GB2267919A - Readily-erectable building structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A readily-erectable building structure has a roof structure incorporating stressed cables 4 and compressed struts 8, 9, which structure is supported by, e.g. lugs 6, the structure being such that it can be readily erected by tensioning the cables after positioning the lugs. The cables may be attached to a hinged, collapsible floor 14, so that when the floor is extended into its final shape, the cables are automatically tensioned. Walls may be formed by spaced skins 18 of, e.g. plywood, with insulating material positioned in sachets 20 between the skins. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION ERECTABLE STRUCTURE The present invention relates to an erectable structure, and in particular, but not exclusively, to tents and floor decks.

If a disaster occurs it is desirable to transport to and erect in a very short time span a disaster relief centre in the vicinity of the disaster for the provision of shelter, hospital facilities etc. Tents are often used for this purpose and the large span often needed in such situations produces the problem that the tents are difficult to erect requiring considerable man-power. Also, the internal floor space of such tents contains many internal supports for the structure which detracts from the available interior space.

A shelter has been developed (see Building Design January 19, 1990) which basically acts like a giant umbrella. When folded the shelter can be transported by plane, helicopter or lorry. When un-folded the shelter spans the ground like the head of an open umbrella. However, this shelter has a central support member and lacks head-height towards its outer periphery, both of which reduce the internal space available for use. Also, the shelter is limited to the plan form of an open umbrella and does not have a floor.

A further shelter is known which requires no internal supports. This is a pneumatic structure which relies on the mechanical introduction and continued supply of air pressure. However, the height to width ratio of such is quite limited and the weight of the fabric of a very large span version would tend to cause the roof to collapse under its own weight.

Additionally, since the structure is not self supporting an air supply is required.

Permanent structures are known which have a tensegrity roof system in which compression and tension forces are separated out and handled by different members so that the roofed structure has no inherent size limitation. Therefore, a large floor space can be covered by such a roof without the necessity of internal supporting columns. However, such structures are by their nature permanent and cannot be readily transported and erected in what are often hostile conditions.

Floors or roof decks are useful because they provide a firm base or deck to a structure. Space frames have been developed which are an open framework and therefore are relatively lightweight for their strength in comparison to conventional floors and roof decks and are of a greater torsional rigidity.

However, they are still bulky and therefore difficult to transport and erect at a location. The component sections having to be fixed together at site, which would require much skill.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an erectable structure which overcomes or alleviates the problems associated with the known structures.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an erectable structure is provided in which the roof and/or walls comprise the cables of a tensegrity roof system, which cables are interconnected such that tensioning said cables raises the structure from the collapsed to the erect position.

By employing the principal of tensegrity to support the roof the interior of the structure is not unnecessarily cluttered by the provision of internal supports for the roof and the area spanned by the roof has no inherent size limitation. Therefore, for instance if the structure could be used as a building, tent, awning, or porta kabin (TM), if it was for instance a tent it could range in size from a toy tent, or a marquee, or a shelter used for disaster relief. Since the structure is collapsible it can be readily transported and stored. By using the cables of the tensegrity roof system to raise the structure, the structure can be both quickly and simply erected.

In a preferred embodiment the roof and/or walls are connectable with a floor or base.

Preferably, the floor or base is foldable and wherein unfolding the floor or base produces the tension in the cables to raise the structure.

This has the advantage that an integral floor or base can be erected at the same time as the roof and/or walls. Since the floor or base is foldable it can be made more compact for transportation and the roof and/or walls could be folded within the floor or base.

In a preferred embodiment, the floor or base is formed from a space frame having at least two interconnecting sections with an integral hinge which when these sections are unfolded is lockable to form a rigid floor or base.

This has the advantage that the spaceframe is of a more light weight construction than a conventional floor of the same strength and the hinges can be conveniently located as part of the space frame to form a homogeneous surface. A spacedeck also has a high torsional rigidity which is particularly relevant for such a tensional structure.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention an erectable structure is provided comprising at least two sections of interconnected spaceframe for forming a floor or deck wherein at least one of the at least two sections of space frame is foldable with respect to the remaining spaceframe or frames.

This has the advantage that the floor or deck can be folded into a compact form for transport or storage. Because of the open frame work nature of the spaceframes the floor or deck can be strong, relatively light weight and of a greater torsional rigidity then conventional floors or roof decks.

Preferably, at least two of the sections of the spaceframe are interconnected by an integral hinge which, when these sections are unfolded is lockable to form a rigid connection between these at least two sections.

In this fashion the floor or roof-deck can be unfolded in situ and automatically fixed in the required configuration. With the hinge being integral a homogeneous surface can be formed.

In a preferred embodiment, a roof and/or walls are connectable with the floor wherein the roof and/or walls are automatically erected when the floor is unfolded.

Preferably, the roof and/or walls comprise the cables of a tensegrity roof system, which cables are interconnected such that tensioning said cables raises the roof and/or walls from the collapsed to the erect position.

Preferably the cables are attached to a fabric material which, when the structure is raised forms an exterior cover constituting the roof and/or walls of the structure.

The choice of the material depends on the use of and required performance of the structure. For instance, a waterproof material could be used for a tent, a net in order to prevent entry of insects, a sun-screen or sun-block type material for safer sunbathing, a plastics material for a greenhouse.

Windows, doors, air vents could be included in the material as required.

In a preferred embodiment, the fabric material comprises hollow sachets.

This has the advantage that locally available materials such as sand or snow can be placed within the walls in order to provide a thermal heat bank or an insulated wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the walls are constructed from a plurality of pairs of parallel disposed flat rigid plates having a flexible hollow sachet therebetween.

This has the advantage that the walls can be filled with a filling material. The provision of the plates gives the wall a rigid and defined structure.

By way of example only specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.l is a schematic perspective view of an erectable structure constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig.2 is a cross-section taken along the line A-A of Fig.1; Figs.3A, 3B and 3C are three two dimensional sketches illustrating variants of the configuration of the erectable structure; Fig.4 is a perspective schematic view of a wall section of the erectable structure constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig.5 is a schematic view of an erectable structure constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;; Fig.6 is a side view of the structure of Fig.4 illustrating the structure in a partially erect state; Fig.7 is a schematic view of an erectable structure constructed in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention; and Fig.8 is a schematic view of the erectable structure of Fig.7 but illustrated in the folded state.

Referring to Figs.l and 2 the erectable structure 2 comprises a substantially rectangular cover 4, four pairs of rigid shear legs 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d at each corner of the cover 4 supporting the structure above the ground, eight rigid spacers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d; 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d hanging beneath the cover 4 and a plurality of flexible tie cables 10.

The spacers 8, 9 are elongate members whose upper end is connected to the cover 4. The spacers 8a, 9a, 9c, Sc are situated on an imaginary line interconnecting shear legs 6a and 6c. The spacers 8b, 9b, 9d, 8d are situated on an imaginary line interconnecting shear legs 6b and 6d. Each of the spacers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d form the four corners of a rectangle concentric to the rectangle formed by the shear legs 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. Likewise each of the spaces 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d form the four corners of a similar concentric rectangle nested within that formed by spacers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d.

The lower end of spacer 9a is connected by a tie cable 10 to the lower end of its adjacent rectangular neighbour 9b, 9d. Likewise spacer 9d is connected to spacers 9b, 9d. In a similar fashion the end of spacer 8a is connected by a tie cable 10 the lower end of its adjacent rectangular neighbour 8b, 8d.

Likewise spacer 8d is connected to spacer 8b, 8d. The lower end of spacer 9a is also connected by a tie cable 10 to the upper end of spacer 8a. Likewise spacer 9b is connected to spacer 8b, spacer 9c to spacer Sc and spacer 9d to 8d. The lower end of spacer 8a is also connected by a tie cable 10 to the upper end of the shear leg 6a. Likewise spacer 8b is connected to shear leg 6b, spacer 9c to shear leg 6c and spacer 9d to shear leg 6d. The upper end of each shear leg 6 is connected by a tie cable 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d which tie cable is secured to the ground or base support.

The cover provides the upper tension required between the upper ends of the spacers 8, 9 and the shear legs 6. In an alternative embodiment the cover 4 could be replaced by further tie cables.

The tie cables 10, the spacers, 8, 9 and the shear legs 6 together form a tensegrity roof system with the spacers 8, 9 and the shear legs 6 being in compression and the tie cables 10 and the cover 4 being in tension.

In the collapsed state the cover 4, spacers 8, 9, shear legs 6 and tie cables 10 are slack and can be compressed into a compact state. The erectable structure 2 is raised as follows. The cover 4 is spread out on the ground with the spacers 8, 9 beneath it and the shear legs 6 at each of its corners.

The lower end of each shear leg 6 is rotatably secured to the ground. Then by pulling on or winching in the tie cables 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d the tension in the structure is increased and the structure 2 is lifted above the ground to its erect state. Once the desired tension has been reached the cables 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are secured.

Referring to Fig.3 the erectable structure is not limited to the form described but can take on other shapes such as those shown in the sketches which illustrate the positions of the tensioning and compressive forces for alternative configurations.

Thus it is possible to provide horizontal, vertical or inclined covers and amorphous shapes can be achieved.

The cover 4 can form the roof of a building or tent and flexible walls and or flaps could be connected to the cover 4 which are also raised as the structure is erected. These walls could contain doors, windows, or air vents as required. Also a ground sheet may be incorporated.

Referring to Fig.4 the walls could comprise a plurality of pairs of parallel disposed flat rigid plates 18 having a flexible hollow sachet 20 therebetween. These flat plates 18 can be packed flat against each other to form a compact configuration for storage and transportation. The plates might be of plastics or thin wood, such as plywood. On site the two plates 18 would be pulled apart and the hollow sachet between them can be filled with a filler such as sand, snow, water or foam insulation balls. For this purpose inlets 22 can be provided in the upper portion of plate 18 and outlets 24 in the lower portion of the plates. These inlets 22 and outlets 24 can be secured with plugs or valves as appropriate.

The hollow sachet 20 may be sectionalised and rigid rods 26 could be inserted between these sachets before they are filled. The rods 26 ensuring a greater degree of rigidity to the surface.

The walls need not be permanently attached to the cover 4 but could be attached at site.

Also, the plates 18 could be dispensed with and the walls may be constructed from the hollow sachets, which could be more easily folded for storage.

The filler material selected could be one locally available at the site. For instance to create a thermal heat bank a dense filler material would be required.

Such an erectable structure can be sited for permanent or temporary use or may be connected to another similar structure to form a larger structure.

The structure may have a rigid floor installed through which water, power and sewage extraction could be provided.

In the embodiment of Fig.5 and 6 the erectable structure 12 comprises a space frame 14 of known construction . However, for the purpose of the present invention the space frame is sectionalised into seven substantially rectangular sections which have hinge joints 16. In the erected state the sections of the space frame form a rigid homogeneous surface, the hinges 16 forming a part of that surface and are lockable to prevent relative movement between the sections. Each hinge 16 when turned folds a section of the space frame 14 with respect to its immediate neighbour adjacent its hinge. In the embodiments illustrated the space frame can be folded into the configuration illustrated in Fig.5 and can be unfolded to form a planar surface, partially illustrated in Fig.6 which shows the unfolding of the spaceframe 14 of Fig.5.

The space frame 14 is not restricted to rectangular sections, as illustrated, but can be made from various shapes of sections of space frame, which can be folded into its individual compact configuration for transparent and storage. Also, the space frame need not be planar when unfolded into its erect state can form for instance a stepped surface, with the hinges forming the transition form one stage to the next.

Therefore, the spaceframe can be used for floors, walls or roof decks.

Adjustable legs (not illustrated) can be attached to the spaceframe so that it can be levelled with respect to an uneven surface. Such legs can also be foldable or retractable.

The space frame 14 once folded can be readily transported by air or road.

The spaceframe 14 could form the floor of the erectable structures of Figs.1 to 4. It could either be laid out as the base before erection of the tent of building. Or it could be incorporated as part of the structure.

The structure 2 could be folded within the interior 28 of the spaceframe 14, and be raised as the space frame 14 is unfolded so as to produce the required tension in the tie cables 10. For this purpose the tie cables 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d would be attached to the spaceframe 14. For easy storage the shear legs 6 could be demountable from the spaceframe 14. On site the shear legs would be re-attached to the spaceframe 14 as the spaceframe is unfolded. The cover 4 and spacers 8 would then rise above the spaceframe 14 as the spaceframe 14 is unfolded.

If the erectable structure is used as a disaster relief centre the spaceframe 14 containing the structure 2 can be say parachuted from a plane to the required site and quickly erected. In an alternative embodiment a mast, to be used as a flag pole or beacon can be utilised as a hoist for unfolding the space frame.

Walls, water, electricity, sewage ducts and adjustable legs for the spaceframe can be incorporated as hereinabove described. For swamp conditions the structure could be raised form the ground by a scissor hoist.

The erectable structure is not limited to the hereinbefore described embodiments but could have a base made from a sturdy rigid timber or plastics (see Fig.7) in the form of a substantially rectangular frame 30, with a pair of hinges 32 so that the frame can be folded in two; see Fig.8. Tie fixings 34 can be provided on the frame 30 one at each of its corners and at either side of each hinge 32. Strut fixings 36 can also be provided on the frame. This frame 30 could be used in conjunction with a strong, clear transparent plastics membrane fixed to the frame, which membrane would automatically erect as the framework was opened from the position shown in Fig.8 to the position shown in Fig.7. This would be suitable as a flat-pack for a pop-up greenhouse. Openings for entrance and ventilation could be incorporated, as say a grip-up dpor opening.

The plastics material could be replaced by a mosquito net and/or a sun screen and a mattress could be secured with ties or tape within the framework.

Claims (1)

1. aAt

   ClAIM 1 An erectable structure is provided in which the roof and/or walls comprise the cables of a tensegrity roof system, which cables are interconnected such that tensioning said cables raises the structure fran the collapsed to the erect position.

   The roof and/or walls are connectable with a floor or base. The floor or base is foldable and unfolding the floor or base produces tension in the cables to raise the structure.

   CLAIM 2 An erectable structure as claimed in Claim 1 is provided wherein the floor or base is formed from a space frame having at least two interconnecting sections with an integral hinge which when these sections are unfolded the floor or base is lockable in the unfolded position to form a rigid floor or base.

   ClAIM 3 An erectable structure as claimed in any previous claim is provided wherein a second aspect of the present invention an erectable structure is provided comprising at least two sections of interconnected spaceframe for forming a floor or deck wherein at least one of the at least two sections of space frame is foldable with respect to the remaining spaceframes or frames.

   CLAIM 4 An erectable structure as claimed in any previous claim is provided wherein at least two of the sections of spaceframe are interconnected by an integral hinge which, when these sections are unfolded is lockable to form a rigid connection between these at least two sections.

   CLAIM 5 An erectable structure as claimed in any previous claim is provided wherein a roof and/or walls are connectable with the floor wherein the roof and/or walls are automatically erected when the floor is unfolded.

   CLAIM 6 An erectable structure as claimed in any previous claim is provided wherein the roof and/or walls comprise the cables of a tensegrity roof system, which cables are interconnected such that tensioning said cables raises the roof and/or walls from the collapsed to the erect position. The said cables are attached to a fabric material which, when the structure is raised, forms an exterior cover constituting the roof and/or walls of the structure.

   CLAIM 7 An erectable structure as claimed in any previous claim is provided wherein a wall system comprises hollow sachets within which locally available materials such as sand or snow can be placed.

   CLAIM 8 An erectable structure as claimed in any previous claim is provided wherein the walls are constructed from a plurality of pairs of parallel disposed flat rigid plates having a flexible hollow sachet there-between.