GB2510603A - Dome structure with flexible rods and clamping mechanism - Google Patents

Dome structure with flexible rods and clamping mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2510603A
GB2510603A GB1302260.3A GB201302260A GB2510603A GB 2510603 A GB2510603 A GB 2510603A GB 201302260 A GB201302260 A GB 201302260A GB 2510603 A GB2510603 A GB 2510603A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
rods
flexible rods
shaped structure
clamping mechanism
dome
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1302260.3A
Other versions
GB201302260D0 (en
GB2510603B (en
Inventor
Damian Nicholas Nunez Cardozo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1302260.3A priority Critical patent/GB2510603B/en
Publication of GB201302260D0 publication Critical patent/GB201302260D0/en
Publication of GB2510603A publication Critical patent/GB2510603A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2510603B publication Critical patent/GB2510603B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/28—Umbrella type tents
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
    • E04H15/36—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type
    • E04H15/40—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type flexible
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14—Greenhouses
    • A01G9/16—Dismountable or portable greenhouses ; Greenhouses with sliding roofs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/008—Playhouses, play-tents, big enough for playing inside
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/006—Tents used as toys
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Abstract

A dome shaped structure is constructed from a plurality of flexible rods 1 that are incorporated into a fabric cover (2; Figure 1). The rods 1 are hinged 3 at their top ends so that they can be positioned vertically for compaction or horizontally for erection without needing to remove the rods 1 from the cover. A clamping mechanism 7 is used to deploy the flexible rods 1 into an erect position and to clamp them in this position whilst the dome is erected for use and preferably comprising a clamp disc 12. The top ends of the flexible rods 1 may be connected to each other to form a hinge, may be connected to the clamping mechanism 7 to form a hinge or may be connected to both each other and the clamping mechanism 7 to form a hinge. The clamping mechanism 7 may comprise a nut and bolt arrangement or a shaft and pin arrangement. Struts may be attached to the flexible rod to spread the rods apart. Doorways, windows, ventilation slits and other openings may be added to the cover.

Description

comDactible dome shaped structure
DESCRIPTION
Backgtound.
This invention relates to a dome shaped structure made from flexible rods and a fabric cover which can be easily erected for use or compacted for storage without the need to separate the rods from the cover; The dome shape allows efficient useof materials to produce alarge volume structurewith maximum structural strength and goad resistance to wind. The construction method allows the unit to be compacted to a low volume in a long, thin cylindrical shape which is ideal for transportation and storage. Lightweight construction materials allowthe unit to be easily manageable. Using a clear fabric for the cover, the dome has a number of different uses including a.greenhouse forplants, a dear shelter far landscape artists, a sunbathing shelter, a clear play shelter for children or a light filled dining area.
* usinganon-transparentfabric the dome has further uses suchas a tent for camping, and using various types of netting the dome can beused asa fruit cageora wind and pest shelter for plants.
Statement of invention *0
* : This design optimizes the use of niaterials to create a sizeable structure which is easy to erect and * :" : èompact and which has.greater structural strength and overall stability than existing designs without the use of guy ropes: The central clamping mechanism facilitates the correct bending of the flexible rods and * :*. applies stress to the flexible rods optimizing their rigidity and the overall strength of the structure. The flexible rods are hinged allowing them to be rotated through 90 degrees from a vertical pasition to a horizontal position. The hinge can be created in various different ways including but not limited to the following threeexamples: * *. 1. The ends of the flexible rods are connected to each other and to the clamping mechanism to -form a hinge.
2. The ends of the flexible rads are connected ta each other to form a hinge.
3. The ends of the flexible rods are connected to the clamping mechanism to form a hinge.
The rods are incorporated into the cover either permanently or non-permanently, and allow the dome to be erected and compacted without removing the rods from the cover.
Advantages The dome structure can be erected for use and compacted for storage or transport quickly and easily without the need to remove the structural elements from the cover.
The design optimizes the use of the materials to gain maximum strength and stability with minimum overall weight.
The design is Simple and economicalto manufacture.
An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the following drawings -Figure 1 shows the dome structure with a clear fabric cover erected for use. This embodiment shows a dome with 12 flexible rods, 12 spreader struts positioned horizontally between the flexible rods, a door/opening with 2 zips in closed positioni. loops around the base perimeter of the dome for securing it to the ground, and vents in the upper part of the dome, some of which are in the open position.
Figure 2 shows the dome lying flat on the ground with the clamp mechanism un-clamped.
Figure 3 shows the dome compacted for storage.
* *. Figure 4a shows the flexible rods inco!porated into sleeves in the cover.
* :. Figure 4b shows the flexible rods attached to the cover with hook and loop fabric ties.
Figures Sa-Sd show an embodiment of the hinge mechanism and of a clamping mechanism using a shaft and pin method.
*:c:: Figure Sa shows a perspective view of the separated components of the hinge and clamp mechanisms.
Figure 5b shows a perspective view of the separated components of the hinge and clamp mechanisms.
Figure Sc shows a section through the assembled hinge and clamp mechanisms in an unclamped position with the flexible rods vertical and straight.
Figure Sd shows a section through the assembled hinge and clamp mechanisms in a clamped position with the flexible rods horizontal and curved under tension.
Figures ba-Gd show an embodiment of the hinge mechanism and of a clamping mechanism using a nut and bolt method.
Figure 6a shows a perspective view of the separated components of the hinge and clamp mechanisms.
Figure 6b shows a perspective view of the separated components of the hinge and clamp mechanisms.
Figure Ge shows a section through the assembled hinge and clamp mechanisms in an unclamped position with the flexible rods vertical and straight.
Figure Gd shows a section through the assembled hinge and clamp mechanisms in a clamped position with the flexible rods horizontal and curved under tension.
Figure 7 shows the spreader struts connected to the flexible rods at both ends for erection of the dome.
Figure 8 shows the spreader struts connected to the flexible rods at One end only for compaction of the dome.
Figure 9 shows a spreader strut viewed from above.
Figure 10 shows a spreader strut viewed from the side.
Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a door/opening with 2 zips in a rolled-up, open position.
Figure 12 shows and embodiment of several vents in the upper part of the dome held in the open position.
Figure 13a-13c show an alternative embodiment of a hinging method where the flexible rods are connected directly to the upper part of the clamping mechanism.
* Figure 13a shows a section through the hinge and clamp mechanisms in an unclamped position with the * e flexible rods vertical and straight.
Figure 13b shows a section through the hinge and clamp mechanism in a clamped position with the flexible rods horizontal and curved undertension. -Figure 13cshows a perspective view of the underside of the upper part of the clamping mechanism with * the flexible rodsattachedand hinged to it. * .. *. . * ..
-A dome shaped structure isconstructed.from.several.flexible rods (.1) attached. to orfitted into sleeves (14) in a fabric cover (2) with thetop ends of the flexible rods fixed by a hinge mechanism (3) in which the flexible rods are drilled through and connected together with a cable (4) around which a second cable (5) is looped, in between each rod and threaded through holes (6) in the upper section of the clamping mechanism (7). Each of the two cables has its ends fixed together. A weather proof, decorative top (8) is fixed to the upper section of the clamping mechanism. The first embodiment of a clamping mechanism as shown in figures Sa-Sd has a shaft (9) that is fixed through the upper part of the clamping mechanism with a cord (10) attached to the inside of the shaft and a hole (11) through the shaft. The cord runs freely through the centre of the lower clamp disc (12) and is attached at it other end toa large pin (23). TobpératethiS embodiment of the clamping mechanism the user pulls downwards onthe cord which causesthe rods to flex and draws the top of the dome downwards bringing the ends of the rods to a horizontal position. The lower clamp disc is fitted onto the shaft and slides upwards until the pin can be inserted below it through the hole in the shaft. The second embodiment of the clamping mechanism as shown in figures 6a-6d has a threaded bolt (13) that is fixed through the upper part of the clamping -mechanism. To operate this embodiment of the clamping mechanism the user fits the lower clamp disc (12) onto the threaded bolt and slides itup the bolt far enough to be able to fit a washer and nut (24) onto the end at the bolt thereby holding the lower clamp disc to the bolt. The nut is then tightened using a spanner, or if the dome is tall, then a long socket with an extension handle, until the rods are clamped into their correct position.
The flexible rods may be fitted into sleeves (14) in the fabric cover or they may be attached to the cover with hook and loop ties (15), or attached to the cover by any other practical means. There are loops (16) attached to the base perimeter of the dome to allow it to be secured to the ground with pegs. In order to assist with spreading the flexible rods apart during erection and to limit the flexibility of the structure there are spreader struts (17) each àf which are connected at one end to one of the flexible rods. The other end of each spreader strut can be fitted securely to the neighbouring rod. When compacting the dome the spreader struts can be disconnected at one end from the rods and can swivel to a vertical position.
In this embodiment of the dome structure there is a doorway (18) in the fabric cover formed by 2 zips : . (19). when opened the door can be rolled up and fastened neatly at the top of the doorway with ties (20). There are also ventilation slits (21) which can be held closed by hook and loop fabric attached to the top and bottom parts of the slit, and can be held open by small struts (22) fitted into eyelets in the *:*. top and bottom edges of the slits.
An alternative embodiment of the hinge can be constructed according to Fig 13a-13c in which the flexible rods (1) are attached to the upper part of the clamping mechanIsm (7) at hinge brackets (25) and hinged so that they can be rotated through 90 degrees from a veritcal position to a horizontal position.
* * * It is also possible for the flexible rods to form a hinge that is independent of the clamping mechanism, thereby allowing the clamping mechanism to be a separate unit which can be stored separately from the flexible rods and cover. This can be achieved by using the hinge method shown in Figs Sa-Sd and Ga-Gd, but without the cable (5) which attaches the flexible rods to the upper part of the damping mechanism.

Claims (7)

  1. Claims A dome shaped structure made from a number of flexible rods and a fabric cover, with a clamping mechanism at the top holding the ends of the rods in position, which carl be erected for use and compacted for storage without removing the flexible rods from the cover.
  2. 2 A dome shaped structure according to claim 1 where the top ends of the flexible rods are connected to each other to form a hinge allowing the rods to pivot from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
  3. 3 A dome shaped structure according to claim 1 where the top ends of the flexible rods are connected to the clamping mechanism to form a hinge allowing the rods to pivot from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
  4. 4 A dome shaped structure according to claimS 1 where the top ends of the flexible rods are connected to each other and to the clamping mechanism to form a hinge allowing the rods to.pivot from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
  5. A dome shaped structure according to any of the preceding claims where the flexible rods arefitted permanently or non-permanently into sleeves that are built into the fabric cover.
  6. 6 A dame shaped structure according to any of the preceding claimswherethe flexible rods are attached to the fabric cover either permanently or non-permanently by various means including but not limited to ties made from hook and loop fabric.
  7. 7 A dome shaped structure according to any of the preceding claims where the cover is made from any type of flexible fabric including clear PVC sheet material and including any * combination of flexible fabrics including the use of transparent fabrics for the upper part of the dome and non-transparent fabrics for the lower part of the dome.* * 8 A dome shaped structure according to any of the preceding claims which includes loops or eyelets fixed at intervals around the base perimeter that may be used for securing the dome structure to the ground.-. 9 A dome shaped structure according to any of the preceding claims where the clamping S S mechanism utilizes a shaft and pin method including but not limited to the design shown in the drawings.A dome shaped structure according to any of the preceding claims where the clamping mechanism utilizes a nut and bolt method including but not limited to the design shown in the drawings, thereby facilitating the application of a greater force to the clamping mechanism.ii A dome shaped structure according to anyof the preceding claims where struts are attached to the flexible rods to facilitate the spreading apartof the flexible rods during erection of the structure and to reduce the flexibility of the structure in windy conditions.such struts being either permaAently attached to or detachable from the flexible rods by methods including but not limited to the design shown in the drawings.12 A frame according to any of the previous claims where the fabric has any number of openings, doors, windows and the like built into it including but not limited to the design illustrated.13 A frame according to any of the previous claims where the fabric has ventilation slots built into it including but nOt limited to the design illustrated. * * * 4 * .SS..... * . -4* * * * . * a. * aS * -4 * .S V /
GB1302260.3A 2013-02-08 2013-02-08 Compactible dome shaped structure Active GB2510603B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1302260.3A GB2510603B (en) 2013-02-08 2013-02-08 Compactible dome shaped structure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1302260.3A GB2510603B (en) 2013-02-08 2013-02-08 Compactible dome shaped structure

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201302260D0 GB201302260D0 (en) 2013-03-27
GB2510603A true GB2510603A (en) 2014-08-13
GB2510603B GB2510603B (en) 2018-09-19

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1302260.3A Active GB2510603B (en) 2013-02-08 2013-02-08 Compactible dome shaped structure

Country Status (1)

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5285804A (en) * 1989-05-31 1994-02-15 Barracuda Technologies Ab Foldable dummy object for camouflage purposes
NL9400365A (en) * 1994-03-09 1995-10-02 Kuiper Patricia Eva De Delimited space, the size and shape of which are reversibly variable
US20020092554A1 (en) * 2000-12-07 2002-07-18 Se-Il Ham Canopy tent with automatic umbrella-type collapsible frame
US20040099301A1 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-05-27 Mei Zhang Umbrella crib cover
US20070062569A1 (en) * 2005-08-10 2007-03-22 Sedo Camping Co., Ltd. One-touch type foldable tent frame
US20120145207A1 (en) * 2010-12-13 2012-06-14 Vanvonderen Susan Railing mounted shade
US20130008478A1 (en) * 2011-07-07 2013-01-10 Eolo Sport Industrias, S.A. Framework for camping tents and parasols with an oscillating secure locking system

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5285804A (en) * 1989-05-31 1994-02-15 Barracuda Technologies Ab Foldable dummy object for camouflage purposes
NL9400365A (en) * 1994-03-09 1995-10-02 Kuiper Patricia Eva De Delimited space, the size and shape of which are reversibly variable
US20020092554A1 (en) * 2000-12-07 2002-07-18 Se-Il Ham Canopy tent with automatic umbrella-type collapsible frame
US20040099301A1 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-05-27 Mei Zhang Umbrella crib cover
US20070062569A1 (en) * 2005-08-10 2007-03-22 Sedo Camping Co., Ltd. One-touch type foldable tent frame
US20120145207A1 (en) * 2010-12-13 2012-06-14 Vanvonderen Susan Railing mounted shade
US20130008478A1 (en) * 2011-07-07 2013-01-10 Eolo Sport Industrias, S.A. Framework for camping tents and parasols with an oscillating secure locking system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201302260D0 (en) 2013-03-27
GB2510603B (en) 2018-09-19

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