US 11,304,524 B2 · Surface adaptive tension-compression base structure and apparatus using the same

Abstract

A tension-compression base structure includes tension elements (such as flexible cables or ropes) and compression elements (such as rigid legs) with a slidably adjustable path for the tension elements around or within the compression elements, thereby enabling a degree of adaptability to support surfaces that may not be ideally flat, such as on outdoor terrain. Such a tension-compression base may be used to support a platform that may be desirably held in a preferred orientation irrespective of terrain irregularities. Height adjustment of the platform can be achieved via a telescoping mechanism, a gas spring, or the like, at the one or both ends of the compression members of the structure. A spring or other compliant member inline with the “loop” tension member can be included. The spring also can remove the requirement for fine adjustments of tension elements during normal service. The spring can benefit various tension-compression base structures.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A tension-compression base structure comprising:

at least three independent, physically separate compression elements, each having a first end and a second end;
at least one tension element;
a constraint at the first end of the structure, the constraint operable to hold each of the first ends of the compression elements in a desired configuration;
and
at least one tensioning member is provided inline with the at least one tension element to provide a predetermined tension therein, wherein
the at least one tension element connects one of the compression elements near the first end thereof to another of the compression elements near the second end thereof, holding the compression elements and the at least one tension element in a pre-stressed static equilibrium position;
the at least one tension element is configured to be slidably adjusted with respect to at least one of the second ends of the compression elements;
and
the at least one tensioning member is a spring.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Surface adaptive tension-compression base structure and apparatus using the same

Life of this patent

Surface adaptive tension-compression base structure and apparatus using the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19