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Title:
COLLAPSIBLE HANGAR SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/260748
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A collapsible hangar system may use a plurality of collapsible arches to form a hangar for storing aircraft and equipment at an airfield. The arches may move along a lateral axis of the hangar system to open and close a gap between arches. The gap may define an access region, and aircraft may enter and exit an interior portion of the hangar system via the access region.

Inventors:
LAUE GREG (US)
WRIGHT TIMOTHY (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2022/024064
Publication Date:
December 15, 2022
Filing Date:
April 08, 2022
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
TRAC9 LLC (US)
International Classes:
E04H15/00; E04B1/342; E04B1/343; E04H15/44; E06B3/01
Foreign References:
US20210164256A12021-06-03
US5233799A1993-08-10
US3034607A1962-05-15
US3531851A1970-10-06
US3739537A1973-06-19
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LETSON, Ryan, J. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible aircraft hangar system, comprising: a first arch comprising a first plurality of hinges coupled to a first plurality of panels and a second plurality of panels, wherein each hinge of the first plurality of hinges is coupled to a panel of each of the first plurality of panels and the second plurality of panels, and wherein the first arch is formed when the collapsible aircraft hangar is in an erected state; and a second arch comprising a second plurality of hinges coupled to a third plurality of panels and a fourth plurality of panels, wherein each hinge of the second plurality of hinges is coupled to a respective panel of each of the third plurality of panels and the fourth plurality of panels, and wherein the first arch is formed when the collapsible aircraft hangar is in an erected state, wherein the first arch moves laterally away from the second arch to an open an access region between the first arch and second arch, and wherein the first arch moves laterally toward the second to close the access region.

2. The collapsible hangar of claim 1, wherein the each of the first arch and second arch is configured to transition from erected state to collapsed state.

3. The collapsible hangar of claim 1, wherein each of the first arch and second arch is configured to form at least one stack in collapsed state.

4. The collapsible hangar of claim 1, wherein the first arch is configured to contact the second arch when the access region is closed.

5. The collapsible hangar of claim 1, further comprising: a third arch comprising a third plurality of hinges coupled to a fifth plurality of panels and a sixth plurality of panels, wherein each hinge of the third plurality of hinges is coupled to a panel of each of the fifth plurality of panels and the sixth plurality of panels, and wherein the third arch is formed when the collapsible aircraft hangar is in an erected state; and a fourth arch comprising a fourth plurality of hinges coupled to a seventh plurality of panels and an eighth plurality of panels, wherein each hinge of the fourth plurality of hinges is coupled to a respective panel of each of the seventh plurality of panels and the eighth plurality of panels, and wherein the fourth arch is formed when the collapsible aircraft hangar is in an erected state,

6. The collapsible hangar of claim 5, wherein the first arch has a larger diameter than one or more of the third and fourth arches.

7. The collapsible hangar of claim 5, wherein the third and fourth arches are positioned between a surface of the ground and a bottom surface of the first and second arches when hangar is in an open configuration.

8. The collapsible hangar of claim 7, further comprising one or more flaps between a surface of each of the first arch and third arch and between a surface of each of the second arch and fourth arch.

9. The collapsible hangar of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second arches are positioned on a track, and wherein the first arch and second arch move relative to the track when the collapsible hangar transitions between an open position and closed position.

10. The collapsible hangar of claim 9, wherein the third and fourth arches are not positioned on the track, and wherein the third and fourth arches remain stationary when the collapsible hangar transitions between an open position and closed position.

11. The collapsible hangar of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second arches is coupled to one or more wheels, and wherein the one or more wheels are configured to roll on the track.

12. The collapsible hangar of claim 11, wherein the third and fourth arches comprise a plurality of interfaces configured to couple to a fifth arch and a sixth arch.

13. The collapsible hangar of claim 11, wherein the first arch is in contact with second arch when hangar is in a closed position.

14. The collapsible hangar of claim 1, wherein a direction of movement of movement of the first arch is orthogonal to a direction of ingress or egress through the access region.

15. A collapsible aircraft hangar, comprising: a first arch comprising a first plurality of hinges coupled to a first plurality of panels and a second plurality of panels, wherein each hinge of the first plurality of hinges is coupled to a panel of each of the first plurality of panels and the second plurality of panels, and wherein the first arch is formed when the collapsible aircraft hangar is in an erected state; and a second arch comprising a second plurality of hinges coupled to a third plurality of panels and a fourth plurality of panels, wherein each hinge of the second plurality of hinges is coupled to a respective panel of each of the third plurality of panels and the fourth plurality of panels, and wherein the first arch is formed when the collapsible aircraft hangar is in an erected state, wherein the first arch moves away from the second arch to open an access region between the first arch and second arch, and wherein the first arch moves toward the second to close the access region; and one or more flaps positioned between a surface of the first arch and a surface of a third arch and between a surface of the second arch and a surface of a fourth arch.

Description:
COLLAPSIBLE HANGAR SYSTEMS AND METHODS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/208,331, filed June 8, 2021 and entitled “Collapsible Hangar,” and is related to US Pat. No. 10,934,736, filed August 2, 2019 and entitled “Collapsible Structure.” The disclosures of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL FUNDING

This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. FA864921P0601 awarded by the United States Air Force. The Government has certain rights in the invention. In the context of this document, the “Government” refers to the government of the United States of

America.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft hangars have existed in various forms since the advent of human flight. Conventionally, a hangar must be large enough to store a variety of aircraft and equipment kept at the airfield. The hangar’ s doors must open wide enough to allow ingress and egress through hangar doors for aircraft of a variety of sizes. Hangars often are built as permanent structures near airfields, and can occupy significant space, even when not in use. Mobile fabric hangars can be damaged easily in harsh environments and severe weather. While various types of hangars have been made and used, improved aircraft hangar systems and methods are generally desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. l is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system and an aircraft.

FIG. 2 is an alternative three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system and an aircraft.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system with access region fully open.

FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system with access region partly open.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system with access region closed.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a collapsible hangar system with access region fully open.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a collapsible hangar system with access region partly open.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a collapsible hangar system with access region closed.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a collapsible hangar system with access region open.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a collapsible hangar system expanded to accommodate a high altitude aircraft, with access region closed.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a collapsible hangar system expanded to accommodate a high altitude aircraft, with access region open. FIG. 12 is a top view of an airfield with collapsible hangar systems sized to accommodate various aircraft types.

FIG. 13 is an alternative top view of an airfield with collapsible hangar systems sized to accommodate various aircraft types.

FIGs. 14A-14F illustrate a collapsible arch of a collapsible hangar system as the collapsible ach transitions from the collapsed state to the erected state.

FIGs. 15-19 illustrate exemplary steps in a method for transitioning a collapsible hangar between a collapsed state and an expanded state.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a hinge for coupling adjacent panels.

FIG. 21 illustrates the hinge shown in FIG. 20 in the folded state.

FIG. 22 illustrates the hinge shown in FIG. 20 in the unfolded state.

FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of the hinge shown in FIG. 20 but with longer arms.

PET ATT, ED DESCRIPTION

A. DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Typical, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20 percent (%), preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given in this description are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

It will be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another when the apparatus is right side up.

The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Terms such as “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B.” The same construction should be applied to longer list (e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C”).

The terms “port” and “starboard” shall have their same meanings as used in the aeronautics community. For avoidance of doubt, the term “port” shall refer to a left side of an aircraft when facing the bow or front of the aircraft. The term “starboard” shall refer to a right side of an aircraft when facing the bow or front of the aircraft.

The term “consisting essentially of’ means that, in addition to the recited elements, what is claimed may also contain other elements (steps, structures, ingredients, components, etc.) that do not adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure. Importantly, this term excludes such other elements that adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure, even if such other elements might enhance the operability of what is claimed for some other purpose.

In some places reference is made to standard methods, such as but not limited to methods of measurement. It is to be understood that such standards are revised from time to time, and unless explicitly stated otherwise reference to such standard in this disclosure must be interpreted to refer to the most recent published standard as of the time of filing.

B. TERMS

Collapsible aircraft hangar system 2

Aircraft 5

Airfield 10

Access path 15

First arch 20

First arch section 21

Second arch 22

Second arch section 23

Access region 24 Wheels 26

Access width 28 Third arch 30 Third arch section 31 Fourth arch 32 Fourth arch section 33 Track 34

Fifth arch section 35 Partly closed width 36 Equipment 38 Closed position 40 High-altitude aircraft 50 Collapsible structure 60

C. COLLAPSIBLE HANGAR SYSTEM

The present disclosure describes various aspects of some embodiments of a collapsible hangar system. In some embodiments, a collapsible hangar system 2 may use a plurality of collapsible arches to form a hangar for storing aircraft 5 and equipment 38 at an airfield 10. The arches may move along a lateral axis of the hangar system 2 to open and close a gap between arches. The gap may define an access region 24. Aircraft 5 may enter and exit an interior portion of the hangar system 2 via the access region 24.

An exemplary collapsible hangar system 2 is illustrated by FIGs. 1 and 2. FIG. l is a three- dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system 2 and an aircraft 5, and FIG. 2 is an alternative view of the collapsible hangar system 2 and aircraft 5. Hangar system 2 is positioned adjacent to an access path 15 which aircraft may use to travel to and from the hangar and other areas of the airfield 10.

In some embodiments, hangar system 2 may comprise a plurality of collapsible arches, each simply, an “arch” or “tubular arch,” such as first arch 20 and second arch 22. In some embodiments, a collapsible arch of the hangar system 2 may comprise or share similarities with any of the collapsible, tubular arches of the collapsible structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,934,736, entitled “Collapsible Structure,” and filed August 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For instance, as discussed further below, an arch may comprise and be formed by a plurality of rigid panels ( e.g ., panels 320 see FIGs. 14A-14F) and a plurality of hinges (e.g., hinges 800 see FIGs. 20-23). The plurality of rigid panels and plurality of hinges may form a tubular arch of the hangar system 2 in an erected state, as described in further detail below.

While the hangar system 2 is depicted and described as comprising a foldable, collapsible structure, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, other types of structures can be used, including structures having one or more solid, non-foldable and non-collapsible arches. In some embodiments, a structure may have arches that have a fixed shape and structure, but otherwise operate in the same or similar manner to the arches described herein.

The arches of hangar system 2 may be coupled together to form arch sections, which may define an interior volume of the hangar system 2. As shown in FIGs. 14A-14F, the hangar system 2 comprises various arch sections, each having a desired number of collapsible arches coupled together, and each of the arches of the arch sections having desired dimensions for defining an interior volume of desired size. In FIGs. 1 and 2, a first arch section 21 and a second arch section 23 are visible. Section 21 comprises a first arch 20 and section 23 comprises a second arch 22. Sections 21 and 23 have three adjacent arches each, although the specific arches are not individually numbered in the drawings, in order to provide clarity for viewers. An arch section can have virtually any desired number of collapsible tubular arches, including, for example: one collapsible tubular arch; two collapsible tubular arches; three collapsible tubular arches; four collapsible tubular arches; five collapsible tubular arches; six collapsible tubular arches; seven collapsible tubular arches; eight collapsible tubular arches; and more than eight collapsible tubular arches. In some embodiments, all arch sections of the hangar system 2 may have the same number of adjacent arches, but in some embodiments, a number of arches can vary from section to section. For example, a first arch section may have three adjacent collapsible tubular arches, while a second arch section may have six adjacent collapsible tubular arches. A section of arches of the collapsible hangar system 2 may have various other numbers of arches in some embodiments.

As shown, arches of the system 2 may have various dimensions selected based on dimensions of a desired interior volume of the hangar system 2. In some embodiments, one or more arches of an arch section (in the erected state) may have a width (along z-axis) of between approximately 10 feet and 20 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 20 feet and 30 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 10 feet and 60 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 50 feet and 90 feet, inclusive. It will be appreciated that an arch may have a width that is less than 10 feet or greater than 90 feet in some embodiments.

In an embodiment, an exemplary arch of section 21 may have a height of approximately 31 feet (y-axis direction), a width of approximately 80 feet (z-axis direction), and depth of approximately 6 feet (x-axis direction). One or more arches of section 21 may have these dimensions or other dimensions. In an embodiment, an exemplary arch of section 23 and section 31 may have a height of approximately 27 feet (y-axis direction), a width of approximately 73 feet (z-axis direction), and depth of approximately 6 feet (x-axis direction). One or more arches of section 23 and section 31 may have these dimensions or other dimensions.

In an embodiment, an exemplary arch of section 33 and section 35 may have a height of approximately 24 feet (y-axis direction), a width of approximately 67 feet (z-axis direction), and depth of approximately 6 feet (x-axis direction). One or more arches of section 33 and section 35 may have these dimensions or other dimensions.

Additional exemplary dimensions for arches of the hangar system 2 are provided hereafter.

In some embodiments, one or more arches of an arch section (in the erected state) may have a height (along y-axis) of between approximately 10 feet and 20 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 20 feet and 30 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 30 feet and 60 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 50 feet and 90 feet, inclusive. It will be appreciated that an arch may have a height that is less than 10 feet or greater than 90 feet in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, one or more arches of an arch section (in the erected state) may have a depth (along x-axis) of between approximately 1 foot and 6 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 2 feet and 10 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 10 feet and 15 feet, inclusive; alternatively, between approximately 15 feet and 30 feet, inclusive. It will be appreciated that an arch may have a depth that is less than 1 foot or greater than 30 feet in some embodiments.

As noted below with regard to FIGs. 14A-F and FIGs. 15-19, panels of adjacent arches of an arch section may be swingably connected to one another. In some embodiments, the panels may be coupled together by hinges, such as a hinge shown in FIGs. 20-23. A panel at a position ( e.g ., position 1) on a first arch may be coupled to a panel in a corresponding position (e.g., position 1) on a second, adjacent arch by a hinge (e.g, FIGs. 20-23). Similarly, a panel on an arch may be coupled by at least one hinge to at least one adjacent panel of the same arch. Further techniques for coupling panels of the arches to other panels of other arches and panels of the same arch are described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 10,934,736, entitled “Collapsible Structure,” and filed August 2, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

With regard to FIGs. 1 and 2, hangar system 2 also has a third arch 30 and fourth arch 32. The third arch 30 is part of a third arch section 31 and the fourth arch 32 is part of a fourth arch section 33, shown further below with regard to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8. The arches are nested, such that the first arch is in an outermost position relative to the third and fourth arches, the third arch is positioned between first arch and fourth arch, and the fourth arch is in an innermost position relative to the other arches. Examples of this nesting functionality are described below with regard to FIGs. 3-8.

Although not specifically shown in the drawings, environmental buffers (e.g, flaps, material, gaskets, etc.) may be positioned to prevent ingress of particulates via seams created between adjacent arch sections.

In some embodiments, the arch sections may be configured to move bidirectionally along a lateral axis of the hangar system 2. In this regard, arch sections of hangar system 2 may be moved laterally (e.g, with regard to the x-axis) away from one or more opposing arch sections to create a gap having an access width 28, referred to herein as an “access region” 24, for ingress to and egress from the hangar system 2. The hangar system 2 may be “open” when the access region 24 is open, and “closed” when the access region 24 is closed. When it is open, the access region 24, and may permit one or more of users, aircraft, vehicles, and equipment to be positioned on a surface location that will be within an interior volume of the hangar system 2 when arch sections of the hangar system 2 are moved together so that the gap defining access region 24 is closed.

Access region 24 may have various dimensions, which may be defined by access width 28 and dimensions of one or more arch sections of the system 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the access region may be approximately 74 feet across (x-axis direction), approximately 31 feet or greater in height (y-axis direction) and approximately 50 feet wide (z-axis direction). Other dimensions are possible.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, a direction of ingress and egress via the access region 24 ( e.g ., along the z-axis) may be approximately orthogonal to the lateral axis (e.g, where the lateral axis is in essentially the same direction as the x-axis) of the hangar system 2.

An access width 28 may be essentially any desired width for accommodating one or more objects to be kept within the hangar system 2. Access width 28 may vary based on dimensions of aircraft 5, and can be varied as desired based on aircraft dimensions so that an aircraft will enough room to pass through the access region 24 from either side of the hangar system 2. In other words, the access width 28 may be wide enough to allow the aircraft 5 or other vehicle to completely pass between the arches 20, 22 via the access region 24. In some embodiments, the access width 28 may be between approximately 5 feet and 40 feet; alternatively, between approximately 40 feet and 60 feet; alternatively, between approximately 50 feet and 70 feet; and alternatively, greater than approximately 70 feet.

In order to achieve the lateral movement described above, arch sections of hangar system 2 may be positioned on or coupled to rollers or wheels 26. In some embodiments, the wheels 26 may be coupled to lower portions of the arch sections, and may support the arches and arch sections, and allow the arches and arch sections to roll back and forth to open and close the access region 24. In some embodiments, there may be a pair of wheels 26 coupled to each arch of an arch section, although in some embodiments, an arch may be couple to only one wheel 26. In some embodiments, a wheel 26 may have a tire, which can be a conventional tire made from a rubber or similar material, such as an elastomer. In some embodiments, wheels 26 may be positioned on an outermost side of an arch, but in some embodiments, a wheel 26 may be positioned between an undermost side of an arch and the ground or track 34. The wheels 26 may roll on the track or on a surface on which the hangar system 2 is positioned, such as on the ground. In some embodiments, where there is no track 34 in the system 2, the arch sections may move by rolling the wheels 26 across the ground. In some embodiments, one or more wheels may leave the track 34 and roll on the ground, and return to the track 34 when the wheel 26 returns to the position of the track 34.

In some embodiments the wheels may be positioned on a track 34. The track 34 may help the wheels 26 roll smoothly and can aid a user in moving the arch sections back and forth when opening and closing the hangar system 2. A user may select length of track 34 based on one or more of access width, arch width, arch section width, and desired dimensions of access region 24. Although the track 34 of the figures extends essentially an entire width (x-axis direction) of the hangar system 2 and even past an end of the hangar system 2, it will be understood that varying lengths of track may be used. The track may have a length that does not extend onto access path 15, so as to prevent a need for crossing the track when passing through the access region 24. It will further be appreciated that there are two tracks shown in the figures, one on either side of the hangar system 2, but in some embodiments, there may be varying numbers of tracks 34 and of varying lengths, including one track, two track, three tracks, four tracks, or more than four tracks. A track 34 may have one or more stops or brakes ( e.g ., any or a combination of chocks, pins, blocks, springs, etc., which are not shown in the figures) incorporated to prevent a wheel 26 and associated arch section from moving outside a desired range of lateral positions. The stops or brakes can be movable or fixed. For example, a track 34 may have an outer stop (e.g., position of a desired greatest lateral displacement of an arch away from an approximate center of the access region 24) to keep a wheel 26 from moving past the stop and opening too wide an access region 24. Similarly, a track 34 may have an inner stop (e.g, position of a desired least lateral displacement of an arch from an approximate center of the access region 24) to keep a wheel 26 from moving past the stop and potentially damaging other arches by making contact with one or more of them at a high rate of speed. Such inner and outer stop positions may differ for one or more or each arch section of the hangar system 2, as shown in FIG. 5, described in further detail below. In some embodiments, track 34 may be a single track for accommodating multiple arch sections on a side of the hangar system 2. There may be one track 34 positioned on each side of hangar system 2 in some embodiments, such as depicted in FIGs. 3-5.

Hangar system 2 has equipment 38, which is exemplary of various equipment that may be positioned adjacent to and incorporated into the hangar system 2. Examples of equipment 38 may include: environmental systems, such as as heating ventilation, and cooling equipment; power systems such as generators, breaker panels, and electrical systems; access systems, such as doors, air showers; and other components of systems.

Note that, the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures and discussed herein is an aircraft hangar system, but it will be appreciated that the techniques herein can be applied to virtually any type of structure where an access region is opened or closed by moving one or more structural sections laterally to and from a nested position. Additional uses for the techniques and features ascribed herein to the system will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. However, specific examples of structures that may incorporate the features and techniques described herein include: a shelter; an office; a garage for vehicles; a medical environment; a pool cover; a greenhouse; a shed; a paint booth; a laboratory; a manufacturing facility; or virtually any other suitable use for such a structure.

Views of the hangar system 2 performing exemplary steps for transitioning from an open position, where the access region 24 is open, to a closed position, where the access region 24 is closed, are shown in FIGs. 3-5. FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system with access region fully open, FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system with access region partly open, and FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a collapsible hangar system with access region closed. FIGs. 6-8 also show exemplary steps for transitioning the hangar system from an open to a closed position. FIGs. 6-8 show rear views of the hangar system 2 during a transition from open position to closed position, such as when an aircraft 5 has taxied bow-first through the access region 24 and is rotated 180° relative to the position of the aircraft 5 shown in FIGs. 3-5. FIG. 9 shows a top view of the hangar system 2 with access region 28 fully open.

In the example operation shown in the figures, the hangar system 2 is initially shown in FIGs. 3, 6 and 9 with access region 24 fully open, and arch sections 21 and 23 positioned so that each of arch 20 and arch 22 is positioned at a location defining access width 28.

Note that the arch sections have dimensions and are configured so that they may be “nested” with one another when laterally moved so that the access region 24 is open. In the view of the hangar system 2 with arch sections positioned so that access region 24 is open, arch section 21 is positioned over arch section 31 and arch section 33. In this regard the panels of the hangar system 2 may be nested when access region is open, such that a first arch section 21 is in an outermost position relative to the third and fourth arch sections 31 and 33, the third arch section 31 is positioned between first arch section 21 and fourth arch section 33, and the fourth arch section 33 is in an innermost position relative to the other arch sections. Similarly, the second arch section 23 may be positioned in an outermost position relative to the fifth arch section 35. In some embodiments, other numbers of arch sections may be present in the hangar system 2, but such sections may still be configured to position in a nested position relative to other arch sections, with an arch section having the largest dimensions positioned outermost in the nested stack of arch sections, an arch section having a second largest dimensions positioned in a penultimate outermost position in the nested stack of arch sections, and so forth, so that the arch section having the smallest dimensions is positioned innermost in the nested stack of arch sections. This is depicted, for example, in FIGs. 3-9, specifically in FIGs. 1-5.

The arches 20, 22 of FIGs. 3, 6 and 9 may move bidirectionally in a lateral direction (along the x-axis) by rolling on wheels 26, which can be positioned on a track 34 running the lateral width (x-axis) of the hangar system 2. The wheels 26 may support sections 21, 23 and configured to roll when traveling along track 34. In an embodiment, width of the access region 24 may be dynamically modified to a desired width by moving locations of one or more of the stops referenced and thereby changing a range of positions where the arch sections may be located.

An aircraft 5 may be positioned at a location within the interior volume of the hangar system 2 via access region 24. This position may be a location at which the entire aircraft 5 is positioned within a footprint (on a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis) of the arch sections of the hangar system 2. Once the aircraft 5 is positioned at the desired location within the hangar system 2 closing operations may begin. FIGs. 4 and 7 show the hangar system 2 with access region 24 partly closed. In the partly closed position, arch sections 21 and 23 have been repositioned so that arches 20 and 22 are closer to one another, at a partially closed width 36. The partially closed width 36 may be wide enough to permit ingress and egress of people and certain equipment, but not the aircraft 5. A user may select and modify a width of the partially closed width 36, such as by moving or repositioning one or more stops on track 34 to prevent movement of one or more wheels 26 from the desired position associated with the desired partially closed width 36. In some embodiments, the partially closed width 36 can be essentially any width between the access width 28 and closed position 40, and a user may select and modify the partially closed width as desired using the techniques described above.

When the hangar system 2 needs to be closed, such as to shield aircraft 5 from the environment during storage or maintenance activities or when privacy is desired, one or more arch sections may be repositioned so that access region 24 is closed. FIGs. 5 and 8 show the hangar system 2 with access region 24 completely closed.

When the access region 24 is closed, a portion of arch section 21 ( e.g ., a portion of one or more of the arches of arch section 21) may overlap with one or more of arch section 23 and arch section 31. Similarly, a respective portion of each of arch sections 23 and 31 (e.g. , a portion of one or more of the arches of arch sections 23 and 31) may overlap with one or more arches of arch section 33 and 35, respectively.

In this regard, the hangar system 2 may define an enclosed interior volume defined at least partly by an interior side of each of arch sections 33, 31, 21, 23 and 35. End walls, not specifically referenced in the drawings, and an airfield surface, may define other boundaries of the interior volume. Note that, as described above, environmental buffers such as flaps or gaskets may be positioned on each of the arches positioned at a lateral end of an arch section to achieve environmental ingress protection within the interior volume of the hangar system 2. The buffers or gaskets may be positioned on and detachably coupled to a distal edge of the respective panels of the arches to which they are coupled, and may be made from various materials and combinations thereof, including, for example latex rubber, CAS No. 9006-04-6; silicone rubber, CAS No. 94363- 18-5; aluminum, CAS No. 7429-90-5; stainless steel, CAS No. 65997-19-5; or other materials.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a collapsible hangar system expanded to accommodate a high altitude aircraft 50, with access region 24 closed, and FIG. 11 is a top view of a collapsible hangar system expanded to accommodate a high altitude aircraft 50, with access region 24 open. High- altitude aircraft may have longer wingspans than aircraft operating at lower altitude. Additional arches have been added to various arch sections of the system 2 shown in FIGs. 10 and 11 in order to accommodate the long wingspan of the high altitude aircraft 50.

As noted above, a width (dimension in x-axis direction) may be modified as desired by adding or removing arches from arch sections of the hangar system 2. In this regard, dimensions of the hangar system 2 have been modified to accommodate high altitude aircraft 50. Arch section 21 has three arches, including arch 20; arch section 23 has six arches, including arch 22; arch section 31 has six arches; arch section 33 and arch section 35 each have two arches.

When the hangar system 2 is in the closed position 40 as in FIG. 10, aircraft 50 may be contained within the hangar system 2 and not visible from outside. Portions of arches of section 21 may respectively overlap with arches of sections 31 and 23. Portions of arches of section 31 and 23 may respectively overlap with arches of sections 33 and 35. When the system 2 is in closed position, it may be essentially enclosed from the outside environment. Note that the access width 28 of the system 2 is longer for the aircraft 50, and in an exemplary embodiment is approximately up to 140 feet or 140 feet or more.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an airfield 10 with collapsible hangar systems sized to accommodate various aircraft types, and FIG. 13 is an alternative top view of a portion of the airfield 10. The airfield 10 has various hangar systems 2, sized to accommodate aircraft of various dimensions, including aircraft 5 (low altitude) and high altitude aircraft 50. An airfield 10 may have virtually any number of hangar systems 2, sized and positioned as desired based on what is being enclosed or what purpose the system 2 is being used to achieve.

It should be noted that there are various structures 60 at the airfield 10. Such structures 60 may be the same or similar to shelters described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,934,736, entitled “Collapsible Structure,” and filed August 2, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. Several of the structures 60 are coupled to hangar systems 2, and may allow a user to access the respective collapsible structure 60 from an interior portion of the hangar system 2, such as via a portal, door, or otherwise. Other structures 60 are shown as standalone structures 60 and may be sized and dimensioned based on a purpose for which the structure 60 is needed.

Note that the hangar system 2 may be a collapsible hangar system 2. The collapsible nature of the hangar system 2 may be due to construction of panels and hinges similar to or the same as the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 10,934,736, entitled “Collapsible Structure,” and filed August 2, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. The following description discusses additional details of exemplary configurations, components and techniques for implementing collapsible arch structures which may be the same or similar to those implemented in some embodiments of the hangar system 2. FIGs. 14A-14F illustrate a collapsible arch section 300 as the collapsible arch section 300 transitions from the collapsed state to the erected state. The arch section 300 has arches similar to arches 20 and 22 shown in FIGs. 1-3. The arch section 300 has two adjacent arches 404 coupled together to form two rows 402. Each row 402 of the tubular arched structure 404, which may be comprised of approximately ten (10) tubular sections 406, and the tubular sections 406 may contain rigid panels 302 of different sizes and dimensions. For those embodiments with symmetrical shape (/. ., the left side reflects the right side), opposing tubular sections 406 will have corresponding sizes and shapes. In other words, for each row 402, the tubular section 406 on the left side that touches the ground (“1st left side tubular section”) will normally have the same dimensions as the tubular section 406 on the right side that touches the ground (“1st right side tubular section”). Similarly, the 2nd tubular section 406 on the left side (adjacent to the 2nd left side tubular section) will have the same dimensions as the 2nd tubular section 406 on the right side, and so forth. If an odd number of tubular sections 406 is used, the tubular section 406 directly overhead at its highest point may have dimensions similar to or different from other tubular sections 406.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-14F, the rigid panels 302 generally have the following dimensions: the rigid panels 302 of the 1st left side tubular section — width — 6 feet to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 20 feet, thickness — 1 inch to 12 inches. the rigid panels 302 of the 2nd left side tubular section — width — 6 feet to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 20 feet, thickness — 1 inch to 12 inches. the rigid panels 302 of the 3rd left side tubular section — width — 6 feet to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 20 feet, thickness — 1 inch to 12 inches. the rigid panels 302 of the 4th left side tubular section — width — 6 feet to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 20 feet, thickness — 1 inch to 12 inches. the rigid panels 302 of the 5th left side tubular section — width — 6 feet to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 20 feet, thickness — 1 inch to 12 inches.

In other embodiments, the left and right sides of the tubular arched structure do not have the same sizes and configurations. The sizes and dimensions of the rigid panels 302 can be modified depending on the size of the desired structure. For example, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the tubular sections 406 may have sizes in the following ranges:

1st left side tubular section — width — 6 foot to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 30 feet, height — 2 to 12 feet.

2nd left side tubular section — width — 6 foot to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 30 feet, height — 2 to 12 feet.

3rd left side tubular section — width — 6 foot to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 30 feet, height — 2 to 12 feet.

4th left side tubular section — width — 6 foot to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 30 feet, height — 2 to 12 feet.

5th left side tubular section — width — 6 foot to 10 feet, length — 15 feet to 30 feet, height — 2 to 12 feet.

In one example where the collapsible arch 300 forms two of the rows in an arch section of a collapsible hangar 2. Additional rows may be added to the collapsible arch section 300 to provide additional tubular arched structures of an arch section of the collapsible hangar system 2. As the number of rows is increased, a size of the collapsible hangar 2 in the compact configuration increases as: Width=W (constant)

Height=h*number of rows

Length=L+(d*number of rows)

In one configuration, the collapsible hangar 2 shown in FIG. 5 is provided in a configuration such that where the collapsible hangar 2 has 5 tubular arch sections 21, 23, 31, 33, 35, each comprising 3 collapsible arches ( e.g ., first arch 20, second arch 22, third arch 30 and fourth arch 32, as shown in FIGs. 3-5).

It should be noted that while the arches and rows of the collapsible hangar 2 are configured to form a tubular arched structure (like the tubular arches 20, 22 shown in FIGs. 1-3), the rows of the collapsible hangar 2 may be used to form other types of tubular structures such as straight walls, sections of roofs, arched walls, and/or the like.

FIGS. 14A-14F show an example progression of an exemplary collapsible arch 300 as it transitions from the collapsed state to the erected state. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14F, the collapsible arch section 300 has two rows 402. Each row 402 includes a set of the rigid panels 302 (not all labeled for the sake of brevity and clarity). As shown in FIG. 14F, the rows 402 form a tubular arched structure 404. Furthermore, subsets of the rigid panels 302 within each row 402 of the tubular arched structure 404 form tubular sections 406 (not all labeled for the sake of brevity and clarity). In this particular example, each tubular section 406 is formed by four of the rigid panels 302. For each of the tubular sections 406, the lateral edges of the four rigid panels 302 are connected to form the tubular section 406. In the erected state, in this embodiment, the rigid panels 302 are secured into position so that each of the tubular sections 406 defines a hollow interior with a diamond shaped cross sectional area. The vertical edges of each tubular section 406 are connected to the vertical edges of the rigid panels 302 of the next tubular section 406 in the rows 402. For each of the tubular arched structures 404, the connection between the vertical edges of the rigid panels 302 of the tubular sections 406 are also secured at a particular angle. In this manner, each row 402 forms the tubular arched structure 404 when erected. To join each of the rows 402, the joined lateral edges of the two rigid panels 302 of each tubular section 406 in one of the rows 402 are connected to the joined lateral edges of the two closest joined rigid panels 302 of one of the tubular sections in the other one of the rows 402. These connections are secured into place in the erected state so that the tubular arched structure 404 is secured in a particular orientation.

The connections between the rigid panels 302 of a particular tubular section 406, and the adjacent rigid panels 302 of adjacent tubular sections 406 provide a gap between the rigid panels 302 that is large enough to enable the tubular arched structure 404 to be folded into the configuration shown in FIG. 14 A, but are sufficiently secure so as to ensure that the rigid panels 302 do not separate during use.

It should be noted that other configurations of the rows 402 have rigid panels 302 that are secured in other positions as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

FIGs. 15-19 illustrate exemplary steps in a method for transitioning a collapsible hangar between a collapsed state and an expanded state. Note that, with regard to axes shown and described with regard to FIGs. 1-13 may differ from axes described in FIGs. 14A-23. For example, a figure may show an orientation of an X, Y, orZ axis direction in FIGs. 1-13 that is different from such axis direction orientation shown in FIGs. 14A-23. Thus, reference should be made to orientation of axes shown in FIGs. 1-13 when reviewing discussion of elements in FIGs. 1-13, and reference should be made to orientation of axes shown in FIGs. 14A-23 when reviewing discussion of elements and features in FIGs. 14A-23. Referring now to FIG. 15-FIG. 19, FIG. 15-FIG. 19 demonstrate how the collapsible structures 628, 630 can be erected into the erected state and collapsed into the collapsed state. The particular structure shown in FIG. 15-FIG. 19 is the collapsible structure 630. However, the procedures described herein FIG. 15-FIG. 19 are also applicable for the collapsible structure 628. Furthermore, the particular order of FIG. 15-FIG. 19 illustrates the collapsible structure 630 going from the collapsed state to the erected state. However, FIG. 15-FIG. 19 also demonstrate how the collapsible structure 630 goes from the erected state to the collapsed state, as explained in further detail below.

FIG. 15 illustrates the collapsible structure 630 in the collapsed state. As shown in FIG. 15, the collapsible structure 630 is configured as a stack of the panels 618, 622 (not all labeled for the sake of clarity) so that the panels 618, 622 stack directly over each other. In this embodiment, the stack of the panels 618, 622 is tied together by a strap 638, which reinforces the panels 618, 622 so they are maintained in the collapsed state. To begin erecting the collapsible structure 630, the stack of the panels 618, 622 is expanded relative to the y-axis. It should be noted that solid arrows refer to directional motions involved in transitioning from the collapsed state to the erected state while dotted arrows refer to directional motion involved in transitioning from the erected state to the collapsed state.

After the stack of the panels 618, 622 is pulled apart in opposite directions parallel to the y-axis, the collapsible structure 630 is provided as shown in FIG. 16. Note that from FIG. 16, the number of arches 632, 634, 636 is apparent. In this case, there are three arches 632, 634, 636 but alternative embodiments of the collapsible structures 628, 630 may have any number of arches. In this case, the arch 634 is the intermediary arch between the arches 632, 636. Each arch includes a row 616 of panels 618 and an adjacent row 623 of panels 622. Note furthermore that the panels 618, 622 at the same position (position 1, position 2, position 3, position 4, position 5, position 6) of the arches 632, 634, 636 were stacked together when stacked in FIG. 15 and now swing apart relative their connection edges 620 in the same manner. More specifically, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 at position 1 are swingably connected by hinges (not shown explicitly in FIG. 15-FIG. 19) to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 2 in their respective row 616, 623 of their respective Arch 632, 634, 636. The panels 618, 622 at position 1 are swingably connected to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 2 at the connection edges 620 at the intersection of position 1 and position 2. In this case, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 at position 1 are swung in the clockwise direction while the panels 618, 622 at position

2 are swung in the opposite counterclockwise direction.

Additionally, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 at position 2 are swingably connected by hinges (not shown explicitly in FIG. 15 -FIG. 19) to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 3 in their respective row 616, 623 of their respective Arch 632, 634, 636. The panels 618, 622 at position 2 are swingably connected to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position

3 at the connection edges 620 at the intersection of position 2 and position 3. In this case, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 are swung in the counterclockwise direction while the panels 618, 622 at position 3 are swung in the opposite clockwise direction.

Furthermore, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 at position 3 are swingably connected by hinges (not shown explicitly in FIG. 15 -FIG. 19) to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 4 in their respective row 616, 623 of their respective Arch 632, 634, 636. The panels 618, 622 at position 3 are swingably connected to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position

4 at the connection edges 620 at the intersection of position 3 and position 4. In this case, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 are swung in the clockwise direction while the panels 618, 622 at position 4 are swung in the opposite counterclockwise direction.

In addition, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 at position 4 are swingably connected by hinges (not shown explicitly in FIG. 15 -FIG. 19) to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 5 in their respective row 616, 623 of their respective Arch 632, 634, 636. The panels 618, 622 at position 4 are swingably connected to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 5 at the connection edges 620 at the intersection of position 4 and position 5. In this case, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 are swung in the counterclockwise direction while the panels 618, 622 at position 5 are swung in the opposite clockwise direction.

Finally, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 at position 5 are swingably connected by hinges (not shown explicitly in FIG. 15-FIG. 19) to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 6 in their respective row 616, 623 of their respective Arch 632, 634, 636. The panels 618, 622 at position 5 are swingably connected to the adjacent panels 618, 622 at position 6 at the connection edges 620 at the intersection of position 5 and position 6. In this case, the panels 618, 622 in each of the arches 632, 634, 636 are swung in the clockwise direction while the panels 618, 622 at position 6 are swung in the opposite counterclockwise direction.

Once the collapsible structure 630 has been pulled in opposite directions parallel to the y- axis, the collapsible structure 630 is pulled apart in opposite directions parallel to the x-axis as shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 18. Hinges are connected so that the peak edges 608 of adjacent panels 618, 622 (not all labeled for the sake of clarity) that form the arch peak 604 (not all labeled for the sake of clarity) are swingably connected to one another. As the collapsible structure 630 is expanded relative to the x-axis, each row 616 of the panels 618 of each of the arches 632, 634, 636 is turned in the clockwise direction relative the peak edges 608 while each row 623 (not all labeled for the sake of clarity) of the panels 622 of each of the arches 632, 634, 636 is turned in the counterclockwise direction relative the peak edges 608 as the arches 632, 634, 636 are expanded. Due to the geometric configuration of the panels 618, 620 and due to the hinges (not explicitly shown in FIG. 15-FIG. 19) that prevent the edges 608, 610, 620 (not all labeled for the sake of clarity) from separating, the panels 618, 622 will reach a natural maximum rotation angle and form the arch peaks 604 of each of the arches 632, 634, 636.

Furthermore, as the collapsible structure 630 is expanded relative to the x-axis, each row 616 of the panels 618 of each of the arches 632, 634, 636 is turned in the counterclockwise direction relative the valley edges 610 while each row 623 of the panels 622 of each of the arches 632, 634, 636 is turned in the clockwise direction relative the valley edges 610 as the arches 632, 634, 636 are expanded relative to the x-axis. Due to the geometric configuration of the panels 618, 620 and due to the hinges (not explicitly shown in FIG. 15-FIG. 19) that prevent the edges 608, 610, 620 from separating, the panels 618, 620 will reach a natural maximum rotation angle and form the arch valleys 606 between each of the arches 632, 634 and between the arches 634, 636.

Once the arch peaks 604 and the arch valleys 606 have been fully expanded, the collapsible structure 630 is expanded in the z-direction. In this embodiment, there are also hinges (not explicitly shown in FIG. 15-FIG. 19 but discussed later) that are connected so that connection edges 620 are swingably connected to one another. As the collapsible structure 630 is expanded in the z-direction, the panels 618, 622 will move inward with respect to the y-axis so that the collapsible structure 630 is provided in the erected state. As such, each of the panels 618, 622 in position 1, position 2, and position 3 move in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the connection edges 620 while each of the panels 618, 622 in position 4, position 5, and position 6 move in the clockwise direction with respect to the connection edges 620. Due to the geometric configuration of the panels 618, 620 and due to the hinges (not explicitly shown in FIG. 15-FIG. 19) the panels 618, 620 will reach a natural maximum rotation angle so that the collapsible structure 630 is provided in the erected state.

The collapsible structure 630 can also go from the erected state (shown in FIG. 19) to the collapsed state (shown in FIG. 15). To do this, the actions described above with respect to FIG. 15 to FIG. 19 would be reversed (the reversed actions are indicated with dotted arrows in the FIG. 15-FIG. 19). In this manner, the collapsible structure 630 would start in the erected state and then collapse into the collapsed state.

Note that in this embodiment, the collapsible structure 630 may include a chord pulley system 640 that is attached to the panels 618, 622 at the bottom of the arches 632, 634, 636. In this example, chords 642 are attached to the panels 618, 622 at position 1 and at position 6. The chords 642 allows a person to use the chords 642 to create a tension relative to the y-axis. By pulling the chords 642 towards the center of the arches 632, 634, 636, the arches 632, 634, 636 can be raised when the collapsible structure 630 is being set up in the erected state. The chords 642 can also be used to control the collapse of the arches 632, 634, 636, when the collapsible structure 630 is being set up in the collapsed state.

FIG. 20 illustrates a group 801 of panels 802 being folded using one embodiment of a hinge 800. The group 801 is in a row of the panels 802 (analogous to panels 518, 522 above). Panels 803 are part of rows that are nested when folded between the panels 802. The hinge 800 may be utilized to fold and unfold the group 801 of panels 802 in one of the collapsible shelters 628, 630.

Referring now to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, FIG. 21 illustrates the hinge 800 shown in FIG. 20 in the folded state while FIG. 21 illustrates the hinge 800 shown in FIG. 20 in the unfolded state. The embodiment of the hinge 800 shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 is being utilized to fold the panels 802 that are analogous to the panels 522 discussed above. The x-y-z coordinates may be defined by first defining the z-axis with respect to an axis of rotation provided by the plates 806, 808. The x-direction and the y-direction are each orthogonal to each other and to the z-axis of rotation (in this case, the x-axis was selected to come out of the page). The hinge 800 includes a first plate 806 and an oppositely disposed second plate 808. Arms 810, 812 are coupled between the plates 806, 808 so that each of the plates 806, 808 can be provided in a folded state and in an unfolded state, as explained in further detail below. Each of the plates 806, 808 in the hinge 800 is designed to attach to one of a pair of adjacent panels 802 that are provided in a row of panels 802. The hinge 800 is designed to provide a cam action to make up for a greater distance in separation between the edges of the panels in the folded state than when the hinge 800 is in the unfolded state. The hinge 800 is configured to translate the difference in separation between two orthogonal directions and thereby allow the hinge 800 to fold nested rows of the panels 802, 804.

The first plate 806 and the second plate 808 may be attached to their respective panels 802 using any suitable technique. In one embodiment, the hinge 800 and thereby the plates 806, 808 are formed from a metallic material and the plates 806, 808 include apertures (not explicitly shown in FIG. 20) for screws that are used to attach the plates 806, 808, to their respective panel 802. In other embodiments, welding, adhesives, brackets, and/or the like may be used to attach the plates 806, 808 to their respective panels.

Each of the plates 806, 808 is configured to be turned about an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to the z-axis. However, each of the plates 806, 808 is turned in opposite rotational directions in order to place them respectively in the folded state and in the unfolded state respectively. More specifically, looking in the direction of the positive direction along the z-axis, the plate 806 is turned in the counter-clockwise direction when turning the plate 806 from the folded state to the unfolded state. The plate 806 is turned in the clockwise direction to turn the plate 806 from the unfolded state to the folded state.

The plate 808 is oppositely disposed with respect to the plate 806 and more specifically has mirror symmetry with respect to the plate 806. As such, the plate 808 is turned in the clockwise direction when turning the plate 808 from the folded state to the unfolded state. The plate 808 is turned in the counter-clockwise direction to turn the plate 808 from the unfolded state to the folded state.

The arms 810 are coupled between the first plate 806 and the second plate 808 so as to turn the first plate 806. In this embodiment, each of the arms 810 is coupled from a proximal inner side edge 814 of the second plate 808 and to a distal outer side edge 816 of the first plate 806. Regarding the arms 810, the connection locations of the arms 810 are also evenly spaced relative to the z- axis. For each of the arms 810, an end 818 of each of the arms 810 is movably connected to the proximal inner side edge 814 of the second plate 808 such that the ends 818 can be turned in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Each of the ends 818 is connected at different location along the z-axis to the second plate 808.

Furthermore, an end 820 of each of the arms 810 is movably connected to the distal outer side edge 816 of the first plate 806 such that the end 820 can be turned in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. However, note that as the first plate 806 is turned, the position of the ends 818 do not change while the position of the ends 820 relative to both the x-axis and the z-axis do change. More specifically, the arms 810 are bent so as to translate a distance 822 between the ends 818, 820 more in a direction along the y-axis when the first plate 806 is in the unfolded state and more in a direction along the x-axis when the first plate 806 is in the folded state. The additional distance along the y-axis in the unfolded state is labeled as 823 and the additional distance along the x-axis in the folded state is labeled as 825. Again, the x-axis and the y-axis are orthogonal to each other. Thus, the arms 810 are bent to translate the distance 822 more in the y- axis (negative direction along the y-axis) when the first plate 806 is in the unfolded state and more in the x-axis (positive direction along the x-axis) when the first plate 806 is in the folded state. This provides a dual cam action along the y-axis and the x-axis that allows for the first plate 806 to operate with its attached panel 802 (See FIG. 20).

With regard to the arms 812, looking in the direction of the positive direction pz along the z-axis, the plate 808 is turned in the clockwise direction when turning the plate 808 from the folded state to the unfolded state. The plate 808 is turned in the counter-clockwise direction to turn the plate 808 from the unfolded state to the folded state.

The arms 812 are coupled between the first plate 806 and the second plate 808 so as to turn the second plate 808. In this embodiment, each of the arms 812 is coupled from a proximal inner side edge 834 of the first plate 806 and to a distal outer side edge 836 of the second plate 808. Regarding the arms 812, the connection locations of the arms 812 are also evenly spaced relative to the z-axis. For each of the arms 812, an end 838 of each of the arms 812 is movably connected to the proximal inner side edge 834 of the first plate 806 such that the ends 838 can be turned in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Each of the ends 838 is connected at different location along the z-axis to the second plate 80 s.

Furthermore, an end 840 of each of the arms 812 is movably connected to the distal outer side edge 836 of the second plate 808 such that the end 840 can be turned in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. However, note that as the second plate 808 is turned, the position of the ends 838 do not change while the position of the ends 840 relative to both the x-axis and the z-axis do change. More specifically, the arms 812 are bent so as to translate a distance 842 between the ends 838, 840 more in a direction along the y-axis when the second plate 808 is in the unfolded state and more in a direction along the x-axis when the second plate 808 is in the folded state. The additional distance along the y-axis in the unfolded state is labeled as 843 and the additional distance along the x-axis in the folded state is labeled as 845. Again, the x-axis and the y-axis are orthogonal to each other. Thus, the arms 812 are bent to translate the distance 842 more in the y- axis (positive direction along the y-axis) when the second plate 808 is in the unfolded state and more in the x-axis (positive direction along the x-axis) when the second plate 808 is in the folded state. This provides a dual cam action along the y-axis and the x-axis that allows for the second plate 808 to operate with its attached panel 802 (See FIG. 20).

In this embodiment, the arms 810 and the arms 812 are configured so that the first plate 806 and the second plate 808 face one another in a folded state (See FIG. 21) and are on substantially a same plane (in this case, the z-y plane) in an unfolded state (See FIG. 22). As such, in the folded state, a normal 854 of an interior surface 856 of the first plate 806 and a normal 858 of an interior surface 860 of the second plate 806 are parallel but point in opposing directions (in this case, opposing directions along the y-axis). In the unfolded state, the normal 854 and the normal 858 are parallel and point in the same direction (out of the page along the x-axis). In other embodiments, this may not be the case. For instance, the angular displacement of the normals 854, 858 from the unfolded state and the folded state may not be 90 degrees in other embodiments. In such a case, the normals 854, 858 may not end up parallel to one another in either the folded state or the unfolded state but rather may have some other form of angular relationship. The angular displacement between the unfolded and folded states may depend on the requirements for the geometric relationship between the panels 802 in the folded state and in the unfolded state. Note that the shape of the first plate 806 is provided so that the first plate 806 has tabs 862 that extend parallel to the normal 854 and near the proximal inner side edge 834 of the first plate 806 such that the ends 838 of arms 812 can be attached and turned. Furthermore, the shape of the first plate 806 is provided so that the first plate 806 has tabs 864 that extend parallel to the normal 854 and near the distal outer side edge 816 of the first plate 806 such that the ends 820 of arms 810 can be attached and turned. The shape of the second plate 808 is provided so that the second plate 808 has tabs 866 that extend parallel to the normal 858 and near the proximal inner side edge 814 of the second plate 808 such that the ends 818 of arms 810 can be attached and turned. Furthermore, the shape of the second plate 808 is provided so that the second plate 808 has tabs 868 that extend parallel to the normal 858 and near the distal outer side edge 836 of the second plate 808 such that the ends 830 of arms 812 can be attached and turned.

FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of the hinge 800. The embodiment of the hinge 800 in FIG. 23 is the same as the embodiment of the hinge 800 in FIG. 20-FIG. 22, except that in FIG. 23, the arms 810 and the arms 812 are longer. It should be noted that the length of the arms 810, 812 may depend on whether the panels 802 to be folded have more folded panels 802, 804 to be placed between its folded panels 802 and how many layers of the folded panels 802, 804 are to be placed in between the panels 802 that are to be folded by the hinge 800. For example, the hinge 800 used in FIG. 23 may be used to fold the panels 802 that are analogous to the panels 518 and thus have an additional row of nested panels 802, 804 and thus require additional separation in the folded state.

Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modification to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.