WO2010003515A2

WO2010003515A2 - Portable enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2010003515A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/004328
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Stephen Patrick Brady
Original assignee: Michael Stephen Patrick Brady
Priority date: 2008-06-16
Filing date: 2009-06-16
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: WO2010003515A3

Abstract

A portable enclosure comprising a plurality of support arms and a canopy connected to and supportable by the support arms, the support arms being movable between a collapsed or folded configuration, in which the support arms lie side by side, and an erected configuration, in which the support arms are erected in spaced apart arrangement supporting the canopy to define an enclosure.

Description

Portable Enclosure

This invention relates to a portable enclosure and in particular to a portable enclosure that can be readily reconfigured between a folded configuration for transport or storage and an erected configuration.

Typically portable enclosures, such as marquees, are used to provide temporary accommodation for events and outdoor activities. Such structures typically comprise a complex framework of structural members over which is placed one or more canopy sheets and side members to define an enclosure. Such structures are complex and time consuming to assemble and difficult to transport. While smaller tents are provided which are easier and quicker to assembly, typically comprising a canopy having a plurality of elongate sleeves through which are slid supporting poles, such known structures are only practical for small scale structures.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable enclosure that is quicker and easier to transport and assemble and which can provide relatively large enclosures for outdoor events, such as weddings, concerts, sporting events or any other event where a temporary enclosure is required.

According to the invention there is provided a portable enclosure comprising a plurality of support arms and a canopy connected to and supportable by the support arms, the support arms being movable between a collapsed or folded configuration, in which the support arms lie side by side, and an erected configuration, in which the support arms are erected in spaced apart arrangement supporting the canopy to define an enclosure. Preferably the canopy is substantially free from loading when the support arms are in their erected configuration.

Preferably one or more flexible elongate tensile members, such as straps or webbing, extend between adjacent support arms, said tensile members arranged to be under tension when the support members are in their erected configuration.

Preferably the canopy is connected to said support arms via connection members slidably mounted on the support arms, to enable said canopy to slide along the support arm whereby the support arms to folded and moved to their folded storage or transport position without placing strain on the canopy. In one embodiment, said connection members comprise carriage means slidably mounted upon elongate rod sections, said elongate rod sections being mounted on said support arms.

Preferably said plurality of support arms are arranged substantially parallel to one another, at least when in said folded configuration. Preferably said support arms are arranged to extend across the width of the enclosure when in said erected configuration.

Preferably two or more of said support arms, preferably the endmost support arms of said plurality of arms, are arranged to lie substantially horizontally to define end regions of the enclosure when in said erected configuration.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Fig. 1 is a side view of a portable enclosure according to a first embodiment of the present invention in its erected configuration;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the portable enclosure of Fig. 1 with internal bracing struts shown in dotted lines;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the portable enclosure of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an end view of the portable enclosure of Fig 1;

Fig. 5 is an end view of the portable enclosure of Fig. 1 with internal bracing struts shown in dotted lines; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an end region of a portable enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention with the canopy omitted for clarity;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the end region of Fig. 6 in an erected configuration;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the end region of Fig. 6 in a folded configuration;

Fig. 9 is an end view of the end region of Fig. 6; Fig. 1 OA is a further side view of the portable enclosure of Fig.1 ;

Fig. 1OB is a further side view of the portable enclosure of Fig. 1 in a shortened configuration;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view through the portable enclosure of Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is a plan view of the portable enclosure of Fig. 1 in its folded configuration for transportation, for example on the bed of a flat bed truck;

Fig. 13 is side view of the portable enclosure of Fig. 1 in its folded configuration; Fig. 14 is a plan view of a support channel of a portable enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 15 is a side view of the support channel of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a side view of a restraining plate of the portable enclosure of Fig. 13; Fig. 17 is a further side view of the restraining plate of Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a sectional end view of the restraining plate of Fig. 16; Fig. 19 is a detailed view of a canopy connection arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the canopy connection arrangement of Fig. 19; Fig 21 is a perspective view of the canopy connection arrangement of Fig. 19; Fig. 22A is a sectional view through a canopy connection arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 22B is a sectional view through a canopy connection arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 23 is a view of a support arm of the portable enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 24 is a view of a support arm of a portable enclosure according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 25 is a detailed view of a central hinge of the support arm of Fig. 24 in an erected configuration;

Fig. 26 is a detailed view of the central hinge of the support arm of Fig. 24 in a folded or collapsed configuration;

Fig. 27 is a detailed view of a side hinge of the support arm of Fig. 24 in an erected configuration;

Fig. 28 is a detailed view of the side hinge of the support arm of Fig. 24 in a folded or collapsed configuration; Figs 29 through 38 are plan views showing the installation of a portable enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention from its folded configuration on a truck to its erected configuration; Figs. 39 to 48 illustrate the installation of a portable enclosure according to a further embodiment of the present invention from its folded configuration on a purpose built trailer to its erected configuration;

Fig. 49 A shows an end of a support arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 49B shows the end of the support arm of Fig. 49A in an extended configuration; and Fig. 50 shows the support arm of Fig. 49A located in a guide channel mounted upon an adjustable support member.

As shown in the drawings, a portable enclosure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of transverse, substantially parallel, arch shaped support arms 2 defining supporting ribs supporting a canopy 3 comprising a flexible membrane attached to the supporting arms 2 extending over at least an upper region of the enclosure. The canopy 3 may comprise a plurality of canopy sections extending between adjacent pairs of support arms.

As will be described in more detail below, the support arms 2 are moveable between a folded configuration for transport and storage of the enclosure, wherein the support arms 2 lie side by side in stacked relationship, and an erected configuration, wherein the support arms 2 are erected in upright spaced apart arrangement supporting the canopy 3.

End regions of the enclosure 1 are respectively defined by the four outermost support arms 2a,2b,2c,2d at each end of the enclosure. In one embodiment the outermost support arms are pivotally connected together at a common pivot axis 4 at distal or lower ends thereof, such that the endmost support arm 2a of each group can pivot from an upright position to a horizontal deployed position wherein said endmost support arm 2a is laid on the ground when the enclosure is in its erected configuration. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 6, 7 8 and 9, the ends outermost support arms a2,2b,2c and 2d may be pivotally connected to a common base section 200, the pivot axis of each support arm 2a,2b,2c,2d being arranged on the base section 200 such that the outermost support arms lie alongside one another in parallel relationship when the support arms are in their folded configuration, as shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, each base section 200 may be provided with ground engaging wheels 202 to allow the base section 200 and attached support arms to be moved along the ground as the support arms 2 are moved from their folded to their erected configuration.

Respective gearing means, which may be motorised, may be provided to enable the outermost support arms of each end region of the enclosure to be pivoted between their upright and their deployed positions during erection and dismantling of the enclosure. Alternatively winch means (204, Figs. 7 and 8) may be provided for raising and lowering the outermost support arms between their erected and folded configurations.

The endmost support arms 2a may include or comprise hollow sections or tanks which may be filled with water or sand or other ballasting material to provide stability and to prevent movement of said endmost support arms once in position on the ground.

Tensioning bands, straps or webbing (not shown) extend between adjacent support arms at multiple locations between the support arms for holding the support arms 2 at the correct spacing when in their erected configuration and for avoiding excessive loading of the canopy. Therefore the canopy is not load bearing, unlike traditional tunnel tents.

The erected configuration of the support arms 2 and enclosure 1 is shown in Figs. 1 to 5, 1OA and 1OB.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, internal bracing struts 5 may be connected between the supporting arms 2 to reinforce the structure when in its erected configuration. Such internal bracing struts may be optional, possibly for use only when the enclosure is to be used in adverse weather conditions. The internal bracing struts 5 may be detachable from the supporting arms 2 or may be pivotally connected thereto to be folded with the support arms.

Flexible doors, transparent windows and frames in rubber or plastic may be incorporated at selected locations throughout the canopy as necessary to facilitate access and egress. Such doors may be integral to the structure or separable therefrom. These windows, doors and frames also fold with the canopy membrane or may be detachable from the enclosure when not in use, along with detachable side portions of the enclosure. Separate door assemblies 6, incorporating canopies or porches, may be attached to openings in the canopy. Each support arm 2 comprises an upper canopy supporting section 10 having a hinged joint

11 about which the canopy supporting section 10 is foldable, and opposing upright sections 12a, 12b on either side of the canopy supporting section 10, each upright section 12a, 12b being pivotally connected to the canopy supporting section 10, such that each support arm 2 can be foldable about a respective hinged joints 1 l,13a,13b between a operative configuration, as shown in Figs. 6 and 11, and a compact collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 12.

Locking means 30 may be provided for locking the hinged joints between each section of each support arm 2 together when the respective support arm is in its operative configuration. The locking means 30 may be remotely actuable, for example by electrical solenoids, or may comprise fastening means, such as bolts, screws or clips, as illustrated in Figs. 25 to 28.. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 25 to 28, the locking means 30 comprise cooperating locking plates 32A, 32B provided on each side of each hinged joint, the locking plates 32A,32B having apertures brought into aligned when the support arm is in its operative configuration, through which aligned apertures can be passed securing bolts 34.

Wheels (not shown) may be provided at lower ends of each support arm, and on an outer side face of each endmost support arm 2a, to enable the support arms to be moved along the ground during erection of the enclosure. The wheels may be provided with a braking or locking means. One or more of the wheels may be provided with, or be connectable to, a drive means to enable the respective support arm to be driven along the ground. Said driven support arm, preferably one of the endmost support arms 2a, may tow the remaining support arms into their erected position. The lower ends of each support arm may be telescopically extendable to level the enclosure and/or take account of uneven ground.

The canopy 3 may include separable sections. For example, the canopy may comprise separable side sections 7 (see Fig. 1) covering the upright sections 12a, 12b of the support arms 2. Said separable side sections 7 may be attachable to the support arms 2 and the remainder of the canopy 3 once the support arms 2 have been moved to their erected configuration. Alternatively such separable sections 7 may remain connected to the canopy 3 and support arms 2 when the support arms are moved between their erected can folded configurations. The canopy 3 is preferably formed from a suitable flexible waterproof self-cleaning material, such as PVC or similar polymeric sheet material. A lining may be provided within the canopy, attached to the canopy and/or the support arms, to provide an inner structure to the enclosure. The canopy can also incorporate porous material therein to assist natural ventilation of the enclosed space.

The separable side sections 7 may be formed from one or more rigid panels and may be attached to the canopy 3 after the enclosure has been erected.

The side sections 7 may be removable, or may be omitted, to enable adjacent identical portable enclosures to be attached to one another in side by side relationship to create a single larger enclosure. Where adjacent enclosures are joined in side by side relationship, flexible or rigid elongate guttering means may be located over the join between the adjacent enclosures to carry away rain water and prevent leakages. Alternatively, or additionally, one or both of the end sections of the enclosure may be detachable from the remainder of the enclosure to enable two or more enclosures to be connected together in end to end relationship.

As shown in Fig. 1OA and 1OB, the overall length of the enclosure may be reduced by locking two or more mutually adjacent support arms 2x, 2y together in side by side relationship such that the support arms 2x,2y remain locked together when the enclosure 1 is in its erected configuration.

The folded configuration of the support arms 2 and enclosure 1 is shown in Figs. 12 and 13. In such folded configuration, the support arms 2 are laid side by side in stacked relationship, and are folded about the respective pivot axes 11,13a, 13b to fit upon a bed 50 of a flat bed truck, as shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the distal ends of the upright sections on each side of the support arms 2 are located in a respective channel 20 to hold the support arms 2 in alignment. Such channels 20 may be used during deployment of the enclosure to guide movement of the support between their folded and erected configuration. As shown in Fig. 14, the channels may be provided with laterally extending mounting plates 21 having apertures for receiving stakes or pegs to fix the channels in position. As shown in Fig. 15, the channels 20 may be mounted on supports 22 to space the channels from the ground where the enclosure is placed on uneven ground. Extension sections 2OA may be attachable to the channels to extend the channels along the length of the enclosure. The supports 22 may be adapted to vary the height at which the channel 20 is supported to allow the enclosure 1 to be placed on uneven ground and to be levelled.

Connecting means may be provided for locking the support arms together in side by side relationship when in their folded configuration.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the connecting means may comprise linking plates 25 extending between adjacent pairs of support arms 2, each linking plate 25 comprising a substantially rectangular plate having a pair of parallel transverse slots 26a,26b which are adapted to be slid over projections 27, such as bolts, provided on adjacent pairs of support arms 2, such that adjacent pairs of support arms 2 can be held together. The plates 25 are overlapping, as shown in Figs. 16 to 18.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting means may comprise a flange provided on each support arm to be brought into abutment when the support arms are in their folded configuration, the flanges having aligned apertures for receiving a connection member, such as a clip or fastener.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 19 to 21 , the canopy 3 is attached to the support arms 2 via carriages 15, slidably mounted on the support arms, to allow the canopy to slide along the length of each support arm 2 to enable the support arms 2 to be folded without placing strain on the canopy 3.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 19 to 21, the canopy 3 is connected to the support arms 2 via carriages 15 slidably mounted on guide rods 16 provided at spaced locations along the respective support arms, each carriages 15 comprising a tubular member having suitable bearings 17 to be slidable along a respective guide rod 16, each carriage 15 having an axially extending rib 18 having a canopy receiving slot 19 along a distal edge thereof for receiving a portion of the canopy 3.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in Fig. 22A, the canopy 3 comprises a plurality of canopy sections 3 A, 3B extending between adjacent pairs of support arms 2, each section having a beaded edge 100, or keder, mounted within a respective receiving channel 102, or keder rail, provided on an adjacent support arm 2, whereby the canopy section 3 A is slidable along the channel to remove any stress from the canopy section as the enclosure is moved to its folded configuration. An extension of the canopy 104 may be attachable to an outer face of the respective support arm 2 by a fastening 105, such as a press stud, when the enclosure is in its erected configuration.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 22B, the keder rail 102 may be provided in sections, each section being slidably mounted on the respective support arm by a sliding bearing 103.

The sides of the canopy are attached to end regions of each support arm 2 by lateral tensioning means, such as straps windable around a mandrel provided with ratcheted winding mechanism, such as that used for securing cargo, whereby the canopy can be tensioned over the support arms 2 when the support arms 2 are in their erected configuration to take up any slack in the canopy 3 and can be relaxed to allow the support arms 2 to be folded and moved to said folded configuration without placing any stress on the canopy 3.

As illustrated in Fig. 23, in one embodiment, each support arm 2 comprises a trellis framework of rods or tubes. Such embodiment may be particularly suited to large enclosures.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 24, each support arm 2 may be formed from a box section construction. Such embodiment may provide a light weight construction particularly suited to smaller enclosures.

The support arms 2 may incorporate wiring and components of lighting, sound and power systems that may be required within the enclosure.

Electric control systems may be provided for controlling the deployment and folding of the enclosure.

Deployment and erection of a portable enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention for larger enclosures will now be described with reference to Figs. 29 to 38. The enclosure is delivered in its folded configuration upon the bed 50 of a flat bed truck.

Using suitable lifting equipment, which may be mounted on the bed of the truck, the folded enclosure is lifted off the truck onto the ground in alignment with a central axis about which the enclosure is to be deployed. The central sections 10 of support arms are unfolded about their central axes 1 1 while at the same time the upright sections 12a, 12b of the support arms 2 are unfolded about their respective axes 13a, 13b. At this time all of the support arms 2 remain connected together by the connecting plates 25 and channels 20 to move as a unitary assembly. Wheels may be provided on the side face of the lowermost support arms to assist such movement. Motorised drive means may be provided for assisting the unfolding of the support arms.

Once the support arms are unfolded, the hinged joints 11,13a and 13b are locked by the respective locking means 30 and the support arms 2, still connected together, are lifted using suitable lifting means, possibly provided on the truck, to a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 21, such that the support arms 2 rest on the lower distal ends of the upright sections 12a, 12b, preferably upon the wheels provided thereon.

Next, the linking plates 25 are removed from the four outmost support arms 2a,2b,2c,2d of one end of the enclosure and said outermost support arms are pivoted about their pivot axis 4 to bring the endmost support arm 2a into its horizontal deployed position in contact with the ground. At this stage, where provided, the ballast tanks of the support arm 2a may be filled with water to ballast the support arm 2a.

Alternatively the outermost support 2a initially in contact with the ground once the support arms have been unfolded may remain in contact with the ground as the remaining support arms 2 are lifted to their vertical position, the adjacent support arms 2b,2c,2d pivoting about their pivot axis 4 as the remaining support arms 2 are lifted to the vertical.

Subsequently the truck is moved clear of the support arms 2 and the linking plates 25 are removed from the outermost support arms 2a,2b,2c,2d of the opposite end of the enclosure and the support arms 2a,2b,2c,2d are lowered to their deployed positions.

Motorised drive means are engaged upon the endmost support arm 2a of said opposite end of the enclosure whereby said support arm can be wheeled out away from said one end of the enclosure to extend the support arms out into their erected configuration, the linking plates 25 being removed to release the ends of each support arm from the channels 20 in turn, until the support arms are fully deployed, as shown in Fig. 38.

Said endmost support arm 2a may be moved by means of the truck, either by being towed out by the truck or dragged by a winch provided on the truck.

Once the support arms 2 are fully deployed, the lateral tensioing means may be operated to take up any slack in the canopy 3, and the internal bracing struts 5 may be installed, if required, to reinforce the structure. Where detachable side sections of the canopy are provided, such side section may be attached to the side portions of the support arms.

The door assemblies 6 may be attached to the door openings. In an alternative embodiment, the internal bracing struts 5 may be pivotally or slidably attached to the support arms 2 to be translated and/or folded between collapsed and deployed configurations.

The side sections 7 of the enclosure may be permanently attached to the support arms 2 such that they are automatically extended as the enclosure is erected or may be provided separately and attached to the support arms once they are in their erected configuration.

The present invention provides an improved portable enclosure that can be easily and quickly deployed from a folded configuration to an erected configuration. Services, such as power supplies, lighting and public address systems, may be integrated into the structure of the enclosure, particularly into the support arms thereof.

Deployment and erection of a portable enclosure according to a further embodiment of the present invention for smaller enclosures will now be described with reference to Figs. 39 to 48.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 39 to 48 provides an enclosure of smaller dimensions that that of Figs. 29 to 28 and is carried, when in its folded configuration, on a purpose built trailer 200 having a chassis 201, a front coupling 202 for attachment to a tow hitch of a vehicle, and ground engaging wheels 204. Storage space may be provided below the bed of the trailer 200 for carrying tools and parts to be used with the enclosure 1. Detachable side sections of the enclosure may be stored within said storage space.

As can be seen from Figs. 39A and 39B, the folded enclosure 1 is carried on the bed of the trailer with the support arms 2 connected together in side by side relationship in their folded configuration, with the upper ends of the support arms 2 adjacent the towing coupling 202 of the trailer 200. The trailer 200 can then be towed to a suitable deployment site.

Once the trailer 200 is at a suitable deployment site, stabilising arms 205 are swung out from the sides of the trailer, as shown in Fig. 40A₅ each stabilising arms terminating in a ground engaging support leg 206 to provide a stable base from which to deploy the enclosure 1.

Once the stabilising arms and support legs 206 have been extended, the support arms 2 are folded about the respective hinged joints 11 , 13a, 13b to open out the supports arms 2 to the extended configuration shown in Fig. 41 A. The support arms are locked in their extended configuration by applying the locking means, for example by inserting bolts or pins 34 through respective pairs of locking plates 34A,34B on each hinged joint of each support arm 2.

A front section 208 of the bed of the trailer is pivotally attached to the base for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis extending transverse to the trailer 200, such that the support arms of the enclosure can be lifted from a horizontal transport position on the trailer to a vertical position, as shown in Figs. 4 IB, 42B and 43B. A hydraulic ram 210, or other suitable actuator, is provided for lifting the front section 208 of the bed to lift the support arms 2 to their vertical position, such that the ends of the support arms 2 rest on the ground within respective guide channels 20.

The support arms 2 may be attached to the front section 208 of the trailer 200 during transit and/or during raising of the front section 208 to lift the support arms to their vertical in use position. The channels 20 may be supported on spaced apart support members 22 at a suitable height to level the enclosure and to compensate for irregularities in the ground. The trailer 200 may then be detached from the support arms 2 and removed from the deployment site.

The outermost support arms 2a,2b,2c,2d of the enclosure 1 are then dropped to their lower positions, defining the ends of the enclosure, using the provided gearing or winch means, as shown in Figs. 44A,44B,44C and 44D. As shown in Fig. 45A extension channel sections 2OA may be connected to the channels 20 to provide guides for the ends of the support arms 2 as they are extended to erect the enclosure 1.

As shown in Figs. 46A to 48B, the respective connecting means are released between adjacent support arms and the supports arm 2 are then moved along the channels 20,2OA to extend the enclosure to the desired length. All of the support arms 20 may be fully extended to provide an enclosure of maximum size. Alternatively one or more adjacent pairs of support arms may be retained together to create a shorter enclosure 1.

Once the support arms 2 are extended to define an enclosure of the desired length, the lateral tensioning means of the canopy 3 may be tightened take up any slack in the canopy 3. Where separate side sections 7 are provided, such side sections, and any door assemblies may be then connected to the side sections 12a,12b of the support arms 2. Alternatively the side sections 7 of the enclosure 1 may remain attached to the support arms at all times.

The tensioning bands or strapping extending between the support arms maintain the spacing of the support arms and hold the support arms 2 in their erected configuration without placing strain on the canopy 3 such that the canopy 3 serves only as a cover for the enclosure and does not provide any load bearing function of the structure.

The enclosure can be returned to its folded configuration upon the trailer 200 for removal from the deployment site by a simple reversal of the above erection procedure.

The support arms 2 may be formed from box section aluminium or any other suitable metal and may be formed from extrusions. Alternatively any other suitable material may be used. As shown in Figs. 49 A and 49B, the ends of each support arm 2 may terminate in a wheel 60 mounted on a telescopically extendable support leg 62 extendable from the respective end of the support arm 2 to enable the effective length of the lower ends of the support arm 2 to be varied to take account of unevenness of the ground upon which the enclosure is placed and to enable the enclosure to be levelled. The position of the support leg 62 within the end of the support arm 2 may be set by means of a fastener 64, such as a bolt or clip, passing through mutually aligned apertures in the end of the support arm 2 and the support leg 62.

Preferably the wheel 60 is mounted within a guide rail within which the ends of the support rails 2 are guided. As shown in Fig. 50, the guide rail 20 may be supported in cantilever fashion from a ground engaging support post 66 at a desired height via a support bracket 68. The support bracket 68 is mounted onto the guide rail 20 via an elongate beaded edge on the bracket 68 received within an elongate channel or keder rail provided on the side of the guide rail such that the bracket can be slid along the guide rail 20 to a desired position. In use, a number of support posts 66 are provided along the guide rail 20 to support each guide rail 20, and the support arms 2 mounted thereon, on the ground. The height of the brakcte 68 on each support post 66 can be adjusted to level the enclosure 1 and to take account of uneven surfaces.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable enclosure comprising a plurality of support arms and a canopy connected to and supportable by the support arms, the support arms being movable between a collapsed or folded configuration, in which the support arms lie side by side, and an erected configuration, in which the support arms are erected in spaced apart arrangement supporting the canopy to define an enclosure.

2. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy is substantially free from loading when the support arms are in their erected configuration.

3. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 2, wherein one or more flexible elongate tensile members, such as straps or webbing, extend between adjacent support arms, said tensile members arranged to be under tension when the support members are in their erected configuration.

4. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the canopy is connected to said support arms via connection members slidably mounted on the support arms, to enable said canopy to slide along the support arm whereby the support arms can be folded and moved to their folded storage or transport position without placing strain on the canopy.

5. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 4, wherein each connection member comprises a keder slidably mounted within a respective keder rail provided on a respective support arm.

6. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 4, wherein said connection members comprise carriage means slidably mounted a respective support arm.

7. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of canopy sections, each canopy section extending between adjacent pairs of support arms.

8. A portable canopy as claimed in claim 7, wherein each side of each canopy section comprises a peripheral beading received within one or more respective channel members provided on an adjacent support arm.

9. A portable canopy as claimed in claim 8, wherein said peripheral beading is mounted within a plurality of coaxial channel members, said channel members being slidably mounted on the respective support arm.

10. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said plurality of support arms are arranged substantially parallel to one another, at least when in said folded configuration.

11. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support arms are arranged to extend across the width of the enclosure when in said erected configuration.

12. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein two or more of said support arms are arranged to lie substantially horizontally to define end regions of the enclosure when in said erected configuration.

13. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the endmost support arms of said plurality of arms are arranged to lie substantially horizontally to define end regions of the enclosure when in said erected configuration.

14. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 13, wherein said endmost support arms are pivotally connected to at least one adjacent support arm at distal ends thereof to be moveable between an upright and a horizontal position.

15. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 14, wherein one or more support arms adjacent each endmost support arm are pivotally connected to said endmost support arm whereby said one or more support arms and said respective endmost support arm define a respective end of said enclosure when in said erected configuration.

16. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 15, wherein gearing means are provided to enable each of said endmost and one or more adjacent support arms to be moved between upright and lowered positions.

17. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least the endmost of said plurality of support arms comprises or includes one or more hollow sections or chambers which can be filled with water or another material to provide ballast.

18. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each support arm is of substantially arcuate or arched shape.

19. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 18, wherein each support arm comprises an upper canopy supporting section and opposing upright or substantially upright sections on either side of the canopy supporting section.

20. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 19, wherein said canopy is mounted on said upper canopy supporting section of each support arm.

21. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the canopy supporting section of each support arm is foldable about at least one pivot axis.

22. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 21, wherein each support arm is foldable about a substantially central pivot axis such that the support arm can be folded in a first direction to bring the upright sections towards one another in a clam shell manner.

23. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the upright sections are foldable with respect to the canopy support section in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, to enable the portions of the canopy support section on either side of said central pivot axis to be brought together when folded about said central pivot axis in said first direction.

24. A portable enclosure as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23, wherein said canopy extends over both said upper canopy supporting section and said upright sections of each support arm.

25. A portable enclosure as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23, wherein said canopy extends over said upper canopy supporting section and separable side sheets are provided for extending across said upright sections.

5

26. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each support arm is formed from one or more box sections or comprises a trellis structure formed from elongate members.

10 27. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said canopy comprises at least one flexible membrane.

28. A portable enclosure as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the canopy is provided with one or more transparent sections defining windows. 15

28. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the canopy is provided with one or more door openings.

29. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said enclosure 0 comprising detachable side panels connectable to the enclosure when in its erected configuration.

30. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 29, wherein said detachable side panels comprise substantially rigid panels. 5

31. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 29, wherein said detachable side panels comprise one or more flexible membranes.

32. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more door0 assemblies are securable to the enclosure when in its erected configuration.

33. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 32, wherein said one or more door assemblies include a porch or canopy structure.

34. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein side regions of the canopy are connected to the support arms via tensioning means for tensioning the canopy over the support arms when the support arms are in their erected position.

35. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 34, wherein each of said tensioning means comprises an elongate strap being wound around a mandrel with ratchet wheels coupled thereto, such as that used securing cargo.

36. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein drive means are provided for moving said support arms between said folded and erected configurations.

37. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ends of at least some of the support arms are provided with one or more wheels to enable the support arms to be slid along the ground during movement between said folded and erected configurations.

38. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 37, wherein said one or more wheels are provided with brake means for braking or locking said one or more wheels.

39. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 37 or claim 38, when dependent upon claim 36, wherein said drive means is associated with the one or more wheels of at least one of the support arms, preferably one of said endmost support arms, for pulling the support arms into their erected configuration.

40. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ends of the support arms are adapted to be located within a channel when in said folded configuration for holding said arms together.

41. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 40, wherein said ends of the support arms are arranged to be fixed within said channel when in said folded configuration.

42. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein means are provided for securing said support arms together when in said folded configuration.

43. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 42, wherein said securing means comprise one or more plates having transverse slots adapted to engage projections on adjacent pairs of support arms to link said adjacent pairs of support arms.

44. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more detachable or foldable bracing struts are provided to be connectable between adjacent support arms when in said erected configuration.

45. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 44, wherein said bracing struts extend between said upright sections of said support arms.

46. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 45, wherein one or more further bracing struts are provided between said canopy supporting sections of two or more adjacent support arms.

47. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising integral services, such as lighting, communications, and other electrical systems, such as components of a public address system.

48. A portable enclosure as claimed in claim 47, wherein said services are integrally built into or are located within said support arms.

49. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support arms are formed from a metal, such as aluminium or steel.

50. A portable enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 48, wherein said support arms are formed from a composite material, such as glass reinforced plastic or carbon fibre.

51. A portable enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 48, wherein said support arms are formed from a suitable polymeric material.

52. A portable enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 48, wherein said support arms are formed from wood.

53. A portable enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower ends of at least one of said support arms adjustable in length, preferably telescopically extendable and retractable, to allow the enclosure to be deployed on uneven or sloping ground.