Telescopic structure

Abstract

An expandable structure includes a central portion nesting in close proximity within at least one intermediate layer, where the intermediate layers are nesting in close proximity to each other and within an outer layer. At least a portion of the central portion is in contact with an adjacent layer; similarly, at least a portion of each layer is in contact with an adjacent layer. The central portion 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 has at least one undulation on each side, where the undulations on adjacent layers cooperate with each other. The structure is maintained in its expanded state by contact between the layers and by contact between the innermost layer and the central portion.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for creating an enclosed space, wherein the structure is expandable. In the closed configuration, all extensions and the central portion fit into the base of the telescoping structure, wherein the extensions and the central portion can be pulled or screwed out of the base and can be locked into an expanded position. BACKGROUND

[0002] Robust, lightweight and expandable structures have many uses, from storage units to portable shelters. One very common example of an expandable structure used as a support is a tent pole. Conventional tent poles comprise several sections, wherein the sections are separate to facilitate transport, thereby significantly reducing the size of the package (pole plus tent walls) that must be carried, and are assembled for use, with each section fitting into the next.

[0003] Drawbacks of segmented tent poles include that the set of disassembled sections is much shorter, but significantly wider, than the assembled tent pole. The locking mechanism in telescoping tent poles is weaker, sometimes particularly weak, than the sections themselves, and both locking and unlocking can be difficult. Lateral forces on the assembled tent pole can cause the pole to buckle, especially at the joints. And the load that the tent pole can support is limited.

[0004] Often, there is a need for more robust portable, erectable shelters in which humans need to be protected from the environment. For example, people can be displaced by natural disasters, or rendered homeless for other reasons. Portable shelters can be used to provide short or long term housing for these people.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. US4974265 discloses a multi-purpose shelter, suitable for use as a toilet, shower or changing room, of a size suitable to accommodate a person, having a floor in a segmented embodiment, with a vented and drained trough surrounded by a cylindrical frusto-conical housing containing a plurality of flexible wall sections of progressively decreasing diameter, which can be raised in a telescoping fashion, held independently in an extended position by friction, erected quickly and easily in place without the need for tools for special guidance, and collapsible into a low profile form for quick and easy transport, storage or shipment.

[0006] However, in US4974265, the segments have flat sides and are held in the extended configuration by friction between the flat sides of the segments and by a sealing band, such that the friction between the panels in the extended configuration is minimal. As stated in the patent, "a slight tap or knock... will drive these segments down on the alternating panels, so that they nest together in a collapsed and uniform state within the enclosure". The sealing band can lose its stickiness over time and with repeated extensions and collapses. Since only a "slight tap or knock" is required to collapse the structure, even moderate winds can cause the structure to collapse or for material to leak through the walls. The base of the structure is only joined to the lowest vertical segment at the bottom edge of the lowest vertical segment, so the base provides little stability to the structure and little counterforce on the sides of the structure. Since the wall segments are nested, with the innermost segment being the highest when the wall is extended, the opening of each joint faces upwards on the outside of the structure. Thus, water running down the outside of the structure (for example, when it is raining) will flow onto the upwards-facing opening side of the joint and is likely to pass through the joint and between the flat-sided segments to the inside of the structure, especially if there is wind or if the sealing band on the outside of the structure no longer provides a continuous seal.

[0007] Thus, there has long been a need to provide an expandable structure that is not easily collapsed back to the collapsed configuration, is less likely to leak, and is less likely to be damaged by wind or weather or by shipping. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to disclose a system for creating an enclosed space, wherein the system is expandable. In the closed (collapsed) configuration, all extensions (intermediate layers and central portion) fit into the base (outer layer) of the telescoping structure, wherein the extensions can be pulled out of the base and locked into an expanded position.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a structure having at least two configurations (collapsed configuration and expanded configuration) and a main longitudinal axis, said structure comprising: a central portion having at least one central portion side and at least one of a central portion upper surface and a central portion lower surface; at least one intermediate layer having an intermediate layer upper surface, an intermediate layer lower surface, at least one intermediate layer inner side, and at least one intermediate layer outer side; and an outer layer having at least one outer layer inward-facing side, at least one outer layer outer side, and at least one of an outer layer lower surface or an outer layer upper surface; the central portion is nestable at least partially within the at least one intermediate layer, and the at least one intermediate layer is nestable at least partially within the outer layer; each of the at least one central portion side, the at least one intermediate layer inner side, the at least one intermediate layer outer side, and the at least one outer layer inner side comprises at least two half-undulations, each of the at least two half-undulations being an inwardly angled half-undulation or an outwardly angled half-undulation; the at least two half-undulations on the at least one central portion side are cooperable with the at least two half-undulations on the at least one intermediate layer inner side; the at least two half-undulations on the at least one intermediate layer outer side are cooperable with the at least two half-undulations on the outer layer inner side; and the at least one intermediate layer is a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the at least two half-undulations on the outer side of the inner intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers are cooperable with the at least two half-undulations on the inner side of the outer intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers; and, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the inner intermediate layer of the each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is nestable at least partially within the outer intermediate layer of the each pair of adjacent intermediate layers.

[0010] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any one of the above, wherein at least one of the following is true: a. one member or any combination of members from the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer is displaceable relative to the outer layer in a direction parallel to the primary longitudinal axis of the structure to transition the expandable structure from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration; b. the structure is reversibly expandable; c. one member or any combination of members from the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer is displaceable relative to the outer layer along the primary longitudinal axis of the structure to transition the expandable structure from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration; and d. all members or any combination of members from the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer are fixed relative to each other.

[0011] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein a resultant force deflected to a direction non-parallel to the applied force causes each outer surface to be sealingly connected to an inner surface of an adjacent layer, thereby sealingly separating an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

[0012] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein a pair of adjacent layers is selected from the group consisting of: the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the central portion, a pair of adjacent intermediate layers of the plurality of intermediate layers, and the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the outer layer.

[0013] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein any pair of the adjacent layers is in a selected connection from the group consisting of: a slidable connection and a fixed connection.

[0014] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein in the closed configuration, at least a portion of all bottom edges of the structure are coplanar with each other, the central portion is snugly fitted against an innermost intermediate layer of the at least one intermediate layer, the outer layer is snugly fitted against an outermost intermediate layer of the at least one intermediate layer, and for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is snugly fitted against each other.

[0015] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein any of the at least two half-undulations is joined to an adjacent half-undulation in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a straight segment, a curved segment, or any combination thereof.

[0016] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein each of the at least two half-undulations comprises a member of the group consisting of: a helix having an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a loop lying in a plane perpendicular to parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a peak of the at least two half-undulations is at an angle between 30° and 90° to the main longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0017] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein the at least two half-undulations on the central portion are different from the at least two half-undulations on the at least one intermediate layer.

[0018] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the preceding matters, wherein for the at least one intermediate layer, the at least two half-undulations on an inner side of the at least one intermediate layer are different from the at least two half-undulations on an outer side of the at least one intermediate layer.

[0019] It is another object of the present application to disclose a method of establishing a structure having at least two configurations: a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the method comprising the steps of: providing the structure having a main longitudinal axis, the structure comprising: - a central portion having at least one central portion side and at least one of a central portion upper surface and a central portion lower surface; - at least one intermediate layer having an intermediate layer upper surface, an intermediate layer lower surface, at least one intermediate layer inner side, and at least one intermediate layer outer side; and - an outer layer having at least one outer layer inner side, at least one outer layer outer side, and at least one of an outer layer lower surface or an outer layer upper surface; the central portion being nestable at least partially within the at least one intermediate layer, and the at least one intermediate layer being nestable at least partially within the outer layer; - each of the at least one central portion side, the at least one intermediate layer inner side, the at least one intermediate layer outer side, and the at least one outer layer inner side comprising at least two half-loops, each of the at least two half-loops being an inwardly angled half-loop or an outwardly angled half-loop; - the at least two half-loops on the at least one central portion side being cooperable with the at least two half-loops on the at least one intermediate layer inner side; - the at least two half-loops on the at least one intermediate layer outer side being cooperable with the at least two half-loops on the outer layer inner side; and - the at least one intermediate layer being a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the at least two half-loops on the outer side of the inner intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers being cooperable with the at least two half-loops on the inner side of the outer intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers; and, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the inner intermediate layer of the each pair of adjacent intermediate layers being nestable at least partially within the outer intermediate layer of the each pair of adjacent intermediate layers; positioning the structure at a predetermined location; and moving the central portion along the main longitudinal axis in a direction that increases a distance between the central portion and the outer layer until the central portion is a predetermined distance from the outer layer.

[0020] It is another object of the present application to disclose the method of any one of the above, further comprising at least one of the following steps: a. One or any combination of members from the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer is displaceable relative to the outer layer in a direction parallel to the primary longitudinal axis of the structure to transition the expandable structure from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration; b. The structure can be reversibly expandable; c. One or any combination of members from the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer is displaceable along the primary longitudinal axis of the structure relative to the outer layer to transition the expandable structure from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration; and d. All members or any combination from the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer are fixed relative to one another.

[0021] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method as in any preceding clause, further comprising the step of deflecting the resultant force in a direction non-parallel to the applied force, thereby causing each outer surface to be sealingly connected to an inner surface of an adjacent layer, thereby sealingly separating an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

[0022] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method as in any preceding clause, further comprising the step of selecting a pair of adjacent layers from the group consisting of: the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the central portion, a pair of adjacent intermediate layers from the plurality of intermediate layers, and the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the outer layer.

[0023] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method as in any preceding clause, further comprising the step of providing any pair of the adjacent layers in a selected connection from the group consisting of: slidably connected and fixedly connected.

[0024] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method as in any preceding clause, further comprising the step of, in the closed configuration, causing at least a portion of all bottom edges of the structure to be coplanar with one another, the central portion to be snugly mated against an innermost intermediate layer from the at least one intermediate layer, the outer layer to be snugly mated against an outermost intermediate layer from the at least one intermediate layer, and for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers to be snugly mated against one another.

[0025] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method as in any preceding clause, further comprising the step of, in the closed configuration, causing at least a portion of all bottom edges of the structure to be coplanar with one another, the central portion to be snugly mated against an innermost intermediate layer from the at least one intermediate layer, the outer layer to be snugly mated against an outermost intermediate layer from the at least one intermediate layer, and for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers to be snugly mated against one another.

[0026] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method of any of the above, further comprising the step of: causing each of the at least two half undulations to comprise a member of the group consisting of: a helix having an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a loop lying in a plane perpendicular to parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a peak of the at least two half undulations is at an angle between 30° and 90° to the main longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0027] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method of any of the above, further comprising the step of: causing the at least two half undulations on the central portion to be different from the at least two half undulations on the at least one intermediate layer.

[0028] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method of any of the above, further comprising the step of: for the at least one intermediate layer, causing the at least two half undulations on an inner side of the at least one intermediate layer to be different from the at least two half undulations on an outer side of the at least one intermediate layer.

[0029] It is a further object of the present application to disclose a structure comprising: a plurality of nested and interlocking loops; and an inner central portion connected to an innermost loop of the plurality of nested and interlocking loops; the structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; wherein, by applying a transition force sufficient to overcome the structural resistance of one or any combination of the group consisting of: between at least one pair of adjacent loops of the plurality of nested and interlocking loops, between the inner central portion and the innermost loop of the plurality of nested and interlocking loops, the structure is capable of transitioning between the at least one collapsed configuration and the at least one expanded configuration or between the at least one expanded configuration and the at least one collapsed configuration, the transition force being applied between the outermost loop of the plurality of nested and interlocking loops and the inner central portion; further wherein, in the expanded configuration, a load applied to a portion selected from the group consisting of: the inner central portion, one loop of the plurality of nested and interlocking loops, or any combination thereof, causes a transfer of the load force and resultant force to all portions in the structure, thereby causing an angle change between pairs of adjacent portions and stabilizing the structure.

[0030] It is another object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the above, wherein a tight fit exists between at least one pair of adjacent portions selected from the group consisting of the inner central portion and the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or two rings of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the tight fit creating a seal between the at least one pair of adjacent portions.

[0031] It is another object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the above, wherein the transition force can be reduced for transitioning between the at least one collapsed configuration and the at least one expanded configuration or for transitioning between the at least one expanded configuration and the at least one collapsed configuration, the transition force can be increased to prevent the transition from the at least one expanded configuration to the at least one collapsed configuration, the transition force can be reduced by at least partially removing the inner central portion from the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the transition force can be increased by at least partially inserting the inner central portion into the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings.

[0032] It is another object of the present application to disclose the structure of any of the above, wherein a property of an outermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings is different from the property of at least one other ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the property being selected from the group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, undulation length, undulation shape, or any combination thereof.

[0033] It is another object of the present application to disclose a method of establishing a structure having at least two configurations: a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the method comprising the steps of: providing the structure, the structure comprising: - a plurality of nested and interlocked rings; and - an inner central portion connected to an innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings; - the structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; positioning the structure at a predetermined location; moving the central portion along a main longitudinal axis of the structure in a direction increasing a distance between the central portion and the outer layer until the central portion is at a predetermined distance from the outer layer, wherein said structure is capable of transitioning 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 transition force between said inner central portion and said outermost ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, said transition force being sufficient to overcome a structural resistance of one or any combination of the following group: between at least one pair of adjacent rings of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, between said inner central portion and said innermost ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings; Further wherein, in said expanded configuration, a load applied to a portion selected from the group consisting of said inner central portion, one ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or any combination thereof, causes a transfer of a load force and a resultant force to all portions in said structure, thereby causing an angular change between pairs of adjacent portions and stabilizing said structure.

[0034] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method of any of the above, further comprising the step of providing a snug fit between at least one pair of adjacent portions, said adjacent portions being selected from the group consisting of said inner central portion and said innermost ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or two rings of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, said snug fit creating a seal between said at least one pair of adjacent portions.

[0035] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method of any of the above, further comprising the step of reducing said transition force for transitioning between said at least one collapsed configuration and said at least one expanded configuration, or for transitioning between said at least one expanded configuration and said at least one collapsed configuration, or increasing said transition force to prevent said transition from said at least one expanded configuration to said at least one collapsed configuration, said transition force being reduced by at least partially removing said inner central portion from said innermost ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or said transition force being increased by at least partially inserting said inner central portion into said innermost ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings.

[0036] It is a further object of the present application to disclose the method of any of the above, further comprising the steps of selecting a property of an outermost ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings to be different from said property of at least one other ring of said plurality of nested and interlocked rings, and selecting said property from the group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, undulation length, undulation shape, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] For a better understanding of the present application, and to show how the same can be carried into practice, there will now be described by way of non-limitative example, a number of embodiments, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to an embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 1, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 3, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 5, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 7, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 9, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 11, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 13, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 15, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 17, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 19 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 19, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 21 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 21, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 24 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 23, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 26 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 25, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 27 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 28 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 27, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 29 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 30 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 29, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 31 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 32 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 31, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 33 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 34 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 33, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 35 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 36 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 35, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 37 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 38 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 37, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 39 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 40 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 39, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 41 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 42 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 41, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 43 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 44 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 43, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 45 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 46 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 45, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 47 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 48 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 47, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 49 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 50 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 49, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 51 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 52 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 51, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 53 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 54 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 53, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 55 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 56 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 55, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 57 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 58 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 57, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 59 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 60 is a schematic illustration of the structure of Figure 59, in a collapsed configuration; - Figure 61 is a schematic illustration of a structure according to another embodiment of the present application, in an expanded configuration; - Figure 62 Figures 1A-1B A standard structure of the prior art is depicted; Figures 2A-2B A collapsible structure of the prior art is depicted; Figures 3A-3D An embodiment of the expandable structure of the present invention is schematically shown; Figure 4 An embodiment of the expandable structure of the present invention is schematically shown in its fully expanded configuration; Figure 5 An angle between the undulations in the side of the component of the present invention is schematically shown; Figures 6A-6D , Figures 7A-7C and Figures 8A-8B Undulations in the side of the component of the present invention are schematically shown; Figure 9 and Figures 10A-10D An embodiment of the structure of the present invention is schematically shown; Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figures 13A-13D An embodiment of the structure of the present invention is schematically shown; Figure 14A Force on an embodiment of a car comprising the structure of the present invention is schematically shown; Figure 14B Displacement of a car comprising the structure of the present invention when loaded is schematically shown; and Figures 15A-15B Pressure on the intermediate layer of a car comprising the structure of the present invention when loaded is schematically shown. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0038] The following description is provided in relation to all sections of the present invention to enable any person skilled in the art to utilize the invention and to clarify the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art since the general principles of the present invention have been defined specifically hereinabove to provide a device and method for creating an enclosed space using a telescopic expandable structure. In the closed configuration, all the extensions (intermediate layers and central portion) fit into the base (outer layer) of the telescopic structure, wherein the extensions can be pulled out of the base and locked into the expanded position.

[0039] Figures 1A-1B A typical embodiment of a house skeleton is shown. Figure 1A A wooden skeleton for a house is shown, whereas Figure 1BA steel skeleton for a house is shown. Buildings or other shelters can also be built with brick, stone or concrete walls to support upper floors and a roof; the bricks can be fired in a kiln or sun-dried. The roof is usually a wooden or steel frame with tiles or tar to keep out the rain. Typically, it takes skilled workers and about a month to build a one or two storey house. Once the outer walls are complete, internal walls need to be inserted, as well as electrical wiring, power sockets, heating, lighting, facilities such as toilets and sinks and utilities such as cupboards, and utilities such as stoves and refrigerators. The owner then adds furniture.

[0040] A standard four-person tent can take 2-3 hours to erect, after which heating, lighting and cooking facilities can be turned on and put into the tent, as well as bedding, beds or other furniture if required. Typically, if used, toilets and any cleaning facilities if required will be in separate structures which also need to be erected. Water can be supplied from a well or stream, from an external standpipe or from a tap in a dedicated facility, or a water pipe formed. The tent can be blown down by the wind, and can leak, especially when something bumps into the walls. Wind can also pass through the walls or through gaps in the walls.

[0041] Figures 2A-2B A collapsible structure intended for use as a toilet, shower or changing room is shown, sized to accommodate a person. Larger versions of this structure can be used as collapsible tents for emergency use. However, the frictional connection between the nested sections collapses easily - the granted patent states that "a slight knock or blow" is enough to collapse the structure, and in long-term use the joints between the sections can leak.

[0042] A trailer or caravan can be driven to a location and connected to water, electricity and so on. If possible, the trailer can be connected to a waste disposal facility, or a toilet with a water storage tank can be used.

[0043] In an emergency situation, when houses are severely damaged, temporary housing needs to be provided quickly, preferably within hours or days. Conventional house building takes too long. Tents can be brought quickly and erected, with dozens to hundreds of tents on a single lorry; simple furniture, space heating, and cooking and storage facilities can be put into the same lorry or separate lorries and put into the tents. However, a tent the size of a family home can take several people to erect, and a large number of people to put the furniture in place, as the furniture needs to be brought to and installed in each tent. Furthermore, a large amount of space is required to store the furniture if it is not stored in a collapsed state. If the furniture is stored in a collapsed state, then people are required to install it. Furthermore, ensuring that all the required supplies reach the correct location can be problematic. Furthermore, as mentioned above, tents are not suitable for long-term (e.g. months or years) habitation.

[0044] Trailers or caravans offer the amenities that tents lack, but storing the large number of caravans required after the recent earthquake in Turkey, requiring hundreds of thousands of emergency homes, would occupy a very large amount of space, and maintaining caravans while in storage is expensive - in many countries, unsold caravans are almost given away to reduce the cost of maintaining them in storage. In addition, a truck can transport at most a few caravans, so it is difficult to provide transport or rapid transport for the large number of caravans required in an emergency.

[0045] Among other uses, the present invention can provide a temporary structure that will remain wind and water resistant for months, and possibly years of use. Preferably, the outer wall includes doors and windows. Typically, the temporary structure includes built-in wiring and electrical connections, and interior walls. Preferably, the temporary structure includes built-in furniture such as sofas and beds, and other furniture such as tables and chairs; the interior walls and furniture expand and collapse with the outer wall. Preferably, the temporary structure also includes at least one of a toilet and cleaning facilities; space heating; cooking and food cooling facilities; and storage facilities, so that in some embodiments, a complete and furnished home is supplied as a flat pack; the outer wall, interior walls and all internal facilities are extended upwards on the roof. The invention is characterized in that: 1. A compact configuration that retracts and extends.

[0046] This configuration makes it possible to create an effective structure in which almost all of the structure resists forces on the structure uniformly.

[0047] 3. The structure is strong, yet very light.

[0048] 4. Static labyrinth seals provide good sealing between components, a design that ensures a combination of pressure between components, surface quality, and the number of undulations that prevent leaks between joints.

[0049] 5. In a design with spiral undulations including at least one single spiral winding, the configuration can be opened and closed with very little force, typically the weight of the product.

[0050] 6. In a ring design, the force required to open or close the structure can be planned as part of a safety factor, and in some designs, includes the maximum load the structure needs to support.

[0051] In designs with one or more helical intermediate layers, where the helical intermediate layer(s) extend across a substantial portion of the structure height (preferably but not necessarily the entire height) in the open configuration, the stress in any portion of the helical intermediate layer(s) is small, as the stress is dispersed along the entire length of each intermediate layer. In contrast, in designs that include a ring or ring intermediate layer, if the ring has different sizes, the smaller ring has a smaller surface area and smaller volume to disperse stress, and becomes a weak link in the design.

[0052] The telescoping structure of the present invention includes three components: a central portion, 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 of the inner intermediate layers is fixed to the central portion. Such embodiments can have other slidable intermediate layers, or the innermost of the fixed outer intermediate layers can slide against the outermost of the inner intermediate layers to allow the structure to expand. All components can also be fixed to each other so that the structure cannot expand. As a non-limiting example, a fully fixed structure can be used as a strong and lightweight floor.

[0053] The function of the fixed intermediate layer (120) is to enable control of the size of the central portion (130) or the outer layer (110) while maintaining the desired size of the ends of the expanded structure. Non-limiting examples of structures that require near-vertical sides include houses (near-vertical walls provide more satisfactory living space) or drinking cups, where a cup with a base that is near in size to the cup top opening is more stable than a cup with a base that is smaller relative to the cup top opening. For non-limiting examples, a smaller central portion (130) can provide a more stable structure than a larger central portion (130).

[0054] Figures 3A-3D An embodiment of the telescoping structure (1000) of the present invention is schematically shown, wherein Figure 3A A perspective view of the telescoping structure (1000) is shown and Figures 3B-3D A cross-section taken parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the embodiment is shown. Figure 3A An embodiment of the telescoping structure (1000) is shown in its closed configuration, Figure 3B An embodiment of the telescoping structure (1000) is shown in its partially open configuration, and Figure 3C An embodiment of the telescoping structure (1000) is shown in its fully open configuration. Figure 3D

[0055] In Figures 3A-3D and Figure 4 There can or can not be small undulations. For simplicity and clarity, these undulations are not shown.

[0056] ​For clarity, the outer layer (110), the three intermediate layers (120), and the central portion (130) are shown as separate. In practice, they should be in abutment with one another, abutment sufficient to keep the outer layer, intermediate layers, and central portion in sealed connection at all times.

[0057] In all configurations of all structures, the components of the telescoping structure (1000) are at least partially nested within one another, the central portion (130) nested within the intermediate layers (120), the intermediate layers (120) nested within one another, and the outermost intermediate layer (120) nested within the base (110).

[0058] Generally, as Figure 3A shown, in the closed configuration, the top edges of the outer layer (110), intermediate layers (120), and central portion (130) are coplanar, as are the bottom edges (not shown). This makes the telescoping structure (1000) effectively a “flat pack” in its closed configuration, thus providing for very space-efficient storage and shipping of the telescoping structure (1000). Typically, the central portion will have a connector (not shown) to allow it to be connected to a device that pulls the central portion (130) upward to expand the telescoping structure (1000). Any suitable conventional connector can be used; the type of connector is not germane to the patent.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3B-3D , the outer intermediate layer (120C) is fixed to the outer layer and the inner intermediate layer (120A) is fixed to the central portion (130), with the central intermediate layer (120B) slidable against the outer intermediate layer (120C) and the inner intermediate layer (120A).

[0060] The central portion 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 matching so that there is a snug, sealable fit between the components.

[0061] In Figure 3B , a force (200, gray arrow) is applied in the upward direction. This causes the flexible central intermediate layer (120B) to transition upward, as Figure 3C shown, with the innermost intermediate layer (120A) having transitioned upward by one undulation. The uppermost white arrow (300) schematically shows the direction of the force on the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and thus on the central intermediate layer (120B), which is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis but is angled due to the undulations. Note that the upward pulling process pulls the intermediate layer (120A) closer to the central portion (130), thus helping to maintain the seal between the parts of the telescoping structure (1000).

[0062] The lower white arrows (310) schematically show the direction of the force on the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and thus on the central and outer intermediate layers (120B, 120C); this force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, but is angled due to the undulations. However, there is a counterforce (320) from the outer layer (110) on the inner, central, and outer intermediate layers (120A, 120B, 120C) such that the intermediate layers (120) are in a state of equilibrium when static, and are close to equilibrium when opening or closing, or otherwise subject to dynamic forces, as discussed in more detail below.

[0063] Figure 3D The telescoping structure (1000) is schematically shown in the fully extended configuration. Note that in other variations of this embodiment, in the fully extended configuration, one of the undulations in the middle intermediate layer (120A) is in contact with the central portion (130), and one of the undulations in the middle intermediate layer (120A) is in contact with the outer layer (110). In Figure 3D In this configuration, the tension force has ceased; the load (400) on the telescoping structure (1000) is the weight of the central portion (130) plus the weight of any additional matter resting on the telescoping structure (1000).

[0064] Since 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, 120B), which helps to maintain the seal between the components of the telescoping structure (1000).

[0065] The lower white arrows (310) schematically show the direction of the force on the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and thus on the central and outer intermediate layers (120B, 120C); this force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, but is angled outward due to the undulations. However, there is a counterforce (320) from the outer layer (110) on the inner, central, and outer intermediate layers (120A, 120B, 120C) such that the intermediate layers (120) are in a state of equilibrium, as discussed in more detail below.

[0066] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a telescoping structure (1000) with three intermediate layers (120A, 120B, 120C) is shown, the innermost intermediate layer (120A) and the outermost intermediate layer (120C) are fixed, and the central intermediate layer (120B) is slidable. In this embodiment, the central intermediate layer (120B) is flat when unstressed; as Figure 4As shown, the central intermediate layers (120B) bend under the pressure of the load (400) from the central portion (130), the bending forcing the central intermediate layers (120B) into sealing contact with the outer layer (110) and the central portion (130).

[0067] It should be noted that in practice, there can be anywhere from no intermediate layers to a very large number of intermediate layers (120); for example, over a thousand intermediate layers (120). For a non-limiting example, the number of intermediate layers (120) can depend on the load they need to carry, the fully extended length of the telescoping structure (1000), the materials used, and the maximum length that will maintain the sealing contact between the intermediate layers (120), the central portion (130), and the outer layer (110).

[0068] The load (400) pushes the intermediate layers outward and downward (300, arrow), increasing the pressure on the intermediate layers (120A, 120B), thus helping to maintain the seal between the components of the telescoping structure (1000).

[0069] The lower white arrows (310) schematically show the direction of the force on the innermost intermediate layers (120A) and thus on the central and outer intermediate layers (120B, 120C) due to the load; the force is not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, but is angled outward due to the undulations. However, there is a counterforce (320) on the intermediate layers (120A, 120B, 120C) from the outer layer (110) that puts the intermediate layers (120) in a state of equilibrium, as discussed in more detail below.

[0070] As discussed above, the force on the intermediate layers (120) is at an angle to the main longitudinal axis due to the undulations, thus exerting a stress on the central portion (130), the intermediate layers (120), and the outer layer (110). The force on the outer layer (110) stretches it outward, thus creating an inwardly directed stress. This inwardly directed stress exerts a counterforce on the intermediate layers (120) so that the intermediate layers (120) approach equilibrium. Preferably, the stress on the intermediate surfaces of the intermediate layers (120) will approach zero. If the expansion or contraction of the telescoping structure (1000) is not too fast, the intermediate layers (120) will remain in near equilibrium during expansion or contraction, resulting in increased strength and stability of the telescoping structure (1000) during expansion or contraction. When the telescoping structure (1000) has been fully expanded and is in use, the intermediate layers (120) will be in a state of equilibrium.

[0071] Figure 5 、 Figures 6A-6D 、 Figures 7A-7C and Figures 8A-8B schematically show exemplary shapes of the components (110, 120, 130). The undulations on the sides of these components can be large or small.Figure 6D and Figure 8B A component is schematically shown having both large and small reliefs, Figures 6A-6C and Figure 8A A component is shown having only large reliefs (122), and Figures 7A-7C A component is schematically shown having only small reliefs (124).

[0072] Figure 5 An angle Θ between reliefs is schematically represented. The angle can be in the range of 0 < Θ < 180°. The angle Θ between large reliefs L may be different from the angle Θ S between small reliefs. Between different sides of any intermediate layer, either or both of Θ L and Θ S may be different, although for any pair of contact surfaces, Θ L and Θ S should be the same, so that the contact surfaces match each other, thereby ensuring that there is an appropriate coefficient of friction between the contact surfaces. It is noted that the coefficient of friction between surfaces depends on the material of the respective contact components and the roughness of the respective contact surfaces; the number, length, and angle Θ L of large reliefs, and the number, length, and angle Θ S of small reliefs, and all of these need to be "tuned" to provide acceptable performance for the expandable device.

[0073] In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the components has a surface finish. The surface finish can be a food grade material, it can be a sanitizing treatment or any other conventional treatment. In some embodiments, a combination of the surface finish, the size of the reliefs, the shape of the reliefs, and any combination thereof can minimize or prevent bacterial growth on the components.

[0074] All components have at least one set of reliefs on at least a portion of at least one side, and one component can have both large and small reliefs. Typically, if there is only one set of reliefs, they will be small reliefs, in Figures 6A-6C only large reliefs (122) are shown, while in Figure 6D one side has both large and small reliefs. Figure 6A An intermediate layer (120) is schematically shown in which the reliefs meet at a point. Figure 6B An intermediate layer (120) is schematically shown in which the reliefs meet at a rounded end.

[0075] Figure 6CTwo mating intermediate layers (120) are shown schematically, with each of the mating intermediate layers (120) alternating between a rounded end (126) and a flat end (128), such that there is a small gap between each rounded end (126) and each flat end (128), such that, for a non-limiting example, the helical undulations are easier to turn, or such that the transition of one intermediate layer (120) to the different undulations (122, 124) of the adjacent intermediate layer (120) is smoother.

[0076] Figure 6D An intermediate layer (120) is shown schematically, with one side having large and small undulations, and the other side having only small undulations. Typically, the side with large undulations will be affixed to another component, typically the central portion (130) or the outer layer (110). The affixed connection between two adjoining layers can be formed by having the nature of the adjoining mating faces, such as large and small undulations, material and surface roughness, such that the force causing relative movement between the two adjoining layers is much greater than the force required to cause relative movement between the slidable faces, or the two adjoining layers are permanently connected together at at least one point, where the connection can be achieved by melting them together, adhering them or any other way of permanently connecting two components. Typically, the side with only small undulations will slideably abut against another layer, typically another intermediate layer (120).

[0077] Figures 7A-7C The shape of the end end of an intermediate layer is shown schematically. Figure 7A An end end for an intermediate layer (120) is shown schematically, which will be substantially parallel to the top or bottom plane of the central portion (130) or the outer layer (110). Figure 7B An end end perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of an intermediate layer (120) is shown schematically, and Figure 7C An intermediate layer (120) with a rounded end is shown schematically. The rounded end and rounded undulations can be circular, elliptical, hyperbolic or polygonal. The polygonal rounding can have between 1 and 100 segments; the polygonal radius with one segment will be the flat end.

[0078] Figure 8A A large undulation (122) on an outer layer (110) is shown schematically, and Figure 8B A large undulation (122) and a small undulation (124) on a central portion (130) are shown schematically, with the dashed line indicating the centerline of the central portion (130).

[0079] In theory, the stresses on the components of the telescoping structure (1000) can be calculated using Johnson's parabolic formula or Euler's critical buckling load formula depending on the slenderness ratio of the component. However, it is more practical to use stress analysis to calculate the stresses.

[0080] Johnson's parabolic formula relates the critical buckling stress σ cr to the applied stress σ y in the thickness direction of the beam, in this case, the stress, elastic modulus E, and slenderness ratio l / k of the intermediate layer (120) in a direction perpendicular to the primary longitudinal axis of the structure, where l is the length of the intermediate layer (120) in a direction parallel to the primary longitudinal axis of the structure and k is the gyration radius of the intermediate layer (120). The critical buckling stress σ cr is: (1) Euler's critical buckling load formula relates the critical buckling stress σ cr to the critical force P cr where the critical buckling stress is: (2) where: P cr = critical force A = cross-sectional area Le = effective length of the beam, which for the components of the present invention is typically the thickness of the component E = elastic modulus (Young's modulus) I = area moment of inertia of the cross-section of the beam = slenderness ratio l = moment of inertia of the column cross-section k = gyration radius of the column cross-section The change in diameter δl of the column cross-section can be calculated by: (4) and the hoop stress σ h can be calculated by: (5) where: E = elastic modulus (Young's modulus) μ = Poisson's ratio p = internal pressure d = diameter of the cylindrical shell t = shell thickness L = length of the shell The telescopic structure (1000) of the present invention is advantageous in that it provides a compact and lightweight system. The materials used for the components of the telescopic structure (1000), the central portion (130), the intermediate layer (120), and the outer layer (110) can be any material from super-elastic materials to rigid materials, depending on the use of the telescopic structure (1000). Non-limiting examples of possible materials include metals, polymers, composites, aggregates, shape memory materials, wood, diamond, seashells, or any combination thereof. For non-limiting examples, the materials are selected based on the dimensions of the intended structure, the environmental conditions it will be exposed to during storage, transportation, and use, and the forces it needs to safely withstand during storage, transportation, and use. The central portion (130), the intermediate layer (120), and the outer layer (110) can be the same material or different materials.

[0081] The undulations (122, 124) in the sides of the components that can be used to control the friction between adjacent sides have a minimum wavelength of about 3 nm. More typically, the undulations (122, 124) have a wavelength in a range selected from 0.5 mm to 1 mm, 0.1 mm to 10 mm, 3 nm to 1 pm, or any combination thereof. Large undulations (122) can 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 dimensions of the large undulations will depend on the dimensions of the component they belong to, i.e., the thickness of the central portion (130) or the outer layer (110), or the width of the intermediate layer (120).

[0082] The undulations typically include two half-undulations: an inwardly directed half-undulation and an outwardly directed half-undulation. The inwardly directed half-undulation and the outwardly directed half-undulation can be mirror images of each other or can be different. The shape of the inwardly directed half-undulation can be the same as the shape of the adjacent outwardly directed half-undulation, or they can be different. The half-undulations can include linear portions, curved portions, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of undulation profiles include sinusoidal profiles, zigzag profiles, sawtooth profiles, curvilinear profiles, or any combination thereof.

[0083] For non-limiting examples, nanometer-sized undulations will be used for micro-sized devices, such as sensors for MEMS devices. Millimeter-sized small undulations will be used for larger devices, such as, by way of non-limiting examples, cars, furniture, houses, white goods, or units for space stations or for life facilities in harsh environments.

[0084] The cross-sectional shape of the telescopic structure (1000) can be curved, such as, but not limited to, circular or elliptical; polygonal, where the polygonal has up to 10 6a strip edge; defined by a spline curve; or any combination thereof. If the telescopic structure (1000) is used for emergency housing, it will typically be rectangular, as this is the shape that is easiest to transport using current transportation means.

[0085] The central portion (130) can have a design that allows its diameter to vary, thereby reducing the resistance to expansion or contraction of the telescopic structure (1000).

[0086] The central portion (130) can have a design with sides parallel to the direction of the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or the sides can be inclined inwards, where the central portion (130) has the shape of a frustum of a cone, being wider at the bottom (inner side of the central portion) and narrower at the top (outer side of the central portion). The central portion can be pulled outwards in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or can be rotated, such that the central portion and the intermediate layers are twisted outwards from the outer layers. In the case of rotation of the central portion, the undulations form a spiral, rather than the annular undulations used when the central portion is pulled upwards.

[0087] Preferably, the central portion (130) has a relatively small diameter, to increase the stability of the structure by reducing the amount of deflection of the central portion and / or the tendency of the central portion to buckle, thereby enabling a larger or sturdier telescopic structure (1000). For a non-limiting example, for a thin circular plate clamped at the edges under lateral load, the plate deflection is approximately dependent on the square of the plate radius.

[0088] By having the central portion (130) with a cross-section of variable size perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis, for example but not limited to Figure 10A a lobed central part (of the following figure), or by having the central portion shaped like a frustum of a cone and twisting it inwards before pulling to expand the structure, or by removing the central portion, the force required to expand the telescopic structure (1000) can be significantly reduced or almost eliminated, separating the load that the structure needs to withstand during use from the force required to expand (or contract) the structure.

[0089] Because a telescoping structure (1000) of a desired height can be designed with intermediate layers (120) of different lengths, a telescoping structure (1000) with shorter intermediate layers has more intermediate layers, while a telescoping structure (1000) with longer intermediate layers (120) has fewer intermediate layers, the closed (collapsed) telescoping structure (1000) can be made substantially as thick or thin as desired, while the size of the footprint of the telescoping structure (1000) in terms of the cross-sectional area of the central portion (120), the cross-sectional area of the outer layer (110), and the thickness and number of intermediate layers (120) will vary little with changes in the length of the intermediate layers (120). Thus, the closed and transportable telescoping structure (1000) can include a compact package, The usable volume of the telescoping structure (1000) is approximately the volume within the walls, and thus approximately the area of the hollow interior of the outer layer (110), because the walls, while angled inward, form a relatively small angle in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0090] The thickness and length of the intermediate layers (120) can in principle be calculated from equations 4 and 5. If annular undulations are used, their thickness and length can be found from h where σ is the thickness of the intermediate layer (120) and l is the length of the intermediate layer (120). If the undulations form a spiral, their thickness and length can be found from h where σ is the thickness of the intermediate layer (120) and l is the length of the intermediate layer (120). If the undulations form a spiral, their thickness and length can be found from

[0091] The inner and outer diameters of the outer layer (110) and the thickness of the outer layer (110) can be determined according to the intended function of the structure, the material used for the outer layer (110), and the stresses applied to the outer layer (110). Typically, the diameters and thicknesses are determined by a stress analysis applied to the entire intended structure.

[0092] The design of the present invention has three nested components (central portion, intermediate layers, and outer layer) with different functions, enabling the construction of lightweight structures that can carry very heavy loads. For example, a structure composed of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic can carry about 700 kg per square centimeter for a 1 mm thick layer. As discussed above, this capability is a result of the distribution of forces so that the centerline of the intermediate layers is essentially unstressed. Having a central portion with a small diameter and multiple intermediate layers fixed to the central portion means that the central portion and its associated fixed intermediate layers can have a small height (thickness) and still have the required strength and stability, while reducing the weight of the structure.

[0093] The number of fixed intermediate layers can also be varied to provide structures with the desired sidewall steepness. Two structures can be compared, both having an outer layer of the same inner diameter and no associated fixed intermediate layers, and both having a central portion of the same outer diameter, where the central portion of the first structure has few (or no) associated fixed intermediate layers, while the central portion of the second structure has many associated fixed intermediate layers, the first structure will appear from the outside like a truncated cone, while the second structure will appear from the outside almost cylindrical.

[0094] The outer ring exerts an inward hoop pressure on the intermediate layers from the hoop stress exerted on it by the outermost intermediate layer. The strength of the intermediate layers comes from the stability of the structure.

[0095] Figure 9 An embodiment of a structure in its expanded configuration is shown. The expandable structure (1000) includes a base member (110) that supports the structure on a surface (not shown). As described above, the intermediate layers (120A, 120B, 120C) include a plurality of continuously connected layers. The central portion (130) is at the top, and in this embodiment, three intermediate layers (120A) are fixed to the central portion (130). Each fixed intermediate layer (120A) has an inner undulation and an outer undulation on its side surface. The inner side surface of the outer fixed intermediate layer (120A) is contoured in a conformal manner with the outer side surface of the adjacent fixed intermediate layer (120A). The contour of the side surface of the fixed intermediate layer (120A) includes both large undulations and small undulations. It should be emphasized that the contoured side surface has an enlarged contact area, such that the hoop stress caused by the load of interest supported by the structure (1000) is reduced, as this hoop stress is distributed over the enlarged contact area.

[0096] Similarly, there is a fixed intermediate layer (120C) connected to the base (110) that has both large undulations and small undulations.

[0097] The slidable intermediate layer (120B) has only small undulations, which are substantially rectangular in cross-section.

[0098] Figures 10A-10D An embodiment of the present invention is shown having a helically expandable intermediate layer (120). The intermediate layer (120) is substantially a ribbon member, and can be configured into a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position (not shown), at least one ribbon intermediate layer (120) is helically nested in the outer layer (110). The side of the ribbon intermediate layer (120) has small undulations, and is contoured such that when the ribbon intermediate layer (120) is in its expanded configuration, successive windings of the ribbon intermediate layer (120) remain engaged with each other.

[0099] To expand the structure, the central portion (130) is pulled upward or rotated; in Figure 10B In exemplary embodiments of the structure, if the central portion (110) is fixed to the band-like intermediate layer (120) and the band-like intermediate layer (120) is fixed to the outer layer (110), the central portion (110) is rotated counterclockwise to expand the structure and clockwise to contract the structure. In Figures 10C-10D In exemplary embodiments of the structure, if the central portion (110) is fixed to the band-like intermediate layer (120) and the band-like intermediate layer (120) is fixed to the outer layer (110), the central portion (110) is rotated clockwise to expand the structure and counterclockwise to contract the structure. In Figure 10C In the structure, the central portion is not shown for clarity, and in Figure 10D In the structure, neither the central portion nor the outer layer is shown for clarity.

[0100] Figure 10A An embodiment is shown in which the cross-section of the central portion (130) perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis carries lobes (150); in the shown embodiment, the cross-section perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis has nine lobes (150). Each lobe (150) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the embodiment. The lobes (150) can serve as large undulations, thereby reducing the tendency of the device to close when a large load is placed on it. The lobes (150) can also serve to reduce the force required to expand the device. If the crest of a lobe (150) in the central portion is adjacent to the crest of a lobe (150) in the innermost intermediate layer, the force exerted by the central portion (130) on the intermediate layer (120) is relatively small, and the relative motion between the intermediate layer (120) and the central portion (130) is relatively easy, such that a relatively small force is required to expand the structure by pulling on the central portion (130). However, if the crest of a lobe (150) in the central portion is adjacent to the trough of a lobe (150) in the innermost intermediate layer, the force exerted by the central portion (130) on the intermediate layer (120) is large, and the relative motion between the intermediate layer (120) and the central portion (130) is very difficult, thereby locking the structure in its current configuration.

[0101] Figures 10B-10D An embodiment is shown in which the cross-section of the central portion (130) perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis is substantially circular. In Figure 10B In the embodiment, there is one band-like intermediate layer (120), while in Figures 10C-10DIn the spiral embodiment, there are two ribbon intermediate layers (120', 120") and having more than one ribbon intermediate layer makes the system more reliable because the ends of the ribbon intermediate layers are typically attached to the central portion or to intermediate layers that are fixed to the central portion. If there is only one ribbon intermediate layer, the central portion (130) will tend to rock as it moves up or down during a change from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration or vice versa because it is held to the ribbon intermediate layer at only one point. This rocking can cause a break between the windings of the ribbon intermediate layer, thereby preventing the configuration change of the structure. If there are two ribbon intermediate layers, fixed to the central portion or to fixed intermediate layers at opposite sides of the central portion, the forces at the connection points will be similar, thereby significantly reducing the rocking and increasing the reliability of the structure. More than two ribbon intermediate layers can be used; the number of ribbon intermediate layers is limited only by the circumference of the central portion or fixed intermediate layers to which they are attached and the width of the ribbon intermediate layers.

[0102] The design of the system makes it possible to generate designs and production of liquid- and gas-proof structures.

[0103] In the sealing method of the present invention, the components are designed so that the forces exerted on the central portion, intermediate layers and outer layers by their weight, the weight above them and the pressure exerted on them press them together with a relatively large force, thereby forcing the undulations on the sides of the components into close contact and creating a liquid- and gas-tight seal between adjacent components. The quality of the seal can be calculated in the design phase by well-known formulas for "static labyrinth seals".

[0104] Some non-limiting examples of systems in which liquid- and gas-tight sealing is required for at least some of the components of the system are as follows: 1. A house. The house requires walls and a roof that are at least wind- and water-proof. The doors and windows of the house should be at least substantially wind- and water-proof when closed. 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 possibly dangerous temperature changes.

[0105] 2. A portable toilet. The toilet itself must not leak, nor must any washing facilities, if provided. In addition, the liquid storage tanks for storing waste water or fresh water, if provided for a flushing toilet or washing facilities, must not leak.

[0106] 3. A collapsible cup.

[0107] 4. A space station. In addition to preventing leakage of items inside the space station, such as toilets, heating and cooling devices, and plumbing, it is also necessary to prevent leakage of atmosphere through the walls of the space station.

[0108] Example 1 Figure 11 A portable toilet cubicle is shown in its expanded configuration. About 600 of these portable toilet cubicles can be stored in a standard 12 m 3 container with a volume of about 66 m3. In practice, depending on the weight of the portable toilet cubicles and any associated weight limits on the transport vehicle, smaller containers can be used or fewer toilet cubicles can be stored in each container.

[0109] Example 2 Figure 12 A furnished house (600) is shown, containing all infrastructure and services to enable normal life. One truck can transport about 75 houses of 50 m2. These houses are prepared for emergency situations and are laid out on cultivated land. It takes only two people and a few minutes, usually less than ten minutes, to erect. Usually, services such as electricity and water are provided in use. Any conventional generator can be provided and wiring extends to each house and plugs into external sockets. Water can be supplied in any conventional way, for example from a water cart or from a well or stream, with water pipes extending to each house and plugging into external connectors. Waste water treatment can be by internal storage tanks that need to be emptied periodically, or by a septic tank or drainage system if available.

[0110] In Figure 12 , the outer wall (610), the inner wall (620), and the furniture (630) are all constructed from the invention, as are the windows (not shown) and the doors (not shown). The base (640) provides both the required counterforce and the floor of the house. The wiring and pipes for water and waste can be built into the walls. In use, a conventional generator can be provided on site, with wiring extending to each house and plugging into external sockets in each house. Water can be provided in a conventional way, with a water supply connected to each house. Waste can be stored in internal storage facilities, for example those commonly used with camping trailers and portable toilets, or the house can be connected to a conventional drain or septic tank.

[0111] In some embodiments, at least one of the following can be built into the house or supplied with the house: bedding, clothing, food, cleaning supplies, cooking supplies, dishes, pots and pans, cutlery, a refrigerator, a cooking facility, a TV, or a cleaning facility (for example, a washing machine or a dryer).

[0112] Example 3 Figures 13A-13CIt is schematically illustrated how the space station can be assembled and launched into space.

[0113] Figure 13A A single unit (820F) of the space station in a collapsed configuration is schematically illustrated. The unit (820) can be a dwelling (whose ground-based implementation is, for example, the expansion shown in Figure 12 above), a laboratory, a conference room, a dining room, an entry-exit area, a storage area, or any other enclosed area needed in the space station. Preferably, utilities are included in the unit (820) in the collapsed form. As a non-limiting example, a laboratory unit can include heating and cooling utilities, work benches, seating, lighting, attachment points for equipment, fume hoods, storage space for supplies, or other items or utilities needed to equip a laboratory of interest.

[0114] Figure 13B A collapsed unit (820R) is schematically illustrated, which is rolled into a cylindrical form in preparation for transport into space, with the ends of the unit (820R) reversibly sealed or otherwise connected together. Any conventional reversible sealing or connecting device can be used, so long as the sealing or connecting device does not damage the unit and can withstand the forces exerted on the unit (820) during launch of the rocket into space.

[0115] Figure 13C Fifteen units mounted on the exterior of a rocket (800), in this illustrative example a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, although any rocket of appropriate size and power can be used, are schematically illustrated. Figure 13C As shown, each row of units (820A-820E) includes a stack of three layers in depth on the exterior of the rocket.

[0116] Figure 13D A fifteen-unit (820) space station (850) after assembly in space is schematically illustrated. The units (850) are about 50 m 2 in diameter and connected in a ring that can be rotated to create gravity. The inhabitants of a space station (850) comprising a ring of 100 units (820) can experience an environment substantially similar to Earth. If the floor of the units (820) is at the outer circumference of the space station (850) and the space station (850) is rotated at about 19 rpm, the centrifugal force experienced by the inhabitants will be approximately the same as Earth's gravity, providing a comfortable living environment for the inhabitants; larger space stations (850) will require slower rotation, while smaller space stations (850) will require faster rotation.

[0117] Example 4 Figures 14A-14B and Figures 15A-15BAn exemplary embodiment of a car is shown, in which the structural material for the vehicle consists mainly of ABS. Figures 14A-14B A cross-section is shown of the central part (130) of the roof of the car and some of the intermediate layers (120), while Figures 15A-15B Some of the intermediate layers (120) are shown. The outer layers are not shown. Figures 14A-14B A displacement of the central part (130) and some of the intermediate layers (120) is shown, while Figures 15A-15B Stresses on the intermediate layers (120) are shown.

[0118] The exemplary vehicle is 1.5 m high, 2 m wide, and 4 m long, about 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 fixed only to the uppermost of the intermediate layers; each intermediate layer can slide against any adjacent intermediate layer. The 150 intermediate layers (only a few are shown) and the outer layers form the walls of the vehicle.

[0119] Computer simulations of the stresses in this vehicle show that it can withstand a load of 40 tons.

[0120] In most countries, standard tests are applied to new vehicle designs to ensure a minimum safety standard for the new design. The standards specify the direction and magnitude of the forces applied and the location on the vehicle where the forces are applied.

[0121] Figures 14A-14B and Figures 15A-15B The results of the simulation are shown, in which the load is similar to the load in the standard test performed on an ordinary compact car. In this test, the allowed deformation of the vehicle chassis is typically about 20 mm.

[0122] In the standard test, a force of 4G is applied, in other words, a force of 4*G*W, where G is the acceleration of gravity and W is the weight of the car. For a typical car, the typical 4G force applied to the vehicle is 17,000 N. This is the force applied to the exemplary vehicle, although it weighs less than 200 kg, as opposed to more than 1 ton for a typical vehicle of its size.

[0123] Figure 14A The load applied to the central part (130) in the simulation (arrow at the center of the central part (130)) and the constraints applied to the centerline and top of the central part (130) and the outside of the lower intermediate layers (120) (small gray arrows) are shown. The load applied in the simulation is: F x = 4.89 X 10 5 N (horizontal arrow) F y= -6.76 X 10 3 N (downward arrow) Figure 14B The displacement of the components due to the applied force is shown; the maximum displacement is 1.09 mm, much lower than the typical value of 20 mm. The intermediate layers can be thinner; more importantly, for each intermediate layer, the direction of the deformation is outward (medium gray, upper intermediate layer). Since the deformation is outward and since the force and pressure are uniformly distributed throughout the vehicle, for a 1-millimeter-thick layer, a material like ABS can withstand a load of about 700 kilograms per square centimeter.

[0124] Figures 15A-15B The pressure in the intermediate layers is shown, where Figure 15A The pressure is shown instead of the deformation of the intermediate layers, while Figure 15B Both the pressure and the deformation are shown. The pressure is small, very close to zero at the center of the intermediate layers, and the pressure distribution is almost identical in the different intermediate layers.

[0125] As shown in Figures 14A-14B and Figures 15A-15B , the load applied to any component of the structure causes the transmission of the load force and the resultant force to all the components of the structure, causing a change in the angle between pairs of adjacent components and stabilizing the structure.

Claims

1. A structure having at least two configurations, a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and a primary longitudinal axis, the structure comprising: a central portion having at least one central portion side, and at least one of a central portion upper surface and a central portion lower surface; at least one intermediate layer having an intermediate layer upper surface, an intermediate layer lower surface, at least one intermediate layer inner side, and at least one intermediate layer outer side; an outer layer having at least one outer layer inner side, at least one outer layer outer side, and at least one of an outer layer lower surface, an outer layer upper surface; the central portion being at least partially nestable within the at least one intermediate layer, and the at least one intermediate layer being at least partially nestable within the outer layer; each of the at least one central portion side, the at least one intermediate layer inner side, the at least one intermediate layer outer side, and the at least one outer layer inner side comprising at least two half-loops, each of the at least two half-loops being an inwardly angled half-loop or an outwardly angled half-loop; the at least two half-loops on the at least one central portion side being cooperable with the at least two half-loops on the at least one intermediate layer inner side; the at least two half-loops on the at least one intermediate layer outer side being cooperable with the at least two half-loops on the outer layer inner side; the at least one intermediate layer being a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the at least two half-loops on the outer side of the inner intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers being cooperable with the at least two half-loops on the inner side of the outer intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers; and for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the inner intermediate layer of the each pair of adjacent intermediate layers being at least partially nestable within the outer intermediate layer of the each pair of adjacent intermediate layers.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is true: a. one member or any combination of members of the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer, is displaceable relative to the outer layer in a direction parallel to the primary longitudinal axis of the structure to transition the expandable structure from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration; b. the structure is reversibly expandable; c. one member or any combination of members of the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer, is displaceable relative to the outer layer along the primary longitudinal axis of the structure to transition the expandable structure from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration; and d. all members or any combination of members of the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer, are fixed relative to one another. a resultant force deflects into a direction that is not parallel to the applied force, causing each outer surface to sealably join with an inner surface of an adjacent layer, thereby sealingly separating an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein, ​ 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein, A pair of adjacent layers is selected from the group consisting of: the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the central portion, a pair of adjacent intermediate layers of the plurality of intermediate layers, and the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the outer layer.

5. The structure of claim 4, wherein, Any pair of said adjacent layers is in a manner of connection selected from slidable connection and fixed connection.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein, In the closed configuration, at least a portion of all bottom edges of the structure are coplanar with each other, the central portion is snugly fitted against the innermost intermediate layer of the at least one intermediate layer, the outer layer is snugly fitted against the outermost intermediate layer of the at least one intermediate layer, and for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is snugly fitted against each other.

7. The structure of claim 1, wherein, Any of the at least two half-undulations is joined to an adjacent half-undulation in a manner selected from the group consisting of: straight segment, curved segment, or any combination of straight segment and curved segment.

8. The structure of claim 1, wherein, Each of the at least two half-undulations comprises a member of the group consisting of: a helix having an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a loop lying in a plane perpendicular to parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a peak of the at least two half-undulations is at an angle between 30° and 90° to the main longitudinal axis of the structure.

9. The structure of claim 1, wherein, The at least two half-undulations on the central portion are different from the at least two half-undulations on the at least one intermediate layer.

10. The structure of claim 1, wherein, For the at least one intermediate layer, the at least two half-undulations on the inner side of the at least one intermediate layer are different from the at least two half-undulations on the outer side of the at least one intermediate layer.

11. A method of establishing a structure having at least two configurations: a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the method comprising the steps of: providing the structure, the structure having a main longitudinal axis, the structure comprising: - a central portion having at least one central portion side, and at least one of a central portion upper surface and a central portion lower surface; - at least one intermediate layer having an intermediate layer upper surface, an intermediate layer lower surface, at least one intermediate layer inner side, and at least one intermediate layer outer side; - an outer layer having at least one outer layer inner side, at least one outer layer outer side, and at least one of an outer layer lower surface, an outer layer upper surface; - each of the at least one central portion side, the at least one intermediate layer inner side, the at least one intermediate layer outer side, and the at least one outer layer inner side comprises at least two half-undulations, each of the at least two half-undulations being an inwardly angled half-undulation or an outwardly angled half-undulation; - the at least two half-undulations on the at least one central portion side are capable of fitting with the at least two half-undulations on the at least one intermediate layer inner side; - the at least two half-undulations on the at least one intermediate layer outer side are capable of fitting with the at least two half-undulations on the outer layer inner side; - the at least one intermediate layer is a plurality of intermediate layers, for each pair of adjacent intermediate layers, the at least two half-undulations on the outer side of the inner intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers are capable of mating with the at least two half-undulations on the inner side of the outer intermediate layer of the pair of adjacent intermediate layers, positioning the structure at a predetermined location; moving the central portion along the main longitudinal axis in a direction that increases the distance between the central portion and the outer layer until the central portion is at a predetermined distance from the outer layer.

12. The method of claim 12, further comprising at least one of the following steps: a. one or any combination of members of the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer is displaceable relative to the outer layer in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure to transfer the expandable structure from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration; b. the structure is reversibly expandable; c. one or any combination of members of the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer is displaceable relative to the outer layer along the main longitudinal axis of the structure to transition the expandable structure from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration; and d. all members of the group consisting of the central portion, the at least one intermediate layer are fixed relative to each other.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of deflecting the resultant force to a direction that is not parallel to the applied force, thereby causing each outer surface to be sealingly connected to an inner surface of an adjacent layer, thereby sealingly separating an exterior of the expandable structure from an interior of the expandable structure.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of selecting a pair of adjacent layers from the group consisting of: the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the central portion, a pair of adjacent intermediate layers of the plurality of intermediate layers, and the at least one intermediate layer adjacent to the outer layer.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of providing any pair of the adjacent layers in a connection selected from the group consisting of: slidably connected and fixedly connected. in the closed configuration, at least a portion of all bottom edges of the structure are coplanar with each other, the central portion is snugly fitted against the innermost intermediate layer of the at least one intermediate layer, the outer layer is snugly fitted against the outermost intermediate layer of the at least one intermediate layer, and for the plurality of intermediate layers, each pair of adjacent intermediate layers is snugly fitted against each other.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: any of the at least two half-undulations is joined to an adjacent half-undulation in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a straight segment, a curved segment, or any combination of a straight segment and a curved segment.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: ​ 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: each of the at least two half undulations comprises a member of the group consisting of a helix having an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, a loop lying in a plane perpendicular to parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the structure, or a peak of the at least two half undulations is at an angle between 30° and 90° to the main longitudinal axis of the structure.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: the at least two half undulations on the central portion are different from the at least two half undulations on the at least one intermediate layer.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: for the at least one intermediate layer, the at least two half undulations on an inner side of the at least one intermediate layer are different from the at least two half undulations on an outer side of the at least one intermediate layer.

21. A structure comprising: a plurality of nested and interlocked rings; and an inner central portion connected to an innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings; the structure comprises at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; wherein the structure is transitionable between the at least one collapsed configuration and the at least one expanded configuration or between the at least one expanded configuration and the at least one collapsed configuration by application of a transition force, the transition force being sufficient to overcome a structural resistance of one or any combination of the group consisting of between at least one pair of adjacent rings of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, between the inner central portion and the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the transition force being applied between the outermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings and the inner central portion; further wherein, in the expanded configuration, a load applied to a portion selected from the group consisting of the inner central portion, one ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or any combination thereof, causes a transfer of a load force and a resultant force to all portions in the structure, causing an angular change between pairs of adjacent portions and stabilizing the structure.

22. The structure of claim 21, wherein, a snug fit exists between at least one pair of adjacent portions, the adjacent portions being selected from the group consisting of the inner central portion and the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or two rings of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the snug fit creating a seal between the at least one pair of adjacent portions.

23. The structure of claim 21, wherein, the transition force can be reduced for a transition between the at least one collapsed configuration and the at least one expanded configuration or for a transition between the at least one expanded configuration and the at least one collapsed configuration, the transition force can be increased to prevent the transition from the at least one expanded configuration to the at least one collapsed configuration, the transition force can be reduced by at least partially removing the inner central portion from the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the transition force can be increased by at least partially inserting the inner central portion into the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings.

24. The structure of claim 21, wherein, The property of the outermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings is different than the property of at least one other ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the property selected from the group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, undulation length, undulation shape, or any combination thereof.

25. A method of establishing a structure having at least two configurations: a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the method comprising the steps of: providing the structure, the structure comprising: - a plurality of nested and interlocked rings; and - an inner central portion connected to the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings; - the structure comprising at least one collapsed configuration and at least one expanded configuration; positioning the structure at a predetermined location; moving the central portion along a main longitudinal axis of the structure in a direction that increases the distance between the central portion and the outer layer until the central portion is at a predetermined distance from the outer layer, wherein the structure is capable of transitioning between the at least one collapsed configuration and the at least one expanded configuration or between the at least one expanded configuration and the at least one collapsed configuration by exerting a transition force sufficient to overcome the structural resistance of one or any combination of the following: between at least one pair of adjacent rings of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, between the inner central portion and the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the transition force being exerted between the outermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings and the inner central portion; further wherein, in the expanded configuration, a load applied to a portion selected from the group consisting of the inner central portion, one of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or any combination thereof, causes the transmission of a load force and a resultant force to all portions in the structure, thereby causing an angular change between pairs of adjacent portions and stabilizing the structure.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of providing a snug fit between at least one pair of adjacent portions selected from the group consisting of the inner central portion and the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or two of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, the snug fit creating a seal between the at least one pair of adjacent portions.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of: reducing the transition force for transitioning between the at least one collapsed configuration and the at least one expanded configuration or for transitioning between the at least one expanded configuration and the at least one collapsed configuration, or increasing the transition force to prevent the transition from the at least one expanded configuration to the at least one collapsed configuration, the transition force being reduced by at least partially removing the inner central portion from the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings, or the transition force being increased by at least partially inserting the inner central portion into the innermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings.

28. The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of: selecting the property of the outermost ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings to be different than the property of at least one other ring of the plurality of nested and interlocked rings; and said property is selected from the group consisting of material, cross-sectional thickness, height, length of undulation, shape of undulation, or any combination thereof.

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