US20100101617A1 - Folding structure that can be unfolded and refolded quickly - Google Patents

Folding structure that can be unfolded and refolded quickly Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100101617A1
US20100101617A1 US12/527,157 US52715707A US2010101617A1 US 20100101617 A1 US20100101617 A1 US 20100101617A1 US 52715707 A US52715707 A US 52715707A US 2010101617 A1 US2010101617 A1 US 2010101617A1
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Prior art keywords
folding structure
structure according
folding
upright
unfolding
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Abandoned
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US12/527,157
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English (en)
Inventor
Alain Stehly
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Vitabri SAS
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Vitabri SAS
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Assigned to VITABRI, SOCIETE ANONYME reassignment VITABRI, SOCIETE ANONYME ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: STEHLY, ALAIN
Publication of US20100101617A1 publication Critical patent/US20100101617A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
    • E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means
    • E04H15/50—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means lazy-tongs type
    • 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
    • E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
    • E04H15/46—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type telescoping and foldable

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a folding structure, capable of passing from an unfolded position to a folded position, and vice versa, comprising telescopic uprights including each at least one lower element sliding with respect to an upper element integral with said structure, and which support a collection of mutually-adjacent prismatic box structures, and the walls of which consist of criss-cross longitudinal members articulated in the manner of scissors.
  • the invention also relates to an upright for forming such a structure.
  • This invention is related to the field of knockdown or folding structures designed to be used as a shelter.
  • Such a shelter generally consists of a metallic structure covered, at least in its upper portion, by a covering element forming a roof. Said shelter is most often, in the unfolded position, in the form of a tent having the shape of a cube surmounted by a pyramid.
  • This type of shelter is designed for a specific use, such as a stand or the like, over a certain period, requiring then assembly and disassembly—both simple and fast. This is why existing shelters have been designed to be unfolding, passing from a folded configuration, for their transport and their storage, to an unfolded position, or vice versa. This possibility to fold and unfold the shelter facilitates greatly its assembly in comparison with shelters comprising a structure consisting of longitudinal members, rods or bars that are removable and made integral to each other by means of fastening elements.
  • the folding shelter includes a structure generally consisting of longitudinal members made of a metallic material, for example of aluminum or aluminum compound sections, or also of composite material such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, or the like. Said longitudinal members are articulated between them so as to permit the passing of said shelter from a folded position to an unfolded configuration, or vice versa.
  • the covering element is secured to said structure so that the folding or the unfolding of the shelter does not require the removal of said covering element.
  • the latter is made in the form of a tarpaulin made of textile or plastic material, or the like, flexible and waterproof, fastened to said structure.
  • the existing folding shelters are limited in dimensions because of the bearing capacity of the structure and the weight the articulated longitudinal members support as well as the overall weight of the structure.
  • the existing shelters generally have a maximum ground area of 24 square meters. For larger areas, it is necessary to resort to classical knockdown shelters.
  • Such a structure having a large surface and great height, is necessarily heavier and also more complex than a structure designed uniquely to permit, at ground level, the passage of the public, and the size of which is adjusted to the height standards for the circulation of persons.
  • the weight of a shelter having a large size is, even if light materials are used, a weight, in particular above 100 kg, that cannot be easily handled by one person.
  • the object of the invention is to cope with the disadvantages of the state of the art by offering a folding shelter structure capable of passing from an unfolded position to a folded position, and vice versa, comprising telescopic uprights including each at least one lower element sliding with respect to an upper element integral with said structure, and which support a collection of mutually-adjacent prismatic box structures, and the walls of which consist of crisscross longitudinal members articulated in the manner of scissors, wherein said structure comprises unfolding or re-folding means that are incorporated into said telescopic uprights.
  • said lower element slides inside said upper element.
  • said unfolding or re-folding means are formed of pneumatic jacks.
  • said upper element includes, over the whole or part of its length, guiding means formed of a slide, designed capable of cooperating with rolling means formed of a carriage that slides inside the latter and on which are mounted, in an articulated manner, the ends of longitudinal members said structure comprises.
  • the invention also relates to an upright for forming such a structure.
  • the invention is thus designed to permit its easy implementation with a reduced staff, and even by one person.
  • An advantage of the structure according to the invention resides in that it offers, beyond a ground surface of 24 m 2 , an alternative to the utilization of knockdown structures.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective bottom view of a structure according to the invention in the unfolded position
  • FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic and perspective way, the structure according to the invention, as well as its reinforcement by tension cables;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of an unfolded folding structure according to a symmetry with respect to a plane
  • FIG. 4 shows, in a schematic way, unfolding or re-folding means of a structure according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic elevation view of other means for reinforcing the rigidity of the structure according to the invention shown in the unfolded position;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a structure according to FIG. 5 brought close the ground;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a part of an upright and of the articulation of a structure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the locking/unlocking means of the structure in the unfolded position
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view of the means for reinforcing the rigidity of the structure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic elevation view of a device for collecting rain water at the junction of several folding structures
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the device for collecting rain water at the junction of several folding structures of FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling cross-piece according to the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a horizontal traverse of a structure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a partial schematic perspective view of the junction of a horizontal traverse according to FIG. 13 with an upright;
  • FIG. 15 is a partial schematic perspective view of the junction of two segments of a horizontal traverse according to FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic transversal cross-sectional representation, at the level of the area of junction of its lower portion and of its upper portion, of a particular embodiment of an upright of a structure according to the invention
  • FIG. 17 is a partial schematic elevation view of the end of a lower or upper portion of FIG. 16 , at the level of the junction area;
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional representation of a particular embodiment of an upright of a structure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a partial schematic perspective representation of a rear view of FIG. 15 .
  • This invention relates to a folding structure 1 capable of passing from a folded position of storage or transport to an unfolded position, or vice versa, and designed to form a shelter 2 in the unfolded position.
  • the unfolded position is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Said shelter 2 includes covering means 3 integral with said structure 1 so as to be withdrawn along the latter during the refolding of said shelter 2 .
  • Said covering means 3 can be advantageously in the form of a tarpaulin having a single or double curvature, made of a plastic compound or of any other material. Said tarpaulin is put under lateral tension by the unfolding of the structure 1 .
  • a central pole 4 puts said tarpaulin under vertical tension.
  • Said pole can advantageously be installed in the form of a cam, so as to ascend or descend under the rotating action of a crank, not represented.
  • the covering means 3 form a substantially pyramidal roof. Said roof can be crowned by a cap 5 integral with the upper end of said pole 4 .
  • the structure 1 includes longitudinal members 6 articulated between them so as to form a mesh permitting its folding and unfolding.
  • Said longitudinal members 6 are movable in the manner of accordions on scissor-type articulations 30 so as to permit them to move apart or bring them closer, the extension or contraction of said longitudinal members 6 being carried out transversally in a horizontal plane.
  • the skeleton of the structure 1 formed by the longitudinal members 6 , is designed to give it, through its rigidity, a good wind load resistance.
  • the wind load resistance constitutes the biggest obstacle to the making of large size shelters, whether unfolding or not.
  • the skeleton of the structure is designed in the form of a collection of boxes 20 adjacent to each other, and the walls of which are formed by such longitudinal members 6 articulated in the manner of scissors.
  • the longitudinal members 6 constitute, assembled and articulated by articulations 30 , substantially flat sides 22 of said boxes 20 , the latter being represented in dotted lines.
  • the longitudinal members 6 define between them deformable boxes 20 , juxtaposed to each other, and deforming necessarily together.
  • the longitudinal members 6 on each side 22 are assembled in crisscrosses 21 , in the shape of full lozenges in the center of the structure 1 , and of semi-lozenges at the periphery of the latter.
  • the structure 1 preferably comprises a symmetry of construction with respect to at least one vertical plane passing through its highest point, corresponding to a pole 4 .
  • the structure 1 is symmetric with respect to a vertical axis that passes through its highest point, coinciding with the axis of its pole 4 .
  • the structure 1 is symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry that passes through several high points, having the same or different height.
  • the longitudinal members 6 are arranged so as to remain, during their operation, in planes that are parallel to the axis of symmetry if it exists, or parallel to a vertical axis of the plane of symmetry.
  • each side of the polygon serves as support to an odd number of boxes 20 .
  • said axis is, in the central part of the structure, surrounded by at least one box 20 .
  • This arrangement permits in particular to create oblique bracing means, resting on said box 20 situated at the axis, so as to reinforce the pole 4 passing through the axis of symmetry.
  • the central box 20 thus formed is inscribed in homothetic structures of a larger size.
  • the structure 1 comprises uprights 8 , each comprising telescopic foundation means 7 formed of at least one lower portion 9 and of one upper portion 10 .
  • the invention is also designed to permit its easy implementation by a quite reduced staff, even by one person, with the help of a device for raising, assembling, lowering, and disassembling the structure 1 .
  • the uprights 8 are advantageously equipped, between at least two elements, which they are comprised of, in particular the lower element 9 and the upper element 10 , with unfolding means 40 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • Said unfolding means 40 permit to carry out both the operation of unfolding of each upright 8 proper, by moving apart its lower portion 9 and its upper portion 10 and by thus contributing to the raising of the structure 1 , and the inverse operation of refolding, consisting in getting them closer, during which operation the unfolding means 40 prevent the structure 1 from collapsing, by supporting it during a controlled descent.
  • Said unfolding means 40 can in particular be formed of jacks that are pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical or the like.
  • the unfolding means 40 are formed of one or more light and autonomous pneumatic jacks 41 characterized by the absence of equipment such as a battery or the like. They can also be formed of a series of several small pneumatic jacks 41 , having a small stroke, so as to remain compatible with the small size required in the folded position. Spacers 42 permit, if necessary, to adjust the strokes of such jacks 41 .
  • the assembling can be carried out by a quite small team, and even by one person, without any particular muscular effort. Moreover, one can thus avoid any risk of jamming or falling during the operation.
  • all the guides are of the type plastic on aluminum alloy, so as to reduce friction as much as possible.
  • Said unfolding means 40 permit to ensure, besides the functions of raising and lowering the structure 1 , the non-return function by maintaining in position, and, something quite appreciable on uneven ground, the balancing between the different uprights 8 .
  • the structure also comprises advantageously means for moving on the ground by sliding or rolling.
  • unfolding means 40 makes also possible the creation of shelter structures comprising uprights 8 comprised each, besides of a lower element 9 and of an upper element 10 , of intermediate elements.
  • one or more secondary unfolding means 25 are positioned inside the articulated crisscrosses 21 that are formed, together, on the side of the boxes 20 , which the structure is formed of, by the various longitudinal members 6 .
  • the latter define a collection of lozenges or of semi-lozenges.
  • the unfolding is assisted either by installing secondary unfolding means 25 at the level of the diagonals of the lozenges the length of which will increase during the unfolding, or by installing them at the level of the diagonals the length of which will diminish during the unfolding.
  • Said secondary unfolding means 25 are also designed to reinforce the structure with respect to vertical stresses, such as the load constituted by the snow on the covering means 3 . They maintain the diagonal spacing, and permit to limit the deformation of the structure 1 under the load.
  • the secondary unfolding means 25 are made analogous to the unfolding means 40 , and are preferably formed of pneumatic jacks.
  • the folding structures 1 advantageously include first locking/unlocking means 80 in the folded position, associated to first complementary means 81 .
  • the upper element 10 comprises, in a preferred embodiment, over the whole or part of its length, guiding means, such as a slide 13 , designed capable of cooperating with rolling means integral with and articulated to the structure 1 .
  • Said rolling means include a carriage 12 that slides inside the slide 13 .
  • Said carriage 12 supports the longitudinal members 6 adjacent to said upright 8 and articulated, at the level of their ends, to the latter for the unfolding of the structure 1 .
  • the slide 13 is also designed to act as support for equipment for transporting fluids, power, communication means, in the form of kits fitting closely and comprising means for locking in the slide 13 .
  • means for connecting to power supply or/and to communication means can be designed in the form of packs of electrical, optical, or other sockets, advantageously integrated in the uprights 8 .
  • the first locking/unlocking means 80 are formed, in a preferred application, of a finger 82 a carriage 12 sliding inside or outside an upright 8 comprises.
  • the complementary means 81 are then formed of a recess 83 made in the same upright 8 and designed capable of receiving said finger 82 .
  • the finger 82 is equipped with elastic restoring means, such as a spring 86 , tending to push said finger 82 into a locking position in said recess 83 , gripping means 88 such as a stud permit to release the finger 82 from the recess 83 , for the unlocking operation.
  • the means 80 and 81 can also be formed of a hook cooperating with a stop such as a pin or an axle, or vice versa.
  • the folding structures according to the invention advantageously include second locking or unlocking means 90 in the unfolded position, associated to second complementary means 91 .
  • Their configuration can be analogous to the means 80 and 81 described above.
  • the complete unfolding of the structure corresponds to the situation in which the carriage 12 sliding in or on the upright 8 reaches its position that is farthest away from the ground.
  • a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 8 , consists of locking/unlocking means 90 in the form of a handle 92 .
  • Said handle 92 is articulated on an axis 94 in the median position which is installed integral with the upright 8 , it comprises, at a first end 95 , a hook 96 that is designed capable of cooperating with complementary means 91 such as a trunnion or an axis the carriage 12 comprises, for example at the level of a lug 93 .
  • Elastic restoring means 99 such as a spring, tend to cause the hook 96 to cooperate with the axle 91 .
  • the handle 92 comprises, at a second end 97 , an operating butt 98 the action of which permits to cancel the action of the restoring means 99 , and to release the hook 96 from the axle 91 .
  • FIG. 5 Other optional locking means are advantageously as shown in FIG. 5 , comprised of one or more tension cables 45 connecting between them at least two uprights 8 , of the upper portion of the unfolded structure, by means of pulleys or guiding axles or the like, and designed capable of being tightened, once the structure 1 is completely unfolded, for example with the help of an eccentric handle or the like.
  • the advancement of such tension cables 45 takes place inside the components of the structure 1 , in particular of the longitudinal members 6 and of the upper portions 10 of the uprights 8 .
  • the latter are advantageously equipped with means for guiding and reversing said tension cables 45 .
  • other tension cables 23 are also advantageously used so as to reinforce the structure 1 , completing the sides 22 of the boxes 20 , which the structure 1 is formed of: said sides 22 of boxes are constituted by the crisscrosses 21 , in the form of juxtaposed lozenges or semi-lozenges.
  • the tension cables 23 are then used for completing the virtual structure of the sides 22 of the boxes 20 , in the form of straight lines substantially parallel to the ground, at the level of the articulations 30 , of the highest 23 A or/and lowest 23 B level of said sides 22 of boxes 20 .
  • bases 11 , or/and lower portions 9 of the uprights 8 are advantageously arranged so as to receive the fastening of tie-rods 70 , in particular telescopic-rods, ensuring an additional stiffening, as well as a perfect parallelism of the uprights 8 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • tie-rods 70 are designed to operate both in traction and during buckling in compression. Said tie-rods 70 thus improve the resistance of the structure to conditions of extremely bad weather, considerable snowfalls, or violent winds parallel to the ground.
  • Said tie-rods 70 arranged preferably near the ground, can in particular be equipped with means for receiving curtains or partitions such as lower hooks or tighteners, or also be equipped with thresholds.
  • the latter equipment is particularly interesting when the shelter is designed to be provided with a floor that is both delimited and immobilized by the tie-rods 70 .
  • the integral connection is made easily by means of fastening elements such as shackles in the upper portions, and such as beta pins at the level of the bases 11 on the ground.
  • the locking means are constituted in the form of at least one longitudinal member-hook 100 , which is articulated around an upper articulation 101 of at least one articulated crisscross 21 .
  • This longitudinal member-hook 100 is provided at its lower portion with a hook 103 designed capable of cooperating with a trunnion 104 , or the like, a lower articulation 102 situated on the vertical of said upper articulation 101 comprises.
  • the longitudinal member-hook 100 remains, under the effect of gravity, substantially parallel to the uprights 8 during the unfolding of the structure and the raising of the lower articulations 102 .
  • Said hook 103 or said trunnion 104 preferably comprises means for immobilization in relative position with respect to each other, either by deformation, or through elastic restoring means such as a spring, or also through additional means for maintaining in position.
  • Said longitudinal members-hooks 100 thus permit, simply and efficiently, to reinforce the rigidity of the structure, through simple interlocking of the hooks 103 with the trunnions 104 , in particular in case of severe meteorological conditions. They maintain then the diagonal spacing and permit to limit the deformation of the structure under the load.
  • a cross-piece 60 has been offered, as shown in FIG. 12 , designed to be fixed at the periphery of the unfolded structure, on the end of each longitudinal member 6 bearing the tarpaulin 3 at the level of a fastener or of a fastening screw.
  • Said cross-piece 60 which can advantageously include a folding lock, has a lower portion having a shape fit, for example in the form of a hook, for receiving and coupling at least one horizontal traverse 61 .
  • Said horizontal traverse 61 is suspended, it comprises itself preferably a slot 62 in the lower portion at the level of a runway for roller-type curtain fasteners, or the like.
  • horizontal traverses 61 are designed capable of being hitched, after the unfolding of the folding structure 1 , at the level of the upper portions 10 of the uprights 8 , in particular in cooperation with one or more recesses 131 said upper portions 10 include.
  • Such a horizontal traverse 61 is preferably articulated so as to have a reduced size in the refolded position, compatible with that of the folding structure 1 itself. It then comprises at least one hinge 601 also acting as an extension stop in the unfolded position, as shown in FIG. 19 .
  • the horizontal traverse 61 comprises in particular at least a channel and a chamber for receiving lateral tarpaulins designed to form partitions of the folding structure 1 , and their suspension casters.
  • the structure 1 is designed to resist to strong meteorological stresses, for example along the seashore or in the mountains.
  • the structure 1 incorporates at least one reinforcement 130 , designed capable of cooperating with the upper portion 10 of the upright 8 , and the horizontal adjacent traverse 61 , so as to rigidify their connection, once the structure 1 is unfolded, the horizontal traverses 61 are mounted, and after the immobilization of said reinforcement 130 with the help of locking means 133 .
  • the upper portion 10 of the upright 8 comprises then a recess 131 designed capable of receiving the reinforcement 130 by means of sliding.
  • Said reinforcement is actually enclosed in a horizontal traverse 61 , at the level of a recess 132 the latter includes.
  • the reinforcement 130 is operated manually, in the manner of a bolt, through operating means, which preferably also constitute locking means 133 .
  • the reinforcement 130 comprises a finger 137 protruding at the level of a channel 136 made in the horizontal traverse 61 .
  • Said finger 137 serves as a support for the axis 135 of an eccentric lever 134 , used for unlocking, operating in translation, and locking the reinforcement 130 with respect to the horizontal traverse 61 .
  • each upright 8 comprises two recesses 131 for cooperating with two adjacent horizontal traverses 61 .
  • the structure 1 preferably incorporates at least one reinforcement 130 , designed capable of cooperating with two adjacent segments 602 and 603 of a horizontal traverse 61 , so as to rigidify their connection, once said traverse 61 is unfolded and resting on its hinge 601 , and after the immobilization of said reinforcement 130 with the help of locking means 133 .
  • the same type of reinforcement 130 can be used, as shown in FIG. 15 , in order to reinforce the junction of the two adjacent segments 602 and 603 of a horizontal traverse 61 after complete unfolding of the latter.
  • the reinforcement 130 slides in the recesses 132 of the two adjacent segments 602 and 603 , and secures them from the inside.
  • the reinforcement 130 is immobilized with the help of locking means 133 of the abovementioned type.
  • all connections between segments 602 and 603 include such a reinforcement 130 .
  • the crisscrosses 21 of the folding structure 1 include such cross-pieces 60 for holding the covering means 3 , in particular in the form of a tarpaulin, and for coupling a horizontal traverse 61 .
  • the cross-piece 60 advantageously comprises an arm designed capable of bearing the covering means 3 , and of maintaining them sufficiently apart from the mechanical elements during the unfolding and folding operations, so as to avoid any jamming.
  • folding structures according to the invention should be capable of being unfolded on any type of terrain, in particular an uneven terrain, it is important to be able to adjust its position with respect to the ground.
  • the cross-piece 60 that is mounted integral with the folding structure 1 is also mounted integral, based on a pivoting connection, with a junction piece 140 .
  • Said junction piece 140 is designed capable of reinforcing, from the outside, the junction of the two segments 602 , 603 of a horizontal traverse 61 adjacent to each other, on the outside of which it is designed capable of being immobilized by rapid immobilization means 141 , such as quarter-turn nuts or similar.
  • the junction piece 140 preferably has a U-shaped section, which straddles the adjacent segments 602 and 603 .
  • the junction piece 140 can be left permanently on the folding structure 1 , or be mounted on the cross-piece 60 after the unfolding of the structure 1 .
  • the pivoting connection between the cross-piece 60 and the junction piece 140 is made at the level of a pivot 142 the latter comprises. It is obvious that it is then easy, during the subsequent assembling of the corresponding horizontal traverse 61 , to adjust at will the angular position of the latter, in so far as the recesses 131 of the upper portions 10 of the uprights 8 are designed to allow a clearance permitting this adjustment before immobilization.
  • Said cross-piece device 60 receiving a horizontal traverse 61 can also be used for creating mid-height divisions, of the type ⁇ American bar>>, at the periphery of the shelter, or even for partitioning the latter.
  • the covering means or tarpaulins 3 of the adjacent structures in such a composition of shelters are connected, at their periphery, through discharging means such as a conical gutter 50 , preferably coupled to the tarpaulins 3 of the respective shelters through Velcro fasteners, as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • said conical gutter 50 permits to carry off rainwater toward a collection means 51 , which can be situated at the point of confluence of several adjacent shelters, before draining through a down pipe, either flexible or rigid, below the level of the floor or of the ground.
  • the arrangement of the uprights 8 and of the bases 11 is designed to permit the juxtaposition in a square of four uprights 8 of four different shelters, and to constitute between them a channel capable of receiving the collection means 51 in the upper portion, and the down pipe underneath.
  • the horizontal traverse 61 also comprises a waterproof compartment 63 designed capable of receiving electrical circuits or the like.
  • the electrical supply of a shelter according to the invention is, in a particularly advantageous manner, provided by photovoltaic cells at the level of the covering means 3 or strips at the periphery of the latter, or also by means of batteries.
  • the maintenance of the tarpaulin 3 at the level of the angles can advantageously be made with the help of a mechanical shackle for coupling the guying.
  • bases 11 are preferably equipped with orifices for receiving pickets, in case of setting up the shelter structure on a loose soil.
  • the pole 4 can assume different configurations, solid or pierced, and in particular for receiving or constituting a lightning rod. In a particular application, it is also designed capable of receiving an anemometer, so as to measure the basic dynamic pressure due to the wind.
  • the structure 1 according to the invention is preferably provided with different physical quantity sensors, in particular, at the level of the longitudinal members 6 and/or of the articulations 30 , with strain gauges permitting to measure the overload due to snow.
  • the installation of a processing unit permits the recording of the values of said physical quantities, their comparison with instructions, and the activation of signals, for example for setting off an evacuation alarm if meteorological conditions constrain the owner of the structure to start its evacuation, according to the national standards, if the basic dynamic pressure and the snow overload exceed the thresholds defined by the regulations.
  • the latter in a preferred embodiment, comprises, at the level of at least one upright 8 , means 108 for receiving signalization means 109 , in particular in the form of a rabbet 110 for receiving a light garland 120 or a string of LEDs or the like forming said signalization means 109 .
  • each upright 8 includes each such a rabbet 110 , in the preferred form of a groove, 111 and 112 respectively, designed capable of receiving, either a single garland 120 , or garlands 121 and 122 respectively in the grooves 111 and 112 .
  • the cross-section of said groove 111 or 112 is circular, so as to receive a garland 120 or 121 or 122 having a round cross-section, the groove is secant with the external profile of the respective cross-section, so as to make the signalization means 109 visible on at least one portion of their periphery.
  • the garlands 121 and 122 are advantageously designed capable of cooperating, when the lower portion 9 and the upper portion 10 of the upright 8 are completely set apart, at the level of a junction permitting their electrical continuity.
  • the rabbet 110 is also designed capable of receiving a piping 115 a tarpaulin, a curtain, or any other lateral occultation means 116 of the folding structure comprises.
  • Said grooves 111 and 112 are aligned.
  • the groove 111 of the lower portion 9 preferably comprises, at least at its upper end, an opening 113 permitting to pass the piping frontally inside the section.
  • the groove 112 of the upper portion 10 comprises, at least at its lower end, an opening 114 analogous to the opening 113 . Similar openings can also be made at the other ends of the lower 9 or upper 10 portions of an upright 8 .
  • Such a lateral occultation means 116 can also advantageously be fixed to the covering means 3 , in particular at the level of a horizontal connecting panel, through coupling means designed capable of cooperating with complementary coupling means, such as Velcro or the like.
  • the structure thus equipped has then very good waterproofing qualities during bad weather, and its thermal equilibrium can be ensured better.
  • Said signalization means 109 are designed capable of being supplied with power through autonomous power supply means, for example photovoltaic and/or eolian means, the covering means 3 being then made of materials that are appropriate for this utilization.
  • the power supply of garlands of LEDs can also, considering their very small consumption, advantageously be made by at least one battery; for example a small cell or domestic battery of 12V is sufficient for supplying, for 48 hours, a garland of 400 meters of LEDs.
  • Such signalization means 109 can also be integrated in the covering means 3 , or even in the lateral occultation means 116 .
  • such a structure can thus advantageously be used as a greenhouse or plants forcing framework.
  • the invention also relates to an upright 8 for constructing such a structure 1 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
US12/527,157 2007-02-27 2007-08-07 Folding structure that can be unfolded and refolded quickly Abandoned US20100101617A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0753514 2007-02-27
FR0753514A FR2913043B1 (fr) 2007-02-27 2007-02-27 Structure pliable a developpement et repliement rapide.
PCT/FR2007/051792 WO2008104645A1 (fr) 2007-02-27 2007-08-07 Structure pliable a deploiement et repliement rapides

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FR2007/051792 A-371-Of-International WO2008104645A1 (fr) 2007-02-27 2007-08-07 Structure pliable a deploiement et repliement rapides

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/212,296 Continuation-In-Part US8662096B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2011-08-18 Folding structure that can be unfolded and refolded quickly

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Publication Number Publication Date
US20100101617A1 true US20100101617A1 (en) 2010-04-29

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/527,157 Abandoned US20100101617A1 (en) 2007-02-27 2007-08-07 Folding structure that can be unfolded and refolded quickly

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20100101617A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP2118408B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN101657588A (zh)
ES (1) ES2584908T3 (zh)
FR (1) FR2913043B1 (zh)
PL (1) PL2118408T3 (zh)
WO (1) WO2008104645A1 (zh)

Cited By (13)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8746267B2 (en) 2012-10-01 2014-06-10 Bravo Sports Height-adjustable canopy leg
USD736884S1 (en) 2013-07-16 2015-08-18 Bravo Sports Adjustable locking leg assembly
US9528292B1 (en) 2013-08-09 2016-12-27 Bravo Sports Canopy with overhang
USD774815S1 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-12-27 Bravo Sports Shade cover
US9683387B2 (en) 2012-12-07 2017-06-20 Bravo Sports Canopy shelter link point
US9797157B2 (en) 2014-03-04 2017-10-24 Shelterlogic Corp. Canopy with detachable awning
US9867466B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2018-01-16 Shelterlogic Corp. Foldable chair
US10072439B2 (en) 2012-10-02 2018-09-11 Shelterlogic Corp. Sliding-eave mount mechanism for canopy structure
US20180328073A1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2018-11-15 Vitabri Folding shelter structure device
CN113530350A (zh) * 2021-07-29 2021-10-22 周颖 帐篷的搭建及拆卸方法
USD967322S1 (en) * 2020-12-03 2022-10-18 Marietta Inc Camping tent
US20220349208A1 (en) * 2021-05-03 2022-11-03 Brian Goldwitz Pop Up Canopy
USD1030094S1 (en) * 2021-03-30 2024-06-04 Mark Andrew Fraser Collapsible shelter

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105064779A (zh) * 2015-07-10 2015-11-18 钟传发 一种帐篷用伸缩滑轨结构
FR3114114A1 (fr) 2020-09-16 2022-03-18 Vitabri Construction à couverture souple avec mât central lumineux équipé de LED
CN114809796A (zh) * 2022-03-28 2022-07-29 蔚孜电子商务（上海）有限公司 可收折帐篷

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US20040134529A1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2004-07-15 Heinz Stoeckler Side cover for a collapsible tent
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US20040154653A1 (en) * 2002-12-05 2004-08-12 Louis Brutsaert Device for operating a sun shade, an umbrella or the like
US20050045217A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Clarke Dougan H. Height adjustable umbrella assembly
US20050241688A1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2005-11-03 Weidan Wu Portable collapsible tent
US7246779B2 (en) * 2002-12-18 2007-07-24 Suspa Incorporated Telescopic legs and tables
US7275555B2 (en) * 2002-12-24 2007-10-02 Powell & Powell Supply Company, Inc. Canopy truss

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FR2849668B1 (fr) * 2003-01-06 2005-09-30 Boi Xavier Olivier Do Systeme de chandelle auto-bloquante pour tente a deploiement rapide
FR2893653B1 (fr) * 2005-11-18 2008-01-11 Vitabri Sa Montant telescopique pour structure pliable et telle structure

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1912425A (en) * 1931-12-05 1933-06-06 Henry J Baumer Collapsible shelter
US4885891A (en) * 1988-08-30 1989-12-12 Lynch James P Reinforcement member for an extendible scissors truss
US5244001A (en) * 1991-01-04 1993-09-14 Lynch James P Collapsible canopy framework having captured scissor ends with non-compressive pivots
US5144780A (en) * 1991-03-25 1992-09-08 Gieling Thomas G Portable structure
US5203055A (en) * 1992-01-22 1993-04-20 Broadwater Sr Thomas D Snap assembly for securing flexible coverings
US5634483A (en) * 1995-12-15 1997-06-03 Gwin; Robert E. Canopy support system
US5806549A (en) * 1996-12-24 1998-09-15 Tracy Love Collapsible shelter for vehicle
US6089247A (en) * 1998-08-12 2000-07-18 Price; Walter L. Collapsible frame
US6374843B1 (en) * 1999-08-21 2002-04-23 Yinong Zou Support structure for collapsible shelter
US20020074032A1 (en) * 1999-10-09 2002-06-20 Jong-Wha Park Frame assembly for folding tents
US20040134529A1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2004-07-15 Heinz Stoeckler Side cover for a collapsible tent
US6588361B2 (en) * 2000-12-07 2003-07-08 Harris Kayot, Inc. Cover fastening system
US6763633B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2004-07-20 Roger Côté Portable enclosure
US20040154653A1 (en) * 2002-12-05 2004-08-12 Louis Brutsaert Device for operating a sun shade, an umbrella or the like
US7246779B2 (en) * 2002-12-18 2007-07-24 Suspa Incorporated Telescopic legs and tables
US7275555B2 (en) * 2002-12-24 2007-10-02 Powell & Powell Supply Company, Inc. Canopy truss
US20050241688A1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2005-11-03 Weidan Wu Portable collapsible tent
US20050045217A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Clarke Dougan H. Height adjustable umbrella assembly

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8746267B2 (en) 2012-10-01 2014-06-10 Bravo Sports Height-adjustable canopy leg
US10072439B2 (en) 2012-10-02 2018-09-11 Shelterlogic Corp. Sliding-eave mount mechanism for canopy structure
US9683387B2 (en) 2012-12-07 2017-06-20 Bravo Sports Canopy shelter link point
USD932580S1 (en) 2013-07-16 2021-10-05 Shelterlogic Corp. Lock for an adjustable locking leg assembly
USD736884S1 (en) 2013-07-16 2015-08-18 Bravo Sports Adjustable locking leg assembly
US9528292B1 (en) 2013-08-09 2016-12-27 Bravo Sports Canopy with overhang
US9797157B2 (en) 2014-03-04 2017-10-24 Shelterlogic Corp. Canopy with detachable awning
USD774815S1 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-12-27 Bravo Sports Shade cover
US9867466B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2018-01-16 Shelterlogic Corp. Foldable chair
US20180328073A1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2018-11-15 Vitabri Folding shelter structure device
US10662667B2 (en) * 2015-11-16 2020-05-26 Vitabri Folding shelter structure device
USD967322S1 (en) * 2020-12-03 2022-10-18 Marietta Inc Camping tent
USD1030094S1 (en) * 2021-03-30 2024-06-04 Mark Andrew Fraser Collapsible shelter
US20220349208A1 (en) * 2021-05-03 2022-11-03 Brian Goldwitz Pop Up Canopy
US11891830B2 (en) * 2021-05-03 2024-02-06 Brian Goldwitz Pop up canopy
CN113530350A (zh) * 2021-07-29 2021-10-22 周颖 帐篷的搭建及拆卸方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2584908T3 (es) 2016-09-30
WO2008104645A1 (fr) 2008-09-04
PL2118408T3 (pl) 2017-02-28
CN101657588A (zh) 2010-02-24
EP2118408A1 (fr) 2009-11-18
FR2913043A1 (fr) 2008-08-29
FR2913043B1 (fr) 2010-11-12
EP2118408B1 (fr) 2016-05-04

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