WO2006100504A1

WO2006100504A1 - A structure

Info

Publication number: WO2006100504A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/001089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Charles Jones
Original assignee: Donald Charles Jones
Priority date: 2005-03-24
Filing date: 2006-03-24
Publication date: 2006-09-28
Also published as: GB2439480B; GB0506116D0; GB0718028D0; GB2439480A

Abstract

A structure comprising a plurality of generally flat elements, each element being in the shape of a non-square parallelogram in plan. The elements are linked in a ring, each element being connected to the next in the ring through a hinge having a pivot axis. The sum of the angles between respective adjacent pivot axes of the hinges is less than 360° and more than 0°.

Description

A Structure

This invention relates to a structure, for example, for displays.

At exhibitions, it is known to display posters and other graphics by erecting a floor standing frame and attaching the poster or graphic to the frame so that it is in a flat vertical position. In supermarkets it is known to suspend a board with information, such as the products available on a particular aisle, printed on it. The board is suspended from the ceiling by vertical wires attached to each upper corner so that the board hangs vertically.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a structure comprising a plurality of elements linked in a ring, each element being connected to the next in the ring through a hinge having a pivot axis, the sum of the angles between respective adjacent pivot axes of the hinges being less than 360^° and more than 0^°.

In this way, the structure is not flat. Instead the elements are at an angle to one another and, for example, can form display surfaces of a more interesting and eye catching configuration.

The structure preferably comprises at least four elements linked in a ring.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a structure comprising four elements linked in a ring, each element being connected to the next in the ring through a hinge having a pivot axis, the sum of the angles between respective adjacent pivot axes of the hinges being less than 360^°.

The sum of the angles may be any desired number of degrees but preferably is 270^° or greater. Preferably the angle between two adjacent pivot axes is the same as the angle between the other two opposite pivot axes. Preferably the angle from one pivot axis through one adjacent pivot axis to the opposite pivot axis is the same as the angle from the first pivot axis through the other adjacent pivot axis to the opposite pivot axis. In this way, the structure can fold up about the first and opposite pivot axes. Preferably, the angles between all of the adjacent axes are the same.

Preferably the angle between no two adjacent pivot axes is greater than 90^°, preferably not greater than 85^° and more preferably not greater than 80^°. In a preferred embodiment, two of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not more than 90^°, preferably not more than 85^° and still preferably not more than 80^°. In another embodiment, three of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not greater than 90°, preferably not greater than 85° and preferably not greater than 80^°. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are less than 90^°, preferably 85^° or less and most preferably 80°.

Each hinge may be capable of pivoting through any suitable angle and in a preferred embodiment each hinge is a 360^° hinge.

Each element may take any suitable shape, but preferably is generally flat.

Preferably, the structure is arranged such that two adjacent elements can be folded about two hinges to lie closely against the opposite two elements in the ring. Preferably, the structure is such that any two adjacent elements can be pivoted to lie closely against any two opposite adjacent elements. Preferably, the elements can be hinged so that two adjacent elements lie in a parallel plane with the other two opposite adjacent elements.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a structure comprising a plurality of generally flat elements, each element being in the shape of a non-square parallelogram in plan, the elements being connected edge to edge through hinges. Each hinge may take any suitable form and may be a mechanical hinge or may be for example a live hinge. Where the hinge is a mechanical hinge, the hinge may comprise a link pivotally connected to each of two adjacent elements at spaced apart positions along the link, the positions being sufficiently spaced apart that the elements can lie closely against one another and preferably lie in parallel planes with one another. Thus, the spaced apart positions may be spaced apart by at least the same distance as half the sum of the thicknesses of the two elements and in one embodiment are spaced apart by a distance which is substantially the same as half the sum of the thicknesses of the two elements. The hinge may include two members having part cylindrical surfaces, the part cylindrical surfaces including formations, such as ribs, to engage with one another such that the two members roll with respect to one another as the hinge is opened or closed and such that pivoting of one element will result, through the interengagement of the formation on the members, in pivoting of the adjacent element by the same angle. Indeed in a preferred embodiment, the elements are linked such that pivoting of one element results in pivoting of the adjacent element by the same angle.

Each element may take any suitable form and may for example comprise a rigid, planar element which may be integral with or connected to a live hinge, or, in a preferred embodiment, each element comprises a peripheral frame, which may be integral with the hinge. Although the frames may be empty, preferably each frame supports a panel spanning the frame. The panel may have structural strength or contribute nothing to the strength of the structure and may for example simply be a substrate to bear an image for viewing. The panels may be attached to the frames, but in a preferred embodiment they are removable. In this way, where the panels are for display, they can be interchanged easily. The panels can be opaque or may be translucent.

Each element may be in any suitable shape and preferably has a straight edge parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge connecting that element to the next element. Each element is preferably parallelogram shaped and may conveniently be diamond shaped. The structure may include at least one further element connected to at least one of the said four elements through a hinge. The or each additional element may be connected so that it is in a zig-zag or concertina arrangement with the said four elements. Calling the first four elements connected in a ring a unit, preferably at least one further unit is connected edge to edge with the first through hinges so that the structure may be made up of a plurality of the said units. The further unit may be connected through hinges edge to edge with the first at two opposite edges of the first unit. This may therefore form an open or hollow body or tube. Additional elements may be included to extend the tube.

Where the structure is to be suspended a fixing point may be provided at at least one downwardly facing apex of the structure for attachment to a suspension wire, cord or the like. Where the structure is to be attached to a wall, attachment means may be provided along one peripheral edge of the structure. Where the structure is to be supported from below, for example, on poles, a socket or other attachment means may be provided at at least one downwardly facing apex of the structure.

Indeed, according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a suspended structure comprising at least one cord, wire of the like and a structure according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention and including any of none of the sub features mentioned in relation thereto.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a structure according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention and including any or none of the sub features in relation thereto, together with a pair of rails to support opposite edges of the structure.

In this way, the structure can be supported on the rails and its extension in the longitudinal direction of the rails can be varied as desired by partially or fully collapsing the structure by pivoting the elements about the hinges. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a structure according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention and including any or none of the sub features mentioned in relation thereto, and a flat surface covering the structure.

The flat surface can, for example, form a wall or ceiling but in a preferred embodiment the flat surface forms a floor supported by the structure.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a structure according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention and including any or none of the sub features mentioned in relation thereto and mover means to move at least part of the structure.

The mover means may be arranged to move one element, and another element may be arranged to be fixed.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structure in a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross section of a hinge of a structure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 A is perspective view of an element of the structure of Figure 1 in a cuboid;

Figure 3B is apian view of one element of the structure of Figure 1;

Figure 3 C is a view from perpendicular to the plane of the element of the structure of

Figure 1; Figure 3D is a side view of the cuboid of Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is a perspective view of four cuboids of Figure 3 A;

Figure 4B is a plan view of the arrangement of Figure 4A;

Figure 4C is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 4 A;

Figure 5A is the arrangement of Figure 4A inverted; Figure 5B is a side elevation of the arrangement of 5A;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment based on the embodiment of Figure 1 suspended; Figure 7 is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1 connected to a wall;

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1 connected to a wall on a different orientation;

Figure 9 A is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 1 in a partly collapsed form; Figure 9B is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 1 partly collapsed in a different way;

Figure 1OA is a perspective view of a structure in a further embodiment;

Figure 1 OB is a plan view of the structure of Figure 1 OA;

Figure 1OC is a view of one element of the structure of Figure 1OA seen from a position perpendicular to the plane of the element;

Figure 1 IA is a plan view of a larger structure;

Figure 1 IB is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1 IA;

Figure 11C is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1 IA upside down;

Figure 12 is a plan view of another larger structure; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a further larger structure;

Figure 14 is a side elevation of a structure in a further embodiment;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a structure in another embodiment;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary elevation in cross section at XX¹ in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary elevation in cross section at YY¹ in Figure 15; Figure 18 is a fragmentary elevation in cross section of the structure of Figure 15 in its fully collapsed state;

Figure 19 is a side elevation of a covered walkway incorporating a structure;

Figure 20 is an end elevation and cross section at ZZ¹ in Figure 19 not showing the structure; Figure 21 is the view of Figure 19 with the structure collapsed;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a structure in another embodiment;

Figure 23 A is a front elevation of a structure in a further embodiment;

Figure 23B is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 23 A;

Figure 23C is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 23 A; Figure 24 is a side elevation in cross section of the hinge part of the structure of Figure

23A;

Figure 25A is a front perspective view of a structure in another embodiment; Figure 25B is a rear perspective view of the structure of Figure 25 A; Figure 25C is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 25A collapsed in one way; Figure 25D is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 25A collapsed in another way; Figure 26A is a perspective view of the structure of a further embodiment in erected form; and, Figure 26B is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 26A in a collapsed form.

The structure 10 of the first embodiment of the invention comprises four identical diamond shaped elements 12, 16, 20, 24 linked in a ring. Each element 12, 16, 20, 24 is connected to the next in the ring through a hinge 14, 18, 22, 26 having a pivot axis 14a,

18a, 22a, 26a as shown in Figure 1. The hinges are shown in more detail in Figure 2.

Each element 12, 16, 20, 24 is a rigid board. The elements 12, 16, 20, 24 are connected edge to edge by means of two strips of tape 28, 30. The first strip of tape 28, is applied to the upper surfaces of two adjacent elements 12, 16 at their adjacent edges to bridge between the two elements 12, 16. On the other side of the structure 10 the second tape

30 is applied in the same position as the first tape 28. The elements 12, 16 are taped together so that there is a gap G between the adjacent edge faces 32, 34 of the adjacent elements 12, 16. The thickness of each element 12, 16, 20, 24 is T and it is seen that:

¹/₂ χ (2 x T) < G

thus T < G.

Each diamond shaped element 12, 16, 20, 24 includes an acute angle of 80° at the centre A of the structure and its outer corner C. The other two corners B, D of each element define an angle of 100°. Thus, the angle between each two adjacent pivot axes, e.g. 14a and 18a, is 80°. The sum of the angles between respective adjacent axes of the hinges 14, 18, 22, 26 is thus 320°. The shape shown in Figure 1 is thus a stable equilibrium configuration for the structure. The hinges have opened out to the maximum extent permitted by the connections between the elements 12, 16, 20, 24 but cannot open flat as the angles around the ring are less than 360° being 320° as mentioned above.

The geometry of the structure is further explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3 A shows a single element 12 in a notional cuboid 36. The cuboid 36 is square in plan with a height of 2X. A diagonal plane passing through the centre of the cuboid from one top corner A to the opposite bottom corner C and intercepting points B and D at height X, in other words half the height of the cuboid, at the other two vertical edges will define a parallelogram within the cuboid. As the cuboid is square in plan, the parallelogram will be equi sided and so will be a diamond shape as shown in Figure 3 C.

Figure 4A shows a cluster of cuboids arranged with their high points A together. Figure 4B is a plan view which shows how the elements form an apparently square grid in plan. Figure 4C is a side view in which the planes/elements are generally in the form of an inverted "V".

In the arrangement shown in Figure 4A, in which the structure is inverted in comparison with Figure 1, the structure, which looks similar to a pyramid, is self supporting, requiring no additional members to retain its shape. This is due to the external triangulation between points CBCC and CDCC. The twin internal triangulation between points ABDA and BCDB maintains the diamond shape.

Additional triangulation occurs between points ABCA and ADCA and ABBA and ADDA.

Figure 5A is the cuboid arrangement of Figure 4A inverted. In this orientation, the structure 10 can be suspended from a single fixing point at the apex A. This is shown in the embodiment of Figure 6 where a ring 40 is mounted at the apex A of the structure 10 and a cord 42 is attached to the ring 40 and suspends the structure 10. Images and/or text may be provided on the downwardly facing surfaces of the elements 12, 16, 20, 24 to be seen by people. The structure 10 may be suspended so that it is above head height. As the elements 12, 16, 20, 24 are angled, rather than horizontal, the images and/or text are easier to see and also form a more eye catching and interesting arrangement.

Rather than being suspended from the central point A, the structure 10 can also be cantilevered to a vertical wall as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

In the arrangement of Figure 7, the centre point A is the highest point of the structure 10. The structure 10 is attached to a vertical wall P. The structure 10 is arranged against the wall P in the shape shown in Figure 4 A so that the sides of two cuboids are flat against the wall P, which means that an edge of two adjacent elements 12, 16 is flush against the wall P. The structure 10 is attached to the wall P at contact points C and point B. The structure 10 is stable in this arrangement.

Figure 8 shows the structure 10 fixed to the wall the other way up. Again, the structure 10 is stable in this configuration.

For compact storage or transportation, the structure 10 can be collapsed. This is shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Thus, Figure 9 A shows folding of the structure 10 about the hinge 14 between elements 12 and 16 and at the hinge 22 between elements 20 and 24. Because of the nature of the hinges 14, 22 as shown in Figure 2, the structure 10 can be folded so that the flat elements 12, 16, 20, 24 fold on to one another to form a compact flat arrangement.

Figure 9B shows the structure collapsing by folding about the other two hinges 18, 26.

Figures 1OA to 1OC show a further embodiment which is similar to the structure 10 except that the cuboid used to define each element 12, 16, 20, 24 is not square in plan and instead is rectangular. In this embodiment, each element is in the form of a parallelogram, but as the cuboid is not square in plan, the sides of the parallelogram are not all the same length and so each element 12, 16, 20, 24 is not diamond shaped but merely parallelogram shaped. Returning to the first embodiment, the structure 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9 can form a unit of a larger structure 52. Thus, a plurality of the units 10 can be connected together, for example, serially in a line in concertina fashion as shown in Figures 1 IA, B and C. Thus, one outer edge 54 and the outer edge 56 of adjacent element 24 on the same side of the unit 10 are connected to the next unit 10. Thus, the edge 54 of the element 12 is connected to the edge 58 of the next unit 10 which is on the opposite side of that unit from the edge 54 of that unit, and the edge 56 is an element 24 and is connected to edge 60 of the element 20 of the next unit 10 which is on the opposite side of the unit 10 from the edge 56 of that unit. Figure l la shows five units 10 attached together in a line. The units 10 are attached together using tape 28, 30 in the same manner as the connections between the elements in each unit. The structure 52 can be used in either way up as shown in Figures 1 IB and 11C. When used with the apexes A as the highest points, then the structure 52 may be suspended from the first and last troughs Dl and D4 as shown in Figure HB. When used the other way up, the structure 52 may be suspended from the penultimate troughs from each end at A2 and A4 as shown in Figure 11C. Alternatively, the structure 52 may be connected to a wall in the manner described in relation to Figures 7 and 8 so that the longitudinal direction of the structure 52 is parallel to the plane of the wall P, or alternatively the structure may be connected to the wall P at the short side so that the longitudinal axis of the structure 52 is perpendicular to the plane of the wall P. Indeed, the structure may be supported on vertical poles which would be received in downwardly facing sockets in the structure located at the suspension positions.

The units 10 may also be connected in an array, for example, a rectangular array as shown in plan in Figure 12. The structure 52 of Figure 12 is a rectangular array of 3 x 4 units. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a rectangular array of 3 x 3 units. The structure can be suspended from the central trough point A by a cord 56 in a similar manner to the embodiment of Figure 6.

Figure 14 shows in side elevation a rectangular array of units 10 to form a structure which supports a flat plate 60 which may form a support surface. Figure 15 shows a unit 10 of a structure in a further embodiment. The same reference numerals will be used for equivalent features and only the differences from the earlier embodiments will be described.

In this embodiment, each element 12, 16, 20, 24 comprises a frame 70. Each frame 70 comprises four elongate members 72 mitred together at their ends to form the diamond shape. Each member 72 defines a rebates 74 which faces towards the centre of the diamond. A flexible insert sheet 76 which can bear an image or a text, is inserted into the frame 70 so that its edges are received in the rebates 74 and it is thus removably held in the frame .70.

The surface 78 of each frame member 72 which faces away from the centre of the diamond is semi cylindrical and carries a plurality of equally spaced ribs 80 along its length, the ribs 80 extending radially outwardly from the semi cylindrical surface 78. Figure 16 is a cross sectional view which shows that each frame member 72 is in the form of a C shape, the arms 82 of the C defining the rebates 74 and the curved back of the C defining the semi cylindrical surface 78. A partition wall 84 extends betweens the arms 82 of the C shape and carries a boss 86 which defines a bore 88 to receive a spindle 90. The bore 88 is substantially on the axis of the semi cylindrical surface 78.

As shown in Figure 16, the ribs 80 of two adjacent elongate members 72 interengage and interdigitate. At spaced positions along each hinged elongate member 72 a slot 94 is provided in the member 72 and a link 92 is provided. The link 92 is an elongate strip with an aperture 96 at each end to receive the spindle 90. Thus, the spindles 90 of the two adjacent frame members 72 are connected through at least one link 92.

The elongate frame members 72 may be aluminium profiles.

This embodiment can be used in the same way as the earlier embodiments but clearly has significantly more strength. Where the structure is used for display, the inserts 76 can be changed easily by simply pushing them out and replacing them with fresh inserts. It is also seen that pivoting of one element will result to interengagement of the elongate frame members 72 and pivoting of the adjacent element by the same angle.

It will be seen that the distance G between the centres of the bores 88 at the hinge joint 14 is substantially the same as the thickness T of frame member 72. In this way the elements can hinge right round so that they lie closely against one another, the frames 70 being in parallel planes as shown in Figure 18. The hinge 14 is thus a 360 mechanical hinge.

While this embodiment can be used as a display, using inserts 76, it can also be used as a structural element so that for example in an arrangement of linked frame units like that shown in Figure 14, the surface 60 could be a floor. In that case there would be no need for inserts 76. In order to provide additional strength, a strut might be provided to cross the short axis of each diamond frame 70.

Figure 19 shows the structure used to form a covered walkway. In this embodiment, the sheets 76 would be fixed in place and made of waterproof material. A plurality of units are connected in series like the arrangement of Figure 1 IB but are supported on rails 100. Each rail 100 comprises an elongate angle member as shown in Figure 20. The low points C of the structure sit on the rails 100. The rails 100 are connected ladder fashion by cross struts 102 at intervals and are supported on flared legs 104 at each end. The rails 100 are supported above head height so that the structure forms a rain proof cover over a walkway beneath the rails 100. When it is dry, the entire structure can be collapsed and left at one end of the rails 100 as shown in Figure 21.

Although the structure is stable in its fully open position, a locking spar may be used, for example between two points C, for additional security. Alternative forms of lock could also be used and a lock might for example be used in the mechanical hinge mechanism.

Figure 22 shows a structure which is similar to the structure of Figure 13. One difference from the embodiment of Figure 13 is that the elements 12, 16, 20, 24 are made of translucent plastic. A bulb 110 is carried by the suspension cord 56 and powered by a wire running along the cord. The structure of Figure 22 also differs from the structure of Figure 13 at three of the corners. The structure of Figure 13 will fold into a compact space efficient shape because all of the elements are the same size and shape. However there is no reason from the point of view of stability of the structure why those elements at the sides and corners of the structure should not have a different shape, provided the pivot axes to them are in the correct position. Thus, the element 2OA at the left hand corner of the structure of Figure 22 is smaller than the standard elements of the structure and has a curved edge linking the corners B, D so that the outermost comer C is not present. The element 16A of the far corner of the structure of Figure 22 is extended to be larger than the standard element of the construction and has an irregular curved outline. The right hand corner of the structure of Figure 22 has a curved free form shape. The corner element 12B is very much larger than the standard size and has a lobed shape. The adjacent elements 16B and 24B in the four element unit are also extended at their outer edges as is the element 16C of the adjacent unit. The structure of Figure 22 has the same stability and ability to fold as the structure of Figure 13, but the fact that it has extended panels means that in its folded form it will not be so compact. The freedom to design the shape of the edges of the structure however means that more interesting surfaces can be designed to attract the attention of someone in the vicinity of the structure.

Figs 23A to C show a structure in a further embodiment. The same reference numerals will be used for equivalent features. Only the differences from earlier embodiments will be described.

The structure of this embodiment consists of a 2x3 array of six diamond shaped elements 12, 16, 20, 24, 110, 112. The structure is stood on end and the lower edges of the two lower elements 12, 16 are fixed to a triangular plinth 114 so that they cannot move. This prevents the structure collapsing and folding up under its own weight. The structure thus stands upright. Each element 12, 16, 20, 24, 110, 112 is similar to the elements of the structure of Figures 15 to 18 in that each comprises a frame 170. Each frame 170 comprises four elongate members 172 mitred together at their ends to form the diamond shape. Each member 172 defines a rebate 74 which faces towards the centre of the diamond. A flexible insert sheet 76 which can bear an image or a text, is inserted into the frame 170 so that its edges are received in the rebates 74 and it is thus removably held in the frame 70. However, in this embodiment, the hinge 116 is not an integral part of each member 172. Each member 172 is of a channel profile with an undercut projection 118 extending from the opposite side from the rebate 74, as shown in Figure 24. A hinge part 116 has a complementary undercut channel 120 to receive the undercut projection 118 on the member 172 to mount the hinge part 116 to the member 172. Also, whereas in the previous embodiment, the hinge and its ribs 80 extend over the whole length of the member 72, in the present embodiment the hinge part 116 is much shorter than the length of the member 172 being only about one fifth of the length of the member 172 to which it is attached. This reduces cost and facilitates manufacture and assembly. The hinge part 116 otherwise works in the same way and has the same features as the hinge of the previous embodiment.

The hinge parts 116 and the members 172 may be made from aluminium as extruded profiles.

The hinge parts 116 need not be central as shown in Figure 23 and instead may be offset for example towards the upright centreline of the structure.

Figs 25A to D show another embodiment of the invention. The structure in this embodiment is very similar to that of Figures 23 and 24 and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.

In the structure of this embodiment, the elements 12, 16, 20, 24, 110. 112, 130, 132 are in a 4x2 array rather than a 3x2 array, which again is upright and mounted on a plinth

114. The structure is removably mounted to the plinth 114 and a motor 136

(constituting the aforesaid "mover means") is mounted on the plinth 114. The motor 136 is arranged to reciprocate an arm 138, the distal end 140 of which is connected to the lower outside corner 142 of one of the lower elements 16. The outside corner 144 of the other lower element 12 is pivotally fixed to the plinth 114 by means of a spigot (not shown) depending from the element 12 and received in a complementary rebate (not shown) in the plinth 114.

In use, when the motor 136 reciprocates the arm 138, that moves the lower, outer corner 142 of the element 16 in relation to the fixed corner 144 which creates movement in the entire structure. Thus the structure will move about a vertical axis in the direction to open and close as shown by arrow A in Figure 25A and the structure will also move about a horizontal axis as shown by arrow B in Figure 25A so that the height of the structure will increase and decrease as the arm 138 is moved backwards and forwards by the motor 136. Such movement is much more eye catching than a static structure.

When the structure is to be put away or transported, it can be detached from the plinth 114 and motor 136. It can then be folded up in the direction of arrow A in Figure 25A to result in the compact arrangement shown in Figure 25 C. Alternatively, the structure can be folded in the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 25A to result in the compact arrangement shown in Figure 25D.

In another embodiment, the motor 136 may be within the plinth 114 and may act on a spigot depending from the corner 140 of the lower end panel 16. In that case there may be a curved slot in the upper surface of the plinth 114 and the spigot may move along the slot as the arm 138 is reciprocated. The motor 136 and arm 138 will thus be hidden inside the plinth 114.

In another embodiment, both lower corners 140, 144 may be driven so that the structure may move symmetrically about a fixed vertical axis.

The upper surface 145 ofthe plinth 1 14 may be mirrored to reflect the elements when viewed by a person 143 and naturally this is particularly effective where the motor 136 and arm 138 are hidden within the plinth 114 so that the entire upper surface of the plinth 114 can be reflective.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 26A and 26B. The structure in this embodiment is in the form of a tube. The structure is similar to the embodiment of Figures 25 A to D and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.

The structure of the embodiment of Figure 25 has elements in a 4x2 array. The structure of the present embodiment can be considered as two such 4x2 arrays hingedly connected together at their outer long edges to form a tube or hollow tower 148 that is four elements long and four elements in circumference. The plinth 114 and motor 136 of the last embodiment are not present. The tube 148 is held upright so that it does not collapse by inserting a thick square slab 150 into the lower end of the tube. Figure 26B shows the tube 148 in the collapsed condition for transport or storage, with the slab 150 removed.

The tube 148 has an unusual shape which is eye catching and may be used for example as a display.

It is thus seen that the structure of the embodiments is very versatile and has a number of different potential uses.

Where the structure is to be used as a display, it transforms the way in which valuable head space can be used to maximise effect without structural alterations to existing premises. Installation is simple, as is removal or relocation. The structure can be suspended below an existing ceiling. It can be used as an individual feature, or can form a completely new ceiling in itself. The system can be preassembled off site and can travel in collapsed form to the site. When opened out it is a naturally self supporting structure that only requires a minimum number of suspension or support points. In the case of the frame embodiment, the graphic content can be inserted when at ground level before the structure is elevated into position, or alternatively the graphic content can be inserted when the structure is in situ. To change the graphics, the structure can be lowered or again it can be done in situ. The graphics can be produced on a variety of substrates to suit the application, from solid panels to stretched sail shapes. The fully assembled system with or without graphics can be folded into the collapsed form for relocation. The structure can be made in any desired module size depending upon the number of units used.

The elements are plate shaped. The elements have one dimension smaller than the other two.

Claims

1. A structure comprising a plurality of elements linked in a ring, each element being connected to the next element in the ring through a hinge having a pivot axis, the sum of the angles between respective adjacent pivot axes of the hinges being less than 360^° and more than 0^°.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises at least four elements linked in a ring.

3. A structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the structure comprises four elements linked in a ring.

4. A structure as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each element has a straight edge parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge connecting that element to the next element.

5. A structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein each element is parallelogram shaped.

6. A structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one element is in the shape of a non-square parallelogram in plan.

7. A structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein each element is in the shape of a non-square parallelogram in plan.

8. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each element is generally flat.

9. A structure comprising a plurality of generally flat elements, each element being in the shape of a non-square parallelogram in plan, the elements being connected edge to edge through hinges.

10. A structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of elements linked in a ring.

11. A structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the structure comprises at least four elements linked in a ring.

12. A structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the structure comprises four elements linked in a ring.

13. A structure as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the sum of the angles between respective adjacent pivot axes of the hinges between the said elements in a ring is less than 360^° and more than 0^°.

14. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13, wherein the sum of the angles between respective adjacent pivot axes of the hinges is 270^° or greater.

15. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, 13 and 14, wherein the angle between two adjacent pivot axes is the same as the angle between the other two opposite pivot axes.

16. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, 13, 14 and 15, wherein the angle from one pivot axis through one adjacent pivot axis to the opposite pivot axis is the same as the angle from the first pivot axis through the other adjacent pivot axis to the opposite pivot axis.

17. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 16, wherein the angles between all of the adjacent axes are the same.

18. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 17, wherein the angle between no two adjacent pivot axes is greater than 90^°.

19. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 18, wherein the angle between no two adjacent pivot axes is greater than 85^°.

20. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 33 to 19, wherein the angle between no two adjacent pivot axes is greater than 80^°.

21. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 20, wherein two of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not more than 90°.

22. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 21, wherein two of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not more than 85^°.

23. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 22, wherein two of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not more than 80^°.

24. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 23, wherein three of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not greater than 90^°.

25. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 24, wherein three of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not greater than 85^°.

26. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 25, wherein three of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are not greater than 80^°.

27. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 26, wherein all of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are less than 90^°.

28. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 27, wherein all of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are less than 85^°.

29. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and 13 to 28, wherein all of the angles between adjacent pivot axes are less than 80^°.

30. A structure as claimed in any of claims 8 to 29, wherein the structure is arranged such that two adjacent elements can be folded about two hinges to lie closely against the opposite two elements in the ring.

31. A structure as claimed in claim 30, wherein the structure is such that any two adjacent elements can be pivoted to lie closely against any two opposite adjacent elements.

32. A structure as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the elements are hinged so that two adjacent elements can be pivotted to lie in a parallel plane with the other two opposite adjacent elements.

33. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each hinge is capable of pivoting through 360^°.

34. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each hinge is a mechanical hinge.

35. A structure as claimed in claim 34, wherein the hinge comprises a link pivotally connected to each of two adjacent elements at spaced apart positions along the link.

36. A structure as claimed in claim 35, wherein the said positions at which the link is connected to each of two adjacent elements are sufficiently spaced apart that the elements can lie closely against one another.

37. A structure as claimed in claim 35, wherein the said positions at which the link is connected to each of two adjacent elements are sufficiently spaced apart that the elements can lie in parallel planes with one another.

38. A structure as claimed in claim 35, wherein the said positions at which the link is connected to each of two adjacent elements are spaced apart by at least the same distance as half the sum of the thicknesses of the two elements.

39. A structure as claimed in claim 35, wherein the said positions at which the link is connected to each of two adjacent elements are spaced apart by substantially the same distance as half the sum of the thicknesses of the two elements.

40. A structure as claimed in any of claims 34 to 39, wherein the hinge includes two members having part cylindrical surfaces, the part cylindrical surfaces including formations, such as ribs, to engage with one another such that the two members roll with respect to one another as the hinge is opened or closed and such that pivoting of one element will result, through the interengagement of the formation on the members, in pivoting of the adjacent element by the same angle.

41. A structure as claimed in any of claims 34 to 40, wherein the elements are linked such that pivoting of one element results in pivoting of the adjacent element by the same angle.

42. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 33, wherein each hinge is a live hinge

43. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each element comprises a rigid, planar element.

44. A structure as claimed in claim 43 when dependent on claim 42, wherein each element is integral with a live hinge.

45. A structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 42, wherein each element comprises a peripheral frame

46. A structure as claimed in claim 45, wherein each frame supports a panel spanning the frame.

47. A structure as claimed in claim 46, wherein each panel is removable.

48. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elements are opaque or translucent.

49. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, and where the structure includes elements linked in a ring, wherein the structure includes at least one further element connected to at least one of the said elements of the ring through a hinge.

50. A structure as claimed in claim 49, wherein the or each additional element is connected so that it is in a zig-zag or concertina arrangement with the elements of the ring.

51. A structure as claimed in claim 50, wherein a further ring of elements is connected edge to edge with the first through hinges so that the structure may be made up of a plurality of the said rings.

52. A structure as claimed in claim 51, wherein the further ring of elements is connected through hinges edge to edge with the first at two opposite edges of the first ring.

53. A structure as claimed in claim 52, wherein the structure is in the form of a tube.

54. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elements are diamond shaped.

55. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a fixing point is provided at at least one downwardly facing apex of the structure for attachment to a suspension wire, cord or the like.

56. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein attachment means is provided along one peripheral edge of the structure to enable attachment to a wall.

57. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a socket or other attachment means is provided at at least one downwardly facing apex of the structure.

58. The combination of at least one cord, wire or the like and a structure as claimed in claim 55.

59. The combination of a structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 57 and a pair of rails to support opposite edges of the structure.

60. The combination of a structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 57 and a flat surface covering the structure.

61. The combination as claimed in claim 60 wherein the flat surface forms a floor supported by the structure.

62. The combination of a structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 57 and mover means to move at least part of the structure.

63. The combination as claimed in claim 62, wherein the mover means is arranged to move one element, and another element is arranged to be fixed.