US3593481A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Extensible structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-03-19
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Granted: 1971-07-20
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Expires: 1989-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A structure adapted to be extended from a compact form to a greatly elongated form to provide a vertically extending tower or a horizontally extending bridge or the like. The main structural members are similar to lazy tongs and the sides of the structure are formed of pivotally connected panels adapted to be nested in side by side relation in the compact form and opened into coplanar relationship in the extended form. Locking means is provided for fixedly connecting the extended sections together to provide the equivalent of a rigid structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Tom T Mikulin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:27
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H12/00; E04H12/18; E04H12/187
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
A structure adapted to be extended from a compact form to a greatly elongated form to provide a vertically extending tower or a horizontally extending bridge and the like comprising: a plurality of sections, each of said sections including at least two sides interconnected at their corresponding ends by transversely extending rigid connecting members, each of said sides comprising a pair of similar panels pivotally connected together to permit said panels to be swung outwardly to a nested position in side by side relationship and to swing about their pivot into substantially coplanar relationShip to form one of said sides, means preventing said panels from swinging inwardly of said section from said coplanar relationship and nestable bracing means extending generally diagonally of each section when the structure is extended, said structure being of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and said two sides are spaced apart in opposed relation, interengaging elements carried by said sides respectively and adapted to cooperate and connect said sides together when said structure is extended, said interengaging elements including an elongated bar carried at one end by one side and connected at its opposite end to the other side when the structure is extended.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
A structure adapted to be extended from a compact form to a greatly elongated form to provide a vertically extending tower or a horizontally extending bridge and the like comprising: a plurality of sections, each of said sections including at least two sides interconnected at their corresponding ends by transversely extending rigid connecting members, each of said sides comprising a pair of similar panels pivotally connected together to permit said panels to be swung outwardly to a nested position in side by side relationship and to swing about their pivot into substantially coplanar relationShip to form one of said sides, means preventing said panels from swinging inwardly of said section from said coplanar relationship and nestable bracing means extending generally diagonally of each section when the structure is extended, said structure being of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and said two sides are spaced apart in opposed relation, interengaging elements carried by said sides respectively and adapted to cooperate and connect said sides together when said structure is extended, said interengaging elements including an elongated bar carried at one end by one side and connected at its opposite end to the other side when the structure is extended.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
153 words
A structure adapted to be extended from a compact form to a greatly elongated form to provide a vertically extending tower or a horizontally extending bridge or the like comprising: a plurality of sections, each of said sections including at least two sides interconnected at their opposite ends by connecting members, each of said sides comprising a pair of similar panels pivotally connected together to permit said panels to be swung to a nested position in side by side relationship and to swing about their pivot into substantially coplanar relationship to form one of said sides, a pair of elongated braces pivotally connected together at one end and pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the opposite ends of a side respectively, means establishing a fixed support at a point about centrally of each section and means for connecting said braces to said support at their pivotal connection when said structure is extended.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
153 words
A structure adapted to be extended from a compact form to a greatly elongated form to provide a vertically extending tower or a horizontally extending bridge or the like comprising: a plurality of sections, each of said sections including at least two sides interconnected at their opposite ends by connecting members, each of said sides comprising a pair of similar panels pivotally connected together to permit said panels to be swung to a nested position in side by side relationship and to swing about their pivot into substantially coplanar relationship to form one of said sides, a pair of elongated braces pivotally connected together at one end and pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the opposite ends of a side respectively, means establishing a fixed support at a point about centrally of each section and means for connecting said braces to said support at their pivotal connection when said structure is extended.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A structure according to claim 2 wherein a second pair of elongated braces similar to said first pair are provided and are pivotally connected to the other side of the section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A structure according to claim 3 wherein said second pair of braces are also connected to said fixed support when said structure is extended.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A structure according to claim 2 wherein said means establishing a fixed support includes an elongated bar connected at one end to one side of a section and adapted to extend transversely of the length of said structure when the latter is extended.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A structure according to claim 5 wherein means is provided for connecting the other end of said bar to the opposite side of the section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A structure according to claim 6 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a shaft adapted to engage said other end of said bar.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-19 | 1975-01-18 | 1975-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-19 | 1979-01-18 | 1979-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-19 | 1983-01-18 | 1983-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |