Patent classifications
E04C3/00
EXTENDIBLE MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for extendible membranes, such as solar arrays. Some embodiments include an extendible membrane system that may include: an extendible central column; one or more membranes; and/or one or more foldable membrane supports configured to support the one or more membranes. Each of the one or more foldable membrane supports may be configured to extend from the extendible central column. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or more foldable membrane supports includes two or more segments that may be configured to couple with each other. Some embodiments include a method of deploying one or more membranes that may include unfolding one or more foldable membrane supports from a folded configuration to a linear configuration. Some embodiments include an extendible membrane device with one or more membranes and one or more foldable membrane supports configured to support the one or more membranes.
A SANDWICH CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT WITH AN OPEN CORE STRUCTURE COMPOSED OF CLOSE PACKED TETRAHEDRA
A sandwich construction element (100) is disclosed. The sandwich construction element comprises a first element (101) with a face, extending in a longitudinal direction with a thickness and a height being smaller than the longitudinal length, and a second element (102) with a face, extending in the same longitudinal direction as the first element with a thickness and a height being smaller than the longitudinal length, wherein the second element is facing the flat face of the first element (101). The sandwich construction element further comprises an open core structure (103) arranged between, and operatively connected to the first element (101) and the second element (102), wherein the open core structure comprises a plurality of close packed tetraeder structures (201).
Locking mechanism for deployable booms
A boom deployment mechanism is disclosed. The boom deployment mechanism may include a boom, a root plug, and a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the boom may have a proximal end and a distal end. The boom may have a deployed configuration where the boom has a tubular shape with a slit that extends along the longitudinal length of the boom from the proximal end of the boom to the distal end of the boom. The boom may have a stowed configuration where the boom is flattened and rolled. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured to secure the proximal end of the boom to the root plug when the boom is in a deployed configuration.
CLIMBING WALL ASSEMBLIES
The present disclosure is directed to climbing wall assemblies having a variety of improvements. For instance, the climbing wall assemblies may include connectors to attach the surface panels to the framework, in which the connectors may be mounted substantially anywhere along the front of the framework and at substantially any angle, providing for the securement of climbing panels in various geometries. The climbing wall assemblies may also include braces that may easily be adjusted to a desired length and configuration during construction of a climbing wall. The climbing wall assemblies may also include variable-angle, integral front posts, which provide for the easy and stable securement of climbing panels in various geometries. These improvements provide climbing wall assemblies that may be easily assembled to produce a desirable climbing wall structure having few framework components.
Air-beam aircell communicating airflow port assembly and cooperating structural cover port aperture
An internal aircell inside a first flexible structural cover of a structural air-beam used in air supported supports such as tents is connected to the internal aircell of an adjacent air-beam by means of an air-beam aircell communicating airflow port assembly attached between said aircells through a cooperating structural cover port aperture in the structural cover. The airflow port assembly allows communicating airflow between the connected aircells forming an integral air volume for inflation and deflation through a single inflation point.
Pneumatic support
A support structure including a tension-compression element is composed of tension-compression bars that are connected in real joints as well as tension straps that extend from one joint to another. The outermost tension-compression bars are connected in one respective knot. Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element such that the linear tensions generated in the cover preload the tension straps on the plane of the tension-compression element, secure the tension-compression bars against bending, and stabilize the joints. The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements can be inserted into the hollow members.
DECK FRAMING SYSTEM
A deck framing system includes a ledger that has a joist support wall, a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall, and an overhang wall extending perpendicularly from the web wall and disposed parallel to the joist support wall. Each of a plurality of joist support brackets is configured to be coupled to the web wall of the ledger and includes at least one ledger attachment wing and a joist support portion that includes a pair of opposed lateral walls and a bracket web wall. Each of a plurality of joists includes at least one lateral wall and a deck support wall that extend from the at least one lateral wall. The at least one lateral wall is configured to be secured to one of the opposed lateral walls of the joist support portion.
Assembly for Lifting or Supporting a Load, and Members and Connectors for Use in Same
Provided herein is an assembly for carrying or supporting a load. The assembly comprises a plurality of members connectable in an assembled arrangement for carrying or supporting the load. Each member comprises a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end has a pair of connecting members comprising two lugs that each has defined therein two holes. The lugs are configured for alignment with a corresponding pair of lugs formed on another member in the assembly. Fasteners extend through the holes formed in the lugs when the holes are aligned. Further provided are members for use in the assembly and connector elements for attaching two or more members in the assembly.
Tubular beam with mechanically fastened end plates
A tubular beam with mechanically fastened end plates preferably includes a tubular member and at least one end plate. At least one cross plate may be secured within the tubular member with fasteners to strengthen thereof. The tubular member may have any suitable cross section including, square, rectangular, hexagonal, triangular or the like. A plurality of hand access openings, a plurality of beam fastening holes and a plurality of fastener holes are formed through a side wall of the tubular member. The end plate is attached to an end of the tubular beam with a plurality of fasteners. A fastener gusset may be formed in inside corners of the tubular member to accommodate a blind fastener hole for attaching the at least one end plate. Each end plate preferably includes a hand access opening, a plurality of plate fastening holes, and a plurality of blind fastener holes and/or fastener holes.
Post sleeve assembly
A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.