Patent ID: 6832461
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: B32B,E04C

Abstract:
A structural member comprising:a top member; a bottom member extending generally parallel to and beneath the top member; and a plurality of wing members positioned between the top member and the bottom member; wherein each wing member has a center segment which is hinged to the bottom member to pivot about a first axis and hinged to the top member to pivot about a second axis which is parallel to the first axis; and wherein at least one wing extends from each wing member center segment along a wing axis which extends between and is perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, the at least one wing being biased to move about said wing axis to project out of a first plane defined between the first axis and the second axis, such that the structural member is transformable from a first collapsed condition to an expanded condition in which the wings project out of the first planes to thereby support the top member above the bottom member and to resist the return of the structural member to the collapsed condition.