Adjustable Structures
OwnerPaul Harkininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adjustable structure (1) comprising a first structural layer (10) defined by a first array of extendable and/or retractable rods or beams (11, 11a, 11b) pivotally connected to each other at their ends and a second structural layer (20) connected to the first structural layer (10) and defined by a second array of extendable and/or retractable rods or beams (21, 21a, 21b) pivotally connected to each other at their ends, wherein at least a portion of the second layer (20) is outside the volume defined by the first structural layer (10) and the extendable and/or retractable rods or beams in the second array are more densely packed than the extendable and/or retractable rods or beams in the first array.
Claims21
1-75. (canceled)
An adjustable structure comprising an array of beams pivotally connected together by two or more joined lines, each beam comprising a beam connector connecting one of the lines to the beam, at least one of the beam connectors comprising a barrel within which the line is held and a tension adjustor connecting the line to the barrel, wherein the tension adjustor is threadedly engaged with the barrel such that rotation, in use, of the tension adjustor relative to the barrel adjusts the line along the barrel to adjust the tension in the line.
An adjustable structure comprising an array of beams pivotally connected together by one or more tension joints, each tension joint comprising a beam connector including two or more joined lines connected to adjacent beam ends, wherein at least one of the lines is adjustably connected to at least one beam by a threaded tension adjustor configured to adjust tension in the line on rotation.
A beam connector for connecting a line to a beam, the beam connector comprising a barrel within which the line is held and a tension adjustor connecting the line to the barrel, the tension adjustor having a first telescopic element that threadedly engages the barrel and radially engages a second telescopic element such that relative rotation therebetween is prevented while permitting axial telescopic movement therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.