TELESCOPIC STRUCTURE

Abstract

An expandable structure comprising a central part snugly nested within at least one intermediate layer, with the intermediate layer(s) snugly nested within each other and within an outer layer. At least a portion of the central part is in contact with its adjacent layer; similarly, at least a portion of each layer is in contact with adjacent layer(s). The central part has at least one undulation on its outer side, the outer layer has at least one undulation on its inner side, and the intermediate layer(s) have, on each side, at least one undulation, with undulations on adjacent layers mating with each other. The structure is held in its expanded state by contact between the layers and by contact between the innermost layer and the central part.

Description

1 / 43 TELESCOPIC STRUCTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for creating an enclosed space where the structure is expandable. In a closed configuration, all extensions and a central part fit into the base of the telescopic structure, with the extensions and central part being able to be pulled or screwed from the base and locked in an expanded position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Strong, lightweight, and expandable structures have many uses, from storage units to portable shelters. A very common example of an expandable structure used as support is a tent pole. A conventional tent pole is composed of several sections, which are separated for transport, significantly reducing the size of the package (pole plus tent walls) that must be transported, and are assembled for use, with each section fitting into the next.

[0003] The disadvantages of sectional tent poles include: a group of disassembled sections is much smaller, but significantly wider, than the assembled tent pole. The locking mechanism on telescopic tent poles is weaker, sometimes significantly weaker, than the sections themselves and can be difficult to both lock and unlock. Lateral forces on assembled tent poles can cause them to bend, especially at the joints. And the load that tent poles can support is limited.

[0004] Often, more substantial portable and erectable shelters are needed where humans require protection from the environment. For example, people may be displaced from their homes by natural disasters or become homeless due to other circumstances. Portable shelters can be used for Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 11 / 82 2 / 43 provide short- or long-term housing for these people.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. US4974265 describes a multi-purpose shelter adapted for use as a toilet, shower or changing room of such size as to accommodate one person, having in a sectional embodiment a floor with ventilation and drainage grooves surrounded by a truncated cylindrical structure containing a plurality of flexible wall sections of progressively reduced diameters which can be telescopically raised, held free in an extended position by friction, are quickly and easily assembled on site without tools or special instructions and can be folded into a low-profile format for quick and easy transport, storage or shipping.

[0006] However, in document US4974265, the sections have flat sides and are held in an extended configuration by friction between the flat sides of the sections and by sealing tape, so that the frictional force between the panels is small in the extended configuration. As stated in the patent, a light tap or blow will push the sections down onto the alternating panels, so that the sections become nested in a collapsed and uniform condition within the enclosure. The sealing tape will likely lose its adhesion over time and with repeated collapses and retractions. Since only a light touch or blow is needed to topple the structure, even a moderate wind can cause the structure to collapse or material to leak through the walls. The base of the structure is joined to the lowest vertical section only at the lower edge of the lowest vertical section, so the base provides little stabilization to the structure and little reaction force on the sides of the structure.Because the wall sections are nested, with the innermost section being the tallest when the walls are extended, the opening of each joint faces upwards, on the outside of the structure. Therefore, water runs down the outside of the structure. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 12 / 82 3 / 43 (for example, when it is raining) will flow to the open side of the joint facing upwards and will likely find its way through the joint and between the flat-sided sections to the inside of the structure, especially if there is wind or if the sealing tape on the outside of the structure no longer provides a continuous seal.

[0007] Therefore, it has long been necessary to provide an expandable structure that does not easily return to a contracted configuration, that is not likely to develop leaks, and that is not likely to be damaged by wind or weather, or by being transported. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One objective of the present invention is to disclose a system for creating an enclosed space where the system is expandable. In a closed (contracted) configuration, all extensions (intermediate layers and central part) fit into the base (outer layer) of the telescopic structure, with the extensions being able to be pulled from the base and locked in an expanded position.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose a structure having at least two configurations, a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration and a main longitudinal axis, said structure comprising: a central part, having at least one lateral central part, and at least one upper face of a central part and one lower face of a central part; at least one intermediate layer, having an upper face of an intermediate layer, a lower face of an intermediate layer, at least one inner side of an intermediate layer and at least one outer side of an intermediate layer; and an outer layer, having at least one outer face facing inwards, at least one outer face of an outer layer and at least one of an outer layer's lower face or an outer layer's upper face; Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 13 / 82 4 / 43 the aforementioned central part may be nested at least partially within at least one intermediate layer and at least one intermediate layer may be nested at least partially within the outer layer; each of the aforementioned at least one side of the central part, referred to at least one inner side of the intermediate layer, referred to at least one outer side of the intermediate layer and referred to at least one inner side of the outer layer comprising at least two half-undulations, each of the aforementioned at least two half-undulations being either an inward-angled half-undulation or an outward-angled half-undulation; the aforementioned at least two half-corrugations in the aforementioned at least one central lateral part that can be coupled with the aforementioned at least two half-corrugations in the aforementioned at least one intermediate inner lateral layer; as said at least two half-undulations on said at least one outer side of intermediate layer, coupleable with said at least two half-undulations on said inner side of said outer layer; and said at least one intermediate layer being a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, said at least two half-undulations on an outer side of said pair of adjacent intermediate layers are coupleable with said at least two half-undulations on an inner side of said outer side of said pair of adjacent intermediate layers; and, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, said inner layer of each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is at least partially ringed within said outer layer of each pair of adjacent intermediate layers.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the items above, in Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 14 / 82 5 / 43 that at least one of the following conditions is true: a. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, is displaceable in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer in order to transfer said expandable structure from said contracted configuration to said expanded configuration; b. the aforementioned structure is reversibly expandable; c. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, is movable along the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer to transfer said expandable structure from said expanded configuration to said contracted configuration; and d. all members of a group consisting of the aforementioned central part, the aforementioned at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, are fixed in relation to each other.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein a resultant force deflected in a direction not parallel to an applied force induces each outer face to a sealing communication with an inner face of an adjacent layer, thus sealing an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein a pair of adjacent layers is selected from a group consisting of at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the central part, an adjacent pair of the plurality of intermediate layers and at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the outer layer. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 15 / 82 6 / 43

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the items above, wherein any pair of adjacent layers is in a selected communication between sliding communication and fixed communication.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the preceding ones, wherein, in the closed configuration, at least a portion of all the lower edges of the structure are coplanar with each other, the central portion fits perfectly against one of the innermost intermediate layers, the outer layer fits perfectly against one of the outermost intermediate layers, and, for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers fits perfectly with each other.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the items 1 above, wherein any of the at least two half-waves is joined to an adjacent half-wave in a manner selected from a group consisting of a straight segment, a curved segment or any combination thereof.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein each of the at least two half-waves comprises a member of a group consisting of a spiral with an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a ring situated in a plane perpendicular to or parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a crest of the at least two half-waves being at an angle between 30° and 90° from said main longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the items above, wherein the at least two half-corrugations in the central part differ from the at least two half-corrugations in the at least one layer. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 16 / 82 7 / 43 intermediate.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein, for the at least one intermediate layer, the at least two half-corrugations on an inner side of the at least one intermediate layer differ from the at least two half-corrugations on an outer side of the at least one intermediate layer.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose a method for assembling a structure having at least two configurations, a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, comprising the steps of: to provide the aforementioned structure, said structure having a main longitudinal axis, said structure comprising: a central part, having at least one lateral central part, and at least one upper face of a central part and one lower face of a central part; at least one intermediate layer, having an upper face of an intermediate layer, a lower face of an intermediate layer, at least one inner side of an intermediate layer and at least one outer side of an intermediate layer; and an outer layer, having at least one outer face facing inwards, at least one outer face of an outer layer and at least one of an outer layer's lower face or an outer layer's upper face; the aforementioned central part may be nested at least partially within at least one intermediate layer, and at least one intermediate layer may be nested at least partially within the outer layer; each of the aforementioned at least one central lateral part, referred to at least one inner lateral intermediate layer, referred to at least one outer lateral intermediate layer and referred to at least one outer lateral layer facing towards Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 17 / 82 8 / 43 within comprising at least two half-waves, each of said at least two half-waves being either an inside-angle half-wave or an outside-angle half-wave; the aforementioned at least two half-corrugations in the aforementioned at least one central lateral part that can be coupled with the aforementioned at least two half-corrugations in the aforementioned at least one intermediate inner lateral layer; as said at least two half-undulations on said at least one outer side of intermediate layer, coupleable with said at least two half-undulations on said inner side of said outer layer; and said at least one intermediate layer being a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, said at least two half-undulations on an outer side of said pair of adjacent intermediate layers are coupleable with said at least two half-undulations on an inner side of said outer side of said pair of adjacent intermediate layers; and, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, said inner layer of each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is at least partially ringed within said outer layer of each pair of adjacent intermediate layers. place said structure in a predetermined location; and move said central part along said main longitudinal axis in a direction that increases the distance between said central part and said outer layer until said central part is at a predetermined distance from said outer layer.

[0020] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 18 / 82 9 / 43 a. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, is displaceable in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer in order to transfer said expandable structure from said contracted configuration to said expanded configuration; b. the aforementioned structure is reversibly expandable; c. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, is movable along the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer to transfer said expandable structure from said expanded configuration to said contracted configuration; and d. all members of a group consisting of the aforementioned central part, the aforementioned at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, are fixed in relation to each other.

[0021] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of diverting a resultant force in a direction not parallel to an applied force, inducing each outer face to a sealing communication with an inner face of an adjacent layer, thus sealing an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

[0022] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of selecting a pair of adjacent layers from a group consisting of at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the central part, an adjacent pair from the plurality of intermediate layers and at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the outer layer. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 19 / 82 10 / 43

[0023] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of providing any pair of adjacent layers in a selected communication between a sliding communication and a fixed communication.

[0024] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of, in the closed configuration, providing at least a portion of all the lower edges of the structure coplanar with each other, the central part fitting perfectly against one of the innermost intermediate layers, the outer layer fitting perfectly against one of the outermost intermediate layers, and, for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers fitting perfectly against each other.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of joining any of at least two half-waves to an adjacent half-wave in a manner selected from a group consisting of a straight segment, a curved segment or any combination thereof.

[0026] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of providing each of the at least two half-waves comprising a member of a group consisting of a spiral with an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a ring situated in a plane perpendicular to or parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a crest of the at least two half-waves being at an angle between 30° and 90° from said main longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0027] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 20 / 82 11 / 43 method as described in any of the above items, additionally comprising a step of providing at least two half-waves in the central part, differing from at least two half-waves in at least one intermediate layer.

[0028] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of, for said at least one intermediate layer, providing said at least two half-corrugations on an inner side of said at least one intermediate layer, differing from said at least two half-corrugations on an outer side of said at least one intermediate layer.

[0029] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose a structure comprising: a plurality of nested interconnected rings; and an internal central part communicating with a more internal part of said plurality of nested interconnected rings; the aforementioned structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; wherein said structure is transferable between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration by applying a transfer force sufficient to overcome the structural resistance between a member of a group consisting of at least one adjacent pair of said nested interlocking ring plurality, between said inner central part and said innermost part of said nested interlocking ring plurality or any combination thereof, said transfer force being applied between said outermost part of said nested interlocking ring plurality and said inner central part; Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 21 / 82 12 / 43 Furthermore, in said expanded configuration, a load applied to a selected part of a group consisting of the inner central part, one of the plurality of nested interlocking rings, or any combination thereof, induces the transfer of load force and resultant force to all parts in said structure, inducing changes in the angle between pairs of adjacent parts and stabilizing the structure.

[0030] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein there is a perfect fit between at least one pair of adjacent parts, the adjacent parts being selected from a group consisting of the inner central part and the innermost part of a plurality of nested interlocking rings, or two of a plurality of nested interlocking rings, wherein the perfect fit produces a seal between at least one pair of adjacent parts.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein said transfer force is reducible for transfer between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or for transfer between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration, said transfer force is increaseable to prevent said transfer from said at least one expanded configuration to said at least one collapsed configuration, said transfer force is reducible by at least partially removing said inner central part from the innermost of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, said transfer force is increaseable by at least partially inserting said inner central part into said innermost of said plurality of nested interlocking rings. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 22 / 82 13 / 43

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to disclose the structure as described in any of the above items, wherein a property of one of the outermost nested interlocking rings differs from the property of at least one of the other nested interlocking rings, the property being selected from a group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, corrugation length, corrugation shape or any combination thereof.

[0033] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose a method for assembling a structure having at least two configurations, a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, comprising the steps of: to provide the aforementioned structure, the aforementioned structure comprising: a plurality of nested interconnected rings; and an inner central part communicating with a more inner part of said plurality of nested interconnected rings; the aforementioned structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; to place the aforementioned structure in a pre-determined location; move said central part along a main longitudinal axis of said structure in a direction that increases the distance between said central part and said outer layer until said central part is at a predetermined distance from said outer layer. wherein said structure is transferable between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration by applying a transfer force sufficient to overcome the structural resistance between a member of a group consisting of at least one adjacent pair of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, between the Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 23 / 82 14 / 43 said inner central part and said innermost part of said plurality of nested interlocking rings or any combination thereof, said transfer force being applied between said outermost part of said plurality of nested interlocking rings and said inner central part; Furthermore, in the aforementioned expanded configuration, a load applied to a selected part of a group consisting of the inner central part, one of the plurality of nested interlocking rings, or any combination thereof, induces the transfer of load force and resultant force to all parts in said structure, inducing changes in the angle between pairs of adjacent parts and stabilizing the structure.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising a step of providing a snug fit between at least one pair of adjacent parts, the adjacent parts being selected from a group consisting of the inner central part and the innermost part of a plurality of nested interlocking rings, or two of a plurality of nested interlocking rings, the perfect fit producing a seal between at least one pair of adjacent parts.

[0035] Another objective of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising the steps of reducing said transfer force for transfer between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or for transfer between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration, or increasing said transfer force to prevent said transfer from said at least one expanded configuration to said at least one collapsed configuration. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 24 / 82 15 / 43 a collapsed configuration, reducing said transfer force by at least partially removing said inner central part from the innermost of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, or increasing said transfer force by at least partially inserting said inner central part into the innermost of said plurality of nested interlocking rings.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is to disclose the method as described in any of the above items, further comprising the steps of selecting a property of one of the outermost nested interlocking rings of the plurality, different from the property of at least one other nested interlocking ring, and selecting the property of a group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, corrugation length, corrugation shape or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] To better understand the invention and its implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, only as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1A-B depict standard structures of the previous technique; Figures 2A-B represent a foldable structure of the prior art; Figures 3A-D schematically illustrate one embodiment of an expandable structure of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an expandable structure of the present invention in its fully expanded configuration; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the angle between undulations on the sides of the parts of the present invention; Figures 6A-D, 7A-C, and 8A-B schematically illustrate undulations. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 25 / 82 16 / 43 on the sides of parts of the present invention; Figures 9 and 10A-D schematically illustrate embodiments of the structures of the present invention; Figures 11, 12 and 13A-D schematically illustrate embodiments of the structures of the present invention; Fig. 14A schematically illustrates forces on an embodiment of an automobile comprising a structure of the present invention; Fig. 14B schematically illustrates the displacements of a car comprising a structure of the present invention when loaded; and Figures 15A-B schematically illustrate the pressures in the intermediate layers of an automobile comprising a structure of the present invention when loaded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES

[0038] The following description is provided, together with all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best ways contemplated by the inventor to carry out this invention. Several modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a means and method for creating an enclosed space using a telescopic expandable structure. In a closed configuration, all extensions (intermediate layers and central part) fit into the base (outer layer) of the telescopic structure, with the extensions being able to be pulled from the base and locked in an expanded position.

[0039] Fig. 1A-B illustrates typical types of house frames. Fig. 1A illustrates a wooden frame for a house, while Fig. 1B illustrates a steel frame for a house. Buildings or other shelters can also be constructed with brick, stone, or cement walls to support floors. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 26 / 82 17 / 43 upper floors and roofs; bricks can be fired in a kiln or sun-dried. Roofs are usually made of wood or steel, with shingles or pitch to protect from rain. Typically, building a one- or two-story house requires skilled labor and takes about a month. After the completion of the exterior walls, the interior walls must be installed, as well as the electrical wiring, electrical outlets, heating, lighting, and fixtures such as toilets and sinks, and

[0040] utilities such as cabinets, as well as utilities such as stoves and refrigerators. Then the owner will add furniture.

[0041] A standard four-person tent can take 2 to 3 hours to set up. After that, heating, lighting, and cooking equipment can be unpacked and placed in the tent, along with bedding, beds, or other furniture (if desired). Typically, if used, a toilet and any cleaning facilities (if needed) will be in a separate structure, which must also be set up. Water can be supplied by a well or stream, an external fire hydrant or tap at a dedicated facility, or via a water pipe. Tents can be blown away by the wind and may leak, especially if something touches the walls. Wind can also pass through the walls or through gaps in the walls.

[0042] Fig. 2A-B shows a collapsible structure intended for use as a toilet, shower or changing room, large enough to accommodate one person. A larger version of this structure could function as a collapsible tent for emergency use. However, the friction connection between the nested sections would collapse easily – the granted patent states that a slight touch or breath is enough to cause the structure to collapse and, in prolonged use, the joints between the sections would likely leak.

[0043] A trailer or caravan can be taken to a location and connected to services such as water and electricity. If available, a Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 27 / 82 The 18 / 43 trailer can be connected to a waste disposal facility or a toilet with a holding tank can be used.

[0044] In emergencies, when there is significant destruction of dwellings, temporary housing is needed quickly, preferably within a few hours or days. Traditionally constructed housing takes a long time. Tents can be brought in and set up quickly, with dozens to hundreds of tents in a large truck; simple furniture, space heating, and cooking and storage facilities can be brought in the same truck or a separate truck and placed in the tents. However, family-sized tents may require several people to set up, and furniture placement requires a large number of people, as the furniture needs to be brought in and placed in each of the tents. Furthermore, if the furniture is not contracted storage, storing it will require a large amount of space. If contracted storage is used, manpower will be needed to assemble it.Furthermore, ensuring that all necessary supplies reach the correct location can be problematic. Additionally, as described above, tents are not truly suitable for living in for extended periods of time, such as months or years.

[0045] Trailers or caravans offer amenities that tents lack, but storing the many caravans needed—hundreds of thousands of emergency homes were required after the recent earthquakes in Turkey—would take up a lot of space, and maintaining the caravans in storage is expensive—unsold caravans are, in many countries, practically given away to reduce storage maintenance costs. Furthermore, only a few caravans, at best, can be transported in a single truck, so it would be difficult to provide transport or quickly move the large number of caravans needed in an emergency.

[0046] The present invention, among other uses, can provide Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 28 / 82 19 / 43 A temporary structure that will remain windproof and waterproof for months and probably years of use. Preferably, the exterior walls consist of doors and windows. Typically, the temporary structure consists of built-in wiring, electrical connections, and interior walls. Preferably, it includes built-in furniture, such as sofas and beds, and other furniture, such as tables and chairs; the interior walls and furniture expand and contract along with the exterior walls. Preferably, it further includes at least one of the following: sanitary and cleaning facilities; space heating; facilities for cooking and cooling food; and storage facilities, so that, in some embodiments, a complete and furnished dwelling can be provided as a flat package; pulling the roof up extends the exterior walls, the interior walls, and all interior facilities.

[0047] The present invention features: 1. Compact design that folds telescopically.

[0048] This construction allows for the production of an efficient structure where almost the entire structure resists the forces exerted on it homogeneously. 3. The structure is strong and also extremely lightweight. 4. A static labyrinth seal provides a good seal between components, with the design ensuring a combination of pressure between components, surface quality, and number of corrugations that prevents leaks between the joints. 5. In a spiral corrugation design comprising at least one spirally wound intermediate layer, the construction can be opened and closed with little force (usually the weight of the product). 6. In an annular design, the force required to open or close the structure can be planned, becomes part of the safety factor, and in some designs, comprises the maximum load that the structure needs to support. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 29 / 82 20 / 43

[0049] In designs with one or more spiral intermediate layers, with the spiral intermediate layer(s), in the open configuration, extending over a significant portion of the structure's height (preferably, but not necessarily, the entire height), the stress in any part of the spiral intermediate layer(s) is small because the stress is dispersed along the entire length of each intermediate layer. In contrast, in a design comprising arc or ring intermediate layers, if the rings have different sizes, the smaller rings will have a smaller surface area and volume to disperse the stresses, becoming a weak link in the design.

[0050] The telescopic structure of the present invention comprises three components: a central part, an outer layer, and, in most embodiments, at least one intermediate layer. In some embodiments, at least one of the outer intermediate layers is fixed to the outer layer. In some embodiments, at least one inner intermediate layer is fixed to the central part. Such embodiments may have other sliding intermediate layers, or the innermost of the fixed outer intermediate layers may slide against the outermost of the inner intermediate layers to allow expansion of the structure. It is also possible that all parts are fixed to each other, so that the structure cannot be expanded. Fully fixed structures can be used, for example, as a strong and lightweight floor.

[0051] One function of the fixed intermediate layers (120) is to allow control of the size of the central part (130) or the outer layer (110), while maintaining a desired size for the ends of the expanded structure. Non-limiting examples of structures where near-vertical sides are desired include a house (near-vertical walls provide a more satisfactory living space) or a cup, where a cup with a near base Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 30 / 82 A 21 / 43 cup with a smaller base relative to its top opening is more stable than a cup with a smaller base relative to its top opening. For non-limiting examples, a smaller center (130) can provide a more stable structure than a larger center (130).

[0052] Fig. 3A-D schematically illustrates an embodiment of a telescopic structure (1000) of the present invention, with Fig. 3A showing a perspective view of the telescopic structure (1000) and Figs. 3B-D showing a cross-section parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the embodiment of Fig. 3A. Fig. 3B shows the telescopic structure (1000) in its closed configuration, Fig. 3C shows the telescopic structure (1000) in a partially open configuration and Fig. 3D shows the telescopic structure (1000) in a fully open configuration.

[0053] In Figs. 3A-D and 4, small ripples may or may not be present. For simplicity and clarity, they are not shown.

[0054] The outer layer (110), the three intermediate layers (120) and the central part (130) are shown separately for clarity. In practice, they would fit perfectly into each other, enough so that the outer layer, the intermediate layers and the central part would be in sealing communication at all times.

[0055] In all configurations of all structures, the parts of the telescopic structure (1000) nest at least partially within each other, the central part (130) within the intermediate layer(s) (120), the intermediate layer(s) (120) within each other and the outermost intermediate layer (120) within the base (110).

[0056] Typically, as shown in Fig. 3A, in the closed configuration, the upper edges of the outer layer (110),

[0057] the intermediate layers (120) and the central part Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 31 / 82 22 / 43 (130) are coplanar, as are the lower edges (not shown). This makes the telescopic structure (1000), in its closed configuration, effectively a flat package, providing very space-efficient storage and transport for the telescopic structure (1000). Typically, the central part will have a connector (not shown) to allow it to be connected to a means of pulling up the central part (130) to expand the telescopic structure (1000). Any suitable conventional connector may be used; the type of connector is not pertinent to the patent.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B-3D, the outer intermediate layer (120C) is fixed to the outer layer and the inner intermediate layer (120A) is fixed to the central part (130), with the central intermediate layer (120B) sliding against the outer intermediate layer (120C) and the inner intermediate layer (120A).

[0059] The central part has undulations on its outer side, while the outer layer has undulations on its inner side. The intermediate layers have undulations on both sides, all the undulations matching so that there is a firm and sealable fit between the parts.

[0060] In Fig. 3B, the force (200, gray arrow) is being applied in an upward direction. This causes the central intermediate layer (120B), which is flexible, to spring upward, as shown in Fig. 3C, where the innermost intermediate layer (120A) has springed upward in a ripple. The upper white arrows (300) schematically illustrate the direction of the force on the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and therefore on the central intermediate layer (120B), the force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis but is angled due to the ripples. Note that the upward traction process brings the intermediate layers (120A) closer to the central part (130), helping to maintain the seal between the parts of the telescopic structure. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 32 / 82 23 / 43 (1000).

[0061] The lower white arrows (310) schematically illustrate the direction of the force in the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and therefore in the central and outer intermediate layers (120B,C); the force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, but is angled due to the undulations. However, there is a reaction force (320) in the inner, central and outer intermediate layers (120A,B,C) of the outer layer (110), placing the intermediate layers (120) in equilibrium when static and close to equilibrium when open or closed, or otherwise experiencing a dynamic force, as discussed in more detail below.

[0062] Fig. 3D schematically illustrates the telescopic structure (1000) in a fully expanded configuration. Note that, in other variants of this embodiment, in the fully expanded configuration, a corrugation in the middle intermediate layer (120A) is in contact with the central part (130), and a corrugation in the middle intermediate layer (120A) is in contact with the outer layer (110).

[0063] In Fig. 3D, the tensile force has ceased; the load (400) on the telescopic structure (1000) is the weight of the central part (130) plus the weight of any additional material that is supported on the telescopic structure (1000).

[0064] As the force is now downward, the load (400) pushes the intermediate layers outward and downward (300, arrows), increasing the pressure on the intermediate layers (120A,B), helping to maintain the seal between the parts of the telescopic structure (1000).

[0065] The lower white arrows (310) schematically illustrate the direction of the force in the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and therefore in the central and outer intermediate layers (120B,C) due to the load; the force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, but is angled outwards due to the Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 33 / 82 24 / 43 undulations. However, there is a reaction force (320) in the inner, central and outer intermediate layers (120A,B,C) of the outer layer (110), placing the intermediate layers (120) in equilibrium, as discussed in more detail below.

[0066] Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a telescopic structure (1000) with three intermediate layers (120A,B,C), the innermost (120A) and outermost (120C) fixed and the central intermediate layer (120B) sliding. In this embodiment, the central intermediate layer (120B), when not tensioned, is flat; as shown in Fig. 4, it curved under load pressure (400) in the central part (130), the curvature forcing the central intermediate layer (120B) to enter into sealing contact with the outer layer (110) and the central part (130).

[0067] It should be noted that, in practice, there may be anywhere from no intermediate layer to a very large number of intermediate layers (120); for example, more than a thousand. The number of intermediate layers (120) may depend, for example but not limited to, on the load they need to support, the fully expanded length of the telescopic structure (1000), the materials used and the maximum length that will preserve the sealing contact between the intermediate layers (120), the central part

[0068] (130) and the outer layer (110).

[0069] The load (400) pushes the intermediate layers outward and downward (300, arrows), increasing the pressure on the intermediate layers (120A,B), helping to maintain the seal between the parts of the telescopic structure (1000).

[0070] The lower white arrows (310) schematically illustrate the direction of the force in the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and therefore in the central and outer intermediate layers (120B,C) due to the load; the force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, but is angled outwards due to the undulations. However, there is a reaction force (320) in the layers Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 34 / 82 25 / 43 intermediate layers (120A,B,C) of the outer layer (110), placing the intermediate layers (120) in equilibrium, as discussed in more detail below.

[0071] As discussed above, the forces in the intermediate layers (120) are at an angle to the main longitudinal axis due to the undulations, thus placing stress in the central part (130), in the intermediate layers (120) and in the outer layer (110). The force in the outer layer (110) stretches it outward, generating an inward-directed stress. This inward-directed stress exerts a reaction force on the intermediate layers (120), so that the intermediate layers (120) remain close to equilibrium. Preferably, the stresses on the middle surfaces of the intermediate layers (120) will be close to zero. If the expansion or contraction of the telescopic structure (1000) is not too rapid, the intermediate layers (120) will remain close to equilibrium during expansion or contraction, resulting in greater strength and stability of the telescopic structure (1000) during expansion or contraction.The intermediate layers (120) will be in equilibrium when the telescopic structure (1000) is fully expanded and in use.

[0072] Figs. 5, 6A-D, 7A-C and SA-B schematically illustrate exemplary forms for the parts (110, 120, 130). The undulations on the sides of the parts can be large or small. Figs. 6D and 8B schematically illustrate parts with large and small undulations, Figs. 6A-C and SA show only parts with large undulations (122) and Figs. 7A-C schematically illustrate only parts with small undulations (124).

[0073] Fig. 5 schematically indicates the angle 8 between ripples. The angle can be in a range of 0 < 8 < 180°. The angle 8L between large ripples may be different from the angle 8s between small ripples. One or both of the 8L and 8s angles may be different between different sides of any layer. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 35 / 82 26 / 43 intermediate, although 8L and 8s must be the same for any pair of contact faces, so that the contact faces correspond to each other, thus ensuring that there is an appropriate coefficient of friction between the contact faces. It should be noted that the coefficient of friction between the faces depends on the material of each contacting part and the roughness of each contacting face; on the number, length and angle 8L of the large corrugations and the number, length and angle 8s of the small corrugations; all of these must be adjusted to provide acceptable behavior for the expandable device.

[0074] In some embodiments, at least one part of at least one of the parts has a surface finish. The surface finish may be of a food-grade material, may be an anti-corrosive finish, or any other conventional finish. In some embodiments, a combination of the surface finish, the size of the ripples, the shape of the ripples, and any combination thereof may minimize or prevent bacterial growth on the parts.

[0075] All parts have at least one set of undulations in at least part of at least one side, and a part may have both large and small undulations. Normally, if there is only one set of undulations, they will be small undulations; in Figs. 6A-C, only the large undulations (122) are shown, while in Fig. 6D, one side has both large and small undulations. Fig. 6A schematically illustrates an intermediate layer (120) with the undulations meeting at points. Fig. 6B schematically illustrates a wavy intermediate layer (120) with the undulations meeting at a rounded end.

[0076] Fig. 6C schematically illustrates two corresponding intermediate layers (120), where each of the corresponding intermediate layers (120) alternates a rounded end (126) and a flat end (128), so that there is a small gap between each rounded end (126) Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 36 / 82 27 / 43 and each flat end (128), thus making, for example not limiting, a screw-shaped corrugation easier to turn, or making the transfer from an intermediate layer (120) to a different corrugation (122, 124) from an adjacent intermediate layer (120) smoother.

[0077] Fig. 6D schematically illustrates an intermediate layer (120) with one side having large and small undulations, and the other side having only small undulations. Normally, the side with large undulations would be fixed to another part, usually a central part (130) or an outer layer (110). A fixed connection between two adjacent layers can be formed by means of the properties of the corresponding adjacent faces, such as large and small undulations, materials and surface roughness, such that the force to cause relative movement between them is much greater than the force required to cause relative movement between sliding faces, or they are permanently connected at at least one point, where the connection can be by means of fusion, adhesion or any other means of permanent connection of two parts. Normally, only the side with small undulations can slide against another layer, usually another intermediate layer (120).

[0078] Figs. 7A-C schematically illustrate the shapes of the terminal ends of an intermediate layer. Fig. 7A

[0079] schematically illustrates the terminal ends for an intermediate layer (120) that would be substantially parallel to an upper or lower plane of the central part (130) or outer layer (110). Fig. 7B schematically illustrates terminal ends that are perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the intermediate layer (120), and Fig. 7C schematically illustrates an intermediate layer (120) with rounded ends.

[0080] Radiating extremities and radiating undulations can be Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 37 / 82 28 / 43 circular, elliptical, hyperbolic, or polygonal. A polygonal radius can have between 1 and 100 segments; a polygonal radius with one segment would be a planar endpoint.

[0081] Fig. SA schematically illustrates large undulations (122) in an outer layer (110), while Fig. 8B schematically illustrates large undulations (122) and small undulations (124) in a central part (130), where the dashed line indicates the central line of the central part (130).

[0082] The stresses in the parts of the telescopic structure (1000) can, in theory, be calculated using Johnson's parabolic formula or Euler's critical buckling load formula, according to the slenderness ratio of the part. Normally, however, it is more practical to calculate the stresses using stress analysis.

[0083] Johnson's parabolic formula relates the critical buckling stress σr to the applied stress Oy, in the direction of the beam thickness, in this case, the stress in an intermediate layer (120) in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, the modulus of elasticity E and the slenderness ratio l / k, where l is the length of the intermediate layer (120) in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure and k is the radius of gyration of the intermediate layer (120). The critical buckling stress σr = σy - σy - σy.

[0084] Euler's critical buckling load formula relates the critical buckling stress ocr to a critical force Pcronde the critical buckling stress is _ Pcrπ2EI π2E °cr~ A-AL2e-(j-)2(2) where Pcr = critical force A = cross-sectional area L e = effective length of the rod, which is, for the parts of Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 38 / 82 29 / 43 present invention, typically the thickness of the part E = modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) I = moment of inertia of the cross-sectional area of ​​the rod Q = slenderness ratio l = moment of inertia of a column section k = radius of gyration of a column section

[0085] The change in diameter of a column section δΐ can be calculated from: ($>&_() δΐ = pdl2tE(4).

[0086] And the arc stress σ+ can be calculated from _ pdacr= — where (5) E = Modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) . = Poisson's ratio p = internal pressure d = diameter of the cylindrical shell t = shell thickness = shell length.

[0087] One advantage of the telescopic structure (1000) of the present invention is that it provides a compact and lightweight system. The materials used in the parts of the telescopic structure (1000), in the central part (130), in the intermediate layers (120) and in the outer layer (110) can range from a hyperelastic material to a rigid material, depending on the intended use of the telescopic structure (1000). Non-limiting examples of possible materials include a metal, a polymer, a composite, an aggregate, a shape memory material, wood, diamond, shell or any combination thereof. The material is selected based, for example, on the size of the intended structure, the environmental conditions to which it will be exposed during storage, transport and use, and the forces Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 39 / 82 30 / 43 which will need to withstand safely during storage, transport and use. The central part (130), the intermediate layers (120) and the outer layer (110) can be of the same material or of different materials.

[0088] Ripples (122, 124) on the sides of the parts, which can be used to control friction between adjacent sides, have a minimum wavelength of about 3 nm. More typically, ripples (122, 124) have a wavelength in a selected range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, 0.1 mm to 10 mm, 3 nm to 1 pm, or any combination thereof. Large ripples (122) may also have a wavelength in a range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, 0.1 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 100 mm, 10 mm to 1 m, greater than 1 m, or any combination thereof. The size of the large ripples will depend on the size of the part of which they are a part, i.e., the thickness of the central part (130) or the outer layer (110), or the width of an intermediate layer (120).

[0089] Wavy patterns generally comprise two half-waves, one inward-facing half-wave and one outward-facing half-wave. Inward-facing and outward-facing half-waves may be mirror images of each other or may be different. The shape of an inward-facing half-wave may be the same as the shape of an adjacent outward-facing half-wave or they may be different. A half-wave may comprise a linear portion, a curved portion, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of a wavy profile include a sinusoidal profile, a zigzag profile, a sawtooth profile, a curvilinear profile, or any combination thereof.

[0090] Nanometric ripples would be used, for example, for micrometric-sized devices, such as MEMS device sensors. Small millimeter ripples would be used for larger devices, such as cars, furniture, houses, household appliances, or power station units. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 40 / 82 31 / 43 space-based or for residential installations in harsh environments.

[0091] The cross-sectional shape of a telescopic structure (1000) may be curved, such as, but not limited to, circular or elliptical; polygonal, with the polygon having up to 106 sides; defined by a spline curve; or any combination thereof. If the telescopic structure (1000) is used for emergency accommodation, it will normally be rectangular, as this is the most easily transportable shape using current means of transport.

[0092] The central part (130) may have a design that allows for a change in its diameter, reducing the resistance to expansion or contraction of the telescopic structure (1000).

[0093] The central part (130) may have a design with sides in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure or the sides may slope inward, with the central part (130) having the shape of a truncated cone, wider at the bottom (inner side of the central part) and narrower at the top (outer side of the central part). The central part may be pulled outward in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or it may be rotated so that it and the intermediate layers are screwed out of the outer layer. In the case where the central part is rotated, the corrugation forms a spiral instead of the ring corrugations used when the central part is pulled upward.

[0094] Preferably, the central part (130) has a relatively small diameter to increase the stability of the structure, reducing the amount of deflection of the central part and / or the tendency of the central part to bend, thus allowing a larger or stronger telescopic structure (1000). For example, not limiting, for a thin circular plate fixed at the edges under a transverse load, the deflection of the plate depends approximately on the square of the radius of the plate.

[0095] By having a central part (130) that has a section Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 41 / 82 32 / 43 transverse perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of variable size, such as, but not limited to, the lobed central part of Fig. 10A (below) or by having a truncated cone-shaped central part and screwing it inward before pulling to expand the structure, or by removing the central part, the force required to expand the telescopic structure (1000) can be significantly reduced or almost eliminated, thus separating the load that the structure needs to support during use from the force required to expand (or contract) it.

[0096] As a telescopic structure (1000) of a desired height can be designed with intermediate layers (120) of different lengths, a telescopic structure (1000) with shorter intermediate layers having more of them and a telescopic structure (1000) with longer intermediate layers (120) having fewer, a closed (contracted) telescopic structure (1000) can be made thicker or thinner almost as desired, while the footprint size of the telescopic structure (1000), which depends on the cross-sectional area of ​​the central part (120), the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer layer (110) and the thickness and number of intermediate layers (120), will change little as the length of the intermediate layers (120) changes. Therefore, the closed and transportable telescopic structure (1000) can comprise a compact package,

[0097] The usable volume of the telescopic structure (1000) is approximately the volume within the walls and is therefore approximately the area of ​​the hollow interior of the outer layer (110), since the walls, although angled inwards, form a relatively small angle in a direction parallel to the maximum longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0098] The thicknesses and lengths required for the intermediate layers (120) could, in principle, be calculated from equations 4 and 5. If they are used Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 42 / 82 33 / 43 ring-shaped undulations, their thickness and length can be found from σ+; if the undulations form a spiral, their thickness and length can be found from Iσ+, where I is the length of the spiral. Normally, however, instead of using equations 4 and 5, stress analysis will be performed on embodiments of the proposed structure, and the materials of the parts and their dimensions will be adjusted until a proposed structure provides the desired function safely and efficiently.

[0099] The inner and outer diameters of the outer layer (110) and the thickness of the outer layer (110) can be determined from the intended function of the structure, the materials used for the outer layer (110) and the stresses applied to the outer layer (110). Typically, the determination of the diameters and thicknesses is done by means of stress analysis applied to the entire intended structure.

[0100] The design of the present invention, with three nested parts (central part, intermediate layer(s) and outer layer) with different functions, allows the construction of a lightweight structure that can support very heavy loads. For example, a structure made of ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) can support approximately 700 kg per square centimeter for a 1 mm thick layer. As disclosed above, this capacity is the result of the distribution of forces such that the centerlines of the intermediate layers are essentially stress-free. Having a small diameter central part and a plurality of intermediate layers fixed to the central part means that the central part and its associated fixed intermediate layers can have a small height (thickness) and still have the necessary strength and stability, while reducing the weight of the structure.

[0101] The number of fixed intermediate layers can also be changed to provide a structure with a slope. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 43 / 82 34 / 43 desired of the side walls. Two structures can be compared, both having an outer layer with the same inner diameter and no associated fixed intermediate layer, and both having a central part with the same outer diameter, with the central part of the first structure having few (or no) associated fixed intermediate layers and the central part of the second having many associated fixed intermediate layers, the first structure will appear from the outside as the frustum of a cone, while the second structure will appear almost cylindrical from the outside.

[0102] The outer ring applies an internal annular pressure to the intermediate layers from the circular stresses applied to it by the outermost intermediate layer. The intermediate layers obtain their strength from the stability of the structure.

[0103] Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a structure in its expanded configuration. The expandable structure (1000) comprises a base element (110) that supports the structure on a surface (not shown). The intermediate layers (120A, B, C) comprise a plurality of successively connected layers, as described above. At the top is the central part (130) and, in this embodiment, three intermediate layers (120A) fixed to the central part (130). Each of the fixed intermediate layers (120A) has internal and external undulations on its lateral surfaces. The internal lateral surface of an external fixed intermediate layer (120A) is profiled in a manner consistent with the external lateral surface of an adjacent fixed intermediate layer (120A). The profile of the lateral surfaces of the fixed intermediate layers (120A) comprises large and small undulations.It should be emphasized that the profiled side surfaces have an enlarged contact area, so that the circular stress induced by the load of interest is supported by the... Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 44 / 82 35 / 43 structure (1000) is reduced because it is distributed over the enlarged contact area.

[0104] Similarly, there is a fixed intermediate layer (120C) with large and small undulations attached to the base (110).

[0105] The intermediate sliding layers (120B) exhibit only small undulations, being substantially rectangular in cross-section.

[0106] Figs. 10A-D show embodiments of the present invention with a spirally expandable intermediate layer (120). The intermediate layer (120) is substantially a ribbon-shaped member and can be configured in contracted and expanded positions. In the contracted position (not shown), at least one ribbon-shaped intermediate layer (120) is spirally nested within the outer layer (110). The sides of the ribbon-shaped intermediate layer(s) (120) have small undulations and are profiled so that successive turns of the ribbon-shaped intermediate layer (120) remain engaged with each other when the ribbon-shaped intermediate layer (120) is in its expanded configuration.

[0107] To expand the structure, the central part (130) is pulled upwards or the central part is rotated; in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 10B, if the central part (110) is fixed to the intermediate strip-shaped layer(s) (120) and the intermediate strip-shaped layer(s) (120) are fixed to the outer layer (110), the central part (110) is rotated counterclockwise to expand the structure and clockwise to contract the structure. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 10C-D, if the central part (110) is fixed to the intermediate strip-shaped layer(s) (120) and the intermediate strip-shaped layer(s) (120) are fixed to the outer layer (110), the central part (110) is rotated clockwise to expand the structure and counterclockwise to contract the structure. In Fig. 10C, for clarity, the central part is not shown. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 45 / 82 36 / 43 and in Fig. 10D, for clarity, neither the central part nor the outer layer are shown.

[0108] Fig. 10A shows an embodiment where the cross-sections of the central part (130) perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis are lobed (150); in the embodiment shown, the cross-sections perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis have nine lobes (150). Each lobe (150) runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the embodiment. The lobes (150) can function as large ripples, thus reducing the tendency of the device to close if a large load is placed upon it. The lobes (150) can also function to reduce the force required to expand the device.If the crests of the lobes (150) in the central part are adjacent to the crests of the lobes (150) in the innermost intermediate layer, then the force exerted by the central part (130) on the intermediate layer(s) (120) is relatively small and the relative movement between the intermediate layer(s) (120) and the central part (130) is relatively easy, so that the expansion of the structure by pulling the central part (130) requires relatively little force. However, if the crests of the lobes (150) in the central part are adjacent to the depressions of the lobes (150) in the innermost intermediate layer, then the force exerted by the central part (130) on the intermediate layer(s) (120) is large and the relative movement between the intermediate layer(s) (120) and the central part (130) is very difficult, locking the structure in its current configuration.

[0109] Fig. 10B-D shows an embodiment where the cross-sections of the central part (130) perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis are substantially circular. In the embodiment of Fig. 10B, there is an intermediate ribbon-shaped layer (120), while in Figs. 10C-D, there are two intermediate ribbon-shaped layers (120', 120). In spiral embodiments, there may be more than one intermediate ribbon-shaped layer. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 46 / 82 37 / 43 makes the system more reliable, as the edges of the ribbon-shaped intermediate layer(s) are normally fixed to the central part or to an intermediate layer fixed to the central part. If there is only one ribbon-shaped intermediate layer, during a change of configuration, from contracted to expanded or from expanded to contracted, the central part (130) will tend to sway as it moves up or down, since it is attached to the ribbon-shaped intermediate layer at only one point. Such sway can cause disconnection between the ribbon-shaped intermediate layer winds, preventing the change in the structure's configuration. If there are two ribbon-shaped intermediate layers, fixed to the central part or intermediate layers fixed to opposite sides of the central part, the forces at the connection points will be similar, significantly reducing sway and increasing the reliability of the structure.More than two intermediate strip layers may be used; the number of intermediate strip layers is limited only by the circumference of the central part or fixed intermediate layer to which they are attached and by the widths of the intermediate strip layers.

[0110] The system design allows for the generation of designs and the production of structures that are leak-proof and gas-resistant.

[0111] In the sealing method of the present invention, the components are designed so that the forces exerted on the central part, on the intermediate layers and on the outer layer by their weight, the weight above them and the pressures exerted on them press them together with relatively large forces, thus forcing the undulations on their sides into intimate contact and generating a liquid and gas-tight seal between the adjacent parts. The quality of the seal can be calculated in the design phase using known formulas for a static labyrinth seal.

[0112] Some non-limiting examples of systems where the Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 47 / 82 38 / 43 Liquid and gas-tight sealing is required for at least some parts of the system: 1. A house. Houses need walls and a roof that are at least windproof and waterproof. The doors and windows of the house, when closed, must be at least substantially windproof and waterproof. Inside the house, items such as, but not limited to, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers should not leak, nor should items such as, but not limited to, water pipes or gas pipes. Air leaks from ovens, refrigerators, and other heating and cooling devices can cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous temperature variations; 2. A portable toilet. The toilet itself must not leak, nor, if present, any flushing facilities. Furthermore, liquid storage tanks, for waste or potable water (if there is a flushing toilet or flushing facilities), must not leak; 3. A collapsible cup; 4. A space station. In addition to preventing leaks of items inside the space station, such as toilets, heating and cooling systems, and pipes, it is necessary to prevent atmospheric leaks through the walls of the space station. EXAMPLE 1

[0113] Fig. 11 shows a portable toilet cubicle in its expanded configuration. Approximately 600 of these could be stored in a standard 12 m container with a volume of approximately 66 m3. In practice, depending on the weight of the portable toilet and any relevant weight limits on the transport vehicle, a smaller container may be used or fewer toilets may be stored in each container. EXAMPLE 2

[0114] Fig. 12 shows a furnished house (600) containing Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 48 / 82 39 / 43 All the necessary infrastructure and services to allow for normal life. Approximately 75 houses of 50 square meters can be transported in one truck. The houses are intended for emergencies and are scattered across plowed fields. Assembly requires only two people and takes only a few minutes, usually less than ten minutes. Services such as electricity and water are typically provided in use. Any conventional electricity generator can be supplied, and wiring can be installed in each house and connected to an external outlet. Water can be supplied in any conventional way, such as by a tanker truck or from a well or stream, with water pipes connected to each house and linked to an external connector. Waste disposal can be done via an internal holding tank that must be emptied periodically or, if available, to a septic tank or drainage network.

[0115] In Fig. 12, the external walls (610), the internal walls (620) and the furniture (630) are all constructed using the present invention, as are the windows (not shown) and the doors (not shown). The base (640) provides the necessary reaction forces and also the floor of the house. Electrical wiring and water and sewage pipes can be embedded in the walls. In use, a conventional electricity generator can be supplied to the site, with wiring installed in each house and connected to an external outlet for each house. Water can be supplied by conventional means and the water supply can be connected to each house. Waste can be stored in an internal tank, such as those conventionally used in camping trailers and portable toilets, or the house can be connected to a conventional drain or septic tank.

[0116] In some arrangements, at least one of the following items may be incorporated into or provided with the house: bedding, clothing, food, cleaning products, kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans, cutlery, a refrigerator, Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 49 / 82 40 / 43 kitchen utensils, a TV, or cleaning products such as a washing machine or dryer. EXAMPLE 3

[0117] Fig. 13A-C schematically illustrates how a space station can be assembled and sent into space. Fig. 13A schematically illustrates a single unit (820F) of the space station in a contracted configuration. The unit (820) can be a habitation, the terrestrial version of which is shown expanded in Fig. 12 above, a laboratory, a meeting room, a dining room, an entrance and exit area, a storage area, or any other enclosed area as needed in a space station. Preferably, the facilities are included, in a contracted form, within the unit (820). For example, but not limited to, the laboratory unit may comprise heating and cooling facilities, workbenches, seating, lighting, attachment points for equipment, fume hoods, storage space for supplies or other items or facilities necessary to equip the laboratory of interest.

[0118] Fig. 13B schematically illustrates the contracted unit (820R) coiled into a cylindrical shape in preparation for transport to space, with the ends of the unit (820R) reversibly sealed to each other or otherwise connected together. Any conventional means of sealing or connecting may be used, provided that the means of sealing or connecting does not damage the unit and can withstand the forces applied to the unit (820) during the launch of a rocket into space.

[0119] Fig. 13C schematically illustrates 15 units mounted on the outside of a rocket (800), in this illustrative example, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, although any rocket of appropriate size and power may be used. As shown in Fig. 13C, each row of units (820A-E) Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 50 / 82 41 / 43 comprises a three-layer deep stack on the outside of the rocket.

[0120] Fig. 13D schematically illustrates a space station (850) of 15 units (820) after assembly in space. The units (850) are approximately 50 m2 and are connected in a ring that can be rotated to generate gravity. The inhabitants of a space station (850) composed of a ring of 100 units (820) could experience an environment substantially similar to that of Earth. If the floors of the units (820) are on the outer circumference of the space station (850) and the space station (850) rotates at approximately 19 rpm, the centrifugal force that the inhabitants experience would be approximately the same as the gravitational force of Earth, providing the inhabitants with a comfortable living environment; a larger space station (850) would require slower rotation and a smaller space station (850) would require faster rotation. EXAMPLE 4

[0121] Figs. 14A-B and 15-AB show an exemplary embodiment of an automobile in which the structural material of the vehicle comprises mainly ABS. Figs. 14A-B show a cross-section of the central part (130), which is the top part of the car, and some of the intermediate layers (120), while Figures 15A-B show some of the intermediate layers (120). The outer layer is not shown. Figs. 14A-B show displacements of the central part (130) and of some intermediate layers (120), while Figures 15A-B show the stresses in the intermediate layers (120).

[0122] The exemplary vehicle is 1.5 m high, 2 m wide and 4 m long, approximately the size of a compact car, and weighs less than 200 kg. In the exemplary vehicle, the central part comprises the roof of the vehicle. In this design, the roof (central part) is attached only to the intermediate layer. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 51 / 82 42 / 43 high; each of the intermediate layers can slide against any adjacent intermediate layer. The 150 intermediate layers (only a few are shown) and the outer layer form the vehicle walls.

[0123] Computer simulations of the stresses on such a vehicle indicate that it could support a load of 40 tons.

[0124] In most countries, standard tests are applied to new vehicle designs to ensure minimum safety standards for the new design. The standards specify the directions and magnitudes of the forces applied and the locations on the vehicle where the forces are applied.

[0125] Fig. 14A-B and Fig. 15A-B show the results of a simulation where the loads are similar to the loads of a standard test performed on a normal compact car. In this test, the allowable deformation of the vehicle chassis is typically around 20 mm.

[0126] In the standard test, a force of 4G is applied, that is, the applied force is 4*G*W, where G is the acceleration due to gravity and W is the weight of the car. For a typical car, a typical 4G force applied to the vehicle is 17,000 N. This was the force applied to the exemplary vehicle, although it weighs less than 200 kg, instead of more than 1 ton for a typical vehicle of its size.

[0127] Fig. 14A shows the loads (arrows in the center of the central part (130)) applied in the simulation to the central part (130) and the constraints (small gray arrows) applied to the central and upper line of the central part (130) and to the outer part of the lower intermediate layer (120). The loads applied in the simulation are Fx = 4.89 X 105 N (horizontal arrow) Fy = -6.76 x 10³ N (downward arrow).

[0128] Fig. 14B shows the displacements of the parts due to the applied forces; the maximum displacement is 1.09 mm, well below the typical value of 20 mm. The intermediate layers are Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 52 / 82 43 / 43 thinner; more importantly, the direction of distortion is outward (medium gray, top intermediate layer) for each of the intermediate layers. Because the distortions are external and the forces and pressures are evenly distributed throughout the vehicle, a material like ABS can withstand loads of approximately 700 kg per square centimeter for a 1 mm thick layer.

[0129] 15A-B show the pressures in the intermediate layers, with Figure 15A showing the pressures but not the deformations of the intermediate layers, while Figure 15B shows both the pressures and the deformations. The pressures are small, being very close to zero in the centers of the intermediate layers, and the pressure distributions in the different intermediate layers are almost identical.

[0130] As shown in Figs. 14A-B and 15A-B, loads applied to any part of the structure induce load force transfer and resultant force to all parts of the structure, inducing changes in the angle between pairs of adjacent parts and stabilizing the structure. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 53 / 82

Claims

1 / 12 CLAIMS 1. Structure, CHARACTERIZED in that it has at least two configurations, a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration and a main longitudinal axis, wherein said structure comprises: a central part, having at least one lateral central part, and at least one upper face of the central part and one lower face of the central part; at least one intermediate layer, having an upper face of the intermediate layer, a lower face of the intermediate layer, at least one inner face of the intermediate layer and at least one outer face of the intermediate layer; an outer layer, having at least one outer face facing inwards, at least one outer face of the outer layer and at least one lower face of the outer layer and an upper face of the outer layer;the said central part may be nested at least partially within the at least one intermediate layer and the at least one intermediate layer may be nested at least partially within the outer layer; each of the said at least one side of the central part, referred to as at least one inner side of the intermediate layer, referred to as at least one outer side of the intermediate layer and referred to as at least one inner side of the outer layer comprising at least two half-undulations, each of the said at least two half-undulations being either an inward angled half-undulation or an outward angled half-undulation; the said at least two half-undulations in the said at least one lateral central part being coupleable with the said at least two half-undulations in the said at least one inner lateral intermediate layer; Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 54 / 82; 2 / 12 as said at least two half-undulations on said at least one outer side of intermediate layer, coupleable with said at least two half-undulations on said inner side of said outer layer; said at least one intermediate layer being a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, said at least two half-undulations on an outer side of said pair of adjacent intermediate layers are coupleable with said at least two half-undulations on an inner side of said outer side of said pair of adjacent intermediate layers; and, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, an inner of each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is at least partially ringed within an outer of each pair of adjacent intermediate layers.

2. Structure according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that at least one of the following is true: a.a. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, is displaceable in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer to transfer said expandable structure from said contracted configuration to said expanded configuration; b. said structure is reversibly expandable; c. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, is displaceable along the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer to transfer said expandable structure from said expanded configuration to said contracted configuration; and d. all members of the group constituted by said Petition 870250085424, of 22 / 09 / 2025, p. 55 / 82. 3 / 12 central part, by said at least one intermediate layer or by any combination are fixed in relation to each other.

3. Structure, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that a resultant force deflected in a direction not parallel to an applied force induces each outer face to a sealing communication with an inner face of an adjacent layer, thus sealing an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

4. Structure, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that a pair of adjacent layers is selected from a group consisting of said at least one intermediate layer adjacent to said central part, an adjacent pair of said plurality of intermediate layers and said at least one intermediate layer adjacent to said outer layer.

5. Structure, according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that any pair of said adjacent layers is in a communication selected between sliding communication and fixed communication.

6. Structure, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that, in the closed configuration, at least a portion of all the lower edges of said structure are coplanar with each other, the central part fits perfectly against one of said innermost intermediate layers, said outer layer fits perfectly against one of said outermost intermediate layers, and, for said plurality of intermediate layers, said each pair of adjacent intermediate layers fits perfectly with each other.

7. Structure according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that any one of said at least two half-waves is joined to an adjacent half-wave in a manner selected from a group consisting of a straight segment, Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 56 / 82 4 / 12 a curved segment or any combination thereof.

8. Structure, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that each of said at least two half-waves comprises a member of a group consisting of a spiral with an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a ring situated in a plane perpendicular to or parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a crest of said at least two half-waves being at an angle between 30° and 90° with respect to said main longitudinal axis of the structure.

9. Structure, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least two half-corrugations in said central part differ from said at least two half-corrugations in said at least one intermediate layer.

10. Structure, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that, for said at least one intermediate layer, said at least two half-corrugations on an inner side of said at least one intermediate layer differ from said at least two half-corrugations on an outer side of said at least one intermediate layer.

11. Method for erecting a structure having at least two configurations, one contracted configuration and one expanded configuration, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: providing said structure, said structure having a main longitudinal axis, said structure comprising: a central part, having at least one lateral central part, and at least one upper face of the central part and one lower face of the central part; at least one intermediate layer, having an upper face of the intermediate layer, a lower face of the intermediate layer, at least one inner face of the intermediate layer and at least one outer face of the intermediate layer; an outer layer, having at least one outer face facing inwards, at least one outer face of the outer layer and at least one lower face of the outer layer and an upper face of the outer layer;each of the aforementioned at least one side of the central part, referred to at least one inner side of the intermediate layer, referred to at least one outer side of the intermediate layer and referred to at least one inner side of the outer layer comprising at least two half-corrugations, each of the said at least two half-corrugations being either an inward-angled half-corrugation or an outward-angled half-corrugation; the said at least two half-corrugations in the said at least one lateral central part being coupled with the said at least two half-corrugations in the said at least one inner lateral intermediate layer; the said at least two half-corrugations in the said at least one outer side of the intermediate layer being coupled with the said at least two half-corrugations in the said inner side of the outer layer;the aforementioned at least one intermediate layer being a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the aforementioned at least two half-undulations on an outer side of an inner side of the aforementioned pair of adjacent intermediate layers are combinable with the aforementioned at least two half-undulations on an inner side of an outer side of the aforementioned pair of adjacent intermediate layers; placing the aforementioned structure at a predetermined location; moving the aforementioned central part along the aforementioned main longitudinal axis in a direction that increases the distance between the aforementioned central part and the aforementioned outer layer until the aforementioned central part is at a predetermined distance from the aforementioned outer layer.

12. Method according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises at least one of the following steps: a. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer or any combination thereof, is displaceable in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer to transfer said expandable structure from said contracted configuration to said expanded configuration; b. said structure is reversibly expandable; c. a member of a group consisting of said central part, said at least one intermediate layer or any combination thereof, is displaceable along the main longitudinal axis of the structure relative to said outer layer to transfer said expandable structure from said expanded configuration to said contracted configuration; and d.all members of a group consisting of the aforementioned central part, the aforementioned at least one intermediate layer, or any combination thereof, are fixed in relation to one another.

13. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of diverting a resultant force in a direction not parallel to an applied force, inducing each outer face to a sealing communication with an inner face of an adjacent layer, thus sealing an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

14. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a selection step of a pair of adjacent layers from a group consisting of at least one intermediate layer adjacent to said central part, an adjacent pair of said plurality of intermediate layers and said at least one intermediate layer adjacent to said outer layer.

15. Method, according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of providing any pair of said adjacent layers in a selected communication between a sliding communication and a fixed communication.

16. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of, in said closed configuration, providing at least a portion of all the lower edges of said structure coplanar with each other, said central part fitting perfectly against one of said innermost intermediate layers, said outer layer fitting perfectly against one of said outermost intermediate layers, and, for said plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers fitting perfectly against each other.

17. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of joining any one of said at least two half-waves to an adjacent half-wave in a manner selected from a group consisting of a straight segment, a curved segment, or any combination thereof.

18. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of providing each of said at least two half-waves comprising a member of a group consisting of a spiral with an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a ring situated in a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a crest of said at least two half-waves being at an angle between 30° and 90° with respect to the main longitudinal axis of the structure.

19. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of providing said at least two half-corrugations in the central part, differing from said at least two half-corrugations in said at least one intermediate layer.

20. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of, for said at least one intermediate layer, providing said at least two half-corrugations on an inner side of said at least one intermediate layer, differing from said at least two half-corrugations on an outer side of said at least one intermediate layer.

21. Structure, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a plurality of nested interconnected rings; and an internal central part communicating with a more internal part of said plurality of nested interconnected rings; said structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration;wherein said structure is transferable between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration by applying a transfer force sufficient to overcome the structural resistance between a member of a group consisting of at least one adjacent pair of said nested interlocking ring plurality, between said inner central part and said innermost part of said nested interlocking ring plurality or any combination thereof, said transfer force being applied between said outermost part of said nested interlocking ring plurality and said inner central part;Furthermore, in the aforementioned expanded configuration, a load applied to a selected part of a group consisting of the inner central part, one of the plurality of nested interlocking rings, or any combination thereof, induces the transfer of load force and resultant force to all parts in said structure, inducing changes in the angle between pairs of adjacent parts and stabilizing the structure.

22. Structure according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED in that there is a pleasing fit between at least one pair of adjacent parts, said adjacent parts being selected from a group consisting of said inner central part and said innermost part of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, or two of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, said fitting producing a seal between said at least one pair of adjacent parts.

23. Structure according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED in that said transfer force is reducible for transfer between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or for transfer between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration, said transfer force is increaseable to prevent said transfer from said at least one expanded configuration to said at least one collapsed configuration, said transfer force is reducible by at least partially removing said inner central part from the innermost of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, said transfer force is increaseable by at least partially inserting said inner central part into the innermost of said plurality of interlocking rings. Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p.62 / 82 10 / 12 nested.

24. Structure according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED in that a property of one of the outermost nested interlocking rings differs from said property of at least one of said other nested interlocking rings, said property being selected from a group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, corrugation length, corrugation shape or any combination thereof.

25. A method for erecting a structure having at least two configurations, one collapsed configuration and one expanded configuration, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: providing said structure, said structure comprising: a plurality of nested interconnected rings; and an inner central part communicating with a more inner part of said plurality of nested interconnected rings; said structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; placing said structure in a predetermined location; moving said central part along a major longitudinal axis of said structure in a direction that increases the distance between said central part and said outer layer until said central part is at a predetermined distance from said outer layer where said structure is transferable between said at least one collapsed configuration and thereferred to as at least one expanded configuration or between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration by applying a transfer force sufficient to overcome the structural resistance between a member of a group consisting of at least one adjacent pair of said Petition 870250085424, dated 22 / 09 / 2025, p. 63 / 82 11 / 12 plurality of nested interlocking rings, between said inner central part and said innermost part of said nested interlocking ring plurality or any combination thereof, said transfer force being applied between said outermost part of said nested interlocking ring plurality and said inner central part; furthermore, in said expanded configuration, a load applied to a selected part of a group consisting of the inner central part, one of the nested interlocking ring plurality or any combination thereof.These induce the transfer of load force and resultant force to all parts in the structure, inducing changes in the angle between pairs of adjacent parts and stabilizing the structure.

26. Method according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a step of providing a nice fit between at least one pair of adjacent parts, said adjacent parts being selected from a group consisting of said inner central part and said innermost part of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, or two of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, said fit producing a seal between said at least one pair of adjacent parts.

27. Method, according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises the steps of reducing said transfer force for transfer between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration or for transfer between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration, or increasing said transfer force to prevent said transfer from said at least one expanded configuration to said Petition 870250085424, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p.64 / 82 12 / 12 at least one collapsed configuration, reducing said transfer force by at least partially removing said inner central part of said innermost part of said nested plurality of interlocking rings, or increasing said transfer force by at least partially inserting said inner central part into said innermost part of said nested plurality of interlocking rings.

28. Method according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises the steps of selecting a property of one of the outermost of said nested interlocking rings of the plurality, different from said property of at least one other of said plurality of nested interlocking rings, and selecting said property from a group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, corrugation length, corrugation shape, or any combination thereof. Petition 870250085424, dated 22 / 09 / 2025, p. 65 / 82

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