×

LIGHTWEIGHT COLLAPSIBLE DISH STRUCTURE AND PARABOLIC REFLECTOR EMBODYING SAME

  • US 3,599,218 A
  • Filed: 09/11/1968
  • Issued: 08/10/1971
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1968
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A lightweight collapsible dish structure adapted to be folded for storage and deployed for use, comprising:

  • a generally dish-shaped member constructed of a plastic film such as Mylar or Kapton which is preformed to said normal dish shape;

    a number of individual elastic beams of tubular cross section extending radially of and secured to said dish member and constructed of a sheet-thin plastic film such as Mylar or Kapton;

    said beams being preformed to normally assume a configuration wherein said dish member conforms to its normal dish shape;

    said dish structure being adapted to be gathered and folded to a compact stowage configuration wherein elastic strain energy is stored within said beams for effecting deployment of said dish structure when reLeased;

    an inflatable ring extending about and secured to the rim of said dish structure; and

    said ring being adapted to be deflated when said dish structure is folded to its stowage configuration and to be inflated during deployment of said dish structure for aiding such deployment, stretching said dish structure radially and reinforcing said dish structure against beam bending.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×