WO2007051921A1

WO2007051921A1 - Mast for fixing or tensioning a cloth panel for protecting from sun and rain

Info

Publication number: WO2007051921A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/002440
Authority: WO
Inventors: François RIERA; Mathieu Riera; Julien Riera
Original assignee: Riera Francois; Mathieu Riera; Julien Riera
Priority date: 2005-11-03
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: FR2892748A1; FR2892748B1

Abstract

A mast for fixing and tensioning a cloth panel for protecting against sun or rain comprises a rigid lower section (1) preferably associated or associatable to a base for placing on the ground (6) and a top rigid section (2) provided with means (8) for attaching or winding at least one cable (7), wherein said mast is characterised in that the lower (1) and top (2) sections are assembled to each other by means of an elastic flexion device (3).

Description

Mast for securing and tensioning canvas to shelter from the sun or rain

The present invention relates to a movable mast for fastening and tension of cloths for sheltering from the sun or rain. This advantageous application does not exclude however another use to use this mast as an anchor.

According to the state of the art, the main current means for shelter, outdoors, sun or rain, are:

The parasol,

- The pergola or the bamum,

- The self-standing blind,

- the stretched canvas.

The umbrella or similar articles (EP-1 308 581) are useful for covering small areas, but their wind behavior renders them unusable for larger areas, which limits their use.

The pergola consists of several posts supporting a structure on which is attached a tarpaulin. It can be backed to a wall or independent. It occupies a permanent location. Disadvantage: it takes time and a ladder for the roofing, then the débâcher, operations that one is led to renew often, according to the frequency of the strong winds or the persistent rains. It is very difficult to move and usually implanted permanently.

The self-supporting awning consists of two pillars attached to the ground and supporting a bar that serves as a canvas reel. A crank acting on articulated arms allows the action of the tarpaulin. It is a very practical system, which works like a blind. On the other hand, it is difficult to remove the cover to clean or change it. Finally, under the action of a sustained wind, the presence of two pillars only to hold the wind up of the entire canvas surface can quickly prove to be insufficient.

The stretched canvas mounts like a tent with one (WO-94/27004) or more (WO-91/04382) rigid masts held by cables and stakes planted in the self. This technique requires all the more time and know-how for the assembly, disassembly, the canvas is large. On the other hand, the system with masts held by grounded guy lines limits the space available inside and around the protected area. Indeed, depending on the shape of the canvas, each mast may require up to three guys to neutralize the opposing forces.

The document FR-777.981 relates to an umbrella comprising a central mast provided with an arrangement whose purpose is not to stretch the fabric of said umbrella, but to be able to modify the inclination thereof as a function of the direction of the spokes of the sun, or wind. Such a device does not ensure self-tension of the fabric from one of its edges.

Document DE-8.602.398 gives rise to an identical observation.

The document GB-113.708 describes a central tent pole formed of several sections assembled telescopically, this mast being intended to support the tent fabric by its middle and to ensure the tension thereof from its center and the tension of the securing lashing ropes which may vary in size depending on whether they are wet or dry. This mast of variable height is not flexible, so that it does not allow to ensure self-tension of a canvas from one of the edges thereof.

The invention proposes to provide solutions to the aforementioned problems not solved by the methods and systems of the state of the art and more particularly to the problems arising from the use of stretched cloths.

According to the invention, these problems are solved by means of a mast comprising a rigid lower section, preferably associated or adapted to be associated with a ground-based base, and a rigid upper section provided with means for the attachment or the winding of at least one fastening and tensioning cable of the fabric, connected to an edge of the latter, this mast being more particularly remarkable in that the said lower and upper sections are assembled together by via an elastic bending device, tending, permanently, to return the upper portion in alignment with the lower section when said upper section is bent by a traction force applied by said attachment cable and tension of the canvas, for example under the effect of the wind.

According to a simplified embodiment, this elastic bending device is constituted by a helical spring.

According to another embodiment, the elastic bending device comprises a means providing a flexible connection between the lower and upper sections of the mast and elements having an elastic deformation capacity, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the said lower section, and laterally connecting the upper section to a rigid element disposed around the lower part thereof and rigidly secured to the upper part of said lower section.

The device according to the invention ensures a good tension of the fabric fixed on the mast from a light and mobile structure. This tension provides an increase in the area covered, a decrease in the floating of the fabric stretched to the wind (generator of tears and burst) and it allows the flow of rainwater by a simple slope.

The mast according to the invention has the ability to reduce the effect of a strong wind by absorbing gales.

The invention also has advantages:

- its ease of implementation and use;

- its mobility and flexibility

- its decorative potential - AT -

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general elevational view of a first embodiment of the mast intended for fastening and tensioning the protective fabric of the sun or the rain according to the invention

- Figure 2 is an elevational view and on a larger scale of an alternative embodiment of the lower part of the mast foot, especially for soft ground.

- Figure 3 is an axial sectional view of another embodiment of the elastic bending device connecting the two mast sections.

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Referring to said drawings to describe interesting examples, although not limiting, embodiment of the mast according to the invention.

The mast according to the invention comprises a section or rigid lower part generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and a rigid upper section or portion 2, assembled to one another by an elastic bending device 3 allowing an elastic deflection of the upper section compared to the lower section.

Preferably, the lower section 1 has a length much greater than that of the upper section 2. On the other hand, the lower section 1 has, preferably, an adjustable height. It consists, for example, of two tubular elements 1a, 1b, assembled telescopically, a locking screw 4 (or other locking means) screwed into a nut 5 fixed to the side wall of the lower tubular element 1a, and bearing on the wall of the upper tubular element 1b mounted with a sliding ability in the latter, allows to immobilize said upper tubular element in the desired position of elongation.

The base of the lower section 1 of the mast is preferably provided with a foot or base 6 of implantation on the ground. The base 1c of the lower section 1 of the mast can be permanently attached to the base 6 or be shaped to be removably assembled to said base. The latter comprises, for example, a central sleeve 6a in which can be engaged, by axial sliding, said base 1c of the mast. The base 6 may comprise a plurality of radial ground support branches 6b, for example four equidistant branches which may be provided with extensions 6c and whose free end may be provided with a vertical hole 6d for the passage of a peg (not shown) anchored to the ground.

Alternatively, the immobilization of the mast on hard ground could be obtained:

- by fitting its tubular base 1c in a sleeve permanently embedded in the ground, or,

- By ballasting the base 6, for example by means of counterweight placed on the radial branches of said base.

The mast can also be fixed against an existing pole, for example by means of collars placed around said pole and the lower tubular element 1a of said mast.

The upper section 2 is provided with a hooking or winding means for at least one cable 7.

This means is, for example, constituted by an attachment turret 8 mounted with an axial displacement aptitude around the upper section 2. This turret is arranged to allow the attachment of one or more cables (7) in different directions. . A locking device, for example constituted by a screw-nut system 9, similar to the system 4-5, ensures the immobilization of the turret 8 at the desired height.

The lower section 1 of the mast is equipped with a winch 10 for tensioning or loosening the cable 7 connected to the canvas or tarpaulin T and passing through the turret 8. Of course, this tension could be obtained by d. other means known per se. The elastic bending device connecting the lower section 1 and the upper section 2 of the mast is shaped or arranged to permanently tend to return the upper portion 2 in alignment with the lower section, when said upper portion is subjected to a force traction causing bending of the latter, for example under the effect of wind.

According to the simplified embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the elastic bending device 3 is constituted by a helical spring connecting the lower section 1 and the upper section 2 of the mast. This bending device, according to this example, acts by torsion to achieve the elasticity of the coupling.

According to other exemplary embodiments of the invention, flexible segments of another nature could be used in place of the coil spring.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the base of the mast may be provided with an axial tip 11 facilitating its implementation in loose soil.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate, by way of example, another embodiment of the elastic bending device ensuring the connection of the two mast sections 1 and 2.

According to this second embodiment, this elastic connection device comprises, on the one hand, a means 3 'providing a flexible connection between the lower 1 and upper 2 sections of the mast, and, on the other hand, the elements 13 endowed a capacity of elastic deformation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the lower section and laterally connecting the upper section 2 to a rigid element 12 disposed around the lower part thereof and rigidly secured to the upper part of said lower section 1.

According to the illustrated example, the means ensuring a flexible connection between the lower 1 and upper 2 sections is constituted by a helical spring 3 'acting in torsion. This flexible connection can also be obtained by other means known per se. On the other hand, the upper part of the lower section 1 of the mast ends with a rigid flared and hollow section 12, for example in the shape of a corolla or inverted bell, and integral with the said upper part, while the elements equipped with an elastic deformation capacity are constituted by helical springs 13 wedged, by means of their opposite ends, on the one hand, against the lateral surface of the lower part of the upper section 2 of the mast, and, on the other hand, on the inside of the rigid corolla 12.

The elastic connections represented by the helical springs 13, in the example mentioned above, working in compression and extension on the upper section 2 of the mast, reinforce the tensile strength of the system, in combination with the action of the spring 3 ', thus making it possible to tension larger or heavier tarpaulins, or to make thinner masts with a narrower central spring, but while retaining the tensile strength of the segment, or of the flexible connection, essential to the proper functioning of the device.

The coil springs 13 are arranged equidistant from each other. Figure 4 shows four springs 13 spaced 90 °, but could be provided three springs spaced 120 °, see five springs spaced 72 °, etc.

In the spirit of the invention, it is emphasized that the term "mast" can be considered as the equivalent of any vertically standing part capable of performing a function similar to that just described, such as, for example , poles providing support for the horizontal elements of a pergola.

Claims

Mast for securing and tensioning fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, comprising a rigid lower section (1), preferably associated or adapted to be associated with a ground implantation base (6). ), and a rigid upper section (2) provided with means (8) for attaching or winding at least one cable (7) for fixing and tensioning the fabric, connected to an edge of this last, said lower sections (1) and upper (2) being assembled together by means of an elastic bending device (3) tending, permanently, to recall the upper portion (2) in alignment with the lower section (1) when said upper section is bent by a tensile force applied by said cable (7) for fixing and tensioning the fabric.

2. Mast for securing and tension of fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic bending device is constituted by a helical spring (3).

3. Mast for securing and tension fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic bending device comprises a means (3 ') providing a flexible connection between the lower (1) and upper (2) sections of the mast, and elements (13) having a capacity for elastic deformation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of said lower section (1), and laterally connecting the upper section (1); 2) to a rigid element (12) disposed around the lower part of the latter and secured to the upper part of said lower section (1).

4. Mast for fastening and tension of fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (8) for the attachment of the at least one cable (7) is mounted with a movement latitude along the upper mast section (2) and has a stop and lock means (9) at the desired height.

Mast for securing and tensioning fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to claim 3, characterized in that the means providing a flexible connection between the lower (1) and upper (2) sections. consists of an elastic bending device, preferably constituted by a helical spring (3 ^1).

6. Mast for securing and tensioning fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to one of claims 3 or 5, characterized in that the elements having a capacity of elastic deformation (13) are constituted by helical springs.

Mast for securing and tensioning fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to claim 1, characterized in that a means of tension or relaxation (10) of the tarpaulin or the web (T), for example consisting of a winch, is fixed on the rigid lower section (1) of the mast.

8. Mast for fastening and tension of fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the means (8) for the attachment of the less a cable is constituted by a turret disposed around the upper portion (2) of the mast and arranged to allow the attachment of one or more cables (7) in different directions.

9. Mast for fastening and tension of canvas for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lower section (1) of the mast is made in two parts, a fixed part (1a) integral with the foot (6), and a movable part (1b) slidable in the fixed part of the section (1a) which comprises a stop or blocking mechanism for immobilizing said moving part in the desired position of elongation of the mast.

10. Mast for securing and tensioning fabric for sheltering from the sun or rain, according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot (6) not fixed to the ground is provided with an axial point (11). ) for anchoring the mat especially on soft ground.