GB2559951A

GB2559951A - A shelter

Info

Publication number: GB2559951A
Application number: GB1700543.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michel Craig
Original assignee: Paragon Prot Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Paragon Prot Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-12
Filing date: 2017-01-12
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Also published as: GB201700543D0

Abstract

The shelter comprises a frame and a guide bar 3 attached to the frame 2. A pair of slidably moving mounting brackets 15 for adjustment are attached to the guide bar. The brackets are arranged to attach to a respective structure in use. The guide bar may be horizontal. The brackets may be slidably and pivotably mounted. The guide bar may be adjustable in length. The frame may be arched or pitched. Also claimed is a shelter system with the shelter and a pair of mounting strips 24 respectively attached to a structure and each mounting bracket is configured to connectedly couple to a respective mounting strip.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A shelter

Abstract Title: Adjustable shelter for locating between to structure (57) The shelter comprises a frame and a guide bar 3 attached to the frame 2. A pair of slidably moving mounting brackets 15 for adjustment are attached to the guide bar. The brackets are arranged to attach to a respective structure in use. The guide bar may be horizontal. The brackets may be slidably and pivotably mounted. The guide bar may be adjustable in length. The frame may be arched or pitched. Also claimed is a shelter system with the shelter and a pair of mounting strips 24 respectively attached to a structure and each mounting bracket is configured to connectedly couple to a respective mounting strip.

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Title: A Shelter

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a shelter, and more particularly to a shelter which is configured to span between two constructions.

Various forms of shelter are known, to shield pedestrians and/or equipment beneath the shelter from the weather. Particularly, when used on construction sites, a shelter can additionally provide protection from falling debris, dirt, construction materials etc.

The use of temporary modular (or sectional) constructions, such as those offered by Portakabin Limited, UK, on construction or work sites is common. When such constructions are placed on site, walkways are often formed between the constructions. There is often a need to provide shelters for users at the doorways of the constructions and/or above any walkways formed therebetween.

Traditionally, this has required shelters to be made on site and fitted in place. They are often bespoke shelters, to account for the different dimensions and/or location of the doorways. The width of a walkway between two constructions varies depending on the placement of the constructions. Accordingly, shelters over walkways, particularly, often need to be bespoke. The erection and removal of bespoke shelters can be time consuming and, moreover, they often have to be disposed of after use.

To address some of these problems, it is known to provide a prefabricated shelter, such as that illustrated in Figure 1, which is configured to be connected between two neighbouring constructions to cover a walkway therebetween. The known shelter 50 of Figure 1 comprises an arched rigid frame 51 having a mounting bracket 52 provided at each corner (two shown). Some modular buildings are provided with standard fitting points at their corners, to allow modular buildings to be connected to one another and/or to provide a lift point for craning the buildings into place. Accordingly, the brackets 52 of the known shelter 50 may be adapted to engage with the fitting points on the construction. Other modular buildings do not have standard fitting points, so the brackets 52 of the known shelter 50 may be attached to the construction using a metal section, such as Unistrut (RTM), or a timber bearer.

A problem with this arrangement, however, is that if the distance between the constructions is not the same as that between the brackets 52, the shelter 50 cannot be attached. One or both of the constructions must be moved to adjust the distance therebetween, which may be time consuming, if even possible.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved shelter.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a shelter comprising:

a frame;

at least one guide bar connected to the frame; and a pair of mounting brackets slidably mounted on the at least one guide bar and each configured to connect to a respective construction.

Preferably, the guide bar is substantially horizontal in use.

Preferably, the guide bar is connected at its first and second ends to the frame.

Preferably, each mounting bracket is slidably mounted at a first end to the guide bar and a second end of the mounting bracket is provided with a connector for connection to a construction.

Preferably, the at least one mounting bracket is slidably and pivotably mounted to the guide bar.

Preferably, the mounting bracket comprises:

a carriage slidably mounted on the guide bar; and an arm connected to the carriage.

Preferably, the guide bar is adjustable in length.

Preferably, the guide bar comprises a rail.

Preferably, the frame is generally rectangular, with its length longer than its width, and the at least one guide bar is connected across the width of the frame.

Preferably, the frame is 6m in length. Preferably, the frame is 3.14m in width.

Other dimensions may be adopted, depending on the application.

Preferably, the shelter comprises a plurality of guide bars.

Preferably, the shelter further comprises a covering on the frame.

Preferably, the frame is arched or pitched.

Also provided is a shelter system comprising: a shelter according to the invention; and a pair of elongate mounting strips, each securable to a respective construction, wherein each mounting bracket is configured to connect to a respective one of the mounting strips.

Preferably, the shelter is configured to selectively translate with respect to the mounting strips along the construction.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example only and with reference to the figures, in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates an end view of a known canopy;

FIGURE 2 illustrates an end view of a canopy embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 3 illustrates a plan view of the canopy of Figure 2;

FIGURE 4 illustrates another canopy embodying the present invention; and

FIGURE 5 illustrates another canopy embodying the present invention.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a shelter 1 embodying the present invention. The shelter 1 comprises a frame 2, at least one guide bar 3 connected to the frame 2 and a pair of mounting brackets 4A, 4B, each slidably mounted on the guide bar 3 and configured to connect to a respective construction 5A, 5B.

The frame 2 comprises first and second longitudinal beams 6A, 6B, extending along the length of the frame 2. In the embodiment shown, three arcuate chords 9, 10, 11 are connected at their distal ends to the longitudinal beams 6A, 6B. Additionally, a ridge beam 12 extends the length of the frame, parallel to the first and second longitudinal beams 6A, 6B. The ridge beam 12 extends along the upper part of each of the arcuate chords 9, 10, 11. In the embodiment shown, the ridge beam 12 is comprised of two parts; the first connected between the first 9 and second 10 arcuate chords, and the second connected the second 10 and third 11 arcuate chords. This is not essential.

In the embodiment shown, the shelter further comprises a covering 13 provided on the top of the frame 2. The covering 13 may be any conventional fabric used for shelters, such as a woven polyethylene or PVC. Preferably, the covering 13 is waterproof. Preferably, the covering 13 is able to withstand the weight of snow which may accumulate on top of the shelter 1.

In other embodiments, the covering may comprise mesh, for situations when the shelter is needed primarily to provide shade from sunlight.

There may be more or fewer arcuate chords 9, 10, 11. The frame 2 may comprise additional web members (not shown) extending between any of the longitudinal beams 6A, 6B, arcuate chords 9, 10, 11 and the ridge beam 12. The web members may be to provide additional strength to the frame 2 and/or to provide a better support surface for a covering.

In some embodiments, there may be no covering provided at all, for situations where the shelter 1 is needed primary to protect users beneath from large falling construction elements, or to provide a structure to which utility lines (e.g. power, water, telecoms) passing between constructions can be secured.

The frame 2 is of fixed width, preferably, 3.14m. Preferably, the frame 2 is of fixed length, preferably 6m. When a walkway to be covered is longer than 6m, a plurality of shelters 1 may be placed end-to-end. The end of one shelter 1 may be secured to the end of the neighbouring shelter 1. Shelters of different lengths may be provided, to cover a walkway of substantially any length. As will be seen from figure 3, the frame 2 is substantially rectangular in plan view.

Preferably, the components of the frame 2, and the frame structure overall, are substantially rigid. This ensures that the shelter 1 is robust and is able to withstand high winds and impacts. Moreover, it allows easier handling of the shelter 1.

Preferably, the structural components of the frame are comprised of steel, aluminium, or any other suitable material.

In the embodiment shown, the frame 2 is arched. Other types of frame are possible: Figure 4 illustrates a shelter 100 comprising a wedged frame 101. Figure 5 illustrates a shelter 150 comprising a ridged frame 151. In other embodiments, not shown, the frame may be flat. The frame may take any form, so long as a guide bar 3 is attached thereto, allowing the translational movement of the brackets 4A, 4B therealong.

The guide bar 3 is shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the guide bar 3 is substantially horizontal in use. The guide bar 3 is connected at (or near) its first and second ends to the frame 2. In the embodiment shown, the guide bar 3 is connected to a respective one of the arcuate chords 9, 10, 11. Preferably, there are three guide bars 3; one connected to each of the arcuate chords 9, 10, 11. In the embodiment shown, the ends of the guide bar 3 are connected to the arcuate chords 9, 10, 11 at a point slightly inwards from their distal ends. The connection point is preferably pivotable and/or resilient, to allow for flexure in the frame and/or guide bar in use.

In the embodiment shown, a flange 20 is provided along the longitudinal edges of the shelter 1, to promote water run-off.

The mounting bracket 4A, 4B is substantially elongate. The bracket 4A, 4B is slidably mounted at a first end to the guide bar 3. Preferably, the bracket 4A,

4B comprises an arm 14 connected at one end to a carriage 15. The carriage is slidably mounted to the guide bar 3. In one embodiment, the carriage 15 comprises a sleeve which slides along the guide bar 3. The carriage is constrained to sliding motion along the guide bar 3. Preferably, the axial length of the carriage 15, compared to the diameter of the guide bar 3 is such that the carriage 15 is able to translate smoothly along the guide bar 3 while minimising the risk of jamming. Preferably, the axial length of the carriage 15 is at least twice the diameter of the guide bar 3.

In one embodiment, one or both of the guide bar 3 and carriage 15 comprises a friction reducing material, such as PTFE, to aid the translation of the carriage along the guide bar during adjustment. Additional locking means may be provided when the carriage is positioned in a predetermined location on the guide bar.

At the other end of the arm 14 of the bracket 4A, 4B, is provided a connector for connection to a construction. In the embodiment shown, the connector 16 comprises an L-shaped bracket 21. One plate of the L-shaped bracket is arranged generally horizontally and secured to the end of the arm 14. The other plate of the L-shaped bracket is arranged generally vertically and provided with an aperture. A bolt 22 is received in the aperture. In an embodiment, the aperture is threaded.

In the embodiment shown, an elongate mounting strip 23 is secured to the vertical surface of each of the constructions. The mounting strip 23 comprises a substantially U-shaped metal channel, such as Unistrut (RTM). Opposing flanges 24 are provided at the mouth of the channel. The bolt 22 head is preferably larger than the opening of the mouth of the channel. Accordingly, the bolt 22 head is receivable in the channel and is constrained to linear translation along the length of the channel. A nut (not shown) may be provided on the other end of the bolt (the aperture would not need to be threaded in such an embodiment). When tightened, the nut causes the bolt 22 head to engage against the inner surfaces of the opposing flanges 24 of the channel, preventing further translation.

The mounting strips 23 may be provided separately, and secured to a construction, or they form an integral part of the construction.

Other means of connecting the mounting bracket 4A, 4B to a construction are possible. For example, a timber bearer could be used. The ability for the shelter 1 to be able to translate with respect to a construction is not essential.

A benefit of each of the mounting brackets 4A, 4B being slidably mounted on the guide bar 3 is that the distance between the mounting brackets 4A, 4B is adjustable. Accordingly, the shelter 1 is able to be secured to two adjacent constructions regardless (to an extent) of the distance between them (and thus the width of the walkway). This is particularly advantageous over the known arrangement illustrated in figure 1, since it is far simpler to adjust the distance between the mounting brackets 4A, 4B to account for the walkway width than it is to move one or both of the constructions to ensure that the walkway is the same width as the distance between the brackets.

Preferably, the arms 14 of the brackets 4A, 4B extend substantially perpendicularly from the guide bar 3, and the arms 14 are substantially parallel to one another in use.

In another arrangement, to account for constructions which may not be at the same level, the arm 14 of the mounting brackets 4A, 4B may be pivotable with respect to the guide bar 3, such that mounting brackets 4A, 4B remain substantially vertical (for attachment to the vertical side surface of the construction) whilst the guide bar 3 is at an angle to the horizontal.

It is known from DE202005007319 to provide a shelter of fixed width, which has fixed mounting brackets. The top of each of the constructions to which the shelter is attachable comprises a sliding mounting. This allows for the shelter to be connected to the constructions within a range of distances therebetween. Such an arrangement is complicated. It requires the sliding mountings to first be connected to the top of the constructions, and then either left in place or removed after use. Access to the roof of the construction can be difficult. There may also be services (HVAC, ventilation baffles, chimneys) on top of the construction which may prevent the placement of the rails. There may even be another construction on top, preventing the securement of anything to the roof.

A benefit of the present invention is that the adjustability is provided by the shelter itself, which can be secured to static fixtures on the constructions.

It is also known from US 2010/0300014 to provide a shelter of variable width. Although the mounting brackets are fixed in place in the corners of the shelter, the width between the brackets is adjustable by adjusting the width of the shelter. Such an arrangement is complicated, with many moving parts. The cover may become damaged or perish over time, due to stretching over the pivoting ridgeline. Moreover, the pitch of the roof of such a shelter changes according to the width of the shelter. When extended to its largest width, the pitch may not be sufficient to shed accumulated snow. When reduced to its narrowest width, the pitch will increase.

Embodiments of the present invention may incorporate an extendable guide bar. The mounting brackets are still slidably mounted on the extendable guide bar, such that the distance between the brackets can be adjusted independently of the width of the shelter.

The guide bar of embodiments of the present invention may be tubular, with a part of the mounting bracket (e.g. a carriage or sleeve) surrounding all or at least half of the tubular guide bar, so as to constrain the mounting bracket to slidable movement along the axis of the guide bar. Alternative forms of mounting bracket are possible, including other cross sections (square, oval etc). The guide bar may comprise a rail to which the mounting bracket is slidably mounted. The guide bar may instead comprise a member defining a channel therein, in which an end of the mounting bracket is retained.

In one embodiment, a guide bar is provided at each end of the frame. In other embodiments, there may be more than two guide bars provided, preferably equally spaced along the length of the frame. Preferably, there is a guide bar for each upper chord.

The guide bar 3 may or may not be structural. Its preferred primary purpose is to provide a means to which the brackets 4A, 4B may be attached. The frame

2, itself, is preferably rigid. Nevertheless, as will be appreciated from figure 2, the guide bar 3 may provide additional rigidity to the shelter 1 as a whole.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms comprises and comprising and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A shelter comprising: a frame;

2. A shelter according to claim 1, wherein the guide bar is substantially horizontal in use.

3. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide bar is connected at its first and second ends to the frame.

4. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein each mounting bracket is slidably mounted at a first end to the guide bar and a second end of the mounting bracket is provided with a connector for connection to a construction.

5. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is slidably and pivotably mounted to the guide bar.

6. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting bracket comprises:

7. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide bar is adjustable in length.

8. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide bar comprises a rail.

9. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is generally rectangular, with its length longer than its width, and the at least one guide bar is connected across the width of the frame.

10. A shelter according to claim 10, wherein the frame is 6m in length and 3.14m in width.

11. A shelter according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of guide bars.

12. A shelter according to any preceding claim, further comprising a covering on the frame.

13. A shelter according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is arched or pitched.

14. A shelter system comprising:

a shelter according to any preceding claim; and a pair of elongate mounting strips, each securable to a respective construction, wherein each mounting bracket is configured to connect to a respective one of the mounting strips.

15. A shelter system according to claim 14, wherein the shelter is configured to selectively translate with respect to the mounting strips along the construction.

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Application No: Claims searched:

GB1700543.0

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