Other

Martin Marietta Corporation

John V Coyner

Robert A Frosch

William H Tobey

John M Hedgepeth

Robert F Crawford

William J Gardner

A deployable truss which includes at least one foldable module. Each module includes two fixed frames, two gate assemblies, two base members and diagonal braces which are arranged for folding compactly. Foldable panels can also be attached to the module. The truss can include multiple modules sharing common fixed frames or common gate assemblies.

Deployable truss

The present invention is in the field of collapsible structural members. It discloses a foldable beam possessing superior qualities of: light weight, compactness for transportation, quick deployment with minimum use of force, and high strength. These qualities are achieved through the use of a series of longitudinally rigid segments, hinged along one side and threaded by one or two cables along the opposite side. Tightening the cables holds the beam extended. Loosening the cables permits the segments to fold away from the threaded side. In one embodiment the segments are connected by canted hinges with the result that the beam may be folded in a helix-like configuration around a cylinder. In another embodiment the segments themselves may be hinged to fold flat laterally as the beam is folded, resulting in a configuration that may be helixed around a shorter cylinder.

Foldable beam

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Conifer, CO, United States of America

John V Coyner