Patent GB-483364-A (GB)
Title: Assembly of linked elements capable of transformation from a flexible into a rigid structure and vice versa
IPC: F16C1/20
Filed: 1936-07-13
Abstract: 483,364. Flexible members adapted to form struts; racks. LE ROY, M. July 13, 1936, No. 19406. Convention date, July 13, 1935. [Classes 80 (i) and 80 (iii)] An assembly of linked elements capable of transformation from a flexible into a rigid structure and vice versa, comprises a number of interconnected sections each section comprising a number of said elements and each element being linked in the transverse and longitudinal directions to adjacent elements so as to form a band or strip capable of being wound or rolled when said elements are in a common plane, the connection of said elements enabling the band or strip to be folded longitudinally to form a rigid prism. The assembly which is normally in the form of a flexible chain wound on a drum, comprises juxtaposed sections each of which consists of three elements 2, 3, 4, Figs. 2, 4. The elements 3, 4 are hinged to the element 2 by pins 5 and their outer ends 3a, 4a are so constructed as to interlock, Fig. 2, when they are folded about the pins 5. The elements 2 are permanently connected together by links 6, pivoted on pins 9, and the elements 3, 4 are connected by links 7, 8 pivoted at one end on pins 10, 11 the other ends being detachable from one of a pair of corresponding elements, the links serving to hold the sections together. Elements 3 and 4, i.e. with nose 3a and recess 4b, Figs. 2, 4, alternate. The elements are folded to transform the flexible member into a strut by passing a transforming device c constituted by two fingers 12 adapted to engage helical ribs 14 on the elements 3, and 15 on the elements 4. Each element has permanently pivoted thereto one end of the links 7, 8 the other end of the links carrying a pin 10c, 11c adapted to seat within notches 10b, 11b in the side faces of slots 10a, 11a in an adjacent element. During folding, the pins 10c, 11c leave the notches of the next following section, and when this section is, in turn, folded the notches are again brought over the pins. The rib 14 has a greater inclination than rib 15 and terminates in a straight portion 14a so that rotation of element 3 with the projection 3a terminates before that of element 4. The result is the formation of a non-distortable prismatic beam or strut. The beam is passed through the device c by a wheel 16, Fig. 3, coupled through a differential gear with the drum on which the member is wound, the wheel engaging a rack formed by the pivot pins 9. When moved in the opposite direction, transformation from a rigid to a flexible member occurs. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 describes also a construction in which the links which resist tensile stresses are arranged to be within the beam when the elements have been folded. The middle elements are indicated at 22, Figs. 5, 6 (Cancelled), the outer elements 23, 24, being connected thereto by pins 25 in lugs 22a .. 24a. The elements 22 are connected to one another by links 26 permanently jointed to bosses 22b by pins 29, 29a at both ends. Alternate elements 23, 24 are connected by links 27, 28 of which 27 is permanently connected to a boss 23b or 24b by a pin 30 and detachably pivoted by a pin 30a to a boss 24b or 23b of an adjacent element 24 or 23 at its opposite ends, this pin 30a freely fitting into a notch 24c or 23c of this boss. Each link 28 is likewise jointed to a boss 23b or 24b of an element 23 or 24 by a pin 31 at one end and detachably pivoted by a pin 31a on a boss 24b or 23b at its opposite end, this pin freely fitting into a notch 24c or 23c of this boss. Finally, the links 27, 28 on opposite sides of the link 26 are permanently jointed to the latter by pins 27a, 28a in alignment with the pins 25. Interlocking of the elements 23, 24 is effected by projections 23d and recesses 24d. In a modification, the elements of each face of the beam are tightly held against each other by cables two of which serve as pivots for connecting the middle element to the outer elements. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.