Patent ID: 8210473
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: B60F,B64C

Abstract:
1. A wing folding mechanism comprising: a) a first wing section, b) at least one of a vehicle and a second wing section, c) a hinge connecting the first wing section to at least one of the vehicle and the second wing section, wherein the hinge defines a hinge pivot axis disposed proximate at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the first wing section, d) a first stationary linkage located on at least one of the vehicle and the second wing section, the first linkage defining a first stationary pivot axis that is substantially parallel to but not co-linear with the hinge pivot axis, e) a second linkage joined to the first linkage along the first pivot axis, f) a third linkage joined to the second linkage along a second pivot axis that is substantially parallel to but not co-linear with the first pivot axis and the hinge pivot axis, g) a fourth linkage connected to the third linkage along a third pivot axis that is substantially parallel to but not co-linear with any of the second pivot axis, the first pivot axis, and the hinge pivot axis, and connected to the first wing section, and h) an actuator connected to the second linkage, wherein the actuator is adapted to rotate the second linkage so that the second pivot axis is positionable in an over top-dead-center location.