The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 31, 1978
Filed:
Apr. 12, 1977
Edward D O'Brian, Anaheim, CA (US);
William M Plachy, San Marcos, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Folding structures useful for a variety of different utilitarian and play purposes can be constructed so as to utilize a Sarrus linkage modified so as to include an overcenter toggle mechanism to reinforce the linkage against inadvertent or undesired folding from an expanded position. As used in accordance with the invention such a Sarrus linkage includes two non-folding members or walls which are connected by two separate folding wall structures. Each of such wall structures includes two non-folding parts, an intermediate hinge connecting such parts, and edge hinges connecting such parts to the non-folding members or walls. At least one of the connecting wall structures is formed so as to serve as an overcenter toggle which is capable of holding the two non-folding members or walls in the expanded position while the other of the connecting wall structures serves to limit the movement of the non-folding members or walls away from one another so as to serve to apply pressure on the connecting wall structure serving as the toggle. The folding structures of the invention are useful as various different types of play equipment but are considered to have other utility.