FR3009574A1 - STRUCTURE DEVICE FOR EXTERIOR COVERING OF A SHELTER - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) of outer cover structure of a shelter (2), said shelter (2) comprising vertical poles (20) interconnected by articulated sections (21) and supporting a cover element (22), characterized in that said device (1) comprises an outer covering element (3) supported, on the one hand, by at least two arms (4), each being provided at one end (5) with means (6) hinged with a pole (20) of said shelter (2), and, secondly, by at least one support bar (7) connected to the opposite end (8) of each of said arms (4). ).

Description

The present invention is in the field of removable and collapsible structures intended to serve as a shelter, preferably outdoors. Such structures comprise a framework consisting of metal elements hinged together, said frame being covered at least in the upper part by a covering element forming a roof. The shelter thus formed is most often in the deployed position, like a tent having a generally parallelepipedal shape.

There are several types of removable and unfoldable structures, most frequently such structures being designed to be easily and quickly mounted and disassembled. Among the demountable structures, there are those consisting of nestable elements and those consisting of deployable elements. The structures with deployable elements are in the form of a set of articulated profiles, pantograph type, to allow the passage of an extended position adapted to support said cover element, such as a tarpaulin, to a folded position, for transport and storage, and vice versa. More specifically, these deployable element structures comprise posts, generally four or six serving as vertical uprights of the structure. Such posts are provided telescopically, so as to move from a folded position to an extended position, and vice versa. These posts support profiles each connecting two neighboring posts to form links, and possibly profiles connected to each other and to each of said posts to form crossbowmen. In the folded position, the posts are arranged parallel to each other, while the profiles are folded against each other between said posts. In addition, the cover member is secured to said structure so that folding or deployment of the cover 35 does not require removal of said cover member. To do this, the latter is made in the form of a tarpaulin made of textile or plastic material, flexible and waterproof, attached to said structure. More specifically, such a tarpaulin has an upper part intended to form the roof covering. This upper part has an inclined surface to promote the flow of rainwater and runoff. In addition, said surface may consist of several faces or a single curved face, in the case of a double-curved sheet.

In addition, said upper portion of this sheet is extended by a lower portion, extending vertically along each side of said shelter, on a defined height. This lower part ensures a good flow of water to the outside of the shelter, but also improve the stability of the cover element on the supporting structure, surrounding the latter. As it stands, the lower vertical portion does not provide a roof area beyond the shelter surface. Indeed, in the case of a stand with a counter extending along one of its sides, no protection is provided vis-à-vis said counter, outside the shelter. In addition, the lower part can serve as visual support, including advertising. However, being located below the level of the tarpaulin, the visual effect is reduced and visibility is limited. The present invention starts from this observation and aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, by proposing a shelter outer cover structure device. Such a device is similar to a canopy, providing a protective surface extending outwardly of said shelter. In addition, this awning device is articulated, mounted in particular mobile rotation on the structure of the shelter. This mobility allows it to take several positions, including, 35 non-exhaustively, a vertical position facing upward to serve as a display support located at the top of the cover, an opposite vertical position turned downwards, and a horizontal or substantially horizontal position, which may then have a small slope decreasing outwards to promote the flow of runoff, thus forming an outer protective surface, especially against the weather. Furthermore, the articulation of the device gives it several configurations at its lateral edges, which can be straight and parallel to each other, but also extend obliquely, in particular to cooperate with a similar device subject to the level of a contiguous edge said shelter. In addition, such a device can be provided folding and unfoldable, but also removable, facilitating its assembly and disassembly, as well as its transport and storage. Thus, said device is designed to be secured independently on a shelter, this shelter comprising vertical posts interconnected by articulated sections and supporting a cover element. Advantageously, said device comprises an outer covering element supported, on the one hand, by at least two arms, each being provided at one end with articulated attachment means with a post of said shelter, and, on the other hand, with minus one support bar connected to the opposite end of each of said arms. In addition, according to other additional features, non-limiting, said support bar may be constituted by a telescopic section. On the one hand, said articulated attachment means may comprise at least one horizontal hinge, so as to position the arm to which it is connected in angular configurations in a horizontal plane. On the other hand, said articulated attachment means may comprise at least one vertical hinge, so as to position the arm to which it is connected at angular positions in a vertical plane.

Preferably, each articulation may comprise indexing means of the position or configuration of the arm to which it is connected. In particular, said device may comprise at least one reinforcing rod, provided at one end with connecting means with at least one of the profiles of said shelter and at the opposite end of connecting means with said support bar. 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: FIG. 1 schematically represents a perspective view of below an example of foldable and foldable shelter for receiving a device according to the invention; - Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view from above of the structure of a shelter, without cover, receiving two devices in particular configurations in substantially horizontal positions; FIG. 3 schematically represents a view from above showing the device in a first configuration, extending in continuity with the edges of the shelter; Figure 4 schematically shows a top view showing the device in a second configuration, extending obliquely with respect to the shelter; FIG. 5 schematically shows a view from above of a third configuration, in which two devices are secured on two adjacent edges of a shelter, one of said devices being trapezoidal, while the other having a straight edge; and an inclined edge co-operating at the junction at their adjacent side edges; FIG. 6 schematically represents a view in vertical section of a device in a first position, in which it extends substantially horizontally, with a decreasing slope of a small inclination; - Figure 7 shows schematically a view similar to Figure 7, wherein the device extends in a second position, namely turned vertically downward along the edge of said shelter; FIG. 8 schematically represents a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, in which the device extends in a third position, namely raised vertically upwards; FIG. 9 schematically represents a perspective view of a mounted device; on the structure of a shelter, 10 at one of its sides, according to a particular configuration, in a substantially horizontal position; - Figure 10 shows schematically a detail of Figure 9, showing the hinged fixing means of said device on an amount of said shelter; FIG. 11 schematically represents a side view of FIG. 9, showing the slope of the inclination of the device in the substantially horizontal position; FIG. 12 schematically represents a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of said fastening means, in the closed and clamping position around an upright (not shown); - Figure 13 shows schematically a view similar to Figure 12 fastening means in the open position; FIG. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of another detail of the device according to a preferred embodiment, showing the junction of the support bar with one of the arms; and FIG. 15 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of the device according to another embodiment, showing the mounting of the reinforcing rod on the structure of said shelter, in particular at the level of pantograph profiles. The present invention relates to a device 1 of 35 outer cover structure of a shelter 2. This device 1 wants to be independent of said shelter 2, being removably attached to the structure of the latter, in particular at its vertical poles 20, but also potentially at its sections 21, articulated together and connecting said posts 20 two by two. According to the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, these profiles 21 are similar to pantographs. Other intermediate profiles may connect said profiles 21 and / or said posts 20. In addition, it will be noted that the bars 210 of said pantograph constituting the profiles 21 are pivotally articulated via a central element 211 connecting. In particular, such an element 211 receives the respective ends of said rods 210 and abutted and connected in an articulated manner.

In addition, said device 1 extends externally, at the upper level, in extension of the covering element 22, such as a tarpaulin, supported by the structure of said shelter 2. Thus, a device 1 can be secured at a level of side of the structure of the shelter 2.

Moreover, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, several devices 1 can be positioned, in similar or different configurations, on several edges of said structure of the shelter 2. According to the embodiments and implantation of the device 1 shown in the figures, said shelter 2 has a square parallelepiped shape, with four posts 20, supporting a cover 22 of pyramidal shape. Other forms can be envisaged, with more or fewer posts 20.

Advantageously, said device 1 comprises an outer covering element 3. The latter may be in the form of a flexible tarpaulin or a rigid or semi-rigid panel. It extends outwardly of said shelter 2, extending the surface of said shelter 2 at at least one of its lateral edges.

On the one hand, such an outer cover element 3 is supported by at least two arms 4. The latter consist of profiles extending laterally on each side of said element 3. Such profiles can be provided of fixed length, but also telescopic, so as to adapt the width of the device 1, increasing or decreasing the outer cover surface. In addition, each arm 4 is provided at one end with articulated attachment means 6 with a pole 20 of said shelter 2.

In sum, the end 5 of each arm 4 is secured on each post 20, in particular at its upper end 200. Without limitation, the fastening means 6 may comprise a ring 60 of each clamping pole 20, ensuring, on the one hand, a rapid positioning on said pole 20 and its sliding along the latter and, secondly, after tightening the locking on the pole 20, without the possibility of movement along the latter. In addition, it is possible to come to position the device 1 on each pole 20, in the lower or intermediate part, and then slide upwards, before locking it there by clamping the rings 60. As can be seen in FIGS. 13, a preferred embodiment of such a ring 60 has a body provided with a sleeve 61. According to one embodiment, said sleeve 60 may consist of two parts articulated in rotation, so as to constitute a jaw with an inner recess for receiving said post 20. This jaw can then open and close. In the closed position, it is then possible to apply a clamping of this jaw, ensuring the locking of said sleeve 60 then to grip the pole 20 it surrounds. As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, said sleeve 60 has a first half-shell 610 receiving in free rotation, about a vertical axis 612, a second half-shell 611. Said first half-shell 610 has an arcuate shape substantially in a circular arc. Internally, it has an inner wall 613 with sloped edges or edges, corresponding to the inclination and the dimensions of the outer edges of the pole 20 on which the ring 60 is intended to be mounted. This inclined configuration of the inner edges of the first half-shell 610 ensures the rotational locking of the ring 60 around the post 20. The second half-shell 611 has an arcuate or rounded shape. Its inner wall 614 can be curved, in a circular arc, thus favoring the clasping around the post 20. As such, a first end of the first half-shell 612 receives the axis 612 and a first end of said second half 611. The opposite ends of each half-shell 610 and 611 is free, but have means for receiving a gripping member 615. The latter ensures, in a locking position, the maintenance of half-shells 610,611 against each other, by providing a space for gripping said post 20, while in a retracted position 20, it releases said second half-shell 611, allowing its free rotation and the opening of the sleeve 61. A mode A very particular embodiment of such a squeezing member is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, showing a pivotally articulated rod around the first half-shell 610, in order to cooperate in an interlocking manner within a housing at the free end of said second half-shell 611. The end of this rod may be provided with a button, ensuring the locking, in particular by screwing along a portion of said rod, applying from the outside , on either side of said housing, a bearing force against each other of the contiguous ends of the half-shells 610, 611. According to another embodiment, on this body, on one side of said sleeve 61, extends a flange 62 on which is mounted in rotation a plate 63 receiving in fixing 35 the end of said arm 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, not limiting, visible in Figures 12 and 13, said plate 63 has a receiving space of the wing 62. The plate 63 receives an axis 64 of rotation through said wing, allowing the free rotation of one with respect to the other. Said rotation can be indexed by means of an indexing member 65, cooperating within an orifice formed through said plate 63, and within holes 66 formed in angular positions within said wing 62. Thus, it is possible, by extracting said member 65 from its orifice and the hole in which it is inserted, to rotate said arm 4, to come to adjust it vis-à-vis another hole, in another angular position, before coming to insert the member 65 again, thus blocking the arm 4 in another position. According to the preferred embodiment shown, these holes 66 are three in number and allow to orient the arm 4 horizontally or substantially horizontally, vertically upwards or vertically downwards. Other positions may be envisaged by providing holes 66 at other angles, thus defining intermediate inclined positions. On the other hand, said outer cover member 3 is also supported by at least one support bar 7 connected to the opposite end 8 of each of said arms 4. In particular, this fixing is effected at the ends of said bar 7. Note that said bar 7 may be provided telescopically or consists of a single profile.

Regarding the attachment, it may be provided articulated about an axis of rotation 70 extending vertically. Thus, by lengthening the bar 7, this rotation allows said arm 4 to deviate, notably from a rectangular configuration to a trapezoidal configuration, and vice versa. This passage is carried out in particular by changing the angular position at the level of said ring 60.

Moreover, in a given position, at least one end of the bar 7 may be equipped with a tensioning member 71. Such a member 71 makes it possible to apply a force laterally to the outside, improving the rigidity of the frame thus formed by the bar 7 and the arms 4 on the structure of the shelter 2. According to one embodiment, this member can it is in the form of a threaded tube 72, rotatably mounted around a complementary thread formed on the end of said bar 7, so that its screwing or unscrewing acts in the manner of a cam and allows to increase or decrease in a precise manner, to the millimeter, the length of the bar 7. In this configuration, it is then the opposite free end of said tube 72 of the member 71 which is connected to said axis 70.

Furthermore, a plate 73 makes it possible to secure all the hooking elements of the bar 7, at the end of said arm 4. Thus, the arms 4 and the bar 7 form a frame, on which is fastened and fixed said outer cover element 3, in particular by tensioning at its edges when it is a tarpaulin. Additionally, said device 1 may comprise at least one reinforcing rod 9. The latter makes it possible to take up the offset weight of the bar 7 at its center, or approximately at its center, preventing it from bending. It also improves the rigidity of the frame formed by said bar 7 and arms 4. This resumption of weight is preferably performed when the device 1 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally. Such a rod 9 may extend orthogonally with respect to the structure of said shelter 2, in a plane identical to or parallel to the plane comprising said arms 4. The term "substantially horizontal" a position close to the horizontal, according to a slope a few degrees, at 1 to 10 degrees, especially 5 degrees, relative to a horizontal plane. This slope extends decreasingly from the shelter 2 to the free end of the device 1. To do this, said rod 9 is provided at one end 90 with connection means with at least one of the profiles 21 of said shelter 2. This connection 92 may be effected in particular by clipping around one or more sections 21. This connection 92 may in particular be operated by insertion and fixing within the central element 211 connecting the bars constituting the pantographs of the profiles 21, as shown in Figure 15. This insertion can be done from above, 10 crocheter connecting means 92 on said central element 211, which then supports the bar 7, simply by its own weight. It will be noted that, once in place, the weight thus applied to said element 211 comes to apply a force tending to tighten the pantographs. This force then opposes the bar 7, thus increasing the rigidity of the frame thus formed. At the opposite end 91, said rod 9 comprises junction means with said support bar 7, in particular by clipping or clamping. In addition, said rod 9 can be removably provided through its connection means 92 and junction. According to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 6, the rod 9 has a rectilinear shape, consisting of a single straight section. According to other embodiments, this rod 9 may have an arcuate shape or consist of several segments, in particular shaped in L. This configuration L is particularly visible in Figures 9 and 15 According to one embodiment, this rod 9 can be articulated at its junction with the bar 7, so as to fold and deploy easily. According to another embodiment, it is fixed to the bar 7 and the hinge 93 is located at the junction means 92, substantially in the plane of articulation of the plate 63 and the flange 62 of the body of the ring 60.

According to a first feature, said device 1 is movable so as to be arranged in several configurations. Three examples of different configurations are shown in Figures 3 to 5. Several intermediate configurations, at different angles, may be provided. Thus, it is possible to orient the device 1 in different directions around the posts 20 of the shelter 2. To do this, said articulated attachment means 6 comprise at least one horizontal articulation, so as to position the arm 4 to which it is connected in angular configurations in a horizontal plane. This horizontal articulation provides a connection in pivoting or rotation.

It will be noted that, depending on the configurations, said outer covering element 3 may have different shapes. It can then be changed to match the configuration set up. In addition, said support bar 7 can be constituted by a telescopic section, so as to increase and decrease the length, according to the configurations taken by said device 1. Moreover, as can be seen in FIG. 5, two devices 1 can deployed at the levels of two adjacent edges of the shelter 2. Therefore, at the levels of their contiguous side, said devices 1 may each have an arm 4 independent or common, being fixed on the pole 20. According to the mode In another embodiment, said articulated attachment means 6 comprise at least one vertical hinge, so as to position the arm 4 to which it is connected. in angular positions in a vertical or substantially vertical plane.

The term "substantially vertical" a position close to the vertical, along a slope of a few degrees, at 1 to 10 degrees, in particular 2 degrees, relative to a vertical plane (ie 89 to 80 degrees relative to said horizontal plane). ). This slope extends decreasingly from the shelter 2 to the free end of the device 1. Said horizontal joint also provides a connection in pivoting or rotation. Three examples of different positions are shown in Figures 6 to 8. Several intermediate positions, at different angles, may be provided. Thus, it is possible to orient the device 1 in different directions around the posts 20 of the shelter 2. In the different positions, said outer cover element 3 has a defined shape, not varying from a position to a other. As such, it should be noted that in the horizontal position, shown in FIG. 6, the outer covering element 3 can extend in a slight slope, decreasing from said shelter 2 and outwards, ensuring the flow runoff. Advantageously, the positions and configurations of said device 1 can be combined together, offering multiple possibilities of positioning and coverage by the outer element 3. According to the preferred embodiment, said vertical and horizontal joints can be combined, consisting of one and the same articulated element, offering the two freedoms of movement in rotation around the pole 20 on which the arm 4 is fixed. In addition, each articulation comprises means for indexing the position or the configuration of the arm 4 to which it is connected. In sum, the rotation of the arm 4 is effected according to determined positions or configurations, in particular by means of notches coming into action when the arm 4 is pivoted. This indexing makes it possible to rapidly change the position or configuration of each arm 4, with preset tilt. Furthermore, the various structural elements constituting the device 1 can be made of any type of material, preferably metal.

In addition, the telescopic elements are constituted by at least two sections, sections of complementary shapes, the outer section of a first section has dimensions smaller than that of the inner section of a second section, so that said first section slides inside said second section.

Claims (6)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device (1) for covering the exterior structure of a shelter (2), said shelter (2) comprising vertical poles (20) interconnected by articulated sections (21) and supporting a covering element (22), characterized in that said device (1) comprises an outer covering element (3) supported, on the one hand, by at least two arms (4), each being provided at one end (5) with means (6) 10 articulated mounting with a pole (20) of said shelter (2), and, secondly, by at least one support bar (7) connected to the opposite end (8) of each of said arms (4). 2. Device (1) structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said support bar (7) is constituted by a telescopic section. 3. Device (1) structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said articulated attachment means (6) comprise at least one horizontal articulation, so as to position the arm (4) 20 to which it is connected in angular configurations in a horizontal plane. 4. Device (1) structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said articulated attachment means (6) comprise at least one vertical articulation, so as to position the arm (4) to which it is connected in angular positions in a vertical plane. 5. Device (1) structure according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that each articulation comprises means for indexing the position or configuration of the arm (4) to which it is connected. 6. Device (1) structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one reinforcing rod (9) provided at one end (90) with connection means with at least a desprofilés (21) of said shelter (2) and at the opposite end (91) of junction means with said support bar (7).