GB686058A - Improvements in or relating to flexible roof furling systems - Google Patents

Abstract

686,058. Furling awnings. MITCHELL, J. A. Feb. 1, 1951 [Feb. 6, 1950], No. 2528/51. Class 20(i) A flexible roof furling system, e.g. for ampitheatres, comprises a curved track 57 adjacent the periphery of the ampitheatre, a support, e.g. a cantilever beam 27, rising above the ampitheatre, a plurality of radial members 33 swingably connected to the beam 27 and extending to the track 57, means, e.g. wheels 61, connected to the ends of the members 33 and movable along the track 57, and a flexible cover 37 associated with the members 33. Each half of the roof is: opened through 180 degrees, like a fan, to cover the full area of the ampitheatre. The inner ends of the members 33, which may be rigid members or cables, are connected to an upright mast 32 on the beam 27, the other ends running on the track 57 carried on a peripheral wall 17 or on a series of columns. The beam 27 may arch across the full area of the amphitheatre, and a series of such arches, interconnecting at the centre, may be used. A pivotal and rotatable connection between cable 33 and mast 32 is provided by securing the end of cable 33 to a trolley 45 running on the annular track formed by inwardly directed flanges on parts 41, 42 fixed to the mast 32, Fig. 3. A similar connection 40 serves for reinforcing cables 36, the latter ends of which are secured to the mid-point of cables 33. A thimble ring 58, Fig. 4, is fixed to the lower end of the cables 33 and an L-shaped bolt 59 secures it to a trolley 60 running on the track. 57. To open or close the roof an endless chain 67 is driven and, through a link 66 and chain 65, serves to pull the trolley 60 round the track 57. Adjacent bolts 59 are spaced by short lengths of chain. Several alternative methods of connecting the cables 33 between the mast 32 and track 57 are described.