WO2013034899A1

WO2013034899A1 - Support structure

Info

Publication number: WO2013034899A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/052171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan Williams; John Hepworth
Original assignee: Sybre Limited
Priority date: 2011-09-06
Filing date: 2012-09-05
Publication date: 2013-03-14
Also published as: GB201115326D0

Abstract

A modular support structure (1,100, 200) useful as a bracing member for a tent or like fabric structure. The support structure (1,100, 200) includes a plurality of support blocks (2, 102, 202) hinged one to the next in series at an offset or off-centre position so that when they are flexed together in one direction (F) they are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support. When manipulated in an opposite direction, out of compression, the series of support blocks (2, 102, 202) can be hinged relative to one another so that they can be folded and/or rolled up and stowed. The blocks (102, 202) are preferably connected together by a spine (103) that extends through a slot (120) in each block (2, 102, 202).

Description

SUPPORT STRUCTURE

This invention relates generally to modular supports, particularly modular bracing supports. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a collapsible modular bracing support.

Modular bracing supports are well known and are particularly suited for bracing sheet material structures, such as tents and like structures.

Multi-part flexible support rods for tents are well known and incorporate sectional rods which fed through a fabric loop of the tent. The rods are maintained in a flexed condition to provide shape and support for the tent when it is pitched. When the tent is dismantled the rods are withdrawn and the sectional parts then separated for stowage.

Other sheet material or fabric structures, such as kites, stretchers, display panels and the like often use modular bracing supports, but these normally need to be much more rigid and tend to be bulky and not readily transportable.

It is a non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a modular bracing support that is collapsible for portability but that is rigid when erected. A further non-exclusive object of the invention is to improve the ease and speed with which a sheet material structure can be erected by providing a support structure that can remain incorporated within the sheet material structure at all times.

One aspect of the invention provides a support structure or device comprising a plurality of support elements hinged one to the next in series at an offset or off-centre position such that when the series of support elements are flexed together in one direction they are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support but when manipulated in an opposite direction, out of compression, they can be hinged relative to one another so that the series of support elements can be folded and/or rolled up and stowed.

Hinging the series of support elements together at an offset or off-centre position enables the support structure to be rigid and/or resist flexing in one direction when in an erect condition, while allowing it to be folded or rolled up into a compact arrangement for ease of transportation and/or storage. The support structure or device may comprise a further or second series of support elements connected to the series, e.g. the first series, such as in a side-by-side configuration, for example by a sheet of backing material, e.g. a fabric backing, that may extend along and/or across and/or join adjacent support elements or by one or more connections or hinges formed integrally therewith such as a living hinge. The sheet of backing material may be adhered to a surface, e.g. a side or upper or lower surface, of one or more or each support element. The support structure may be configured such that one of the series of support elements can be folded, in use, over the other, for example to provide stiffness in two flexing directions. The support structure may be configured such that when the series of support elements are in a side-by-side configuration and are flexed together in one direction they are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support but when manipulated in an opposite direction, out of compression, they can be hinged relative to one another so that the two series of support elements can be folded and/or rolled up and stowed.

The support structure or device may further comprise a bracing line or strip or tape or tension tie releasably connected or connectable, in use, to each end of the device to retain the series of support elements in a flexed condition.

The support structure or device may be connected or connectable, in use, to a sheet of material, such as to provide a collapsible structure that may be changeable between an erect condition, for example in which the series of support elements may be flexed together in one direction and/or put into compression, such as to form a stiffened modular support for supporting the sheet of material, and/or a collapsed condition, for example in which the series of elements may be manipulated, e.g. in a second direction that is preferably opposite the first direction, and/or out of compression, and/or hinged relative to one another, such as to fold and/or roll up and stow the series of support elements.

A second aspect of the invention provides a collapsible sheet material structure or device comprising a sheet of material to which a series of support elements are connected, wherein the collapsible structure or device is changeable between an erect condition, in which the series of support elements are flexed together in one direction and put into compression to form a stiffened modular support for supporting the sheet of material, and a collapsed condition, in which the series of elements are manipulated in a second direction opposite the first direction, out of compression, and hinged relative to one another to fold and/or roll up and stow the series of support elements. The provision of a collapsible sheet material structure or device formed of sheet material and a series of support elements that can be manipulated between a compressed, erect condition and a folded or rolled up condition provides a convenient collapsible and portable structure that may be used as a tent, stretcher or like sheet material or fabric structures.

The support elements may be relatively or substantially rigid, but may also be flexible or resilient for some applications.

A further aspect of the invention provides a support structure or device comprising a plurality of resilient elements connected one to the next in series such that when the series of elements are flexed together in one direction they are put into compression to form a stiffened flexible modular rod but when manipulated in an opposite direction, out of compression, they can be hinged relative to one another so that the series of elements can be folded and/or rolled up and stowed.

One or each consecutive pair of support elements may be hinged together by a pin or lug or spigot or protrusion that may extend through or into one or more holes or apertures or recesses in one or each of the support elements. Preferably, the support elements are hinged together by a spine that may be flexible and/or may resist stretching, for example a non-stretch spine. The spine may be formed integrally with, secured to a surface, e.g. an outer or top surface, or connected or secured to or through one or more or each element, for example in the form of a living hinge or connected or secured or passing to or through a side or upper portion and/or a common or opposing face of the or each support element. The structure may be such that the device can be bent into an arcuate form, for example by causing each of the support elements to be compressed against each next adjacent support element, e.g. to stiffen the structure such as for deployment as a brace and/or such that the support elements can be hinged relative to one another by folding the spine, e.g. between adjacent support elements, so that the device can be folded and/or rolled up and stored.

Another aspect of the invention provides an elongate modular device for use in bracing a sheet material structure which device comprises a plurality of resilient elements connected one to the next in series by means of a non-stretch spine secured to or through a common or opposing face of each of the resilient elements, the arrangement being such that the device can be bent into an arcuate form by causing each of the resilient elements to be compressed against each next adjacent resilient element to stiffen the device for deployment as a brace and such that the resilient elements can be hinged relative to one another by folding the spine between adjacent resilient elements so that the device can be folded and/or rolled up and stored.

One or more, e.g. each, of the support elements may comprise a block that may be at least partially hollow, e.g. with one or more reinforcing ribs. In some embodiments, the support element comprises and/or is formed of an elastomer.

The spine may comprise a length of line, such as string, rope or, preferably, tape. In some constructions, the spine may be adhered, for example by an adhesive, to a common face of each of the resilient elements. In other constructions, the spine may pass through a hole, aperture or slot provided through one or more, e.g. each, of the support elements, for example in a common or opposing face of each of the support elements.

In some embodiments, tying or holding or securing or stop means, such as a tie, stop or fastener, may be provided, e.g. at opposite ends of the structure or device or line, for maintaining the device in an erect or stiffened or arcuate condition.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides an elongate modular device for use in bracing a sheet material structure which device comprises a plurality of substantially incompressible elements connected one to the next in series by means of a stretch spine secured to or through a common face of each of the elements, the arrangement being such that the device can be bent into an arcuate form by causing each of the elements to be abutted hard against each next adjacent element by stretching the spine to stiffen the device for deployment as a brace and such that the elements can be hinged relative to one another by relaxing and folding the spine between adjacent resilient elements so that the device can be folded and/or rolled up and stored.

Further aspects of the invention provide a sail, a kite, a kitesurfing device, a parascending wing, a combat device, steps, a walkway, a ladder, a canoe or other marine craft, a pontoon, an umbrella, a conveyor belt, a safety barrier or screen (e.g. for floods, hospitals motorway accident concealment), signage, a Hans brace for cars and motorbikes, a display panel, a bridge (e.g. for passengers and vehicles), an orthopaedic device (e.g. knee brace), a splint, a stretcher, a winch (e.g. for the disabled), a back brace (e.g. for horse riding and/or other sports), a platform (e.g. for concerts and/or staging) and/or extendable solar panels (e.g. on satellites) comprising the aforementioned structure or device.

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of a support structure according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of a support structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of a support structure according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the rolling up of the support structure of Figure 2;

Figures 5 and 6 are upper and lower perspective views of one of the support elements of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tent incorporating a support structure of the invention;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 7 illustrating the bringing together of the support structure and the bracing tape;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a part of a support structure according to a fourth embodiment of the invention that incorporates two series of support elements connected together in a side-by-side configuration by a fabric backing;

Figure 10 is a side view of the support structure of Figure 9

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary stretcher incorporating a support structure according to the invention; and

Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary emergency chute for an aircraft that incorporates a support structure according to the invention. The support structure 1 shown in Figure 1 is formed of a plurality of cuboidal support blocks 2 that are hinged together in series. The support blocks 2 in this embodiment are solid and formed of a rigid plastics material, although any other material may be used to suit the application. Each support block 2 is connected to the next in the series by a hinge 3 located at their facing upper corner edges to provide an offset or off-centre pivot point. Each hinge 3 includes two leaves with half-length hollow cylindrical portions 30 that receive a pin 31 .

In use, when the support structure 1 is flexed as shown by the arrows F in Figure 1 , the support blocks 2 pivot about the hinges 3 such that facing surfaces of adjacent blocks 2 brace against one another and the blocks 2 are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support structure 1. When the support structure 1 is manipulated in an opposite direction as shown in Figure 4, the blocks 2 pivot relative to one another about the hinges 3 and are rolled up for storage and/or transport.

In Figure 2 there is shown a support structure 100 according to a second embodiment that is also formed of a plurality of cuboidal support blocks 102 that are hinged together in series. Each of the support blocks 102 in this embodiment is also formed of a rigid plastics material and includes a slot 120 through an upper portion thereof that receives a portion of a spine in the form of a strip of tape 103, which tape 103 is secured within each block by a fastener 130 to secure the tape 103 relative to each support block 102. The tape 103 is formed of a non-stretch fabric and is flexible to allow the support blocks 102 to provide an offset or off-centre pivot point adjacent their upper corner edges.

In use, when the support structure 100 is flexed as shown by the arrows F in Figure 2, the support blocks 102 pivot relative to one another about the hinge provided by the tape 103 such that facing surfaces of adjacent support blocks 102 brace against one another and the support blocks 102 are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support structure 100. As with the support structure 1 of the first embodiment, the support structure 100 according to this embodiment is manipulated in a direction opposite direction F and as shown in Figure 4 to cause the support blocks 102 to pivot relative to one another to be rolled up for storage and/or transport.

In Figure 3 there is shown a support structure 200 according to a third embodiment similar to the support structure 100 of the second embodiment, wherein like references depict like features and will not be described further. The support structure 200 according to this embodiment also includes a plurality of cuboidal support blocks 102, but these are formed of an elastomeric material in this embodiment to provide a resilient structure. The support blocks 202 in this embodiment are also hinged together by a non-stretch strip of tape 103 that passes through a slot 120 through an upper portion of each block. However, the support structure 200 in this embodiment includes a tie 203 secured at each end of the tape 103 to retain the support blocks 202 together. This arrangement is less expensive to manufacture and also offers advantages that would be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In use, the support structure 200 according to this embodiment is erected in the same way described above in relation to the support structure 100 according to the second embodiment.

An advantageous design of support block 102, 202 is shown in Figures 5 and 6, which includes a hollow lower portion having diagonal reinforcing ribs 221 to provide a lightweight robust block 102, 202. This design is particularly advantageous when the support block 2, 102, 202 is designed to be flexible or resilient, since the compressibility can be tailored to suit the application through the selection of material and thickness of the ribs 221 .

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a tent 10 that incorporates the support structure 200 according to the third embodiment. The tent 10 includes three bracing rods 4, each of which incorporates the support structure 200, three strips of bracing tape 5, a fabric roof 6 and a fabric floor 7. In this embodiment, the strips of bracing tape 5 extend across and are sewn into the fabric floor 7, but the bracing rods 4 are releasably attachable to the fabric roof 6, and the fabric roof 6 is releasably connected to the fabric floor 7 by a releasable fastening means, such as a hook and loop fastener, zipper or the like.

Each bracing rod 4 includes a loop 40 secured to each of its ends and each strip of bracing tape 5 includes a hook 50 secured to each of its ends. Each bracing rod 4 is erected by engaging each of its loops 40 with a respective hook 50 of a respective strop of bracing tape 5.

In use, the tent 10 is erected by first laying out the fabric floor 7, engaging a first end of each bracing rod 4 with a first end of a respective strip of bracing tape 5, erecting each bracing rod 4 by flexing it as shown by the arrows F and engaging the second end of each bracing rod 4 with a second end of a respective strip of bracing tape 5 to retain the bracing rods 4 in an erected condition. A first side edge 60 of the fabric roof 6 is then secured along a first side edge 70 of the fabric floor 7, draped over the bracing rods 4 and the second side edge 61 of the fabric roof 6 is then secured along the second side edge 71 of the fabric floor.

The tent 10 is disassembled by detaching the loops 40 of the bracing rods 4 from the hooks 50 of the bracing tape 5, thereby relaxing the bracing rods 4 and performing the aforementioned steps in reverse.

A variant of the aforementioned embodiments is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, wherein like references depict like features and will therefore not be described further herein. In this embodiment, the support structure 300 incorporates two series of support blocks (2, 102, 202) connected together in a side-by-side configuration by a fabric backing 301 .

In use, one of the series of support blocks (2, 102, 202) can be folded over the other to provide a structure that provides stiffness in both flexing directions (F). In order to store or transport the support structure 300, the support blocks (2, 102, 202) are folded back to a side-by-side configuration and the two are rolled up as described above and as shown in Figure 4.

It will be appreciated that this arrangement improves the usefulness of the support structure, since it can be configured to provide a stiff structure in both directions of flex.

Turning now to Figure 1 1 , there is shown a stretcher 8 that incorporates a support structure according to the invention. The support blocks 2, 102, 202 in this embodiment are hinged at their lower end so as to provide a rigid structure to which a fabric sheet 80 is secured and from which it is suspended to provide the stretcher 8. The structure is formed of a pair of longitudinal beams 81 that are interconnected by a pair of transverse beams 82, all four of the beams 81 , 82 incorporating the support structure of the invention. Optionally, the transverse beams 82 may be releasably secured to the longitudinal beams 81 to facilitate collapsing and storage.

In Figure 1 1 , there is shown an aircraft emergency chute 9 incorporating a support structure according to the invention. As with the stretcher 8, the support blocks 2, 102, 202 in this embodiment are hinged at their lower end so as to provide a rigid structure to which a fabric sheet 90 is secured and from which it is suspended to provide a slide surface.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the support structure of the invention may be comprised in any number of devices, such as a sail, a kite, a kitesurfing device, a parascending wing, a combat device, steps, a walkway, a ladder, a canoe or other marine craft, a pontoon, an umbrella, a conveyor belt, a safety barrier or screen (e.g. for floods, hospitals motorway accident concealment), signage, a Hans brace for cars and motorbikes, a display panel, a bridge (e.g. for passengers and vehicles), an orthopaedic device (e.g. knee brace), a splint, a stretcher, a winch (e.g. for the disabled), a back brace (e.g. for horse riding and/or other sports), a platform (e.g. for concerts and/or staging) and/or extendable solar panels (e.g. on satellites) comprising the aforementioned structure or device.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the embodiments described above are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the bracing rods 4 of the tent 10 may be permanently secured (e.g. sewn into) the fabric roof 6. Additionally or alternatively, the strips of bracing tape 5 need not be sewn into the fabric floor 7. For example, the bracing rods 4 may be erected and connected to a respective strip of bracing tape 5, placed subsequently between the fabric floor 7 and fabric roof 6, pivoted upward and secured into place, in which embodiments the fabric floor 7 may be permanently secure to (e.g. sewn together with) the fabric roof 6.

The spine 103 need not be non-stretch, for example it may comprise a flexible and stretchable material, which may be particularly advantageous if the support elements or blocks 2, 102, 202 are rigid. The sheet material may, but need not, be formed of a waterproof fabric or other material such as a plastics sheet or a combination of such material. The support structure may advantageously include support elements or blocks 2, 102, 202 formed of different materials and/or having different configurations. In some embodiments, the support structure may include alternating rigid and flexible and/or elastomeric support elements or blocks 2, 102, 202.

The support elements or blocks 2, 102, 202 may be formed of any material, which is preferably selected to suit the circumstances. For example, they may be formed of rubber, nylon, a copolymer, ceramic, cement, aluminium, steel, a fibre reinforced or steel reinforced material or any other suitable material. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1 . A support device comprising a plurality of support elements hinged one to the next in series at an offset or off-centre position such that when the series of support elements are flexed together in one direction they are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support but when manipulated in an opposite direction, out of compression, they can be hinged relative to one another so that the series of support elements can be folded and/or rolled up and stowed.

2. Device according to claim 1 further comprising a second plurality of support elements hinged one to the next in series at an offset or off-centre position, the second series of support elements being connected to the first series in a side-by- side configuration such that when the two series of support elements are flexed together in said one direction they are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support but when manipulated in said opposite direction, out of compression, they can be hinged relative to one another so that the two series of support elements can be folded and/or rolled up and stowed.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the device is configured such that one of the series of support elements is foldable, in use, over the other such that when the two series of support elements are flexed together in said one direction one series of support elements are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support and when the two series of support elements are flexed together in said opposite direction the other series of support elements are put into compression to form a stiffened modular support.

4. Device according to claim 2 or claim 3 further comprising a sheet of backing material extending across adjacent support elements to foldably connect the two series of support elements together.

5. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each series of support elements is hinged together by a spine.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the spine is a non-stretch spine.

7. Device according to claim 5, wherein the spine is resilient.

8. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the spine comprises a line that extends along the series of support elements at or adjacent one side thereof.

9. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the spine extends through a slot in each support element.

10. Device according to claim 9 further comprising a stop at or adjacent each end to retain the spine within the slots.

1 1 . Device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the spine is secured to each support element by a fastener or by an adhesive.

12. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 1 1 , wherein the spine comprises a strip of tape.

13. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the support elements is resilient.

14. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the support elements is rigid.

15. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more support elements comprises a block.

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein the or each block is at least partially hollow.

17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the or each block comprises one or more reinforcing ribs.

18. Device according to any preceding claim further comprising a bracing line or tension tie releasably connected or connectable, in use, to each end of the device to retain the series of support elements in a flexed condition.

19. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is connected or connectable, in use, to a sheet of material to provide a collapsible sheet material structure.

20. Device according to claim 16, wherein the structure is changeable between an erect condition, in which the series of support elements may be flexed together in one direction and put into compression to form a stiffened modular support for supporting the sheet of material, and a collapsed condition, in which the series of elements may be manipulated in a second direction opposite the first direction out of compression and hinged relative to one another to fold and/or roll up and stow the series of support elements.

21 . A collapsible sheet material structure comprising a sheet of material to which a series of support elements are connected, wherein the collapsible structure or device is changeable between an erect condition, in which the series of support elements are flexed together in one direction and put into compression to form a stiffened modular support for supporting the sheet of material, and a collapsed condition, in which the series of elements are manipulated in a second direction opposite the first direction, out of compression, and hinged relative to one another to fold and/or roll up and stow the series of support elements.

22. A tent, sail, kite, kitesurfing device, parascending wing, combat device, steps, walkway, ladder, canoe or other marine craft, pontoon, umbrella, conveyor belt, safety barrier or screen, signage, a Hans brace, display panel, bridge, orthopaedic device, splint, stretcher, winch, back brace, platform or extendable solar panels comprising the device of any one of claims 1 to 20.