US 12,168,529 B2
Morphing self-stiffening array (MOSSA) and hinge
Thomas W Murphey, Fort Collins, CO (US); and Levi Nicholson, Wellington, CO (US)
Assigned to Opterus Research and Development, Inc., Fort Collins, CO (US)
Filed by Opterus Research and Development, Inc., Fort Collins, CO (US)
Filed on Dec. 20, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/068,716.
Application 18/068,716 is a division of application No. 17/701,277, filed on Mar. 22, 2022, granted, now 12,024,317.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/165,192, filed on Mar. 24, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0211899 A1, Jul. 6, 2023
Int. Cl. E05D 1/00 (2006.01); B64G 1/22 (2006.01); B64G 1/44 (2006.01); F16C 11/12 (2006.01); H02S 30/10 (2014.01); H02S 30/20 (2014.01)
CPC B64G 1/443 (2013.01) [B64G 1/2222 (2023.08); F16C 11/12 (2013.01); H02S 30/10 (2014.12); H02S 30/20 (2014.12); B64G 1/44 (2013.01); Y10T 403/45 (2015.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A self-deployable array of modules comprising:
a plurality of locking hinges coupling adjoining modules in spaced relation, wherein said modules are joined via a hinge apparatus for coupling at least two modules, which comprises:
a hinge member defining a longitudinal axis, including:
a center segment;
a transition segment extending from opposed ends of the center segment; and
a mounting flange segment extending from opposed ends of the transition segment, each mounting flange segment being offset with respect to the center segment, and
wherein the hinge member is configured to lock upon transitioning to the open condition.