EP1224368B1 - Modular shelter against sun and rain, and installation method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a modular shelter against sun and rain, consisting of a support structure comprising at least two posts (1A, 1B) each supporting at least a cantilever crosspiece (4A, 4B). The invention is characterised in that said posts (1A, 1B) are each fixed vertically on foundations (3) through a base plate (2) and said crosspieces consist of arcs (4A, 4B) arranged each at the top of a post (1A, 1B) each stabilised along the vertical direction by a strut (5A, 5B) fixed to the post (1A, 1B) by a ring (7A, 7B) and by a fixing plate (6A, 6B) to the arc (4A, 4B), a cloth (8) being stretched above the arcs, at least two posts (1A, 1B) being arranged at a distance less than twice the length of an arc, and at least two arcs (4A, 4B) each borne by one of the posts (1A, 1B) with their distal ends relative to from support post tied together, thus forming a triangular arrangement.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The device object of the present invention is in the field of shelters against the sun and rain. It concerns in particular a modular shelter, particularly suitable for covering relatively large areas.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Already known in this field, metal structures covered with a plate of metal or plastic material, but with a heavy structure, long to install, and requiring a specific study for each implantation. For example, that described and shown in the French patent application FR-A-2 766 857 comprises posts erected on an above-ground foundation and supporting cantilever frame for receiving a blanket formed of a stretched canvas by means of plastic rods slid and wedged in the edges of the frame including two profiled bent rails of grooves to receive said rods.

Another structure described and represented in the European patent application EP-A-0 837 204 relates to a tent with a lightweight, self-supporting tubular support structure consisting of posts receiving a cross-member in which the connection between the convergent tubular elements of the crosspieces guarantees holding the entire support structure that rests on the ground and is not connected to any foundation. This support structure requires a closed volume since at least two tubular elements of the sleepers work in opposition to maintain the rigid assembly

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages, and to provide a simple and economical device to manufacture, and very easy to install while limiting the preliminary studies at each installation. The invention proposes for this purpose a modular shelter of the type of that formed of a support structure comprising at least two posts each supporting at least one cantilever cross, said posts being vertically fixed each on foundations by a base and said cross members being formed of arches, each arranged at the head of a post, remarkable in that said arcs are stabilized vertically each by a strut secured to the post by a ring, and, d on the other hand, by an arc fixing plate, a fabric being stretched over the arches, at least two posts being disposed at a distance less than twice the length of an arc, and at least two arcs each carried by one of the poles having their end distant from their support pole attached together, thus forming a triangle arrangement.

• une structure métallique répétitive et peu coûteuse car préfabriquée et constituée d'un nombre très restreint de pièces standard disponibles sans délais.
• une membrane textile optimisée et "sur mesure",
• une grande richesse de formes amenée par un concept modulaire non seulement harmonieux mais aussi économique et souple en terme de configurations possibles tout en restant très simple à assembler.

It is understood that by this arrangement, a fixed modular shelter is created composed of a metal support structure which, supporting a textile membrane double reverse curvature consists of modules that could be structurally independent since each has its own foundation. The connection of two consecutive arcs simply ensures horizontal stability of the assembly, that is, its bracing. In general, in a metallo-textile structure, the metal component costs twice as much as the textile part. In the product according to the invention, the metal structure is surprisingly simple and repetitive, which allows a very attractive cost price. The purpose of the applicant is to make this technology competitive and attractive compared to the classics by a few basic principles, namely among others:

• a repetitive and inexpensive metal structure as prefabricated and consisting of a very limited number of standard parts available without delay.
• an optimized and "customized" textile membrane,
• a great wealth of forms brought by a concept Modular not only harmonious but also economical and flexible in terms of possible configurations while remaining very simple to assemble.

The description and the drawings which follow will make it possible to better understand the aims and advantages of the invention. It is clear that this description is given by way of example, and is not limiting in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 montre schématiquement un abri modulaire selon l'invention, vu en perspective ;
• la figure 2 illustre un module de base comportant ici un poteau et un arc selon l'invention, vu en perspective ;
• la figure 3 montre les détails de réalisation des composants du dispositif ;
• la figure 4 montre un assemblage en triangle de deux poteaux et deux arcs ;
• les figures 5 à 12 illustrent des abris modulaires de formes diverses, réalisées à partir de modules selon l'invention.

On these drawings:

• Figure 1 shows schematically a modular shelter according to the invention, seen in perspective;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a basic module comprising here a pole and an arc according to the invention, seen in perspective;
• Figure 3 shows the details of embodiment of the components of the device;
• Figure 4 shows a triangle assembly of two posts and two arches;
• Figures 5 to 12 illustrate modular shelters of various shapes, made from modules according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A modular shelter according to the invention is formed of a juxtaposition of basic modules, attached together by the ends of some of their arches. A minimum shelter according to this definition then comprises at least two posts and two arches. More generally, a linear shelter will be made by assembling modules each comprising a pole and two arches (Figure 1). More precisely, as can be seen in FIG. 4, a module with an evolutionary geometry according to the invention comprises, on the one hand, a post 1, fixed on foundations 3 by a base 2, and, on the other hand, on less an arc 4, disposed substantially at the head of the pole. This arc 4 is stabilized vertically by a strut 5.

In the present example described in a non-limiting way, the post 1 is made in the form of a hollow metal tube with a diameter of 20 cm and a height of about 3 meters above the ground. It allows the evacuation of water by its central part.

Each arc 4, made of metal tube with a diameter of 10 cm, is 6 meters long and is shaped as an arc with a radius of curvature of 20 meters.

Each strut 5 is also formed of metal tube diameter 10 cm, with a radius of curvature of 5 meters. It is fixed to the arc 4 substantially at mid-length by a fixing plate 6 allowing free rotation along a transverse axis (perpendicular to the plane formed by the pole 1 and the arc 4), and is fixed to the pole 1 to a height of about 1.9 meters by a ring 7 fixing.

Each arc 4 is secured to the pole head 1 via a gusset 9 (Figure 3). This gusset 9 is formed in a non-limiting implementation, from a steel sheet, for example 4 mm thick, 1.1 m long and 44 cm wide. This sheet is folded substantially "U" around its longitudinal axis. This gusset 9 has, at one of its longitudinal ends, a lug 10 for attachment to the upper circular edge of the post 1. It also comprises a lug 11 for fixing on the ring 7, comprising a recess 17 adapted to come to be placed around a positioner bolt (not shown) fixed on the post 1. Two axes 12, 13, adapted to be placed in a substantially horizontal direction after mounting the gusset 9, are provided at the top and bottom of said gusset 9, to allow the movable attachment in rotation of an arc 4 and a strut 5.

The stretched fabric 8 which forms the shelter itself is placed on the arches 5 arranged around the same pole 1 or between various posts 1 arranged in staggered rows. In plan, the direction of the arc 4 with respect to the post 1 is completely free. A basic module, for example for the creation of a line, then comprises a post 1 receiving two arcs 4, arranged at 60 ° from each other (in plan view) and two struts 5. The inclination of the arc 4 is continuously adjustable by adjusting the point of attachment of the fixing plate 6 of the strut 5 along the arc 4. As seen in Figure 3, the fixing plate 6 is, for example, formed for this purpose, a sheet of 4 mm thick, 57.8 cm long and 50 cm wide, curved "U" along its major axis, so as to coat a formed arc 4 a tube 10 cm in diameter. This fixing plate 6 comprises an axis 14 for fixing the strut 5, and two bores 15, 16 allowing either clamping of the plate around the arc 4 by bolting, or by screwing into holes arranged at longitudinal intervals. along the arc 4, so as to provide better security of the attachment of the strut 5 on the arc 4.

Each arc 4 has at its end distant from the post 1 a connecting piece 18, in the form of an "L" plate having a horizontal portion 19 pierced with a bore 20 for the passage of a fastening bolt together of two such connecting pieces 18.

The material chosen for the frame is galvanized steel, chosen for its mechanical properties, its price, and its durability. Prefabrication guarantees immediate availability. The lengths used are multiples of 3 meters, in order to limit falls. The assembly is done only by bolting. Alternatively, an aluminum alloy frame is feasible, with minor modifications of implementation.

The foundations are of a type known to those skilled in the art

The principle of product stability according to the invention is based (cf; FIG. 4) on the connection of an arc 4A of a module A with an arc 4B of the previous module B. The zigzag configuration of the arches 4 of the product (FIGS. 1 and 6) according to the invention creates a triangulation which increases the resistance to mechanical stresses (in particular tension of the fabric over a large area), and guarantees overall stability. . The distance between posts 4A, 4B determines the useful width. This specificity makes it possible to adapt the product according to the invention to numerous geometries. By then varying the spacing between the poles, it is possible to implant the latter along a non-rectilinear trajectory.

The cover by the stretched fabric 8 can be mono, bilateral or even multi-naves. However, the product according to the invention makes it possible to produce shapes other than the straight line or the curve: it makes it possible to produce a point module (mushroom configuration with six arches 4 around a post 1) and a large-area shelter (configuration honeycomb). A single canvas covers the entire structure.

The design of the device is such that no adjustment is necessary on the site. The canvas is fixed to the metal structure by means of simple and solid fittings. This simplicity of assembly implies a great precision in the assembly of the widths and the perimeter rope. The manufacture will necessarily be provided by a company experienced in the field of double-curvature membranes. The canvas 8 is the only element that requires a case-by-case study and a "made-to-measure" realization, particularly in the case of curved rows.

In an advantageous variant, software developed for this purpose implements a method of automating this task according to cutting and assembly criteria known to those skilled in the art.

The material used is a structural fabric in PVC-coated polyester fiber or PVDF-type fiberglass fabric, or acrylic fiber, or other roofing material.

The evacuation of rainwater is done from the inside of the pole. Unlike most roofing systems, the product according to the invention does not reject rainwater at its periphery, but at its center. The water is channeled by the shape of the canvas towards the support. At ground level, the water is then discharged either directly on the ground, without splashing, or through the underground pipes of a network type VRD (Roads and Miscellaneous Networks), designed for this purpose. For large parking lots, this last configuration considerably reduces the amount of water to be treated (hydrocarbons) since the water no longer flows on the ground.

Due to its modularity, the product makes it possible to create a complete range of integrated accessories. In particular, the built-in lighting is powered by an electric cable in the pole (waiting sleeves are provided). The lighting is done from the ring 7 and is oriented towards the underside of the fabric 8 thus giving a comfortable and attractive indirect lighting. An additional electrical sheath on standby is optionally used to pass speaker or surveillance camera cables. Corresponding fasteners are provided on the metal structure.

The main structural parts are all prefabricated from standard sections. Assembly accessories are special parts dedicated to this product. The assembly is fast, without drilling or welding. Perfectly easy to implement, the structure of the product according to the invention is intended to be assembled by non-specialists. Rigor in the respect of the procedures is the only constraint for a fitting according to the specifications

It is understood that, during assembly, after completion of the foundations and bolting of the post on the foundation block, the ring 7 is tightened on the post by means of toads 17. An assembly of the "triangle" formed a bow 4, the corresponding strut 5, and a gusset 9. This "triangle" is raised by a small crane and placed at the head of post 1. The lug of the gusset 9 is blocked on the upper edge of the post 1, while the recess 17 of the lower lug 11 of the gusset 9 is placed around the positioner bolt (not shown), the ring 7 is already in place. Then we just tighten the gusset 9 against the post 1 by tightening a bolt (not shown in the figures) on the ring 7. This gives a very rigid mounting.

The basic module is a simple structure whose geometry is variable. By combining several modules, a variety of different configurations in size and shape are obtained. A modular shelter according to the invention is thus composed of at least two posts and two arches fastened together by bolting their connecting piece 18, at their end distant from their support post, thus forming a triangle or zigzag structure. ", suitable to allow many combinations of form. Examples of possible configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 12: single file (FIGS. 1,6 and 10), tunnel (FIGS. 8 and 12), mixed (linear + circular), honeycomb fungus (FIGS. 5 and 9) ).

1. 1/ Protéger la voiture : le marché visé en priorité est celui du parc de stationnement, en particulier celui des centres commerciaux. Le produit selon l'invention constitue un moyen efficace de se démarquer de la concurrence en apportant le confort sur le parking, répondant ainsi à un besoin clair de la clientèle.
2. 2/ Abriter les personnes : la collectivité trouvera dans le produit selon l'invention une solution économique pour couvrir la place de marché, les gradins de l'installation sportive ou pour agrandir le préau de l'école. Des modèles de dimensions réduites sont à l'étude pour des applications de mobilier urbain.
3. 3/ Créer l'espace : dans ses configurations « nid d'abeilles », le produit selon l'invention est la toiture étanche et translucide d'un espace de superficie illimitée, jusqu'à plusieurs milliers de m2.

Three main applications are targeted by the device according to the invention: the protection of the car, the shelter for people, and the creation of spaces. The variety of configurations, however, opens up many other markets.

1. 1 / Protecting the car: the priority market is that of the car park, in particular that of shopping centers. The product according to the invention is an effective way to stand out from the competition by bringing comfort on the car park, responding to a clear need of customers.
2. 2 / Sheltering people: the community will find in the product according to the invention an economical solution to cover the marketplace, the stands of the sports facility or to enlarge the yard of the school. Small size models are being studied for street furniture applications.
3. 3 / Creating space: in its configurations "honeycomb", the product according to the invention is the waterproof roof and translucent of a space of unlimited area, up to several thousand m2.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments considered by way of example, but instead extends to modifications within the scope of those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. attached.

Claims (9)

1. Modular shelter against the sun and the rain, of the type formed by a supporting structure comprising at least two posts, (1A, 1B), each supporting at least one offset transversal bar (4A, 4B), the said posts (1A, 1B) being each vertically attached to foundations (3) by a base (2) and the said transversal bars being formed by arches (4A, 4B), each positioned at the top of a post (1A, 1B), characterised in that the said arches are each stabilised vertically by means of a strut (5A, 5B), on the one hand attached to the post (1A, 1B) by a ring (7A, 7B) and on the other hand by an attachment plate (6A, 6B) to the arch (4A, 4B), a fabric sheet (8) being stretched above the arches (4A, 4B), at least two posts (1A, 1B) being located at a distances of less than half twice the length of an arch (4A, 4B) and at least two arches (4A, 4B) each carried by one of the posts (1A, 1B) with their ends distant from their post (1A, 1B) being fixed together; thus forming a triangular arrangement.
2. Modular shelter of claim 1, characterised in that each post (1) is made in the form of a hollow tube allowing water to be evacuated by its central section.
3. Shelter of claim 1, characterised in that each arch (4) is attached to the top of the post (1) by means of a gusset (9) comprising at one of its longitudinal ends a lug (10) designed to hook onto the upper circular edge of the post (1), at its other end an attachment bracket (11) on the ring (7) featuring a cavity (17) adapted so as to locate around a positioning screw (18) fixed to the post (1), and two pins (12, 13) positioned in a substantially horizontal direction once the gusset (9) has been assembled to permit the attachment, that is mobile in terms of rotation, of an arch (4) and a brace (5).
4. Shelter of claim 1, characterised in that each arch (4) has its lower end close to the post (1), in order to lead a flow of rain water gathered by the stretched fabric sheet (8) towards the post (1).
5. Shelter of claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a means for attaching an attachment plate (6) of a brace (5) to the arch (4) in a position that is part of a set of possible positions along the arch (4) with respect to the post (1).
6. Shelter of any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the fabric sheet (8) is a PVC coated polyester fibre fabric sheet.
7. Shelter of any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the fabric sheet (8) is a PVDF type glass fibre sheet.
8. Shelter of any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the sheet (8) is an acrylic fibre sheet.
9. Process for installing a modular shelter of any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the parts composing the shelter are pre-fabricated from common profiled sections, in that the lengths of the arches (4) and posts (1) used are multiples of 3 metres, and in that the assembly comprises assembly steps on the ground of a group composed of an arch (4), a brace (5) and a gusset (9), for positioning each group at the top of a post (1), for blocking a gusset lug (9) at the top of the post (1), the cavity (17) of the lower bracket (11) of the gusset (9) being located around the positioning screw (18), the ring (7) being already in position, then tightening the gusset (9) against the post (1) by tightening a screw on the ring (7), and finally for screwing the arch (4) attachments to one another at their end, and tensioning the fabric sheet (8) on the arches (4).

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