CN102027177A - Folding item - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of folding an item comprising a structure of arcs that can be folded between an open position for use and a folded position for storage, in which the item has a circular configuration. It is particularly applicable to folding tents, shelters and ball game devices. The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a method of folding an item comprising a structure of arcs that can be folded with at least one closed loop, in a folded position in which this loop takes the form of three preferably circular superposed turns. The method consists particularly in forming with the loop an essentially planar figure comprising three loops: a central loop and two side loops, all essentially in the same plane. Each side loop is then folded down onto the central loop to form the three superposed turns.

Description

Folding articles

Technical field

The present invention relates to comprise the field of the article of the arch-type structure that has one or more arches, these article are folding between the use location of launching and folding reception position, and their forms in the folding position are circle substantially.The present invention especially can be applicable to tent, shelter again or the collapsible article of ball game apparatus type.

Background technology

These article generally comprise and cover sheet, cover sheet under the situation in tent or shelter and usually are called as tarpaulin (toile de toit).When this covers sheet and flexible structure part and connects together, then relate to arch-type structure, these structural components are circular-arc form at the expanded position of article.But these structural components can be made of the rods with elastic recovery, and these rods are particularly formed by composite material or metal or plastic core bar, and these bars interconnect in case of necessity.

In some article, rods is in linear state at the folding reception position of article, and only just is in rounding top and bottom pattern when article are installed.Some tent that is commonly referred to as the dome tent especially is exactly this situation.

In other article, structural component forms a closed-loop, and this closed-loop especially can be given article with its three-dimensional dimension.This article have for example just been described among document US-3.960.161.In the document, the structural component that is closed circular is the form of the stacked circle of three circles in the folding position of article.The tent of describing among document US-3.675.667 is like this equally.

Also from other examples of following these type of article of literature: US-5.816.278, US-6.357.510, US-5.411.046, US-5.249.592, FR-2.805.300, US-5.137.044, US-5.592.961, US-7.246.630 are again or US-5.427.381.

For folding these type of article, the stress that the rods of formation arch-type structure applies has the trend that stops three stacked circles to form.The diameter of circle is more little, and is just like this.

Yet,, need reduce the diameter of these circles and therefore under the constant initial diameter of structure, increase the number of turns in order to reduce size at the article of folding position.

Therefore, especially aspect final volume size and folding difficulty, the quantity of three circles is a kind of gratifying methods.

Therefore, like this user should be able to be easily and promptly folding as above-mentioned document described in article, to obtain the little and portable article of volume in the folding position.

In each of these documents, article are folding mainly be from one on ring having assembled thereby three dimensional shapes is treated folded articles to formation is in another interlaced arrangement.Possibly, if the article that assemble are not in the established form of the ring that is used to form final circle, then when forming these rings, these are encircled interlaced arrangement.

Particularly, in US-5.592.961, at first form the type sample (figure) on the basic plane of less ring with three basic alignment (being to align substantially in its three centers of circle separately) with the ring of arch-type structure, by applying antagonism pressure at preformed two ends, therefore the two ends of this plane sample being rotated toward each other, come stacked three less rings then with plane sample of three rings.

In each of these known references, therefore the method for describing is the step of a series of efforts, in these steps and after these steps, object to be folded remains on three-dimensional configuration, can regard the final form with three stacked circles similar to basic plane configuration certainly as, also have except the intermediary that forms the basic plane sample with three rings in case of necessity.

Therefore the problem of these method for folding propositions is their performance difficulties.Particularly these methods are difficult to be implemented by single individual.In fact, it is very difficult operating three rings simultaneously in three-dimensional.

Therefore the problem that propose this moment is to need a kind of method for folding that folds the article that comprise arch-type structure from the expanded position to the folding position, arch-type structure forms one group of three stacked circle in the folding position, it is convenient and fast that this method is implemented, especially can be by being alone to carry out.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, target of the present invention be propose a kind of to the solution of the problems referred to above wherein.

Therefore, according to first aspect, but the present invention relates to and will comprise that the article that self fold arch-type structure are folded in the method for folding position, arch-type structure comprises at least one closed-loop, and this ring is the form of three stacked circles in the folding position.These circles are preferred to be circular substantially, but also can be oval or avette.

This method especially is to have three first type samples that encircle the basic plane that is a center ring and two side rings with ring formation, and all cyclic groups are originally in same plane.

Special character is, each of these side rings is with in succession put on the described center ring then, to form three stacked circles.

More precisely, at first first side ring in two side rings is taken on the center ring, then second side ring in these two side rings is taken on the center ring and first side ring, thereby form three stacked circles.

In other words, at first by first side ring in two side rings being taken on the center ring and form the second type sample on basic plane, then second side ring in two side rings is taken on the second type sample on basic plane and form three stacked circles from the first type sample on basic plane.

Therefore, because through such step---initially encircle the plane sample that becomes to have three littler rings when this step finishes, described method for folding is implemented easily, particularly by being alone to carry out.

Therefore, in fact do not need to control simultaneously three rings that are used to form three final circles.

(generation has the step of the first type sample on the basic plane of three rings in same level after each step, by first side ring being stacked in the step of the second type sample that produces basic plane on the center ring, with second side ring is stacked in by first side ring overlap step on the second type sample that on the assembly that forms on the center ring, promptly is stacked in basic plane) environmental protection is held in the shape on basic plane, this convenient enforcement folds, for example by integral body is remained on ground.

In first modification, in order to be formed with the first plane sample of three rings, catch ring first with tip, and it is taken in the plane of the complementary portion that also has the tip of this ring, make that first intersects in two crosspoints with complementary portion on the one hand, the tip of first is in outside the complementary portion tip on the other hand.

Therefore, by unique simple proper handling, just initial ring is divided into three more circlets in same level, these three rings are ready to by stacked, to form three final circles.

Alternatively, in order to form the first plane sample, catch the first of ring and reverse to form first crosspoint.Catch the second portion relative of ring also to reverse equally then to form second crosspoint with first.

In these two modification, for the first side ring band being put (promptly in order to form the second type sample on basic plane) on the center ring, or second side ring is taken on the center ring and first side ring of the second type sample that forms basic plane (promptly in order to form three stacked circles), make this first or second side ring around its crosspoint pivot with described center ring.

In can be another modification of above-mentioned two modification combinations, arch-type structure comprises a plurality of rings with basic identical size.In the case, before forming the first plane sample, make these rings stacked, therefore said method can be used for this single closed-loop with the single closed-loop of virtual formation.

In this case, preferably use for example zone circle (sanglediam é trale) or be that fitting is held in stacked environmental protection together of at least one fastenings, operated as single ring should encircle stack after convenient.

In that another can be in the modification of above-mentioned any one or a plurality of modification combinations again, again or be that the fastenings of fitting type keeps together three stacked circles by zone circle type preferably.

In that another also can be in the modification of above-mentioned any one or a plurality of modification combinations again, three stacked circles are inserted in preferred basic in circular but the also oval or avette cover.

According to second aspect, the invention still further relates to the article that comprise arch-type structure that may be folded on the folding position, arch-type structure itself comprises at least one closed-loop, three preferred basic circular stacked circles that are that this ring obtains by above-mentioned method for folding being shaped as of folding position.

Description of drawings

By below reading to the description of the preferred enforcement modification of this method, can clearer and intactly understand other features and advantages of the present invention, these enforcement modification provide as non-limiting example and with reference to the following drawings:

-Fig. 1: schematically show arch-type structure in the tent types of articles of expanded position with phantom drawing;

-Fig. 2: schematically show tent types of articles at expanded position with lateral view;

-Fig. 3-6: the different step that schematically illustrates the inventive method in the first enforcement modification;

-Fig. 7 a-7c: schematically illustrate from Fig. 3 phase transformation to Fig. 4 stage and (form the first plane sample first embodiment);

-Fig. 8-12: the different step that schematically illustrates method of the present invention in the second enforcement modification.

The specific embodiment

The arch-type structure of the article 1 of the tent type at expanded position shown in Figure 1.

In this embodiment, described structure comprises two closed- loops 2 and 2 '.Definite says, structure has the ring of going up 2 and encircles 2 ' down.

In order to explain the method for folding that will discuss after a while in this manual, in Fig. 1 on ring 2 and down the difference of ring 2 ' mark.

Therefore, marked out two relative ends or tip (sommet) 3a and the 4a of ring 2 in Fig. 1, these two ends or tip be corresponding to two lower ends of last ring 2, promptly on expanded position is described ring 2 with encircle 2 ' two ends that between it, engage down.Therefore, two relative ends of these ends or tip 3a and 4a and ring 2 ' down or tip engage.

In two ends that also marked out ring 2 on Fig. 1 or tip 10 and 11, these two ends or tip be at last ring 2 peaks at expanded position, promptly encircles 2 from encircling 2 ' farthest point down on expanded position is described.

At last, under expanded position, encircle 2 ' following ring 2 ' two other relative end or tip 12 and 13 expressing on Fig. 1 from last ring 2 point place farthest.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the tent 1 that is equipped with arch-type structure shown in Figure 1, its also have between the arch that extends in described structure be commonly referred to as tarpaulin cover sheet 7.

Traditionally, ring 2 and 2 ' slides in the cover sheath, and the cover sheath for example is connected with tarpaulin 7 by sewing up.

Fig. 3-6 is illustrated in the main difference step of method for folding of the present invention in the first enforcement modification, and this first enforcement alternative applications is in the common folding articles that comprises at least one closed-loop 2.

To describe this method after a while and be applied to as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2 special circumstances in two closed- loops 2,2 ' the article 1 of having.

Therefore Fig. 3 represents the closed-loop as shown in Figure 12 seen with end angle.According to related article, tent 1 for example shown in Figure 2, ring 2 is the plane not necessarily, as especially seeing with reference to Fig. 7 a and 7b.But selected bottom view exhibition method is represented this projection of ring 2 in a plane, therefore is the form of the plane curve that for example can be ellipse or circle.

The method according to this invention is the folding article that are equipped with the arch-type structure that comprises ring 2, and from the first type sample on this basic plane of formation, ring 2s, in an example, as shown in Figure 4, this first type sample comprises a center ring 2b and two side ring 2a and 2c.

In this embodiment,, catch ring 2 the first that comprises tip 3a 3 for forming this first plane sample, with its gradually crimping in the plane of the complementary portion that comprises tip 4a 4 of ring 2.For this reason, along exerting pressure, to tighten up first 3, so that form center ring 2b later on the perpendicular axis of the axis that is connected tip 3a and 4a.

After this operation, first 3 intersects in two crosspoints 5 and 6 with complementary portion 4, and the tip 3a of first 3 is in beyond the tip 4a of complementary portion 4.

The described phase transformation from Fig. 3 of epimere is decomposed into a series of phantom drawings of ring 2 to the operation in the stage of Fig. 4 in Fig. 7 a-7c.

Therefore, the phantom drawing of Fig. 7 a correspondence ring 2 as shown in Figure 3, and the therefore phantom drawing of Fig. 7 c correspondence ring 2 as shown in Figure 4.In addition, Fig. 7 b encircles 2 phantom drawings in the centre position when also not have fully by crimping in the plane of complementary portion 4 when ring 2 first 3.

When such formation first plane sample, wherein side ring 2a band is put on the center ring 2b, with the osculant sample that forms basic plane or the second type sample on basic plane, as shown in Figure 5.

For this side ring 2a band is put on the center ring 2b, make side ring 2a around its crosspoint 5 pivot with center ring 2b.

At last, in the same manner, another side ring 2c band is put on the center ring 2b and the first side ring 2a, therefore band is put basic on the second type sample on plane.

Definite says, for side ring 2c band is put on center ring 2b and the side ring 2a, makes side ring 2b around its crosspoint 6 rotation with center ring 2b.

After these operations, ring 2 is the form of three stacked circle 2a, 2b and 2c, as shown in Figure 6.

These circles are preferred to be circular substantially, but also can be oval or avette.

Thereby when needing, can be inserted into for this reason be provided with preferred basic to these three stacked circle 2a-2c in the circular cover.

For the ease of being inserted in the cover and avoiding encircling 2 accidents and launch again, the fastenings that permission keeps together these three circle 2a-2c can be set.This fastenings for example can be the zone circle of preferred elastomeric, or one or more be fitting.

Method shown in top is applied to the tent 1 shown in Fig. 1 and 2, need before the formation first plane sample forms three stacked circles then, makes down ring 2 ' and 2 junctions or stacked of last ring so that the single ring 2 of virtual formation.

In this embodiment, under expanded position, encircle 2 ' and overlap from encircling 2 ' farthest end or tip 10 and 11 down with ring 2 on expanded position respectively from last ring 2 tip or end 12 and 13 farthest by making, obtain two encircle 2 and 2 ' overlapping.

Then the user with a hand encircle down 2 ' and last ring 2 tip 13 and 11 places separately hold the ring 2 ' and last ring 2 of staying, and with the another hand encircle down 2 ' and last ring 2 tip 12 and 10 separately hold stay ring 2 ' and last ring 2.

Join like this or stacked following ring 2 ' and last ring 2 thereby the single ring 2 of virtual formation shown in Fig. 3 or 7a.

For the ease of controlling actual ring 2 ' and these two junctions of last ring 2 or this virtual ring 2 of stacked ring down of comprising, can consider by using at least one fastenings (for example one or more is fitting) that two rings 2,2 ' are kept together.

User's this virtual ring 2 that also should overturn, so as shown in Fig. 7 a, to make its upwards crooked rather than as among Fig. 1 downwards so that the method for folding of representing in detail with reference to Fig. 3-6 and 7a-7c above implementing.

Implement in the modification at another, can otherwise realize being formed with the first plane sample of three rings 2a, 2b, 2c, shown in Fig. 8-12.

In this modification, catch and encircle 2 first 8 and distortion as shown in Figure 8, to produce first crosspoint 5, as shown in Figure 9.

Catch the second portion 9 relative of ring 2 then and then it is reversed, to produce second crosspoint 6, as shown in figure 10 with first 8.

In Figure 10, has the i.e. first plane sample of center ring 2b and two other side ring 2a and 2c of three rings, therefore the ring 2a to 2c that comprises three basic alignment (just align substantially in their centers of circle separately), and in first modification (Fig. 4), two relative center ring 2b with 2c of side ring 2a stagger, to form cloverleaf pattern (just their centers of circle separately form basic isosceles triangle, also may be the summit of equilateral triangle).

Then, with first modification in identical mode, side ring 2a and 2c be with in succession put on center ring 2b, so that form three stacked circle 2a, 2b, the 2c of Figure 12.

Therefore, for side ring 2a band being put the second type sample that center ring 2b went up and therefore formed basic plane, with first modification in identical mode operate: make side ring 2a around its crosspoint 5 rotation with center ring 2b.

Equally, for side ring 2c band is put on the center ring 2b and side ring 2a of the second type sample that forms basic plane, make side ring 2b around its crosspoint 6 rotation with center ring 2b.

Certainly, also in this modification, after these operations, ring 2 be three preferred basic for circular, maybe may be oval again or avette stacked circle 2a, 2b and the form of 2c.

Equally in this case, these three stacked circle 2a-2c can be inserted into be provided with for this reason and preferred almost circular cover in.

In the same way,, permission can be set these three fastenings that keep together of circle 2a-2c for ease of being inserted in the cover and avoiding encircling 2 accidents and launch again, as flexible zone circle preferably, again or one or more be fitting.

This description provides as an example, is not restrictive to the present invention therefore.

Particularly, the invention is not restricted to folding tent as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, and be applicable to that also its arch-type structure has single ring 2 or encircles 2,2 ' tent more than two.

In addition,, fold the article that any comprising has the arch-type structure of at least one closed-loop, so that this ring is three forms that circle is stacked in the folding position and also relate to as pointing out in the foreword that method of the present invention is not limited to break camp.Therefore, this method also is applied to other example of these class article, as collapsible shelter or collapsible ball game apparatus.

At last, the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned two embodiments that form the first plane sample with three rings.Can consider to form the alternate manner of this type sample, as long as: form the step of the three-ring type first plane sample through this, promptly three cyclic groups are originally in same plane; Can be laminated on a ring on another ring as mentioned above at an easy rate then.

Claims (9)

1. article (1) are folded in the method for folding position, described article comprise arch-type structure, described arch-type structure has one or more collapsible arches and comprises at least one closed-loop (2), described ring (2) is preferred basic circular three the stacked circles (2a that is in described folding position, 2b, form 2c), described method especially is to comprise a center ring (2b) and two side ring (2a with described ring (2) formation, 2c) basic is the first type sample on plane, it is characterized in that described method also is: by described two side ring (2a, first side ring (2a) band 2c) is put described center ring (2b) upward forms basic plane from the first plane sample the second type sample; Then by forming described three stacked circles (2a, 2b, 2c) on the second type sample of the band of second side ring (2c) in described two side rings (2a, 2c) being put described basic plane.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein, for forming the described first plane sample, catch the first with tip (3a) (3) of described ring (2) and it is taken in the plane of the complementary portion with tip (4a) (4) of described ring (2), make described first (3) and described complementary portion (4) intersect, and the tip (4a) that the tip (3a) of described first (3) is in described complementary portion (4) in addition in two crosspoints (5,6).

3. the method for claim 1, wherein, for forming the described first plane sample, catch the first (8) of described ring (2) and it reversed to produce first crosspoint (5), catch then and the second portion (9) relative that reverse described ring (2) with described first (8) to produce second crosspoint (6).

4. as claim 2 or 3 described methods, wherein, for going up the second type sample that forms described basic plane by described first side ring (2a) band is put described center ring (2b), perhaps for by forming described three stacked circles (2a, 2b, 2c) on the second type sample of described second side ring (2c) band being put described basic plane, make this first or second side ring (2a, 2c) center on crosspoint (5, the 6) rotation of it and described center ring (2b).

5. as each described method in the claim 1 to 4, described arch-type structure comprises a plurality of rings (2,2 ') with basic identical size, wherein, before forming the described first plane sample, make these a plurality of rings (2,2 ') stacked with the single closed-loop of virtual formation (2).

6. method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, described stacked ring (2,2 ') is held togather by at least one fastenings.

7. as each described method in the claim 1 to 6, wherein, described three stacked circles (2a, 2b, 2c) are held togather by the fastenings of zone circle type preferably.

8. as each described method in the claim 1 to 7, wherein, described three stacked circles (2a, 2b, 2c) are inserted in the preferred almost circular cover.

9. article (1), it comprises the arch-type structure with at least one closed-loop (2) and can be folded in the folding position, described ring (2) is preferred basic form for circular three stacked circles (2a, 2b, 2c) in described folding position, it is characterized in that described three stacked circles (2a, 2b, 2c) are by obtaining as each described method in the claim 1 to 8.

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