EP1375772B1 - Construction de support pliable avec des parois articulées en forme de dents de scie - Google Patents

Construction de support pliable avec des parois articulées en forme de dents de scie Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1375772B1
EP1375772B1 EP03014246A EP03014246A EP1375772B1 EP 1375772 B1 EP1375772 B1 EP 1375772B1 EP 03014246 A EP03014246 A EP 03014246A EP 03014246 A EP03014246 A EP 03014246A EP 1375772 B1 EP1375772 B1 EP 1375772B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
members
locking
truss unit
truss
side members
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP03014246A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1375772A1 (fr
Inventor
Ralph L. Schipani
Richard K. Strayer
Mark Brauer
Walter Croll
Paul Miklautsch
Patrick M. Hamilton
Charles Austen Angell
Jennifer Dianne Astwood
Shaohui Qiu
Lee Powers
Kyle Gudmunson
Brian Clemens
Brett R. Johnson
Charles Graves
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
INTERLOCK STRUCTURES INTERNATIONAL Inc
Original Assignee
INTERLOCK STRUCTURES INTERNATIONAL Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/186,285 external-priority patent/US6715255B2/en
Priority claimed from US10/186,241 external-priority patent/US7222466B2/en
Application filed by INTERLOCK STRUCTURES INTERNATIONAL Inc filed Critical INTERLOCK STRUCTURES INTERNATIONAL Inc
Publication of EP1375772A1 publication Critical patent/EP1375772A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1375772B1 publication Critical patent/EP1375772B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/18—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic
    • E04H12/185—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic with identical elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
    • A47F5/13—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands made of tubes or wire
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
    • E04C3/005—Girders or columns that are rollable, collapsible or otherwise adjustable in length or height
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
    • E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
    • E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
    • E04C3/08—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders
    • E04C3/09—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders at least partly of bent or otherwise deformed strip- or sheet-like material
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
    • E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
    • E04C3/04—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces of metal
    • E04C2003/0486—Truss like structures composed of separate truss elements
    • E04C2003/0495—Truss like structures composed of separate truss elements the truss elements being located in several non-parallel surfaces

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to portable support structures for use in temporary structures used in, for example, trade shows and conventions, and particularly to a portable folding truss system having hinging side elements.
  • Prior art solutions have utilized truss members with folding elements that utilize rigid wall members coupled with rotatable wall members.
  • the rotatable side members allow the truss to collapse.
  • the trusses include internal diagonal pivoting members that serve to lock the truss into an open position. Although useful in some applications, this approach has deficiencies.
  • US Patent 5,822,945 to Muller issued on 20 October 1998 teaches a foldable truss having three cords and webbing connecting two of the three truss cords.
  • the one central truss cord includes hinge segments which allow the truss to occupy a closed position, in which the truss is folded for transport, and an open position, in which the truss is expanded into a triangular configuration.
  • US Patent 6,149,021 to Beaulieu issued on 21 November 2000 teaches a display system having a plurality of truss members an connection structures for connecting the truss members together.
  • the truss members include a pair of brace members having parallel frame tubular members interconnected by fixed wire members.
  • WO Patent 0053861 discloses a foldable truss according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the prior art fails to disclose a truss assembly having a plurality of hinge members pivotally joining side members to adjacent side members, wherein the hinge members allow relative rotation with respect to the adjacent side members.
  • the prior art also fails to disclose truss member having locking members and locking frames adapted to prevent relative rotation of adjacent side members.
  • the prior art also fails to disclose hinge members configured to resist relative rotation at the deployed configuration of the truss members and hinge member providing increased friction to resist relative rotation at the deployed configuration of the truss members.
  • the prior art also fails to teach a hinge member able to elastically deform to resist relative rotation at the deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • a truss member that can be configured to provide horizontal support regardless of the truss member's orientation.
  • the present invention fulfills these and other needs, and addresses other deficiencies characterized by prior art implementations.
  • each side member may include an elongated support member with a side surface, a first end, and a bridging member fixedly connected to the side surface of the support member at an attachment point of the support member.
  • the bridging member may have an extension at an edge of the bridge member opposite the attachment point.
  • a plurality of hinge members may pivotally join the extension of each side member to the support member of the adjacent side member. Each hinge member may allow relative rotation of adjacent side members.
  • the truss member may also includes a locking frame with a plurality of locking members. Each locking member may be attachable at the first end of at least two of the side members. The attached locking frame may be adapted to prevent relative rotation of adjacent side members.
  • Each bridging member may include a sawtooth-shaped member having a first and second set of oppositely disposed peaks.
  • the first set of peaks may be attached to the attachment point of the associated support member.
  • the extensions of each bridging member may be formed by the second set of peaks.
  • the first ends of the side members may be configured to include a recess.
  • Each of the locking members of the locking frame may include a locking post, the locking posts may be receivable into the recesses of the side members.
  • the locking frame can be made lockable with the first ends of the side members.
  • at least one locking member of the locking frame may further include a locking hole.
  • the first end of the associated side member further may also include a locking hole.
  • the locking frame may be attachable with the first ends of the side members so that the locking hole of the locking member is in alignment with the locking hole of the associated side member.
  • An elongated interference member may be passed through the locking holes of the locking member and the associated side member to prevent relative motion of the side member with respect to the locking frame.
  • At least one of the hinge members may be configured to resist relative rotation of the associated extension at the deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • a hinge member may include an increased friction to resist relative rotation of the associated extension at the deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • a hinge member may also include a feature to elastically deform the associated extension to resist relative rotation of the associated extension at the deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • Each hinge member may include a mounting surface and a hinge channel breaking a portion of the mounting surface.
  • the extensions of the bridging member of the adjacent side member may be locatable within the hinge channel.
  • the mounting surfaces may fixedly attach to the support members.
  • the hinge channel of each of the hinge members may further include a first and second end, and the first and second ends may be flared.
  • a foldable truss member may include a plurality of side member means.
  • Each side member means may have a receiving means located at a lower edge of the side member means.
  • the side member means may be adjacently arranged so that the lower edges of the adjacently arranged side member means form a closed shape.
  • a plurality of pivoting means may be connected between adjacently arranged side member means. The pivoting means may allow relative rotation between adjacently arranged side member means so that the side member means are foldable into a substantially flat assembly.
  • a frame locking means may be attachable to the receiving means of the side member means to rigidly couple the side member means.
  • Each of the side member means may include a sawtooth-shaped member and an elongated support member.
  • the sawtooth-shaped member may have a first and second set of oppositely disposed peaks.
  • the first set of peaks may be fixedly attached to the support member.
  • the second set of peaks may form hinge extensions of the side members.
  • the hinge extensions may pivotally attach to the associated pivoting means.
  • Each of the pivoting means may include a mounting surface and a hinge channel breaking a portion of the mounting surface.
  • the mounting surface of each of the pivoting means may fixedly attach to the support member of each of the side member means.
  • the hinge extension of the adjacent side member means may be locatable within the hinge channel.
  • the hinging means may include friction means to resist relative rotation between adjacently connected side member means at a deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • the hinging means may include elastic deformation means to resist relative rotation between adjacently connected side member means by elastically deforming a portion of the side member means at a deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • the receiving means of the side member means may be able to slidably interface with the frame locking means.
  • a fastening means for locking and fastening the frame locking means to the receiving means of the side member means may also be provided.
  • a foldable display structure may include first and second truss members.
  • the locking frame may include a first and second side, a first set of locking members on the first side, and a second set of locking members on the second side.
  • the locking frame may be disposed between the first and second truss members.
  • the first set of locking members may be removably connected to the first ends of the first truss member, and the second set of locking members may be removably connected with the first ends of the second truss member.
  • a method of assembling a display structure may involve forming a first and second truss member by adjacently coupling a set of four side members to form a peripheral boundary for each of the truss members.
  • Each of the side members may include an elongated edge pivotally attached to the adjacent side member.
  • the adjacent side members may be relatively rotated about the elongated edges so that the peripheral boundaries of the truss members are substantially rectangular.
  • a receiving edge of at least two of the side members of the first truss member may be slidably attached to a locking frame to make the first truss member rigid.
  • a receiving edge of at least two of the side members of the second truss member may be slidably attached to the locking frame to rigidly couple the first truss member to the second truss member.
  • the method may further involve attaching a fastening member to the first and/or second truss member and the locking frame to create a positive mechanical engagement therebetween.
  • Forming a first and second truss member may further involve coupling an extension of each side member to an attachment point of the adjacent side member with a hinge member. Further, forming a first and second truss member may involve trapping the extension of each side member between the attachment point of the adjacent side member and a hinge channel of the hinge member.
  • putting the side members of the truss members in a deployed configuration may further involve relatively rotating the adjacent side members until a resistance to relative rotation is encountered between the hinge members and the associated extensions coupled therein.
  • Putting the side members of the truss members in a deployed position may involve relatively rotating the adjacent side members through an intermediate position where a resistance to relative rotation is encountered between the hinge members and the associated extensions coupled therein, and the relative resistance to rotation decreasing at the deployed configuration of the truss member.
  • a truss member generally indicated by reference numeral 100, includes a plurality of side members 102.
  • the side members 102 are adjacently connected to form a peripheral boundary of the truss member 100, such that lower (or upper) edges 101 of the side members 102 form a closed shape (e.g., a rectangle).
  • the side members 102 include a support member 104 and a bridging member 106.
  • the bridging members 106 in the illustrated embodiment are formed of a continuous length of tubular material formed into a generally planar sawtooth shape.
  • the bridging members 106 include one or more extensions 107 located at an edge opposite where the bridging members 106 join the support members 104. In the configuration illustrated, the extensions 107 are located at distal angular corners of the sawtooth shape.
  • the truss member 100 is formed by joining multiple side members 102 using a plurality of hinge members 108.
  • the edges 101 of the side members 102 may include receiving members 114.
  • the receiving members 114 can be used to join multiple truss members 100 together to form a structure.
  • the receiving members 114 in Fig. 1 are shown as recesses in the support members 104, although alternate configurations are possible.
  • the hinge members 108 shown in Fig. 1 are fixed to the support members 104 and pivotally join with the bridging member 106 of an adjacent side member 102.
  • the hinge members 108 allow relative rotation of adjacent side members 102 while preventing the adjacent side members 102 from separating.
  • the truss member 100 contains four, pivotable, side members 102, thereby allowing the truss member 100 to be folded substantially flat for storage and shipment.
  • the hinge members 108 can be configured to hold the truss member 100 in a deployed configuration.
  • the side members 102 are rotated and oriented such that the truss member 100 takes on the desired shape of the intended installation.
  • this shape is a rectangle or square (as exemplified in Fig. 1), although it may be desirable for the deployed shape to be a parallelogram, triangle, or other polygon.
  • the hinge member 108 can include locking or frictional features that hold the side members 102 in position once the side members 102 are oriented in the deployed configuration. Details of the locking and/or frictional features of the hinge members 108 will be described herein below.
  • FIG. 1A another truss member, generally indicated by reference numeral 100a, which also includes a plurality of side members 102a.
  • the side members 102a are adjacently connected to form a peripheral boundary of the truss member 100a such that the lower edges 101a of the side members 102a form a closed shape (e.g. a rectangle).
  • the side members 102a include a support member 104a and a bridging member 106a.
  • the bridging members 106a are formed of a continuous length of tubular material formed into a generally planar sawtooth shape.
  • the bridging members 106a include one or more extensions 107a located at an edge opposite where the bridging members 106a adjoin the support members 104a. In the configuration illustrated, the extensions 107a are located at distal angular corners of the sawtooth shape.
  • the truss member 100a is formed by joining multiple side members 102a using a plurality of hinge members 108a.
  • the hinge members 108a shown in Fig. 1A are affixed to the support members 104a and pivotally join with the bridging member 106a of an adjacent side member 102a.
  • the hinge members 108a allow relative rotation of adjacent side members 102a while preventing the adjacent side members 102a from separating.
  • the truss member 100a contains four, pivotable, side members 102a, thereby allowing the truss member 100a to be folded substantially flat for storage and shipment.
  • the hinge members 108a can be configured to hold the truss member 100a in a deployed configuration. In a deployed configuration, the side members 102a are rotated such that the truss member 100a takes on the shape desired for the intended installation. Typically, this shape is a rectangle or square (as exemplified in Figs. 1 or Fig. 1A), although it may be desired to make the deployed shape a parallelogram, triangle, or other polygon.
  • the hinge member 108a can include locking or frictional features that hold the side members 102a in position once the side members 102a are oriented into the deployed configuration. Details of the locking and/or frictional features of the hinge members 108a will be described below.
  • the foldable truss member 100a can also be made to form a rigid support structure through use of a locking frame 110a or by other means such as cross member braces detailed elsewhere herein.
  • the locking frame 110a is a rigid assembly with locking members 112a that interface with two or more support members 104a of the truss member 100a in a deployed configuration.
  • the example illustrated in Fig. 1A shows a square or rectangular locking frame 110a with a locking member 112a at each corner.
  • the locking members 112a interface with receiving ends 114a of the support members 104a by sliding the locking frame(s) 110a generally in the direction indicated by the broken lines.
  • the receiving ends 114a can be formed as recesses or open ends of the support members 104a.
  • the locking members 112a typically extend from a top and bottom side of the locking frame 110a, enabling multiple truss members 100a to be assembled end-to-end into a rigid support structure.
  • a locking frame 110a can be used with a truss member 100a according to the present invention.
  • Alternate structural elements may be used to couple two or more side members 102a to make the truss member 100a more rigid.
  • the locking frame 110a may be fabricated as plate with protruding locking members 112a, or as a bar with two locking members 112a at each end.
  • the locking members 112a can be made to encompass the receiving ends 114a and thereby allow the use of solid support members 104a.
  • a side view of an embodiment of a side member 102 is shown.
  • the truss member 100 is formed by adjacently connecting a plurality of side members 102 to form the outer walls of the truss member.
  • the side members 102 can be made substantially identical. Not only does this reduce the number of fabricated parts required to manufacture the truss member 100, it is appreciated that a truss member 100 utilizing substantially identical side members will have symmetric transverse load characteristic (i.e. loads that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the truss member). This makes such a truss member 100 ideal for horizontal installations, as there is no need for a preferred orientation of the side members 102.
  • the side member 102 is formed by fixedly attaching a bridging member 106 to a support member 104.
  • the support member 104 is preferably formed from a tubular material, although it need not be hollow. Any cross-sectional shape of the support member 104 is appropriate, although a rectangular, square, or round cross sectional shape is typically the most useful.
  • the illustrated support member 104 is formed from a square tube material.
  • the bridging member 106 is affixed to one side of the support member 104 at attachment points 204.
  • the bridging member 106 can be a tubular or bar member bent to a sawtooth shape and attached (e.g., welded or clamped) to the support member 104. It is appreciated that the bridging member 106 can alternatively be formed from various elements, including a pattern cut from a sheet or any elongated member (e.g., a bar) formed into the desired shape.
  • the bridging members 106 and other truss member components are typically made from metals (e.g. steel, aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, etc), the components may also be made of alternate materials such as woods, plastics, carbon fiber and composites.
  • the bridging member 106 includes extensions 107 that interface with hinge members 108 of an adjacent side member 102.
  • the hinge members 108 are attached to the support member 104 at a location on the support member 104 generally in alignment with the bridging member extensions 107.
  • the hinge members 108 are typically removably (as opposed to being permanently attached), thereby making assembly easier and allowing for disassembly/re-assembly of the truss member 100 for repairs.
  • Fig. 3A illustrates an embodiment of an attachable hinge member 108.
  • the hinge member 108 includes a mounting surface 302 with mounting holes 305.
  • the mounting holes 305 align with holes on the support member 102 (not shown).
  • the mounting holes 305 are adapted to receive fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, locking pins, etc.
  • the hinge member 108 includes a hinge channel 306 for receiving the extension 107 of a bridging member 106 therethrough.
  • the hinge channel 306 "breaks through” (i.e. compressively engage and overcomes a bias) a portion of the mounting surface 302 and includes flared ends 308 that allow a generally curved extension 107 to freely rotate about 180 degrees within the hinge channel 306.
  • the hinge member 108 may include features that allow the truss member 100 to maintain its deployed configuration during installation. These features are detailed in Figs. 3B and 3C.
  • a portion of a bridging member 106 is shown in solid line with the extension 107 located within the hinge channel 306 oriented in a typical deployed configuration of the truss member 100.
  • the orientations of the bridging member 106 corresponding to the folded configurations of the truss member 100 are shown using broken lines. Between the orientations illustrated are intermediate configurations, where the bridging member 106 is located when truss member 100 is being folded or deployed.
  • the hinge member 108 includes features that hold the extension 107 in a deployed configuration by using either friction and/or elastic deformation of the extension 107 to resist rotation of the bridging member 106.
  • the flared end 308 of the hinge channel 306 includes three portions of differing geometry. These portions include one or more terminal portions 310, a center portion 312 and one or more intermediate portions 314. These portions 310, 312, 314 correspond to the orientation of the extension 107 within the hinge member 106 when the truss member 100 is in the folded, deployed, and intermediate configurations, respectively.
  • the terminal portions 310 are designed to offer little or no interference with the extension 107, thereby allowing easy rotation of side members 102 in the folded configuration.
  • the intermediate portions 314 offer resistance at least where the intermediate portions 314 are adjacent the center portion 312.
  • the center portion 312 typically offers some resistance to rotation of the extension 107, although preferably less resistance than the intermediate portions 314. Having less resistance at the center portion 312 gives the user feedback that the truss member 100 has attained the deployed configuration, because the extensions 107 will "snap" into the center portion 312.
  • the portions 310, 312, 314 can offer changing resistance to rotation of the extension by various means.
  • the portions 310, 312, and 314 are formed by fillets that form the hinge channel 308. It is appreciated that forming a fillet radius different than the inner bend radius of the extension 107 will cause the fillets to ride (interfere) at contact points against portions of the extension 107.
  • the portions 310, 312, 314 are arrayed generally radially about a rounded portion 318 of the hinge channel 306.
  • the rounded portion 318 has a substantially constant semicircular profile throughout the hinge channel 306 in order to effectively restrain the side members 102 during deployment of the truss member 100.
  • the portions 310, 312, 314 may have varying shapes and be located varying radial distances from the rounded portion 318 in order to increase or decrease interference with the extension 107.
  • the intermediate portions 314 are located radially closer to the rounded portion 318 than the other portions 310, 312 and are somewhat flattened, thereby giving the flared end 308 a peaked appearance. In this way, the intermediate portion 314 causes an increase in friction and/or elastic deformation of the extension 107, thereby resisting rotation of the extension 107.
  • Truss members 100 may be constructed that have a large number of extensions 107 along the side members 102. In this case, it may be desirable to include a mixture of hinge members 108 alternately configured according to both the configurations shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3C. This allows the folding action of the truss assembly 100 to be "tuned", so that holding forces are not excessive.
  • a truss member 100 can be assembled by locating the extensions 107 of a first side member 102 within the channels 306 of associated hinge members 108.
  • the associated hinge members 108 are then attached to the support member 104 of a second side member 102, trapping the extensions 107 of the first side member 102 between the associated hinge members 108 and the support member 104 of the second side member 102. This process is repeated for all side members 102, so the side members 102 form a closed periphery.
  • the truss member 100 can be expanded for use or folded into a substantially flat folded configuration for storage or transport.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an end view of a partially folded truss member 100.
  • the truss member 100 is folded by moving the side members 102 in the direction indicated by the curved arrows in Fig. 4. While being folded, the adjacent side members 102 rotate relative to each other at the edges of the side members 102 joined by the hinge members 108. Expanding the truss member 100 to the deployed configuration involves moving the side members 102 in a direction opposite that indicated by the curved arrows and installing a locking frame 110.
  • Fig. 5 shows details of the locking frame 110 used to achieve rigidity of the assembled truss member 100.
  • the locking frame 110 in Fig. 5 is a rigid frame having four sides 504 and four corners 506. Cross bracing 508 may be included for added strength.
  • the locking members 112 in this embodiment are formed as posts that protrude generally perpendicularly to a plane defined by the four sides 504.
  • the locking frame 100 is attached by slidably interfacing the locking members 112 of the locking frame 110 with receiving ends 114 of the truss member 100.
  • Locking holes 502 are included in the locking members 112.
  • the locking holes 502 align with locking holes 503 on the support members 104 (best seen in Figs. 1, 1A, and 2).
  • An interference member (not shown) can be passed through holes 502, 503 to lock the truss member 100 to the locking frame 110.
  • Fig. 6 is a partial view of a display structure 400 created by connecting two truss members 100 to a locking frame 110.
  • the first and second truss members 100 are expanded to the deployed configuration.
  • the locking frame 110 is slidably attached to the receiving ends 114 on the lower edges 101 of the first truss members 101.
  • the second truss member 101 is similarly attached to the locking frame 110 and thereby rigidly coupled to the first truss member 100.
  • a fastening member 602 can be used to create a positive locking engagement between the locking frame 110 and the truss members 100.
  • the mounting holes 502, 503 are aligned such that fastening members 602 can be placed through the holes 502, 503.
  • fastening members 602 include a quick release pin 604, a welded locknut/screw assembly 606 and a nut/bolt assembly 608.
  • Other fastening members 602 such as clips, rivets, wire ties, snaps, latches, clamps, etc., can also be used to fasten truss and locking frames 100, 110.
  • the truss members 100 have sufficient strength to preclude the need for a locking member 110 at every junction.
  • the display structure 400 can be connected by placing independent (i.e., not interconnected) locking members 112 between the receiving ends 114. Independent locking members 112 can be fixed with fastening members 602 as described above.
  • the truss member 100 and display structure 400 may be adapted for all manner of structural uses, particularly those of a temporary or seasonal nature. In particular, one such configuration desirable for uses such as displays or point of sale fixtures is described herein.
  • a truss member 100 having approximately 12" x 12" cross sectional dimensions is preferable in these applications.
  • the individual truss member lengths may vary from about 6" to about 80".
  • the support members 102 may be formed from 3 ⁇ 4" to 1" square steel tubing welded and/or 3/16" wire lacing forming the bridging members 106.
  • the hinge members 108 may be cast from steel and finished with a smooth finish along the hinge channel surfaces 306.
  • the truss assembly 100 offers advantages of low cost, high strength, and magnetic properties for easy attachment of magnetic graphics.
  • the steel is typically powder coated for appearance and corrosion resistance.
  • the support members may be of different sizes and of different materials than stated above, such as round tubes and plastics, aluminum or other materials with sufficient strength.
  • the strength of coupled truss members 100 in this specific application should be able to be safely used over a 40 foot span with no load. Loads up to a few hundred pounds can be supported either centrally or distributed. Such load bearing capability would enable the truss to safely support items such as computers or TV monitors, lights and signage typically used in an exhibit/display.
  • the weight of the truss member 100 may range from 1 ⁇ 2 pound to 10 pounds for truss lengths between 6" and 80".

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
  • Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)

Claims (9)

  1. Unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a), comprenant :
    une pluralité d'éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a), chaque élément latéral constituant un élément formant paroi de ladite unité d'armature pliable (101 ; 101a) et ayant un bord inférieur (101 ; 101a) et un bord supérieur (101 ; 101a), et deux côtés opposés et un autre élément latéral (102 ; 102a) agencé de manière adjacente de sorte que les bords inférieurs (101 ; 101a) des éléments latéraux agencés de manière adjacente constituent une forme fermée ; et
    une pluralité de moyens d'articulation (108 ; 108a) reliant les éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) agencés de manière adjacente, les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) fournissant une rotation relative entre les éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) agencés de manière adjacente de sorte que les éléments latéraux sont pliables en un assemblage sensiblement plat ;
    ledit élément latéral (102 ; 102a) comprenant en outre :
    a) un élément de support allongé (104 ; 104a) ayant une surface latérale et une première extrémité ;
    b) un élément de raccordement (106 ; 106a) relié de manière fixe et non rotative à la surface latérale de l'élément de support (104 ; 104a) au niveau d'un point d'attachement (204) de l'élément de support, l'élément de raccordement (106 ; 106a) ayant une extension (107 ; 107a) au niveau d'un bord de l'élément de raccordement (106 ; 106a) opposé au point d'attachement (204), chaque moyen d'articulation (108 ; 108a) fournissant une rotation relative des éléments latéraux adjacents dans une configuration pliée de l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a), l'élément de raccordement (106 ; 106a) comprenant également un élément en forme de dents de scie ayant un premier et un second ensembles de pics disposés de manière opposée, le premier ensemble de pics attaché au point d'attachement (204) de l'élément de support associé (104 ; 104a), et les extensions (107 ; 107a) de l'élément de raccordement (106 ; 106a) comprenant le second ensemble de pics, caractérisée en ce que la pluralité de moyens d'articulation (108 ; 108a) unissent de manière pivotante l'extension (107 ; 107a) de l'élément de raccordement (106 ; 106a) de chaque élément latéral (102 ; 102a) à l'élément de support (104 ; 104a) de l'élément latéral adjacent et en ce qu'au moins l'un parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprend un moyen de frottement spécialement conçu pour résister à une rotation relative de l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) par rapport audit au moins un élément d'articulation (108 ; 108a) en configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature.
  2. Unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle chacun parmi les moyens d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprend en outre une surface de montage (302) et un canal d'articulation (306) met en prise par compression une partie de la surface de montage, la surface de montage (302) de chaque moyen d'articulation (108 ; 108a) s'attachant de manière fixe à l'élément de support (104 ; 104a) de chaque élément latéral (102 ; 102a), où une extension d'articulation (107 ; 107a) des éléments latéraux adjacents (102 ; 102a) peut se situer à l'intérieur du canal d'articulation (306), les moyens d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprennent des moyens de frottement pour résister à une rotation relative entre les éléments latéraux reliés de manière adjacente en une configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature (100 ; 100a), les moyens d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprennent également des moyens de déformation élastique (314) pour résister à une rotation relative entre les éléments latéraux reliés de manière adjacente en déformant de manière élastique une partie de l'élément latéral dans une configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature (100 ; 100a), le canal d'articulation (306) d'au moins un parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprend en outre une première et une seconde extrémités (308), et les première et seconde extrémités sont évasées, les première et seconde extrémités comprenant :
    une partie centrale (312) étant en contact avec l'extension associée lorsque l'unité d'armature (100 ; 100a) est dans la configuration déployée ;
    au moins une partie terminale (310) étant en contact avec l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) lorsque l'unité d'armature (100 ; 100a) est dans une configuration pliée ; et
    au moins une partie intermédiaire (314) étant en contact avec l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) lorsque l'unité d'armature est dans une configuration intermédiaire entre la configuration pliée et la configuration déployée, où la, au moins une partie intermédiaire (314) fournit une résistance à la rotation de l'extension associée, et la, au moins une partie terminale (310) permet une rotation sensiblement libre de l'extension associée, et la partie centrale (312) fournit une résistance à la rotation de l'extension associée, où la résistance de la partie centrale est inférieure à la résistance de la, au moins une partie intermédiaire.
  3. Ensemble comprenant l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, et un cadre de blocage (110 ; 110a), ladite unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) comprenant en outre :
    au moins deux éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) ;
    un moyen de réception (114 ; 114a) situé au niveau d'un bord inférieur de chaque élément latéral ; et
    ledit cadre de blocage (110 ; 110a) pouvant être attaché au moyen de réception (114 ; 114a) de l'élément latéral (102 ; 102a) pour coupler de manière rigide l'élément latéral dans une configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a), les moyens de réception (114 ; 114a) sont capables d'assurer la liaison de manière coulissante avec le cadre de blocage (110 ; 110a) afin de bloquer et de fixer le cadre de blocage au moyen de réception des éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a), le cadre de blocage ayant une pluralité d'éléments de blocage (112 ; 112a) assurant une liaison avec lesdits au moins deux éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a), chaque élément de blocage (112 ; 112a) pouvant être attaché au niveau des premières extrémités des au moins deux parmi les éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) de l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) dans la configuration déployée, où le cadre de blocage attaché (110 ; 110a) empêche une rotation relative des éléments latéraux adjacents (110 ; 110a).
  4. Ensemble selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les premières extrémités des éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) comprennent un évidement (114 ; 114a) et chacun parmi les éléments de blocage (112 ; 112a) du cadre de blocage (110 ; 110a) comprend un montant de blocage (112), les montants de blocage pouvant être reçus dans les évidements des éléments latéraux, le cadre de blocage pouvant être bloqué avec les premières extrémités des éléments latéraux, où au moins un élément de blocage (112 ; 112a) du cadre de blocage (110 ; 110a) comprend en outre un trou de blocage (502), la première extrémité de l'élément latéral associé (102 ; 102a) comprend un autre trou de blocage (503), et où le cadre de blocage peut être attaché aux premières extrémités des éléments latéraux de sorte que le trou de blocage (502) de l'au moins un élément de blocage se trouve en alignement avec le trou de blocage (503) de l'élément latéral associé ; et un élément d'interférence allongé (602) qui peut passer par le trou de blocage (502) de l'au moins un élément de blocage (112 ; 112a) et le trou de blocage (503) de l'élément latéral associé (102 ; 102a) pour empêcher un mouvement relatif de l'élément latéral par rapport au cadre de blocage, au moins un parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) fournit un frottement accru pour résister à une rotation relative de l'extension associée dans la configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) au moins un parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprend une partie déformable élastiquement en contact avec l'extension associée pour résister à une rotation relative de l'extension associée dans la configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a).
  5. Système de structure d'exposition (400) d'armature pliable comprenant au moins une première et une seconde unités d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) telles que définies selon la revendication 1 ou 2, chaque unité d'armature (100 ; 100a) comprenant également une pluralité d'éléments de blocage (112) disposés entre les premières extrémités de la première unité d'armature (100 ; 100a) et les premières extrémités de la seconde unité d'armature (100 ; 100a), les premières extrémités de la première unité d'armature étant adjacentes aux premières extrémités de la seconde unité d'armature, où les premières unités des éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) des premières et secondes unités d'armature comprennent chacune un évidement (114 ; 114a), et la structure d'exposition (400) comprend également un élément de blocage (112) et un montant de blocage, les montants de blocage pouvant être reçus dans les évidements (114 ; 114a) des éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a), au moins l'un parmi les éléments de blocage (112) comprend également un trou de blocage (502), les premières extrémités des éléments latéraux associés des unités d'armature (100 ; 100a) comprennent également un trou de blocage (503 ; 503a), où les éléments de blocage (112) sont reliés de manière amovible avec les éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) de sorte que le trou de blocage (502) des éléments de blocage (112) sont en alignement avec le trou de blocage (503 ; 503a) des éléments latéraux, et la structure d'exposition (400) comprend également un élément d'interférence allongé (602) qui peut passer par l'un quelconque parmi les trous de blocage (502) des éléments de blocage (112) et le trou de blocage (503 ; 503a) de l'élément latéral (102 ; 102a) pour empêcher un mouvement relatif des éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) par rapport aux éléments de blocage (112).
  6. Structure d'exposition (400) d'armature pliable selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle au moins l'un parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) de chacune parmi les unités d'armature (100 ; 100a) fournit un frottement accru pour résister à une rotation relative de l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) dans la configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature (100 ; 100a) et au moins un parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) de chacune parmi les unités d'armature déforme de manière élastique l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) pour résister à une rotation relative de l'extension associée dans la configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature (100 ; 100a), et chacun parmi les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) comprend une surface de montage (302) et un canal d'articulation (306) cassant une partie de la surface de montage (302), les extensions (107 ; 107a) de l'élêment de raccordement (106 ; 106a) de l'élément latéral adjacent (102 ; 102a) étant situées à l'intérieur du canal d'articulation (306), et la surface de montage (302) des éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) s'attachant de manière fixe aux éléments de support (104 ; 104a), et le canal d'articulation (306) de chacun parmi les éléments d'articulation comprend également des premières et secondes extrémités (308) qui sont évasées, et chaque extrémité des canaux d'articulation (306) comprend une partie centrale (312) étant en contact avec l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) lorsque l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) est dans la configuration déployée, au moins une partie terminale (310) étant en contact avec l'extension associée lorsque l'unité d'armature est dans une configuration pliée, et au moins une partie intermédiaire (314) étant en contact avec l'extension associée (107 ; 107a) lorsque l'unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) est dans une configuration intermédiaire entre la configuration pliée et la configuration déployée, où la, au une partie intermédiaire (314) offre une résistance à la rotation de l'extension associée (107 ; 107a), et la, au moins une partie terminale (310) permet une rotation sensiblement libre de l'extension associée (107 ; 107a), et la partie centrale offre une résistance à la rotation de l'extension associée, la résistance de la partie centrale (312) étant inférieure à la résistance de la partie intermédiaire (314).
  7. Procédé d'assemblage d'une structure d'exposition composé d'un ensemble pour une unité d'armature pliable (100 ; 100a) tel que défini selon la revendication 1 ou 2, comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    former une première et une seconde unités d'armature (100 ; 100a) en couplant de manière adjacente une pluralité d'éléments latéraux (102 ; 102a) pour former une limite périphérique pour la première unité d'armature (100 ; 100a), chacun parmi les éléments latéraux comprenant un bord allongé attaché de manière pivotante à l'élément latéral adjacent ;
    mettre relativement en rotation les éléments latéraux adjacents (102 ; 102a) autour des bords allongés de la première unité d'armature (100 ; 100a) jusqu'à ce qu'une résistance à la rotation relative soit rencontrée pour placer l'unité d'armature dans une configuration intermédiaire ;
    mettre relativement en rotation les éléments latéraux adjacents autour des bords allongés jusqu'à ce qu'une résistance réduite soit rencontrée pour placer la première unité d'armature dans une configuration déployée ;
    relier de manière coulissante un bord non relié d'une seconde unité d'armature à un bord non relié de la première unité d'armature pour relier les première et seconde unités d'armature.
  8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, dans lequel l'étape consistant à relier les première et seconde unités d'armature (100 ; 100a) comprend les étapes consistant à :
    relier de manière coulissante un élément de blocage (112) entre les première et seconde unités d'armature, et attacher un élément de fixation (602) aux première et seconde unités d'armature pour relier positivement ensemble l'unité d'armature afin de former une limite périphérique, chacun parmi les éléments latéraux comprenant un bord allongé attaché de manière pivotante à l'élément latéral adjacent ;
    mettre relativement en rotation les éléments latéraux adjacents autour des bords allongés pour placer les éléments latéraux des unités d'armature dans une configuration déployée ;
    attacher de manière coulissante un bord de réception d'au moins deux parmi les éléments latéraux de la première unité d'armature à un cadre de blocage (110 ; 110a) pour rendre rigide la première unité d'armature ;
    attacher de manière coulissante le bord de réception d'au moins deux parmi les éléments latéraux de la seconde unité d'armature au cadre de blocage pour coupler de manière rigide la première unité d'armature à la seconde unité d'armature et attacher un élément de fixation à la première unité d'armature et au cadre de blocage pour créer une mise en prise mécanique positive entre ceux-ci.
  9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à :
    coupler une extension de chaque élément latéral (102 ; 102a) à un point d'attachement de l'élément latéral adjacent avec un élément d'articulation (108 ; 108a) et coupler une extension (107 ; 107a) de chaque élément latéral avec un élément d'articulation au bord allongé de l'élément latéral adjacent ; et
    placer les éléments latéraux des unités d'armature dans une configuration déployée en mettant relativement en rotation les éléments latéraux adjacents jusqu'à ce qu'une résistance à une rotation relative soit rencontrée entre les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) et que les extensions associées y soient couplées et en mettant relativement en rotation les éléments latéraux adjacents par le biais d'une position intermédiaire où une résistance à une rotation relative est rencontrée entre les éléments d'articulation (108 ; 108a) et éléments extensions associées (107 ; 107a) qui y sont couplées, où la résistance relative à la rotation diminue dans la configuration déployée de l'unité d'armature.
EP03014246A 2002-06-28 2003-06-25 Construction de support pliable avec des parois articulées en forme de dents de scie Expired - Lifetime EP1375772B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/186,285 US6715255B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2002-06-28 Foldable support structure with hinged sawtooth wall members and rigid end cap
US186285 2002-06-28
US186241 2002-06-28
US10/186,241 US7222466B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2002-06-28 Foldable support structure with hinged sawtooth wall members

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EP1375772A1 EP1375772A1 (fr) 2004-01-02
EP1375772B1 true EP1375772B1 (fr) 2005-08-31

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AT (1) ATE303479T1 (fr)
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NL1026427C2 (nl) * 2004-06-16 2005-12-19 Lunado B V Systeemconstructie, afstandhouder voor systeemconstructie, kit voor systeemconstructie, werkwijze voor het samenstellen en werkwijze voor het ontmantelen.
DE202005017667U1 (de) 2005-11-11 2006-01-12 B & K Braun Gmbh Verbindungseinrichtung
FR2951218B1 (fr) * 2009-10-12 2012-03-09 Alcatel Lucent Pylone de communication

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US186241A (en) 1877-01-16 Improvement in safety-checks for elevators
US186285A (en) 1877-01-16 Improvement in locomotive-engines
US2987148A (en) * 1955-08-26 1961-06-06 Millard John Reeson Expansible structural member
US3908564A (en) * 1973-05-23 1975-09-30 Litton Business Systems Inc Modular display stand
US4986016A (en) * 1986-12-10 1991-01-22 Wichman William J Folding display frame with offset hub configuration
US5822945A (en) 1997-02-03 1998-10-20 Muller; Roy Folding truss
US6149021A (en) 1997-09-12 2000-11-21 Skyline Displays, Inc. Folding truss member for a display
AU3334700A (en) * 1999-03-09 2000-09-28 Mammoet Decalift International B.V. Frame structure for assembling a boom, hoisting or builder's crane, a bridge or the like

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DE60301448D1 (de) 2005-10-06
ATE303479T1 (de) 2005-09-15
EP1375772A1 (fr) 2004-01-02

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