Collapsible structures and methods for erecting collapsible structures

Abstract

A structure is able to be collapsed when tension is not applied to a main tension member. As tension is applied to the main tension member, the tension member aligns and brings tension path components together so as to automatically assemble the tension path components and erect the structure.

1 . A structure, comprising:
 a first tension path sub-assembly including a first plurality of tension joint blocks, wherein a first one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks includes a first socket and a second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks includes a first insert, wherein the first socket is configured to receive the first insert;   a second tension path sub-assembly including a second plurality of tension joint blocks, wherein a first one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks includes a second socket and a second one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks includes a second insert, wherein the second socket is configured to receive the second insert;   a tension member threaded through the first tension path sub-assembly and the second tension path sub-assembly;   wherein, when tension is applied to the tension member, the first plurality of tension joint blocks are pulled together to form a first joint and the second plurality of tension joint blocks are pulled together to form a second joint; and   a first fastener block connected to a second fastener block by a hinge;   wherein the tension member is threaded through the first fastener block and the first fastener block is between the first one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks and the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks; and   wherein the tension member is threaded through the second fastener block and the second fastener block is between the first one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks and the second one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structure is erected when tension is applied to the tension member and is collapsible when tension is not applied to the tension member. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is threaded through the first tension path sub-assembly and the second tension path sub-assembly in series. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein, when tension is applied to the tension member, the first tension path sub-assembly and the second tension path sub-assembly are at an acute angle with respect to one another. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge includes a first link connected to the first fastener block, a second link connected to the second fastener block, and a pin connecting the first link and the second link. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 5 , including a third fastener block, wherein the tension member is threaded through the third fastener block and the third fastener block is between the first one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks and the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 6 , wherein the third fastener block is connected to a fourth fastener block by a hinge. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 7 , including parallel path assembly with a second tension member, wherein the second tension member is threaded through the fourth fastener block. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first fastener block and the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks are configured to allow the first fastener block to rotate around an axis defined by the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first fastener block and the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks are configured to fix a rotational position of the first fastener block with respect to an axis defined by the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein a first stopper disc is offset from a distal end of the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks that includes the first insert and a second stopper disc is offset from a distal end of the second one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks that includes the second insert. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein the first fastener block is configured to be secured between the first one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks and the first stopper disc of the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks when tension is applied to the tension member; and the second fastener block is configured to be secured between the first one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks and the second stopper disc of the second one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks when tension is applied to the tension member. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 11 , further comprising a plug-in component, wherein the plug-in component is configured to be secured between the first one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks and the first stopper disc of the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks when tension is applied to the tension member. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks includes a first slot adjacent a distal end of the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks and a first pulley configured to rotate in the first slot, wherein the first pulley is configured to guide the tension member through the second one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein, when tension is applied to the tension member, an first axis defined by the first tension path sub-assembly intersects a second axis defined by the second tension path sub-assembly at a point, wherein the first one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks and the first one of the second plurality of tension joint blocks are offset from the point. 
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein, when tension is applied to the tension member, the first plurality of tension joint blocks includes a pair of components that are pulled together to form a joint, wherein the joint has a range of motion. 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 1 , including a component that nests over at least one of the first plurality of tension joint blocks. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is tensioned by a tensioner. 
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 18 , wherein the tensioner includes at least one of a crane, a parachute, a kite, a water collector, and a weight. 
     
     
         20 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member defines a closed loop.