EP2118408A1

EP2118408A1 - Folding structure that can be unfolded and refolded quickly

Info

Publication number: EP2118408A1
Application number: EP07823698A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alain Stehly
Original assignee: Vitabri SAS
Current assignee: Vitabri SAS
Priority date: 2007-02-27
Filing date: 2007-08-07
Publication date: 2009-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-07
Also published as: PL2118408T3; CN101657588A; FR2913043B1; EP2118408B1; ES2584908T3; US20100101617A1; FR2913043A1; WO2008104645A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding shelter structure (1) capable of being reconfigured from an unfolded position to a folded position, and vice versa, and comprising telescopic uprights (8) each comprising at least one lower element (9) sliding inside an upper element (10) secured to the said structure (1) and which support a collection of mutually-adjacent prismatic box structures (20), and the walls of which consist of criss-cross (21) longitudinal members (6) articulated in the manner of scissors. It is characterized in that said structure (1) comprises unfolding or re-folding means (40) that are built into said telescopic uprights (8).

Description

FOLDABLE STRUCTURE WITH RAPID DEPLOYMENT AND FOLDING

The present invention relates to a foldable structure, capable of passing from an extended position to a folded position, and vice versa, comprising telescopic posts each comprising at least one lower element sliding relative to an upper element integral with said structure, and which support a set of prismatic boxes adjacent to each other, and whose walls are constituted by braces scissors articulated spars.

The invention also relates to an amount for the design of such a structure.

The present invention is in the field of demountable or collapsible structures intended to serve as a shelter.

Such a shelter is generally made of a metal structure covered at least in the upper part by a covering element forming a roof. This shelter presents itself most often, in deployed position, like a tent having the shape of a cube surmounted by a pyramid.

This type of shelter is intended for occasional use, as a stand or the like, over a fixed period, requiring assembly and disassembly as simple as fast. Therefore, existing shelters have been planned unfolding, moving from a folded configuration, for transport and storage, to an expanded position, or vice versa. This ability to fold and deploy the shelter greatly facilitates its assembly compared to shelters comprising a structure consisting of longitudinal members, rods or removable bars and secured together by fasteners.

A foldable shelter comprises a structure generally consisting of longitudinal members of metal material, for example aluminum or aluminum compound profiles, or composite material such as fiberglass or carbon, or the like. These spars are articulated between them In addition, the cover member is secured to said structure so that folding or deployment of the shelter does not require removal of said cover member. To do this, the latter is made in the form of a sheet of textile or plastic material, or the like, flexible and waterproof, attached to said structure.

However, the known foldable shelters are limited in size because of the lift of the structure and the weight that support the articulated spars as well as the total mass of the structure. Known shelters generally have a maximum floor area of 24 square meters. For larger surfaces, it is then necessary to use conventional removable shelters.

The implementation of large shelters, of the order of 5 x 5 meters or more, offers its operator undeniable commercial advantages: large surface capacity and volume, clean appearance, and excellent visibility. This latter factor is particularly important when participating in exhibitions, where each exhibitor wishes to stand out from their neighbors, in particular by the volume and height of their facilities.

In particular, to allow an extension at altitude of such a shelter, it is advisable to design shelters with a tall structure having large feet or uprights, or at least having an area higher than the rest, which then imposes the recourse to one or more masts.

The essential service constraints, which are subject to standardization in many countries, are:

- wind resistance

- Resistance to a load of rain or snow that can accumulate on the cover of such a shelter.

Such standards require evacuation of the public if the wind speed or static load thresholds are exceeded. The operator has, in addition, any interest in such a case, the conditions become extreme.

Such a structure, of large surface and high, is necessarily heavier and more complex than a structure designed only to allow, at ground level, the passage of the public, and whose template is adjusted to the standards of height for the movement of people.

In particular, the mass of a large shelter, for example a footprint of 5 x 5 meters, represents, even with the use of light materials, a mass, especially greater than 100 kg, that can not be exceeded. easily handle a single man.

The disadvantage represented by the mass of a large structure is further amplified by the development in height thereof.

The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art by proposing a collapsible shelter structure capable of passing from an extended position to a folded position, and vice versa, comprising telescopic uprights each comprising at least a lower element sliding relative to an upper element integral with said structure, and which support a set of prismatic boxes adjacent to each other, and whose walls are constituted by crosspieces of spars articulated by scissors, characterized in that said structure comprises deployment or folding means, incorporated in said telescopic uprights.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said lower element sliding inside said upper element

According to one characteristic of the invention, said deployment or folding means consist of gas cylinders.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said upper element comprises over all or part of its length guide means constituted by a slide, designed able to cooperate mounted articulated the ends of spars that includes said structure.

The invention also relates to an amount for the design of such a structure.

The invention is thus designed to allow its easy implementation with a reduced staff, even by a single person.

An advantage of the structure according to the invention lies in the fact that it provides, beyond a footprint of 24 m ² , an alternative to the use of removable structures.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic view from below in perspective of a structure according to the invention in the deployed position; Figure 2 shows schematically and in perspective, the structure according to the invention, and its reinforcement by tensioning cables;

- Figure 3 shows schematically and in view from below, a foldable structure deployed in a symmetry with respect to a plane;

- Figure 4 shows schematically means for deployment or folding of a structure according to the invention;

- Figure 5 shows schematically and in elevation, other means of reinforcing the rigidity of the structure according to the invention shown in the deployed position; Figure 6 schematically shows a structure according to Figure 5 brought close to the ground;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a detail of an upright and the articulation of a structure according to the invention; the structure in the deployed position; Figure 9 shows schematically and in elevation means for reinforcing the rigidity of the structure according to the invention; Figure 10 shows, schematically and in elevation, a device for collecting rainwater at the junction of several foldable structures;

- Figure 11 shows schematically and in top view, the rainwater collection device at the junction of several foldable structures of Figure 10;

- Figure 12 shows schematically and in section, a hooking nut according to the invention;

- Figure 13 shows, schematically and in section, a horizontal cross of a structure according to the invention;

- Figure 14 shows, in partial schematic form and in perspective, the junction of a horizontal cross member according to Figure 13 with an amount;

- Figure 15 shows, schematically, partially and in perspective, the junction of two sections of a horizontal cross member according to Figure 13; FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the junction zone of its lower part and of its upper part, a particular embodiment of an amount of a structure according to the invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic, partial and elevational representation of the end of a lower or upper part of FIG. 16, at the junction zone.

- Figure 18 shows schematically, partially and in longitudinal section, a particular embodiment of an amount of a structure according to the invention;

- Figure 19 shows, schematically, partially and in perspective, a rear view of Figure 15.

The present invention relates to a foldable structure 1, shelter 2 in the deployed position. The deployed position is visible in FIG.

This shelter 2 comprises cover means 3 secured to said structure 1 so as to fold along the latter during the folding of said shelter 2. These cover means 3 may advantageously be in the form of a single or double tarpaulin curvature, made of plastic compound or any other material. This sheet is put under lateral tension by the deployment of the structure 1. In addition, a central mast 4 vertical tension said tarpaulin. This mast can advantageously be mounted in the form of a cam, so as to rise or fall under the action of rotation of a crank, not shown. In tension, the cover means 3 form a substantially pyramidal roof. This roof may be crowned with a cap 5 secured to the upper end of said mast 4.

The structure 1 comprises longitudinal members 6 articulated together so as to form a mesh allowing its folding and deployment. Said longitudinal members 6 are movable in the manner of accordions on scissors-type joints to allow their spacing or their approximation, the extension or contraction of said longitudinal members 6 being transversely in a horizontal plane.

The skeleton of the structure 1, consisting of the longitudinal members 6, is designed to give it, by its rigidity, good wind resistance. Indeed, wind resistance is the biggest obstacle to making large shelters, whether they are foldable or not.

For this purpose, the skeleton of the structure is designed as a set of boxes 20 adjacent to each other, and whose walls are constituted by such rails 6 articulated scissors.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the longitudinal members 6 constitute, assembled and articulated by articulations 30, The spars 6 thus define between them caissons 20 deformable, juxtaposed to one another, and necessarily deforming together.

In a preferred manner and as can be seen in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2, the longitudinal members 6 on each side 22 are assembled in complete diamond-shaped cross-members 21 within the structure 1, and half-loops on the periphery of the structure 1. the latter.

The structure 1 preferably comprises a symmetry of construction with respect to at least one vertical plane passing through its highest point, corresponding to a mast 4.

In particular applications, as seen in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, in the case of polygon planes with an even number of sides, parallel and equal in pairs, the structure 1 is symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis that passes by its highest point, coinciding with the axis of its mast 4.

In the case of structures of more complex shapes, in particular rectangular, the structure 1 is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which passes through several high points, of equal or different altitude.

The longitudinal members 6 are arranged so as to remain, during their maneuver, in planes parallel to the axis of symmetry if it exists, or parallel to a vertical axis of the plane of symmetry.

In a preferred application and in the case of a polygonal plane structure, each side of the polygon serves to support an odd number of boxes 20. Thus, particularly in the case of a vertical axis of symmetry structure, this axis is, in the central part of the structure, framed by at least one box 20. This arrangement allows in particular to design oblique bracing means, bearing on this box 20 located at the axis, to strengthen the mast 4 passing through the 'axis of symmetry . cover 3 are taken up by the mast 4. Such a boxed structure and centered around the mast 4 makes it possible to oppose good resistance to horizontal forces. It also makes it possible to ensure a good maintenance in geometry of the whole of the shelter structure 1.

The central box 20 thus constituted is, according to the number of boxes 20 bearing on each side of the polygon, inscribed in larger homothetic structures.

The structure 1 comprises uprights 8, each comprising telescopic seating means 7 consisting of at least a lower portion 9 and an upper portion 10.

The invention is further designed to allow its easy implementation by a very small staff, or even a single person, using a device for lifting, mounting, descent, and dismantling of the structure 1.

For this purpose, the uprights 8 are advantageously equipped, between at least two elements constituting them, in particular the lower element 9 and the upper element 10, deployment means 40, as visible in FIG.

These deployment means 40 make it possible both to carry out the actual deployment maneuver of each upright 8, by spreading its lower part 9 and its upper part 10 and thus helping to lift the structure 1, that the reverse folding maneuver, bringing them together, during which the deployment means 40 prevent the structure 1 from falling back, by supporting it during a controlled descent. These deployment means 40 may in particular be constituted by pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic, electromechanical or the like.

Preferably and in no way limiting, the deployment means 40 consist of one or more pneumatic cylinders, said gas cylinders 41, lightweight and autonomous, characterized by the absence of servitude such as a battery or the like. They may, again, be made up of in the folded position. Spacers 42 make it possible, if necessary, to adjust the strokes of such cylinders 41.

For example, by equipping with gas cylinders 41 the four uprights of a shelter structure 2 square of 5 meters by 5 meters, which represents, provided with covering means 3 in the form of a tarpaulin, a mass of the order of 130 kg, it makes the assembly possible for a very small team, even a single person, without particular muscular effort. In addition, it avoids any risk of jamming or falling during the maneuver.

Preferably, all the guides are of the plastic type on aluminum alloy, so as to minimize friction.

These deployment means 40 make it possible to ensure, in addition to the lifting and lowering functions of the structure 1, the function of anti-return by holding in position, and, which is appreciable on uneven ground, the balancing between the different amounts 8.

It will also be noted that, in windy conditions, it is possible to bring the deployed structure corresponding to the configuration of FIG. 5 closer to the ground, to reduce the wind angle, using the deployment means 40, as visible on FIG. figure 6.

To facilitate possible transport during bad weather, the structure advantageously still comprises means of ground displacement by sliding or rolling.

The use of deployment means 40 makes it still possible to design shelter structures comprising uprights 8 each comprising, in addition to a lower element 9 and an upper element 10, intermediate elements.

Therefore it is possible to build shelters whose uprights 8 are of great height.

For structures of very large size, one or more secondary means of deployment 25, as visible on the constituting the structure, the different longitudinal members 6.

These define a set of lozenges or semi-lozenges. Deployment assistance is done either by implanting secondary means of deployment 25 at the level of the diagonals of the lozenges whose length will increase during deployment, or by implanting them at the level of diagonals whose length will decrease during deployment.

This latter configuration is preferred in the example of Figure 1, and as shown in Figure 2, since in this case these secondary deployment means 25 are parallel to the uprights 8, which makes their implementation much easier in a structure foldable.

These secondary means of deployment 25 also have the function of reinforcing the structure against vertical forces, such as the load formed by snow on the cover means 3. They maintain the diagonal spacing, and can limit the deformation of structure 1 under the load. Advantageously, the secondary deployment means 25 are made in a similar manner to the deployment means 40, and preferably by gas cylinders.

The foldable structures 1 according to the invention advantageously comprise first locking / unlocking means 80 in the folded position, associated with first complementary means 81.

At the level of the uprights 8 of the structure, the upper element 10 comprises, in a preferred embodiment, over all or part of its length, guiding means, such as a slideway 13, designed to cooperate with integral rolling means. and articulated to the structure 1.

These rolling means comprise a carriage 12 which slides inside the slide 13. This carriage 12 supports the longitudinal members 6 adjacent to this upright 8 and articulated, at their ends, to the latter for the deployment of the structure 1 . communication means, in the form of interlocking kits and having locking means in the slideway 13.

In particular, connection means to power supply means and / or to communication means may be designed in the form of blocks of electrical, optical or other receptacles advantageously integrated in the uprights 8.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the first locking / unlocking means 80 consist, in a preferred application, of a finger 82 which comprises a carriage 12 which slides inside or outside a post 8.

The complementary means 81 are then constituted by a housing 83 formed in the same upright 8 and designed to receive the finger 82. The finger 82 is equipped with elastic return means, such as a spring 86, tending to push said finger 82 in the locking position in said housing 83, gripping means 88 such as a button to release the finger 82 of the housing 83, for the unlocking maneuver.

Obviously, the opposite configuration is perfectly imaginable. The means 80 and 81 may, again, consist of a hook cooperating with a stop such as a pin or an axis, or vice versa.

Foldable structures according to the invention advantageously comprise second locking or unlocking means 90 in unfolded position, associated with second complementary means 91. Their configuration may be similar to the means 80 and 81 described above. The complete deployment of the structure corresponds to the attainment, by the carriage 12 sliding in or on the upright 8, of its furthest position from the ground. In order to facilitate the locking or unlocking operation without requiring the operator to resort to means such as a ladder, ladder or the like, a preferred embodiment, as visible in FIG. 8, consists of locking means / unlocking 90 in the form of a has at a first end 95 a hook 96 which is designed adapted to cooperate with complementary means 91 such as a pin or an axis that includes the carriage 12, for example at a yoke 93. Elastic return means 99 , such as a spring, tend to cooperate the hook 96 with the axis 91. The handle 92 comprises at a second end 97 a maneuvering handle 98 whose action makes it possible to cancel the action of the return means 99 , and to release the hook 96 from the axis 91.

Other optional locking means are, advantageously, as visible in FIG. 5, constituted by one or more tensioning cables 45 interconnecting at least two uprights 8, through the upper part of the deployed structure, via pulleys or guide pins or the like, and designed to be tensioned, once the structure 1 fully deployed, for example using an eccentric handle or the like.

In a preferred application, the path of such tensioning cables 45 is inside the components of the structure 1, in particular the longitudinal members 6 and the upper portions 10 of the uprights 8. The latter are advantageously equipped with guide means and returning said tensioning cables 45.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, other tensioning cables 23 are, again, advantageously used to reinforce the structure 1, by completing the sides 22 of the caissons 20 which make up the structure 1: these sides 22 of caissons are formed by the braces 21, in the form of lozenges or semi-lozenges juxtaposed. The tensioning cables 23 are then used to complete the virtual structure of the sides 22 of the caissons 20, in the form of straight lines substantially parallel to the ground, at the joints 30, the highest level 23A, or / and the lowest 23B, of these sides 22 of boxes 20.

To perfect the geometry of the deployed structure 1, especially in regions subject to intense winds, 70, including telescopic, which provide a complementary stiffening, and a perfect parallelism of the uprights 8, as visible in Figure 5.

It will be understood that these tie rods 70 are designed to work both in tension and compression buckling. These tie rods 70 and improve the strength of the structure in severe weather conditions, heavy snowfall, or strong winds parallel to the ground.

These tie rods 70, preferably arranged near the ground, can in particular be equipped with means for receiving curtains or partitions such as lower hooks or tensioners, or be equipped with thresholds.

This last equipment is particularly interesting when the shelter is intended to be provided with a floor, that tie rods 70 delimit and immobilize at a time.

In the case of building complex structures resulting from the juxtaposition of several shelters according to the invention, the fastening is easily made by fastening elements such as shackles in the upper parts, and such as beta pins at the bases 11 on the ground.

In a simplified embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 9, locking means are constituted in the form of at least one hook spar 100, which is articulated around an upper articulation 101 of at least one articulated cross 21 .

This spar-hook 100 is provided at its lower part with a hook 103 designed capable of cooperating with a pin 104, or the like, which comprises a lower hinge 102 located vertically of said upper hinge 101.

The spar-hook 100 remains, under the effect of gravity, substantially parallel to the uprights 8 during the deployment of the structure and the elevation of the lower joints 102.

This hook 103 or this pin 104 preferably comprises resilient return such as a spring, or by a means for holding in position.

These longitudinal hooks 100 thus make it possible, in a simple and effective manner, to reinforce the rigidity of the structure, by simply engaging the hooks 103 with the journals 104, in particular when severe weather conditions are observed. They then maintain the diagonal spacing, and allow to limit the deformation of the structure under the load.

To contribute to the strengthening of the foldable structure 1, and to make possible the equipment of a shelter in good conditions of safety, it has been designed, as shown in Figure 12, a nut 60, to be fixed in periphery of the deployed structure, on the end of each spar 6 carrying the sheet 3 at a fastener or a gripping screw.

This nut 60, which may advantageously comprise a folding latch, has a bottom portion of designed shape adapted, for example in the form of a hook, for the reception and attachment of at least one horizontal cross member 61. This horizontal cross member 61 is suspended it itself preferably comprises a lower slot 62 at a raceway for roller curtain clips, or the like.

In a preferred variant, horizontal crosspieces 61 are designed to be hooked, after deployment of the foldable structure 1, at the upper portions 10 of the uprights 8, in particular in cooperation with one or more housings 131 that comprise these upper parts 10 Such a horizontal cross member 61 is preferably articulated to have a reduced size in the folded state, compatible with that of the foldable structure 1 itself. It then comprises at least one hinge 601 also acting expansion stop in the unfolded state, as visible in FIG. 19. intended to constitute partitions of the foldable structure 1, and their suspension wheels.

In a particular version of the invention, the structure 1 is designed to withstand severe weather constraints, for example at the seaside or in the mountains.

The use of horizontal crosspieces 61 is then entirely appropriate to stiffen the structure.

To further increase the rigidity, the structure 1 incorporates at least one reinforcement 130, designed capable of cooperating with the upper portion 10 of the upright 8, and the horizontal crossbar 61 adjacent, to stiffen their connection, once the structure 1 deployed, the sleepers horizontal mounted 61, and after the immobilization of said reinforcement 130 by locking means 133.

As visible in Figure 14, the upper portion 10 of the upright 8 then comprises a housing 131 designed adapted to receive the reinforcement 130 by sliding. This reinforcement is indeed enclosed in a horizontal cross member 61, at a housing 132 that it comprises. The reinforcement 130 is maneuvered manually, in the manner of a bolt, by operating means, which, preferably, also constitute locking means 133. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the reinforcement 130 comprises a finger 137 protruding at a groove 136 formed in the horizontal crosspiece 61. This finger 137 serves as support for the axis 135 of an eccentric lever 134, used for unlocking, the translational maneuver, and the blocking reinforcement 130 relative to the horizontal crossbar 61. Advantageously, each upright 8 comprises two housings 131 to cooperate with two horizontal crosspieces 61 adjacent.

In a similar way, the structure 1 preferably incorporates at least one reinforcement 130, designed capable of cooperating with two adjacent sections 602 and 603 of a horizontal cross member 61, to stiffen their connection, once the crosspiece 61 unfolded and resting on its hinge 601, and after in Figure 15, to strengthen the junction of two adjacent sections 602 and 603 of a horizontal cross member 61 after complete deployment of the latter. The reinforcement 130 slides in the housing 132 of the two adjacent sections 602 and 603, and secures them from the inside. The reinforcement 130 is immobilized by locking means 133 of the above type. Preferably, all the links between sections 602 and 603 comprise such a reinforcement 130.

In a preferred version, the braces 21 of the foldable structure 1 comprise such nuts 60 for holding the covering means 3, especially in the form of a tarpaulin, and for the attachment of a horizontal cross member 61. In the latter case, the nut 60 advantageously comprises an arm designed to carry the cover means 3, and keep them sufficiently far from the mechanical members during deployment and folding maneuvers, to avoid jamming.

Foldable structures according to the invention to be deployed on any type of terrain, including rugged, it is important to be able to adjust its position relative to the ground.

For this purpose, the nut 60 which is integral with the foldable structure 1 is also integral, in a pivotal connection, with a connecting piece 140.

This junction piece 140 is designed to externally strengthen the junction of the two sections 602, 603 of a horizontal cross member 61 adjacent to each other, on the outside of which it is designed capable of being immobilized by means of immobilization 141 fast, such as quarter turn nuts or the like. The junction piece 140 preferably has a U-shaped profile, which overlaps the adjacent sections 602 and 603.

Depending on the case, the connecting piece 140 can be left permanently on the foldable structure 1, or mounted on the nut 60 after the deployment of the structure 1.

The pivoting connection between the nut 60 and the piece of subsequent to the corresponding horizontal cross member 61, to adjust at will the angular position thereof, insofar as the housing 131 of the upper portion 10 of the uprights 8 are designed to allow a clearance allowing this adjustment before immobilization.

This walnut device 60 receiving a horizontal cross member 61 is also used to create half-height separations, such as "American style bar", at the periphery of the shelter, or to partition the latter.

The cover means or covers 3 of the adjacent structures in such a shelter composition are connected, at their periphery, by flow means such as a conical gutter 50, preferably attached to the tarpaulins 3 of the respective shelters by means of fasteners. velvet-hook, as visible in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 11, the conical bucket 50 discharges the rainwater to a collection means 51, which can be located at the confluence of several adjacent shelters , before being evacuated by a flexible or rigid downcomer below the level of the floor or the floor.

Preferably, the arrangement of the uprights 8 and the bases 11 is designed to allow the square juxtaposition of four uprights 8 of four different shelters, and to constitute between them a channel adapted to receive the collection means 51 in the upper part, and the downspout below.

In general, it is known that bad weather poses many operating problems for shelters with flexible tarpaulin, both by taking wind and by the accumulation of rainwater in water pockets, formed at the edge the peripheral frame of attachment of the tarpaulin.

This is generally detrimental to the attachment of accessories in good conditions of conservation, or even safety in the case of electrical accessories.

Advantageously, the horizontal cross member 61 further comprises a sealed compartment 63 designed to receive the invention is particularly advantageously provided by photo-voltaic cells at the cover means 3 or strips on the periphery of the latter, or by batteries.

Such an arrangement with suspended accessories thus avoids recreating a water pocket threshold.

Maintaining the tarpaulin 3 at the angles can advantageously be done using a mechanical shackle 1 for hooking the guying.

At ground level, bases 11 are preferably equipped with orifices for receiving stakes, in the case of implantation of the shelter structure on soft ground.

The mast 4 can adopt different configurations, solid or pierced, and in particular to receive or constitute a lightning rod. In a particular application, it is still designed capable of receiving an anemometer, so as to evaluate the basic dynamic pressure due to the wind.

Thus, the structure 1 according to the invention is, preferably, provided with different sensors of physical quantities, in particular, at the level of the longitudinal members 6 and / or joints 30, strain gages for evaluating the overload due to the snow .

The implementation of a processing unit allows the collection of the values of these physical quantities, their comparison with instructions, and the triggering of signals, for example to trigger an evacuation alarm if the weather conditions force the operator of the the structure to trigger the evacuation, according to national standards, if the basic dynamic pressure and the snow load are above thresholds defined by the regulations.

To improve the visibility, and in particular during bad weather, of the structure 1, the latter, in a preferred embodiment, comprises at the level of at least one upright 8, receiving means 108 for signaling means 109, especially signaling means 109.

Preferably, and as visible in FIG. 16, the lower part 9 and the upper part 10 of each upright 8 each comprise such a rebate 110, in the preferred form of a groove, respectively 111 and 112, designed to receive either a single garland 120 or garlands 121 and 122 respectively in the grooves 111 and 112. Preferably, the profile of this groove 111 or 112 is circular, so as to receive a garland 120 or 121 or 122 of round section, the groove is secant with the outer profile of the profile concerned, so as to make visible, the signaling means 109 on at least a part of their periphery.

As can be seen in FIG. 18, the garlands 121 and 122 are advantageously designed capable of cooperating, when the lower part 9 and the upper part 10 of the upright 8 are completely spaced apart, at a junction allowing their electrical continuity.

The rabbet 110 is still designed adapted to receive a piping 115 that includes a tarpaulin, a curtain, or any other means of lateral occultation 116 of the foldable structure. These grooves 111 and 112 are aligned. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the groove 111 of the lower part 9 preferably comprises, at least at its upper end, a slot 113 enabling the piping to be put on the inside of the profile. The groove 112 of the upper part 10 has, at at least its lower end, a light 114 similar to the light 113. Similar lights can also be provided at the other ends of the lower part 9 or upper 10 of a post 8. Thus, it is very easy to position and fix such a lateral concealment means 116 to the uprights 8 of the foldable structure 1. Such a lateral concealment means 116 may, again, advantageously be fixed to the cover means 3 , in particular at the level of a horizontal strip, by fastening means designed suitable for then has a very good weathertightness, and its thermal balance can be better ensured.

These signaling means 109 are designed to be powered by autonomous power supply means, for example photo-voltaic and / or wind power, the cover means 3 then consist of materials specific to this use. The supply of garlands "leds" can also, advantageously, seen their very low consumption, be made by at least one battery, for example a small battery or household battery of 12V enough to feed for 48 hours a garland of 400 meters of "leds".

Such signaling means 109 may, again, be integrated in the cover means 3, or in lateral concealment means 116.

In the case where it is equipped with such autonomous power supply means, such a structure can thus advantageously be designed for greenhouse use or forcing frame of plants.

The invention also relates to an amount 8 for the design of such a structure 1.

Claims

1. collapsible structure (1) of shelter, adapted to move from an extended position to a folded position, and vice versa, comprising telescopic uprights (8) each comprising at least one lower element (9) sliding relative to an upper element (10) secured to said structure (1), and which support a set of prismatic boxes (20) adjacent to each other, and whose walls are constituted by crosspieces (21) of spars (6) articulated in scissors, characterized in that said structure (1) comprises deployment or folding means (40), incorporated in said telescopic uprights (8).

2. foldable structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said lower member (9) slides inside said upper member (10).

3. foldable structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said deployment or folding means (40) are constituted by gas cylinders (41).

4. foldable structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one plane of symmetry passing through a mast (4) located on an axis located in the center of a box (20) central .

5. foldable structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is polygonal plane, each side of the polygon serving as support for an odd number of boxes (20).

6. foldable structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said upper member (10) comprises over all or part of its length guide means constituted by a slide (13), designed apt to cooperate with rolling means constituted by a carriage (12) which slides inside the latter and on which are mounted articulated the ends of spars (6) that includes preceding, characterized in that it comprises at the level of an amount (8) of the first locking / unlocking means (80) in the folded position, associated with first complementary means (81), designed able to cooperate under the effect of elastic return means (86) in the locking position, and under the effect of gripping means (88) for the unlocking operation, and / or second locking / unlocking means (90) in unfolded position, associated second complementary means (91), designed capable of cooperating under the effect of elastic return means (99) in the locking position, and under the effect of gripping means (92) for the unlocking maneuver.

8. foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for connection to energy supply means and / or communication means in the form of integrated blocks in said amounts (8).

9. foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at the lower portions (9) uprights (8), and / or bases

(11) that comprise the latter, means for receiving struts (70) rigid or telescopic designed adapted to be equipped with means for receiving curtains or partitions and / or to be equipped with thresholds.

10. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises secondary deployment means (25) or at least one cylinder positioned diagonally at least one diamond formed at the level of an articulated spider (21) that together form, on the side (22) of at least one of the boxes (20) constituting the structure (1), some of said longitudinal members (6).

11. foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one nut (60) designed adapted to be fixed on the periphery of the shaped form suitable for attaching at least one horizontal crossmember (61)

12. Foldable structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said horizontal cross member (61) is provided with a slot (62) in the lower part at a raceway for curtain roller fasteners said horizontal cross member (61) further comprising a sealed compartment (63) adapted to receive electrical supply and / or communication means or the like.

13. Foldable structure (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said horizontal crossbar (61) consists of at least two sections (602) and (603) mounted hingedly articulated by a hinge (601).

14. foldable structure (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said horizontal cross is designed to cooperate with a housing (131) that comprises the upper portion (10) of a post (8). ).

15. foldable structure (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it incorporates at least one reinforcement (130) designed adapted to cooperate with a housing (131) that comprises the upper part (10). ) of a post (8), and with a housing (132) that comprises a horizontal crosspiece (61) adjacent to said upper portion (10), to stiffen their connection once the structure (1) deployed after immobilization said reinforcement (130) by locking means (133).

16. foldable structure (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that it incorporates at least one reinforcement (130) designed designed to cooperate with housings (132) that each comprise two sections (602, 603) d a horizontal crossbar (61) adjacent to each other, to stiffen their connection once the structure (1) deployed, after the immobilization of said reinforcement (130) by locking means (133). pivotally cooperate with a connecting piece (140) at a pivot (142) thereof.

18. Foldable structure (1) according to claims 12 and 16, characterized in that said connecting piece (140) is designed to strengthen from the outside the junction of said two sections (602, 603) of a horizontal crossbar (61) adjacent to each other, and is adapted to be immobilized by immobilizing means (141) on said two sections

(602, 603).

19. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one upright (8), receiving means (108) for receiving signaling means ( 109),

20. foldable structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said receiving means (108) are constituted by a rabbet (110) designed adapted to receive a string (120) light constituting said signaling means (109) , or a piping (115) that includes a lateral occultation means (116) of said foldable structure (1).

21. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises locking means in the form of at least one spar-hook

(100), articulated around an upper hinge (101) of at least one articulated brace (21), provided at its lower part with a hook (103) designed to cooperate with a trunnion (104), or the like , which comprises a lower hinge (102) located vertically of said upper hinge (101).

22. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises flow means, in particular in the form of a conical gutter (50), designed to be hooked to the means of cover (3) of adjacent shelters, in particular by means of

23. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mast

(4) designed to receive or constitute a lightning rod.

24. foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises sensors of physical quantities, and / or an anemometer, and / or strain gauges, and / or a unit of processing for the collection and processing of data from these devices for triggering signals, and / or an evacuation alarm.

25. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each box (20) has the shape of a prism built on a regular polygon.

26. Foldable structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one upright (8), means for receiving signaling means, in particular in the form of a rebate for receiving a light string or the like, said signaling means being designed to be powered by autonomous power supply means that includes the structure (1), especially in the form of photovoltaic cells.

27. Amount (8) for the design of a structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.