CA2258446C - Tie-down system for fabric covered buildings - Google Patents
Tie-down system for fabric covered buildings Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2258446C CA2258446C CA 2258446 CA2258446A CA2258446C CA 2258446 C CA2258446 C CA 2258446C CA 2258446 CA2258446 CA 2258446 CA 2258446 A CA2258446 A CA 2258446A CA 2258446 C CA2258446 C CA 2258446C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric cover
- tie
- fabric
- tensioning means
- framework
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- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 136
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/322—Stretching devices
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building to the framework or foundation of the building. Along each side of the fabric cover, a tie-down member is fastened so as to extend substantially from one end of the fabric cover to the opposite end. This member is most conveniently a pipe inserted in pockets formed along the sides of the fabric cover, the member being exposed at intervals by cut-outs in the pockets. A plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means, such as a winch or come-along, are positioned along each side of the fabric cover and attached at one end to the tie-down member where it is exposed by the cut-outs and attached at the opposite end to the framework or ground anchoring foundation. The tensioning means exert an adjustable force on the tie-down members in the direction of the ground anchoring foundation.
Description
TIE-DOWN SYSTEM FOR FABRIC COVERED BUILDINGS
This invention deals with the field of fabric covered buildings and in particular with a system of securing the fabric covering of such buildings to the framework or ground anchoring foundation of the buildings.
BACKGROUND
Fabric covered buildings are well known wherein a framework is secured to a ground anchoring foundation and then covered with fabric. Such buildings are economical, fast and easy to erect and maintain, durable and easy to relocate. These features have made fabric covered buildings very popular, and led to demand for ever longer and wider buildings. However, these wider buildings are subject to much higher loads from wind, snow and so forth.
The fabric covering of such buildings is generally secured in two ways. It may be in sections, each of which covers the area between two arches of the framework and is slidingly secured along the perimeter of each arch to allow for pulling the section tight or tensioning, or the fabric may be a single large piece which is pulled over the framework and attached at each edge to the framework or the foundation.
The present means for securing the fabric to the framework and the foundation is most often by a rope through holes in, or rings attached to, the edge of the fabric covering.
The rope most often weaves from holes in the fabric to the framework and back to the fabric and so forth along a side of the building. To tighten the fabric, the rope must be pulled tight and knotted. This method, when used in larger buildings, notably those with a one-piece fabric covering, often fails as the holes in the fabric tear because of the increased stress exerted by wind, snow and so forth. In extremely large buildings, with widths over 120 feet, it is preferred to use a cover that is in sections between the arches, and secured to the arches on each side. The arches may be quite far apart, 15 feet or more, and again the prior art rope tie-down system is subject to failure.
The tension on the fabric covering must be adjusted periodically to compensate for stretching. The rope must be untied, pulled tighter and re-knotted. This is time-consuming and imprecise, and it is difficult to maintain the required tension while knotting the rope. On the larger buildings contemplated herein, this problem can be particularly acute. Proper tension is necessary to avoid excess movement of the fabric cover due to wind and snow loads, and so forth.
The sides of the fabric where the rope passes is difficult to seal against the weather. The rope is often tied to a board attached to the framework or foundation. This leaves a gap between the fabric and the ground, which gap is often sealed by a wooden construction along the inside of the building, leaving the rope on the outside of the building, exposed to the elements. Often fabric covered buildings are mounted on a stub-wall, in which case the needed sealing construction is already present. In situations where the building is mounted on pilings alone, an improved sealing system would be advantageous.
It would also be a benefit to cover the rope or other securing mechanism from the elements.
Truss arches may be utilized to provide the increased strength needed for a larger fabric covered building, however an improved tie-down system would be desirable in order to take advantage of the truss arch strength by increasing the loads to which the fabric cover may safely be subjected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for securing the fabric covering of fabric covered buildings that is stronger than present systems and which allows for fast and accurate adjustments of the tension on the fabric covering.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system that provides for easier and closer sealing of the fabric to the foundation.
This invention deals with the field of fabric covered buildings and in particular with a system of securing the fabric covering of such buildings to the framework or ground anchoring foundation of the buildings.
BACKGROUND
Fabric covered buildings are well known wherein a framework is secured to a ground anchoring foundation and then covered with fabric. Such buildings are economical, fast and easy to erect and maintain, durable and easy to relocate. These features have made fabric covered buildings very popular, and led to demand for ever longer and wider buildings. However, these wider buildings are subject to much higher loads from wind, snow and so forth.
The fabric covering of such buildings is generally secured in two ways. It may be in sections, each of which covers the area between two arches of the framework and is slidingly secured along the perimeter of each arch to allow for pulling the section tight or tensioning, or the fabric may be a single large piece which is pulled over the framework and attached at each edge to the framework or the foundation.
The present means for securing the fabric to the framework and the foundation is most often by a rope through holes in, or rings attached to, the edge of the fabric covering.
The rope most often weaves from holes in the fabric to the framework and back to the fabric and so forth along a side of the building. To tighten the fabric, the rope must be pulled tight and knotted. This method, when used in larger buildings, notably those with a one-piece fabric covering, often fails as the holes in the fabric tear because of the increased stress exerted by wind, snow and so forth. In extremely large buildings, with widths over 120 feet, it is preferred to use a cover that is in sections between the arches, and secured to the arches on each side. The arches may be quite far apart, 15 feet or more, and again the prior art rope tie-down system is subject to failure.
The tension on the fabric covering must be adjusted periodically to compensate for stretching. The rope must be untied, pulled tighter and re-knotted. This is time-consuming and imprecise, and it is difficult to maintain the required tension while knotting the rope. On the larger buildings contemplated herein, this problem can be particularly acute. Proper tension is necessary to avoid excess movement of the fabric cover due to wind and snow loads, and so forth.
The sides of the fabric where the rope passes is difficult to seal against the weather. The rope is often tied to a board attached to the framework or foundation. This leaves a gap between the fabric and the ground, which gap is often sealed by a wooden construction along the inside of the building, leaving the rope on the outside of the building, exposed to the elements. Often fabric covered buildings are mounted on a stub-wall, in which case the needed sealing construction is already present. In situations where the building is mounted on pilings alone, an improved sealing system would be advantageous.
It would also be a benefit to cover the rope or other securing mechanism from the elements.
Truss arches may be utilized to provide the increased strength needed for a larger fabric covered building, however an improved tie-down system would be desirable in order to take advantage of the truss arch strength by increasing the loads to which the fabric cover may safely be subjected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for securing the fabric covering of fabric covered buildings that is stronger than present systems and which allows for fast and accurate adjustments of the tension on the fabric covering.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system that provides for easier and closer sealing of the fabric to the foundation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system that may be used where the fabric covering is in sections, each of which covers the area between two arches of the framework and is secured along the perimeter of each arch, and where the fabric may be a single large piece which is pulled over the framework and attached at each edge to the framework or the foundation.
The invention accomplishes these objects providing in one aspect a system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building comprising: a framework for supporting the fabric cover, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground-anchoring foundation; a fabric cover over said framework, said fabric cover having two sides, each side being in proximity to the bottom of each side of said framework , and two ends, each end being in proximity to each said end of the framework; at least one tie-down member fastened along each side of said fabric cover; and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each side of said fabric cover, attached at one end thereof to one of said tie-down members and adapted for attachment at the opposite end thereof to said framework or a ground anchoring foundation, said tensioning means exerting an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground; wherein said fabric cover is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on said fabric cover may be adjusted.
Generally, one tie-down member would extend the full length of the fabric cover, thereby providing the most even tension along the whole of the fabric cover. It is contemplated however that the tie-down member could be in sections, essentially then being a plurality of tie-down members. These sections would be preferably butted up against each other, thereby providing substantially even tension, although the free ends of such sections will -$-tend to bend upwards. Placing the tensioning means near the free ends would reduce this effect.
In a second aspect the invention provides a system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building comprising: a support framework comprising a plurality of adjacent arches laterally spaced and secured by purlins between adjacent arches, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground anchoring foundation; a plurality of fabric cover sections, each said section covering the area between two adjacent arches, each said section having two sides, each said side being in proximity to the bottom of each side of the framework , and two ends, each said end being slidingly secured to one of said adjacent arches; a tie-down member fastened along each said side of each fabric cover section;
and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each said side of each fabric cover section, each said tensioning means attached at one end to one of said tie-down members and adapted for attachment at the opposite end thereof to the framework or the ground anchoring foundation such that the tensioning means exerts an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground;
wherein each said fabric cover section is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on each said fabric cover section may be adjusted.
In this second aspect, each fabric cover section spans the distance between the arches.
The tie-down member extends only between the arches as well, providing even tension on each side of the section.
Thus the invention provides an improved tie-down system for buildings with a single fabric cover and buildings with a plurality of fabric cover sections, each section covering the area between adjacent arches.
Fastening of the tie-down member to the fabric cover is most conveniently accomplished by inserting the tie-down member into a pocket attached to each side of the fabric cover.
Cut-outs in the pockets at intervals along their length provide access for attachment of the adjustable tensioning means to the tie-down members. Alternatively the tie down member could be fastened by passing the member through rings or loops attached to the fabric at short intervals so as to maintain an even tension along the side of the fabric cover.
The pockets may be formed and then fastened to the outer edge of the fabric, or formed by folding the outer edge of the fabric cover and fastening the outer edge to the fabric cover along a line parallel to and removed from the outer edge.
The pockets may be formed and fastened by sewing, however the holes in the fabric that result from sewing weaken the fabric. While this is not normally a problem, the increased forces exerted on larger buildings may be such as to cause the sewn pockets to tear along the sewn seams. Heat sealing of the fabric to form the pocket provides a stronger seam with no holes to weaken the fabric at the seam.
The adjustable tensioning means could include a ratchet mechanism to provide the needed adjustable force. Most conveniently a winch is mounted on the ground anchoring foundation for each arch, typically a piling, and fastened to the tie-down member.
The tie-down member is most conveniently a tubular member, such as a pipe, which can be made in sections for shipping and then put together on site by pipe connectors or other conventional means. The tie-down member should have sufficient strength to resist bending when subjected, at the pockets, to the required tensioning forces. As discussed above, the sections need not be necessarily joined to provide satisfactory service.
The sealing of the gap where the fabric cover meets the foundation is accomplished by heat sealing a sealing flap along each side of the fabric cover which sealing flap extends beyond the side of the cover. The tension exerted on this sealing flap is not critical since the cover tension is maintained by the tensioning means acting on the tie-down member.
The sealing flap may then be attached by nails, screws, ropes and so forth to any convenient points on the framework or foundation, or to stakes driven into the ground.
The sealing flap may also extend over the ground and be covered with back-fill. A
further advantage of such a sealing flap is that the tensioning means are covered and protected from the elements.
To provide the required strength for the wider buildings herein contemplated, truss arches are generally utilized, although the disclosed system and its advantages are appropriate for use in a building of any width. Each truss arch could be attached to a piling, being the ground anchoring foundation.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the lashing winch;
_g_ Figure 2 is a side view showing the lashing straps attached to the tie-down member;
Figure 3 is an end view of the lashing winch mounted to a piling and attached to the tie-down member, and also showing the attachment of the sealing flap to boards along the bottom of the framework;
Figure 4 is an end view showing the construction of the pockets and attachment of the sealing flap;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lashing straps attached to the tie-down member and the tie-down member located in the pocket;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fabric cover laid out prior to installation on the framework of the building;
Figure 6A is a perspective view showing the attachment of the lashing straps to the lashing winch;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the completed building;
Figure 8 is a side view from the inside of a building showing a fabric cover that extends only between adjacent arches;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along XX in Figure 8 showing the sliding attachment of the fabric cover section to the arch.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along YY in Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 - 6 show one preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a fabric covered building having a single sheet of fabric pulled over the framework and secured on each side by adjustable tensioning means attached to the fabric cover and to the ground anchoring foundation.
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the invention wherein the adjustable tensioning means is a winch. The lashing winch 1 and detachable handle 2 are shown. The lashing winch 1 comprises a ratchet mechanism in this embodiment, however a winch or come-along using friction clutches or other suitable means is contemplated within the scope of the invention.
Figure 2 shows the lashing winch 1 mounted to the pilings 3 by anchor bolts 5 , which anchor bolts 5 also serve to fasten the truss arch 4 to the pilings 3.
Figure 3 shows the lashing straps 6 attached to the tie-down member 7 at cut-outs 8 in pockets 9 and fabric cover 10. The tie-down member 7 passes through loops 11 formed at one end of the lashing straps 6. The opposite free end 16 of the lashing straps 6 is attached to the lashing winch 1.
Figure 4 is an end view of the pockets 9 and tie-down member 7, showing that the pocket is formed by folding the outer edge 12 of the fabric cover 10 back and heat sealing the outer edge 12 to the fabric cover 10 at pocket seam 13. Also shown is the attachment of the sealing flap 14 to the fabric cover along a flap seam 20 adjacent to the pocket seam 13. Sewing is an alternative to heat sealing and is illustrated in Figure 2 which shows stitches 29, however heat sealing is preferred to sewing as no holes are punctured in the fabric, which holes weaken the fabric. Alternatively the pockets 9 may be formed separately and heat sealed or sewn to the outer edge 12.
Figure 6 shows the fabric cover 10 laid out on the ground adjacent to the framework 15 of the building, which framework 15 comprises a plurality of truss arches 4.
Truss arches are utilized to provide the increased strength needed for a wider building such as that contemplated by this invention.
Fabric cover 10 has two opposite ends 17 and two opposite sides being the first attached side 18 and the second attached side 19. Tie-down member 7 is inserted in the pocket 9 on the first attached side 18 and through the loops 11 of the lashing straps 6 at the cut-outs 8. The tie-down member 7 comprises sections of pipe which are connected together on-site by conventional means such as pipe couplers. This provides a single tie-down member 7 extending from one end of the fabric cover 10 to the other end thereof. Alternatively the sections could be left unconnected, and if butted up against each other at a point between the pockets 9, could provide some level of service, especially if a lashing winch 1 is attached near each free end of each section.
Sealing flaps 20 are heat sealed along each of the sides 18 and 19, and extend beyond the pockets 9. Along the first attached side 18, free ends 16 of lashing straps 6 are attached to the tie-down member 7 by loops 11 and the opposite free ends 16 are attached to lashing winches 1 mounted on each piling 3.
Figure 7 shows the completed building. The second attached side 19 of the fabric cover is pulled over the framework 15. The second tie-down member 7 is inserted into the pocket 9 and through the loops 11. The free ends 16 of the lashing straps 6 along the second attached side 19 are similarly attached to the lashing winches 1 located along the 5 opposite side of the building.
The ends 17 of the fabric cover 10 are pulled into proper position and secured to the framework 15 by ropes or other conventional means. The lashing winches 1 are then tightened until the proper force is being exerted on the tie-down member 7.
Sealing flaps 14 are secured by screws 21 into boards 22 secured to the pilings 3. Earth is often backfilled over the flaps to make a very close seal. The sealing flaps cover the lashing winches 1, protecting them from the elements.
The illustrated embodiment includes truss arches for added strength, however it is contemplated that the disclosed tie-down system would be advantageous when used with any framework.
A second preferred embodiment where the fabric cover comprises fabric cover sections 30, each of which covers the area between two arches 31 of the framework is illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10. The fabric cover section 30 is slidingly attached at each end 32 thereof to an arch 31. The method of sliding attachment is illustrated in Figure 9, and is commonly used in the art. The outer edge of the fabric cover section 30 is wrapped around a cord 33 and glued or sewn to secure the cord 33. The cord then slides into the groove 34 attached to the side of the arch 31. The groove 34 terminates at groove end 35 somewhat above the bottom of the arch 31 allowing the fabric cover section 30 to flex during tensioning. Other sliding attachments known in the art could be used as well, and the invention is directed to the novel tie-down system for use with any prior art.
The pocket 9 is formed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment and seal flap 14 is also attached in the same manner. The difference is that the fabric cover section 30 is much shorter, and so are the pocket 9 and the seal flap 14. The pocket 9 is somewhat shorter than the length of the fabric cover section 30 so that the tie-down member 7 extends beyond the ends of the pocket 9 and is exposed for attachment to the lashing strap 6. The configuration of Figure 8 is repeated so there is a lashing winch 1 mounted on each side of each middle arch 31.
Figure 10 illustrates that the sealing flap may simply be covered with earth 36 to retain it in its proper position.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
The invention accomplishes these objects providing in one aspect a system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building comprising: a framework for supporting the fabric cover, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground-anchoring foundation; a fabric cover over said framework, said fabric cover having two sides, each side being in proximity to the bottom of each side of said framework , and two ends, each end being in proximity to each said end of the framework; at least one tie-down member fastened along each side of said fabric cover; and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each side of said fabric cover, attached at one end thereof to one of said tie-down members and adapted for attachment at the opposite end thereof to said framework or a ground anchoring foundation, said tensioning means exerting an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground; wherein said fabric cover is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on said fabric cover may be adjusted.
Generally, one tie-down member would extend the full length of the fabric cover, thereby providing the most even tension along the whole of the fabric cover. It is contemplated however that the tie-down member could be in sections, essentially then being a plurality of tie-down members. These sections would be preferably butted up against each other, thereby providing substantially even tension, although the free ends of such sections will -$-tend to bend upwards. Placing the tensioning means near the free ends would reduce this effect.
In a second aspect the invention provides a system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building comprising: a support framework comprising a plurality of adjacent arches laterally spaced and secured by purlins between adjacent arches, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground anchoring foundation; a plurality of fabric cover sections, each said section covering the area between two adjacent arches, each said section having two sides, each said side being in proximity to the bottom of each side of the framework , and two ends, each said end being slidingly secured to one of said adjacent arches; a tie-down member fastened along each said side of each fabric cover section;
and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each said side of each fabric cover section, each said tensioning means attached at one end to one of said tie-down members and adapted for attachment at the opposite end thereof to the framework or the ground anchoring foundation such that the tensioning means exerts an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground;
wherein each said fabric cover section is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on each said fabric cover section may be adjusted.
In this second aspect, each fabric cover section spans the distance between the arches.
The tie-down member extends only between the arches as well, providing even tension on each side of the section.
Thus the invention provides an improved tie-down system for buildings with a single fabric cover and buildings with a plurality of fabric cover sections, each section covering the area between adjacent arches.
Fastening of the tie-down member to the fabric cover is most conveniently accomplished by inserting the tie-down member into a pocket attached to each side of the fabric cover.
Cut-outs in the pockets at intervals along their length provide access for attachment of the adjustable tensioning means to the tie-down members. Alternatively the tie down member could be fastened by passing the member through rings or loops attached to the fabric at short intervals so as to maintain an even tension along the side of the fabric cover.
The pockets may be formed and then fastened to the outer edge of the fabric, or formed by folding the outer edge of the fabric cover and fastening the outer edge to the fabric cover along a line parallel to and removed from the outer edge.
The pockets may be formed and fastened by sewing, however the holes in the fabric that result from sewing weaken the fabric. While this is not normally a problem, the increased forces exerted on larger buildings may be such as to cause the sewn pockets to tear along the sewn seams. Heat sealing of the fabric to form the pocket provides a stronger seam with no holes to weaken the fabric at the seam.
The adjustable tensioning means could include a ratchet mechanism to provide the needed adjustable force. Most conveniently a winch is mounted on the ground anchoring foundation for each arch, typically a piling, and fastened to the tie-down member.
The tie-down member is most conveniently a tubular member, such as a pipe, which can be made in sections for shipping and then put together on site by pipe connectors or other conventional means. The tie-down member should have sufficient strength to resist bending when subjected, at the pockets, to the required tensioning forces. As discussed above, the sections need not be necessarily joined to provide satisfactory service.
The sealing of the gap where the fabric cover meets the foundation is accomplished by heat sealing a sealing flap along each side of the fabric cover which sealing flap extends beyond the side of the cover. The tension exerted on this sealing flap is not critical since the cover tension is maintained by the tensioning means acting on the tie-down member.
The sealing flap may then be attached by nails, screws, ropes and so forth to any convenient points on the framework or foundation, or to stakes driven into the ground.
The sealing flap may also extend over the ground and be covered with back-fill. A
further advantage of such a sealing flap is that the tensioning means are covered and protected from the elements.
To provide the required strength for the wider buildings herein contemplated, truss arches are generally utilized, although the disclosed system and its advantages are appropriate for use in a building of any width. Each truss arch could be attached to a piling, being the ground anchoring foundation.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the lashing winch;
_g_ Figure 2 is a side view showing the lashing straps attached to the tie-down member;
Figure 3 is an end view of the lashing winch mounted to a piling and attached to the tie-down member, and also showing the attachment of the sealing flap to boards along the bottom of the framework;
Figure 4 is an end view showing the construction of the pockets and attachment of the sealing flap;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lashing straps attached to the tie-down member and the tie-down member located in the pocket;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fabric cover laid out prior to installation on the framework of the building;
Figure 6A is a perspective view showing the attachment of the lashing straps to the lashing winch;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the completed building;
Figure 8 is a side view from the inside of a building showing a fabric cover that extends only between adjacent arches;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along XX in Figure 8 showing the sliding attachment of the fabric cover section to the arch.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along YY in Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 - 6 show one preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a fabric covered building having a single sheet of fabric pulled over the framework and secured on each side by adjustable tensioning means attached to the fabric cover and to the ground anchoring foundation.
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the invention wherein the adjustable tensioning means is a winch. The lashing winch 1 and detachable handle 2 are shown. The lashing winch 1 comprises a ratchet mechanism in this embodiment, however a winch or come-along using friction clutches or other suitable means is contemplated within the scope of the invention.
Figure 2 shows the lashing winch 1 mounted to the pilings 3 by anchor bolts 5 , which anchor bolts 5 also serve to fasten the truss arch 4 to the pilings 3.
Figure 3 shows the lashing straps 6 attached to the tie-down member 7 at cut-outs 8 in pockets 9 and fabric cover 10. The tie-down member 7 passes through loops 11 formed at one end of the lashing straps 6. The opposite free end 16 of the lashing straps 6 is attached to the lashing winch 1.
Figure 4 is an end view of the pockets 9 and tie-down member 7, showing that the pocket is formed by folding the outer edge 12 of the fabric cover 10 back and heat sealing the outer edge 12 to the fabric cover 10 at pocket seam 13. Also shown is the attachment of the sealing flap 14 to the fabric cover along a flap seam 20 adjacent to the pocket seam 13. Sewing is an alternative to heat sealing and is illustrated in Figure 2 which shows stitches 29, however heat sealing is preferred to sewing as no holes are punctured in the fabric, which holes weaken the fabric. Alternatively the pockets 9 may be formed separately and heat sealed or sewn to the outer edge 12.
Figure 6 shows the fabric cover 10 laid out on the ground adjacent to the framework 15 of the building, which framework 15 comprises a plurality of truss arches 4.
Truss arches are utilized to provide the increased strength needed for a wider building such as that contemplated by this invention.
Fabric cover 10 has two opposite ends 17 and two opposite sides being the first attached side 18 and the second attached side 19. Tie-down member 7 is inserted in the pocket 9 on the first attached side 18 and through the loops 11 of the lashing straps 6 at the cut-outs 8. The tie-down member 7 comprises sections of pipe which are connected together on-site by conventional means such as pipe couplers. This provides a single tie-down member 7 extending from one end of the fabric cover 10 to the other end thereof. Alternatively the sections could be left unconnected, and if butted up against each other at a point between the pockets 9, could provide some level of service, especially if a lashing winch 1 is attached near each free end of each section.
Sealing flaps 20 are heat sealed along each of the sides 18 and 19, and extend beyond the pockets 9. Along the first attached side 18, free ends 16 of lashing straps 6 are attached to the tie-down member 7 by loops 11 and the opposite free ends 16 are attached to lashing winches 1 mounted on each piling 3.
Figure 7 shows the completed building. The second attached side 19 of the fabric cover is pulled over the framework 15. The second tie-down member 7 is inserted into the pocket 9 and through the loops 11. The free ends 16 of the lashing straps 6 along the second attached side 19 are similarly attached to the lashing winches 1 located along the 5 opposite side of the building.
The ends 17 of the fabric cover 10 are pulled into proper position and secured to the framework 15 by ropes or other conventional means. The lashing winches 1 are then tightened until the proper force is being exerted on the tie-down member 7.
Sealing flaps 14 are secured by screws 21 into boards 22 secured to the pilings 3. Earth is often backfilled over the flaps to make a very close seal. The sealing flaps cover the lashing winches 1, protecting them from the elements.
The illustrated embodiment includes truss arches for added strength, however it is contemplated that the disclosed tie-down system would be advantageous when used with any framework.
A second preferred embodiment where the fabric cover comprises fabric cover sections 30, each of which covers the area between two arches 31 of the framework is illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10. The fabric cover section 30 is slidingly attached at each end 32 thereof to an arch 31. The method of sliding attachment is illustrated in Figure 9, and is commonly used in the art. The outer edge of the fabric cover section 30 is wrapped around a cord 33 and glued or sewn to secure the cord 33. The cord then slides into the groove 34 attached to the side of the arch 31. The groove 34 terminates at groove end 35 somewhat above the bottom of the arch 31 allowing the fabric cover section 30 to flex during tensioning. Other sliding attachments known in the art could be used as well, and the invention is directed to the novel tie-down system for use with any prior art.
The pocket 9 is formed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment and seal flap 14 is also attached in the same manner. The difference is that the fabric cover section 30 is much shorter, and so are the pocket 9 and the seal flap 14. The pocket 9 is somewhat shorter than the length of the fabric cover section 30 so that the tie-down member 7 extends beyond the ends of the pocket 9 and is exposed for attachment to the lashing strap 6. The configuration of Figure 8 is repeated so there is a lashing winch 1 mounted on each side of each middle arch 31.
Figure 10 illustrates that the sealing flap may simply be covered with earth 36 to retain it in its proper position.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (24)
1. A system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building comprising:
a framework for supporting the fabric cover, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground-anchoring foundation;
a fabric cover over said framework, said fabric cover having two sides, each side being in proximity to a bottom portion of each side of said framework , and two ends, each end of the fabric cover being in proximity to each said end of the framework;
at least one tie-down member fastened along each side of said fabric cover;
and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each side of said fabric cover, one end of each tensioning means attached to one of said tie-down members and the opposite end of each tensioning means adapted for attachment to said framework or a ground anchoring foundation, each tensioning means exerting an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground;
wherein said fabric cover is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on said fabric cover is adjustable.
a framework for supporting the fabric cover, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground-anchoring foundation;
a fabric cover over said framework, said fabric cover having two sides, each side being in proximity to a bottom portion of each side of said framework , and two ends, each end of the fabric cover being in proximity to each said end of the framework;
at least one tie-down member fastened along each side of said fabric cover;
and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each side of said fabric cover, one end of each tensioning means attached to one of said tie-down members and the opposite end of each tensioning means adapted for attachment to said framework or a ground anchoring foundation, each tensioning means exerting an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground;
wherein said fabric cover is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on said fabric cover is adjustable.
2. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said tie-down member extends substantially from one end of said fabric cover to the opposite end thereof.
3. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said tie-down member is fastened to said fabric cover by inserting said tie-down member into a pocket attached along each side of said fabric covering
4. The invention of Claim 3 wherein said pockets are formed by folding an outer edge of a side of said fabric cover and fastening said outer edge to said fabric cover along a line parallel to and removed from said outer edge.
5. The invention of Claim 3 wherein said pockets further include cut-outs at intervals along the length of the pockets, said cut-outs causing said tie-down member to be exposed and accessible for attachment of said adjustable tensioning means.
6. The invention of Claim 5 wherein said cut-outs extend beyond said pocket into said fabric cover.
7. The invention of Claim 4 wherein said fastening of said outer edge of the fabric cover to said fabric cover to form a pocket is by heat sealing.
8. The invention of Claim 4 wherein said fastening of said outer edge of the fabric cover to said fabric cover to form a pocket is by sewing.
9. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said adjustable tensioning means comprises a ratchet.
10. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said adjustable tensioning means comprises a winch.
11. The invention of Claim 3 wherein said tie-down member comprises a pipe extending substantially from one end of said fabric cover to the opposite end thereof.
12. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said fabric cover further includes a sealing flap attached to each said side of the fabric cover and wherein said sealing flap extends beyond said sides of said fabric cover.
13. The invention of Claim 12 comprising fastening means for fastening said sealing flaps to said framework or the ground.
14. The invention of Claim 12 wherein said sealing flap is attached to said fabric cover by heat sealing.
15. A system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building comprising:
a support framework comprising a plurality of adjacent arches laterally spaced and secured by purlins between adjacent arches, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground anchoring foundation;
a plurality of fabric cover sections, each said section covering the area between two adjacent arches, each said section having two sides, each said side being in proximity to a bottom portion of each side of the framework, and two ends, each said end being slidingly secured to one of said adjacent arches;
a tie-down member fastened along each said side of each fabric cover section;
and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each side of said fabric cover, one end of each tensioning means attached to one of said tie-down members and the opposite end of each tensioning means adapted for attachment to said framework or a ground anchoring foundation, each tensioning means exerting an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground;
wherein each said fabric cover section is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on each said fabric cover section is adjustable.
a support framework comprising a plurality of adjacent arches laterally spaced and secured by purlins between adjacent arches, the framework having two opposite sides and two opposite ends, each side being adapted for attachment to a ground anchoring foundation;
a plurality of fabric cover sections, each said section covering the area between two adjacent arches, each said section having two sides, each said side being in proximity to a bottom portion of each side of the framework, and two ends, each said end being slidingly secured to one of said adjacent arches;
a tie-down member fastened along each said side of each fabric cover section;
and a plurality of individually adjustable tensioning means positioned along each side of said fabric cover, one end of each tensioning means attached to one of said tie-down members and the opposite end of each tensioning means adapted for attachment to said framework or a ground anchoring foundation, each tensioning means exerting an adjustable force on said tie-down member in the direction of the ground;
wherein each said fabric cover section is held in place by said tensioning means and wherein the tension exerted on each said fabric cover section is adjustable.
16. The invention of Claim 15 wherein said tie-down member extends substantially from one end of one of said fabric cover sections to the opposite end thereof.
17. The invention of Claim 15 wherein each said tie-down member is fastened to said fabric cover sections by inserting said tie-down member into a pocket attached along each said side of the fabric cover section.
18. The invention of Claim 17 wherein said pockets are formed by folding the outer edge of said fabric cover section and fastening said outer edge to said fabric cover section along a line parallel to and removed from said outer edge.
19. The invention of Claim 17 wherein said tie-down member extends beyond said pocket at each said end of said fabric cover section and is thereby exposed and accessible for attachment of said adjustable tensioning means.
20. The invention of Claim 18 wherein the fastening of said outer edge of the fabric cover section to said fabric cover section to form said pocket is by heat sealing.
21. The invention of Claim 15 wherein said adjustable tensioning means comprises a ratchet.
22. The invention of Claim 15 wherein said adjustable tensioning means comprises a winch.
23. The invention of Claim 15 wherein each said fabric cover section further includes a sealing flap attached to each said side of the fabric cover section and wherein said sealing flap extends beyond said sides of the fabric cover section.
24. The invention of Claim 23 wherein the sealing flap is attached to the fabric cover by heat sealing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2258446 CA2258446C (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1999-01-12 | Tie-down system for fabric covered buildings |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,226,787 | 1998-01-13 | ||
| CA002226787A CA2226787C (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1998-01-13 | Tie-down system for fabric covered buildings |
| CA 2258446 CA2258446C (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1999-01-12 | Tie-down system for fabric covered buildings |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2258446A1 CA2258446A1 (en) | 1999-07-13 |
| CA2258446C true CA2258446C (en) | 2001-03-27 |
Family
ID=25679981
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2258446 Expired - Fee Related CA2258446C (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1999-01-12 | Tie-down system for fabric covered buildings |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2258446C (en) |
-
1999
- 1999-01-12 CA CA 2258446 patent/CA2258446C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2258446A1 (en) | 1999-07-13 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |