Patent ID: 6766623
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: E04B,E04H,E06B

Abstract:
A foldable, deployable framework for a structure, comprising:a lower hub having a first central axis; a set of three or more equal-length tracks each having a first track end pivotally attached to the lower hub such that each track pivots in a separate track plane parallel to the first axis; a set of three or more masts of equal length, the number of masts equal to the number of tracks, each mast having a first mast end pivotally and translatably attached to one of the three tracks such that the masts pivot on the tracks in planes parallel to the planes of the attached tracks, and the first mast ends are free to translate along the length of the joined track; a set of three or more rafters of equal length greater than the length of either masts or tracks, the number of rafters equal to the number of masts, each rafter having a first rafter end pivotally attached at a second mast end, opposite the first mast end, to one of the three masts, such that the rafters pivot in planes adjacent to and parallel to the pivot planes of the attached masts and tracks; and an upper hub having a second central axis coaxial with the first central axis of the lower hub, with each rafter pivotally attached to the upper hub in a manner allowing the rafters to pivot in their respective rafter planes; characterized in that the framework deployed has the tracks in a common plane substantially orthogonal to the first axis, defining, with the lower hub, a structure floor, has the masts each at substantially a right angle to the joined track, at an end of the tracks furthest from the lower hub, adjacent masts defining structure walls, and the rafters at an obtuse angle to the joined masts such that the axes of the upper and lower hubs remain coaxial, the rafters and upper hub defining a structure roof.