA548638 CA 548638 CA 548638 A CA548638 A CA 548638A CA 1281607 C CA1281607 C CA 1281607C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hub
- arm
- arms
- rib
- thrust ring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/36—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type
- E04H15/40—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type flexible
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/28—Umbrella type tents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B19/00—Special folding or telescoping of umbrellas
- A45B2019/007—Special folding or telescoping of umbrellas without stretchers
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A collapsible space frame comprising a hub with a longitudinal axis; a plurality of arms; pivot means mounting the arms on the hub at positions spaced about the longitudinal axis for pivoting movement of each arm about a respective transverse axis between a collapsed position extending substantially longitudinally from the hub and a deployed position projecting substantially radially from the hub; thrust means mounted on the hub for axial movement therealong, the thrust means engaging each arm at a position radially spaced from the associated transverse axis for applying a moment to each arm so as to pivot the arm from the collapsed to the extended position.
:
A collapsible space frame comprising a hub with a longitudinal axis; a plurality of arms; pivot means mounting the arms on the hub at positions spaced about the longitudinal axis for pivoting movement of each arm about a respective transverse axis between a collapsed position extending substantially longitudinally from the hub and a deployed position projecting substantially radially from the hub; thrust means mounted on the hub for axial movement therealong, the thrust means engaging each arm at a position radially spaced from the associated transverse axis for applying a moment to each arm so as to pivot the arm from the collapsed to the extended position.
:
Description
The present invention relates to a collapsible space frame~
Collapsible space frames have many uses. They are used as suE)ports for various structures, including tents and umbrellas.
They may also be used to support such things as reflectors for light and electromagnetic radiation.
An object of the present invention is to provide an umbrella-like space frame that may readily be erected by the manipulation of a single component of the frame and that provides an interior space entirely free of support members.
According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible space frame comprising:
a hub with a longitudinal axis;
a plurality of arms;
pivot means mounting the arms on the hub at positions spaced about the longitudinal axis for pivoting movement of each arm about a respective tranqverse axis be~ween a collapsed position extending substantially longitudinally from the hub and a deployed position projecting substantially radially from the hub;
thruqt means mounted on the hub for axial movement therealong, the thrust means engaging each arm at a position radially spaced from the aqsociated transverse axis for applying a moment to each arm so as to pivot the arm from the collapsed to the extended position.
With this arrangement, the thruqt means may be advanced along the hub to pivot the arms from their collapsed to their extended positions. Where desired, a flexible canopy can be placed over the space frame so that aq it expands, it extends the ,., . - ~ , . ~ . . , - . -" ~
canopy into a dome-like shape.
It is preferred that the frame arms are resilient ribs secured at their ends adjacent the hub to rib heads. The heads are pivoted to the hub and are in turn engaged by the thrust means as it advances along the hub to extend the frame. The thrust ring is preferably driven along the hub by an actuator ring threaded onto a shank of the hub.
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame with a canopy in an extended condition, the canopy being shown only in part;
Figure 2 is an elevation partially in section, of the frame in a collapsed condition:
Figure 3 is a view like Figure 3, with the frame in a collapsed condition, the view being taken along line lII-III of Figure 4;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the frame in an extended condition; and Figure 5 is an exploded view of the components of the hub.
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, there is illustrated a space frame 10 consisting of a central hub 12 and a plurality of resilient arms 14 radiating from the hub.
The arms are encompassed by a flexible canopy 16 that is stretched by the arms into a dome-like shape. The interior of the dome is entirely open and unobstructed by frame supports.
Figures 2 through 5 illustrate the space frame hub mechanism in somewhat more detail. The hub consists of a central : , - . : - : .: : - , - ~ :.': . - ' '. .' '. , ,, . ' ' , l.Z~&O~
cylindrical spindle 20 with a thread 21 at one end and a radial flange 22 at the other. The radial flange has a number of radial slots 24 extending in from the outer peripheral face 25 and an annular groove 26 in its top face, so that the axial cross section of the flange is generally L-shaped. An annular notch 28 in the outer peripheral face 25 surrounds the flange 22 slightly below its top face.
The arms 14 of the space frame are equal in number to the radial slots 24 in the spindle flange 22. Each arm 14 consists of a resilient rib 30 projecting from a plate-like head 32. As illustrated in Figure 2, the head 32 has a bevelled upper face 36 that leads to a rounded nose 38 at the inner uppermost corner. The heads 32 fit into respective ones of the slots 24 and are held in place by a pivot wire 34 passing through a bore in each plate and seated in the annular notch 28 of the flange 22.
The arrangement iB such that each head 32 can pivot between the collap~ed position illustrated in Figure 2, where the rib is substantially parallel to the axis of the spindle 20, and an extended position in which the rounded nose 38 of the head is pivoted radially inwardly and downwardly and the rib 30 projects radially from the hub.
A thrust ring 40 is a sliding fit over the spindle 20.
The thrust ring has a generally rectangular cross section, with a chamfer 42 at the bottom outer edge. The bottom face of the thrust ring 40 is of sufficient size that it engages the rounded noses 38 of all of the heads 32 in the collapsed condition of the frame, as illustrated in Figure 2. Because this contact iR
radially inwards from the pivot wire 34, movement of thrust ring ; ~- - . :.
:
. . : . - .:
i28~6~7 40 towards the flange 22 will apply a moment to each head 32 tending to pivot it around the piv~t wire from the collapsed position (Figure 2) to the extended condition (Figure 3). In the extencled condition, the chamfer 42 abuts the bevelled face 36 of each head 32 to provide an end position for the pivoting movement of the arms.
A thrust washer 44 is positioned on top of the thrust ring 40 to provide a bearing between the thrust ring and an actuator 46 consisting of a nut 48 threaded onto the spindle 20 and a hand wheel 50 fixed to the nut. The actuator 46 is retained in place on the spindle 20 by a spring clip 52 which fits within groove 51.
To extend the frame from its collapsed condition illustrated in Figure 2 to its extended condition illustrated in Figure~ 3 and 4, the hand wheel 50 is rotated to drive the nut 48 and thus the thrust ring 40 along the spindle 20. This rotates each of the heads 32 about the pivot wire 34 until its bevelled face 36 comes into abutment with the chamfer 42 on the thrust ring 40. Collapsing the frame is the reverse procedure.
Where the frame is equipped with a canopy, the resilient ribs stretch the canopy to provide a dome configuration with a precise shape dictated by the configuration of the canopy. This extended frame and canopy assembly may be used for such applications as solar collectors and intensifiers, antennas of variable shape and temporary lightweight storage units, shelters etc., depending on the size and characteristics of the canopy.
In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle 20 is shown with an axial through bore 54 that can be u~ed either for mounting .
' ' . -. .
i2al~;~7 the hub 12 on another structure or for the passage of electrical leads, tubes and the like.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been desczibed in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
The invention is intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
- , .
, " , , , , , . ~ ,
Collapsible space frames have many uses. They are used as suE)ports for various structures, including tents and umbrellas.
They may also be used to support such things as reflectors for light and electromagnetic radiation.
An object of the present invention is to provide an umbrella-like space frame that may readily be erected by the manipulation of a single component of the frame and that provides an interior space entirely free of support members.
According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible space frame comprising:
a hub with a longitudinal axis;
a plurality of arms;
pivot means mounting the arms on the hub at positions spaced about the longitudinal axis for pivoting movement of each arm about a respective tranqverse axis be~ween a collapsed position extending substantially longitudinally from the hub and a deployed position projecting substantially radially from the hub;
thruqt means mounted on the hub for axial movement therealong, the thrust means engaging each arm at a position radially spaced from the aqsociated transverse axis for applying a moment to each arm so as to pivot the arm from the collapsed to the extended position.
With this arrangement, the thruqt means may be advanced along the hub to pivot the arms from their collapsed to their extended positions. Where desired, a flexible canopy can be placed over the space frame so that aq it expands, it extends the ,., . - ~ , . ~ . . , - . -" ~
canopy into a dome-like shape.
It is preferred that the frame arms are resilient ribs secured at their ends adjacent the hub to rib heads. The heads are pivoted to the hub and are in turn engaged by the thrust means as it advances along the hub to extend the frame. The thrust ring is preferably driven along the hub by an actuator ring threaded onto a shank of the hub.
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame with a canopy in an extended condition, the canopy being shown only in part;
Figure 2 is an elevation partially in section, of the frame in a collapsed condition:
Figure 3 is a view like Figure 3, with the frame in a collapsed condition, the view being taken along line lII-III of Figure 4;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the frame in an extended condition; and Figure 5 is an exploded view of the components of the hub.
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, there is illustrated a space frame 10 consisting of a central hub 12 and a plurality of resilient arms 14 radiating from the hub.
The arms are encompassed by a flexible canopy 16 that is stretched by the arms into a dome-like shape. The interior of the dome is entirely open and unobstructed by frame supports.
Figures 2 through 5 illustrate the space frame hub mechanism in somewhat more detail. The hub consists of a central : , - . : - : .: : - , - ~ :.': . - ' '. .' '. , ,, . ' ' , l.Z~&O~
cylindrical spindle 20 with a thread 21 at one end and a radial flange 22 at the other. The radial flange has a number of radial slots 24 extending in from the outer peripheral face 25 and an annular groove 26 in its top face, so that the axial cross section of the flange is generally L-shaped. An annular notch 28 in the outer peripheral face 25 surrounds the flange 22 slightly below its top face.
The arms 14 of the space frame are equal in number to the radial slots 24 in the spindle flange 22. Each arm 14 consists of a resilient rib 30 projecting from a plate-like head 32. As illustrated in Figure 2, the head 32 has a bevelled upper face 36 that leads to a rounded nose 38 at the inner uppermost corner. The heads 32 fit into respective ones of the slots 24 and are held in place by a pivot wire 34 passing through a bore in each plate and seated in the annular notch 28 of the flange 22.
The arrangement iB such that each head 32 can pivot between the collap~ed position illustrated in Figure 2, where the rib is substantially parallel to the axis of the spindle 20, and an extended position in which the rounded nose 38 of the head is pivoted radially inwardly and downwardly and the rib 30 projects radially from the hub.
A thrust ring 40 is a sliding fit over the spindle 20.
The thrust ring has a generally rectangular cross section, with a chamfer 42 at the bottom outer edge. The bottom face of the thrust ring 40 is of sufficient size that it engages the rounded noses 38 of all of the heads 32 in the collapsed condition of the frame, as illustrated in Figure 2. Because this contact iR
radially inwards from the pivot wire 34, movement of thrust ring ; ~- - . :.
:
. . : . - .:
i28~6~7 40 towards the flange 22 will apply a moment to each head 32 tending to pivot it around the piv~t wire from the collapsed position (Figure 2) to the extended condition (Figure 3). In the extencled condition, the chamfer 42 abuts the bevelled face 36 of each head 32 to provide an end position for the pivoting movement of the arms.
A thrust washer 44 is positioned on top of the thrust ring 40 to provide a bearing between the thrust ring and an actuator 46 consisting of a nut 48 threaded onto the spindle 20 and a hand wheel 50 fixed to the nut. The actuator 46 is retained in place on the spindle 20 by a spring clip 52 which fits within groove 51.
To extend the frame from its collapsed condition illustrated in Figure 2 to its extended condition illustrated in Figure~ 3 and 4, the hand wheel 50 is rotated to drive the nut 48 and thus the thrust ring 40 along the spindle 20. This rotates each of the heads 32 about the pivot wire 34 until its bevelled face 36 comes into abutment with the chamfer 42 on the thrust ring 40. Collapsing the frame is the reverse procedure.
Where the frame is equipped with a canopy, the resilient ribs stretch the canopy to provide a dome configuration with a precise shape dictated by the configuration of the canopy. This extended frame and canopy assembly may be used for such applications as solar collectors and intensifiers, antennas of variable shape and temporary lightweight storage units, shelters etc., depending on the size and characteristics of the canopy.
In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle 20 is shown with an axial through bore 54 that can be u~ed either for mounting .
' ' . -. .
i2al~;~7 the hub 12 on another structure or for the passage of electrical leads, tubes and the like.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been desczibed in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
The invention is intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
- , .
, " , , , , , . ~ ,
Claims (2)
1. A collapsible space frame comprising:
a hub with a longitudinal axis:
a plurality of arms, each consisting of an elongate, resilient rib with a rib holder at one end; pivot means mounting the arms on the hub through the rib holder at positions spaced about the longitudinal axis for pivoting movement of each arm about a respective transverse axis between a collapsed position extending substantially longitudinally from the hub and a deployed position projecting substantially radially from the hub; and a thrust ring mounted on the hub for axial movement therealong, the thrust ring engaging the rib holder of each arm at a position radially spaced from the associated transverse axis for applying a moment to each arm so as to pivot the arm from the collapsed to the extended position.
a hub with a longitudinal axis:
a plurality of arms, each consisting of an elongate, resilient rib with a rib holder at one end; pivot means mounting the arms on the hub through the rib holder at positions spaced about the longitudinal axis for pivoting movement of each arm about a respective transverse axis between a collapsed position extending substantially longitudinally from the hub and a deployed position projecting substantially radially from the hub; and a thrust ring mounted on the hub for axial movement therealong, the thrust ring engaging the rib holder of each arm at a position radially spaced from the associated transverse axis for applying a moment to each arm so as to pivot the arm from the collapsed to the extended position.
2. The space frame of claim 1 wherein the thrust ring also includes an actuator ring threaded onto the hub such that rotation of the actuator ring advances the thrust ring along the hub against the rib holders.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 548638 CA1281607C (en) | 1987-10-05 | 1987-10-05 | Central hub multi-arm actuator device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 548638 CA1281607C (en) | 1987-10-05 | 1987-10-05 | Central hub multi-arm actuator device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1281607C true CA1281607C (en) | 1991-03-19 |
Family
ID=4136590
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 548638 Expired - Fee Related CA1281607C (en) | 1987-10-05 | 1987-10-05 | Central hub multi-arm actuator device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1281607C (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003042958A2 (en) * | 2001-11-12 | 2003-05-22 | Reimann Walter C | Reversible deformable pop-up construction and use thereof |
| WO2003067001A1 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2003-08-14 | Qef Products Limited | A frame clamp |
| WO2008004953A1 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-01-10 | Anna Karlsson | A tent, especially intended to be used for sanitation purposes |
| WO2009092615A1 (en) * | 2008-01-26 | 2009-07-30 | Atiker Yuecel | Support construction for planar material which can be stretched out as a hollow body in particular |
| EP2987927A1 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2016-02-24 | Worlds Apart Limited | Structure |
-
1987
- 1987-10-05 CA CA 548638 patent/CA1281607C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003042958A2 (en) * | 2001-11-12 | 2003-05-22 | Reimann Walter C | Reversible deformable pop-up construction and use thereof |
| WO2003042958A3 (en) * | 2001-11-12 | 2003-10-09 | Walter C Reimann | Reversible deformable pop-up construction and use thereof |
| WO2003067001A1 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2003-08-14 | Qef Products Limited | A frame clamp |
| GB2401126A (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2004-11-03 | Qef Products Ltd | A frame clamp |
| WO2008004953A1 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-01-10 | Anna Karlsson | A tent, especially intended to be used for sanitation purposes |
| WO2009092615A1 (en) * | 2008-01-26 | 2009-07-30 | Atiker Yuecel | Support construction for planar material which can be stretched out as a hollow body in particular |
| EP2987927A1 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2016-02-24 | Worlds Apart Limited | Structure |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |