US5701713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable truss
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1996-03-29
•
Granted: 1997-12-30
•
Expires: 2016-03-29
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable truss is made up of a chain of truss elements sharing common edges. Pairs of adjacent elements are pivotally joined at their common edges, these shared edges acting as hinges. Tension cables are slidably received at the ends of each hinge. The truss can be erected by providing tensile forces in the tension cables. The precise angle of a specific hinge is controlled by actuators driving mechanical linkages connecting the adjacent truss elements associated with that hinge. The mechanical linkages serve to guide the amount of the forces from the cables which are applied to the hinge. In this way, the truss as a whole can be adjusted through an infinite range of configurational changes in three dimensions. The tension cables can be clamped at each hinge end, locking the selected hinge angles and pre-stressing the overall structure. In this way, the truss elements bear the compressive loads, while the cables bear the tensile loads. The truss can alternatively be erected using either the tension cables or the mechanical linkages alone.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel J. Silver
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 18:09
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04C; E04C3/00; E04C3/02; E04C3/04; E04C3/10; E04C3/005; E04C3/08; E04C3/11; E04C2003/0486; E04C2003/0495
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
An adjustable truss structure comprising: (a) a plurality of truss elements; and (b) hinges pivotally connecting at least three successive truss elements, wherein not all hinges are parallel; wherein at least one said hinge has a means for adjusting the angle between its associated truss elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
46 words
An adjustable truss structure comprising: (a) a plurality of truss elements; and (b) hinges pivotally connecting at least three successive truss elements, wherein not all hinges are parallel; wherein at least one said hinge has a means for adjusting the angle between its associated truss elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 1, wherein said hinges are in N sets, every Nth hinge being in the same set, and all hinges in a set being substantially parallel when the longitudinal axis of the truss structure is a straight line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 1, wherein successive hinges are substantially orthogonal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 1 wherein the truss elements are tetrahedra.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 1 wherein the truss elements are comprised of struts joined at their ends, forming a framework.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 1 wherein the truss elements are comprised of solid plates joined at their edges, forming a solid-faced body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 1, wherein the truss elements are arranged in a closed loop configuration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 2, further comprising: (a) clamping means affixed to the end of each hinge; and (b) a pair of structural members bearing tensile loads associated with each set of said hinges, wherein said clamping means releasably clamps said members at intermediate points along said members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 2, wherein at least one hinge has an adjustment assembly for adjusting the angle between its associated truss elements, and further comprising actuating means associated with each adjustment assembly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 9, wherein said adjustment assembly comprises a mechanical linkage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 9 wherein the adjustment assembly is removable from the truss.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The adjustable truss structure of claim 2, wherein one end of every hinge in one set of hinges is releasably connected to its associated truss elements, such that the shape of the truss elements can be deformed, allowing the truss to be compressed.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
105 words
An adjustable truss structure comprising: (a) a plurality of tetrahedral truss elements; (b) two sets of hinges pivotally connecting at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements; (c) a pair of tension cables associated with each set of hinges; (d) cable clamping means affixed to at least one end of each hinge, wherein said clamping means releasably clamps said cables at intermediate points along said cables; (e) at least one hinge having an associated mechanical linkage for adjusting the angle between the truss elements associated with said hinge, said mechanical linkage being removable from the truss; and (f) actuating means associated with each mechanical linkage.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
105 words
An adjustable truss structure comprising: (a) a plurality of tetrahedral truss elements; (b) two sets of hinges pivotally connecting at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements; (c) a pair of tension cables associated with each set of hinges; (d) cable clamping means affixed to at least one end of each hinge, wherein said clamping means releasably clamps said cables at intermediate points along said cables; (e) at least one hinge having an associated mechanical linkage for adjusting the angle between the truss elements associated with said hinge, said mechanical linkage being removable from the truss; and (f) actuating means associated with each mechanical linkage.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) selecting a hinge to be adjusted; (e) applying a force to at least one of the associated truss elements on either side of said selected hinge, to adjust the hinge angle defined by the relative positions of said associated truss elements; (f) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angle selected in step (e); and (g) repeating the steps (d)-(f) for other hinges as necessary.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) selecting a hinge to be adjusted; (e) applying a force to at least one of the associated truss elements on either side of said selected hinge, to adjust the hinge angle defined by the relative positions of said associated truss elements; (f) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angle selected in step (e); and (g) repeating the steps (d)-(f) for other hinges as necessary.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) applying tensile forces to selected tension cables such that truss elements lift off the surface into an erected form; and (e) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angles achieved in step (d).
Claim 19
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) applying tensile forces to selected tension cables such that truss elements lift off the surface into an erected form; and (e) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angles achieved in step (d).
Claim 20
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) applying tensile forces to selected tension cables such that truss elements lift off the surface into an erected form; (e) selecting a hinge to be adjusted; (f) applying a force to at least one of the associated truss elements on either side of said selected hinge, to adjust the hinge angle defined by the relative positions of said associated truss elements; (g) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angle selected in step (f); and (h) repeating the steps (e)-(g) for other hinges as necessary.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) applying tensile forces to selected tension cables such that truss elements lift off the surface into an erected form; (e) selecting a hinge to be adjusted; (f) applying a force to at least one of the associated truss elements on either side of said selected hinge, to adjust the hinge angle defined by the relative positions of said associated truss elements; (g) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angle selected in step (f); and (h) repeating the steps (e)-(g) for other hinges as necessary.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges, wherein the relative position of said adjacent truss elements define the hinge angle of the hinges connecting them, and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) applying tensile forces to selected tension cables such that truss elements lift off the surface into an erected form, and while applying said tensile forces, controlling the amount of said tensile forces applied to at least one of said hinges, so as to control the adjustment of the hinge angle of said at least one of said hinges; and (e) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angles achieved in step (d).
Claim 23
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges, wherein the relative position of said adjacent truss elements define the hinge angle of the hinges connecting them, and not all hinges are parallel; (c) connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges; (d) applying tensile forces to selected tension cables such that truss elements lift off the surface into an erected form, and while applying said tensile forces, controlling the amount of said tensile forces applied to at least one of said hinges, so as to control the adjustment of the hinge angle of said at least one of said hinges; and (e) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angles achieved in step (d).
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of constructing an adjustable truss structure of claim 17, wherein the amount of said tensile forces applied to at least one of said hinges is controlled by at least one mechanical linkage.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel, and such that a closed loop of truss elements is formed; (c) adjusting the hinge angles defined by the relative positions of truss elements in a first portion of the closed loop of truss elements, to permit said first portion to conform to the shape of the surface; and (d) adjusting the hinge angles defined by the relative positions of truss elements in a second portion of the closed loop of truss elements.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of constructing an adjustable truss structure, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging a plurality of truss elements on a surface; (b) pivotally connecting truss elements such that at least two pairs of adjacent truss elements are connected by hinges and not all hinges are parallel, and such that a closed loop of truss elements is formed; (c) adjusting the hinge angles defined by the relative positions of truss elements in a first portion of the closed loop of truss elements, to permit said first portion to conform to the shape of the surface; and (d) adjusting the hinge angles defined by the relative positions of truss elements in a second portion of the closed loop of truss elements.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
112 words
The method of constructing an adjustable truss structure of claim 19 further comprising the step of connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges, and wherein the step of adjusting said second portion of the closed loop of truss elements comprises: (a) selecting a hinge to be adjusted; (b) applying a force to at least one of the associated truss elements on either side of said selected hinge, to adjust the hinge angle defined by the relative positions of said associated truss elements; (c) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angle selected in step (b); and (d) repeating the steps (a)-(c) for other hinges as necessary.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
93 words
The method of constructing an adjustable truss structure of claim 19 further comprising the step of connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges, and wherein the step of adjusting said second portion of the closed loop of truss elements comprises: (a) applying tensile forces in the portion of the tension cables associated with said second portion of the closed loop, such that said second portion lifts off the surface into an erected form; and (b) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angles achieved in step (a).
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
145 words
The method of constructing an adjustable truss structure of claim 19 further comprising the step of connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges, and wherein the step of adjusting said second portion of the closed loop of truss elements comprises: (a) applying tensile forces in the portion of the tension cables associated with said second portion of the closed loop, such that said second portion lifts off the surface into an erected form; (b) selecting a hinge to be adjusted; (c) applying a force to at least one of the associated truss elements on either side of said selected hinge, to adjust the hinge angle defined by the relative positions of said associated truss elements; (d) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angle selected in step (c); and (e) repeating the steps (b)-(d) for other hinges as necessary.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
131 words
The method of constructing an adjustable truss structure of claim 19 further comprising the step of connecting tension cables to the ends of a plurality of said hinges, and wherein the step of adjusting said second portion of the closed loop of truss elements comprises: (a) applying tensile forces in the portion of the tension cables associated with said second portion of the closed loop, such that said second portion lifts off the surface into an erected form, and while applying said tensile forces, controlling the amount of said tensile forces applied to at least one of said hinges, so as to control the adjustment the hinge angle of said at least one of said hinges; and (e) clamping the tension cables to maintain the hinge angles achieved in step (d).
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of constructing an adjustable truss structure of claim 23, wherein the amount of said tensile forces applied to at least one of said hinges is controlled by at least one mechanical linkage.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-12-29 | 2001-06-30 | 2001-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-12-29 | 2005-06-30 | 2005-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-12-29 | 2009-06-30 | 2009-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |