WO2019202232A1

WO2019202232A1 - Inflatable modular hangar

Info

Publication number: WO2019202232A1
Application number: PCT/FR2019/050787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emmanuel Fievet
Original assignee: Emmanuel Fievet
Priority date: 2018-04-18
Filing date: 2019-04-04
Publication date: 2019-10-24
Also published as: FR3080391B1; FR3080391A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an enclosure (1) formed by inflatable modules (4) and covers (3), the modules comprising gantries (11) connected together by spacers (12, 13). The invention also relates to such modules. Such an enclosure can be provided in order to form a play area, an anechoic chamber or a Faraday cage.

Description

modular inflatable mitwnr.

The present invention relates to the field of ephemeral enclosures, particularly used to delimit gray, white or blackout rooms, irradiated areas, Faraday cages or masking infrared radiation

Removable enclosures generally used for organizing receptions or ephemeral exhibitions are known. Such speakers are also used as protection for objects that can not be moved, or that could be damaged if they were moved. This is for example the case of a crime scene, a field hospital or of a search area.

These speakers are however long to implement, a weight and a large footprint, even when empty, reduced to the available internal volume. Thus, a large enclosure may require several semi-trailer trucks for delivery and then for removal. The cost in time as well as financial is sometimes disproportionate with regard to the duration of the event for which such an enclosure is used. In the industrial world, it is often easier to move the object than to move a speaker to the object This object can be a machine or a device being manufactured or assembled. The object of the invention is to provide improved means for making an enclosure, including a protective enclosure which is easily movable to the object of this protection.

To achieve its purpose, the invention provides an inflatable module which comprises two gantries, each gantry comprising a beam and at least one spacer connecting the beams together. It may further comprise two posts, the end of each beam resting on a respective pole, each post of a gantry preferably being connected to a pole of the other gantry by at least one cross.

Each beam preferably has a range and a positive arrow such that the arrow is between one sixth and one quarter of the range, preferably close to two ninths. Each spacer preferably has a range and an arrow, positive or negative, such that the arrow is between one twenty-fifth and one fifteenth of the range, preferably close to one twentieth.

The module may comprise at least two spacers and at least one beam to connect said two spacers together.

Advantageously, the gantry comprises connecting means, preferably half zippers, among:

- a band of continuity along an outer side of its extrados; and or, an outer covering strip along an inner flank of its upper surface; and or,

a complementary strip along an outside flank of its intrados; and or,

an inner covering strip along an inner flank of its intrados; and or,

- Straps, preferably comprising a velvet complex and hooks.

The invention also relates to an enclosure which comprises at least one module according to the invention and covers attached to this module.

This enclosure may comprise at least two modules interconnected by means of continuity bands and / or complementary bands. The covers may comprise electromagnetically sealed covers arranged externally relative to the module, so that they together form a Faraday cage.

The coverings may also include anechoic covers arranged, preferably, internally relative to the module, so that they together form an anechoic chamber.

The covers may further comprise at least one substantially thermally insulating covering:

- waterproof

- opaque to infrared radiation; and or

- opaque to nuclear radiation.

Coverers may also include at least one net. Preferably, an enclosure according to the invention comprises covering means for sealing between two adjacent modules, preferably a sealing strip arranged so that it comes into engagement with respective connecting means with a respective covering of each of the modules, so that this band masks the fastening means which connect the modules together and with coverings.

The connecting strips may advantageously comprise a flap provided for mutually folding over each other and over said link (19).

A covering may also include a flap provided to cover its connection with a module to which it is attached.

Several embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a view, in perspective of three-quarters before, a first embodiment for an enclosure, comprising two modules according to the invention and intended to fly drones;

FIG. 2 is a three-quarter front perspective view of a structure for an enclosure comprising four modules according to the invention, two of which can be used to form the enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a path similar to that of FIG. 2, illustrating a single module according to the invention;

~ Figure 4 is a front view and elevation of a gantry for a module;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment for modules according to the invention used to form a swimming pool cover; - Figure 6 is a perspective view of three-quarter front, an embodiment for an enclosure comprising two modules according to the invention and forming a shelter;

- Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a spacer connecting two gantries together;

FIG. 8 is a front view and in elevation of a third embodiment for a module according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a detail view illustrating connecting means;

- Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view illustrating sealing means between two posts of neighboring modules; and,

- Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view illustrating sealing means between two posts of neighboring modules.

Figure 1 illustrates an enclosure 1 according to the invention. This enclosure comprises an inflatable frame 2 and covers 3. The frame 2 consists of modules 4 assembled together removably. The covers are attached to the modules removably. Coverings allow to delimit the enclosure, to separate what is inside the enclosure of what is outside. In the example of FIG. 1, the enclosure 1 comprises two modules 4. A module 4A at the front serves as a porch, the second module 4B at the rear serves as an arena for flying drones. Thread-like covers 3A are attached to the second module, around and above. Thus, the second module and its coverings together form a closed arena 6 within which drones can evolve safely for people, including their pilots, who can stay outside this arena. Coverings in the form of tarpaulins 3B, 3C are attached to the first module; in particular, an advertising cover 3C is attached to the pediment of this first module. In the illustrated examples, the modules all have the same width LO. They can have different lengths L1, L2. Thus, the enclosure of FIG. 1 comprises a module 4 A of small length L1 and a module 4B of great length L2

The frame of FIG. 2 comprises a module of small length L1 and three modules of great length L2. The module of small length is assembled to a first of the modules of great length, according to the same arrangement as in FIG. 1. A second module of great length is arranged in the extension of the first at a distance LB. The space between these first and second modules is filled by tarpaulins 3; this arrangement makes it possible to extend the volume of an enclosure according to the invention, without adding a module. A third module of great length is attached laterally to the first module of great length.

A first embodiment will now be described for a module according to the invention, in particular with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The module of Figure 3, comprises two gantries 11 interconnected by five spacers 12 and two crosspieces 13. Each gantry 11 comprises two posts and a beam 15. Each end of the beam is fixed to the top of a respective pole. The beam forms a lowered vault, that is to say it has an arrow F 15 and a range PI 5 such that the arrow Fl 5 has a measurement less than half that of the range P 15. The arrow each beam 15 is positive, that is to say that it extends above the supports of this beam at the top of the posts.

Each post 14 of a gantry 11 is connected to a corresponding post by a cross member 13. In the example of FIG. 3, a post is connected to its counterpart by a single cross member 13 which connects the tops of said posts together. The sleepers are straight.

The five spacers 12 connect the beam 15 of a gantry 11 with the beam 15 of the other gantry 11. The opposite ends of each spacer are in lateral support, each on a respective beam; thus arranged, they tend to separate the gantries, especially in an inflation phase. The spacers 12 are not rectilinear, they are curved, forming a low vault between the beams. The arrows F 12 intermediate struts are positive and substantially identical to each other. They are regularly distributed along the beams 15 between the crosspieces 13.

The posts 14, beams 15 and spacers 12 and crosspieces 13 have a substantially circular section. The posts and the beams have substantially the same diameter Dl l. The spacers also have substantially all the same diameter

D123.

The gantries comprise connecting means 18, 19, 21, 23, 31, in particular to fix another module or a covering. Such means are in particular illustrated in FIG. 9.

Each gantry 1 1 comprises, on its extrados, along an outer flank, a half-zipper, called "continuity strip" 18. The continuity strip is disposed over the entire height of the posts 14 and the length of the beam 15. It is intended to be assembled with a continuity strip 18 of another module, so that these strips together form a continuity connection 19. Thus assembled, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the two modules form together a frame 2 for an enclosure 1 according to the invention. As illustrated in Figure 2, a continuity strip can be used to assemble two posts together, to laterally connect two modules.

Alternatively, when such a continuity band is not used to attach another module, it can be used to hang a covering 3,3C; this is the case in Figure 1 where the covering forms a pediment 3 € of the corresponding enclosure.

Each gantry 11 comprises, on its upper surface, along an inner side, a half-zipper, called "outer covering strip" 21, arranged opposite the covering strip of the other gantry of the same module 4. This covering band 21 is masked by the post 11 in Figure 9. It is intended to be assembled with a half-zipper of a covering 3. This is particularly the case in the embodiment of Figure 6.

The enclosure 1 of FIG. 6 comprises two modules 4 of the same size assembled together by means of a continuity connection 19. In this embodiment, the covers 3,3D are solid and watertight covers. Assembled with the modules 4 by means of the covering strips 21, they form with the gantries an enclosure with side walls and with the waterproof cover. Such an enclosure 1 is particularly suitable for protecting a vehicle or a reception.

In this embodiment, each gantry 11 comprises, on its underside, along an outer flank, a half-zipper, called "complementary strip" 23. This complementary strip 23 can be used to assemble two modules 4 together, in addition to or in place of the continuity strip 18. It can also be used to attach a covering 3, 3C, 3E on the front of the enclosure. Figure 2 illustrates such a covering 3E, in two parts; vertical separation is provided to allow passage. In FIG. 6, the covering 3C forms a pediment of the corresponding enclosure. As illustrated in the module of FIG. 3, each gantry 11 comprises, on its intrados, along an inner flank, a half-zipper, called "inner covering strip" 25, disposed opposite of the inner covering strip of the other gantry of the same module 4. This covering strip 25 is provided to assemble with a half-zipper of a covering. Thus, two covers can be used simultaneously, one being an inner covering, fixed on strips with an inner covering and an outer covering fixed on strips with external covering.

Figure 5 illustrates modules 4 used to form a pool cover 30. In this embodiment the gantries 11 do not include posts; each end of the beams rests on a rim 30B of the pool 30. In addition, the spacers 12 are connected two by two by beams 28, each beam connecting a spacer to a neighboring spacer, the beams 28 being in the extension one the other. In the illustrated example, each end of a beam 28 is fixed substantially in the middle of a respective spacer. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous, since it makes it possible, by reinforcing the framework of the roof, to limit the accumulation of rainwater, thus a risk of deformation and collapse under the load of the water thus accumulated.

The embodiment of FIG. 8 illustrates a module whose spacers have a negative arrow F12. This arrangement makes it possible to form a channel between the two beams 15 for channeling and evacuating rainwater on either side of an enclosure comprising such a module.

The module illustrated in Figure 3 further comprises pairs 31 of straps distributed along the gantries and spacers. These straps allow rapid attachment / unhitching of coverings which, in particular, do not require not a seal with the module. This is for example the case for the threads of the embodiment of Figure 2. Advantageously, the ends of the straps form a velvet complex and hooks for a quick attachment of a strap on the other.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate covering means 35, 36 designed to ensure a seal, in particular between the covers 3 of two neighboring modules. This can be a watertight or infrared seal or to ensure electrical continuity of a cage from faraday

Figure 10 illustrates a cover adjacent two adjacent posts 14, each belonging to a respective module. The modules are interconnected by a continuity link 19. On each side of this link 19, two covers 3 are fixed, each to a respective module, by a respective covering strip 21.

In order to improve the seal, a vertical sealing strip 35 is used. Fastening means 37 make it possible to fix each vertical edge of the strip with a respective covering. The fixing means 37 may be of the zipper type or a velvet system and hooks. Thus arranged, the band masks the fastening means 18, 19, 21 which connect the modules together and with the covers, ensuring the sealing of these fasteners.

The use of a vertical band is also particularly advantageous when an enclosure according to the invention is used in the event. Indeed, it allows to use standard color modules and covers of a color that can be that of a company; the band can then be of the same color as the covering, providing a visual unit to the entire enclosure. FIG. 11 illustrates a cover in the vicinity of two adjacent beams, each belonging to a respective module

This method of covering is particularly suitable for forming a watertightness. Indeed, in the upper parts of the enclosure cover, water can accumulate along the beam to which a covering is attached; this water may infiltrate through fastening means 21 which retain the covering 3 to the beam 15. In the example illustrated, the covering means comprise two flaps 36. A flap 36 is formed in one piece and in a sealed manner with the cover 3, along a connecting line 38 Another flap 36 is formed in one piece with the fastening means 21. The flaps are folded over one another so as to protect the link.

Similarly, to protect the continuity connection 19 a flap 36 is formed in one piece with each of the continuity strips 18, and folded over one another over the connection 19. The flap 36 a covering 3 may be provided sufficiently long so that at one end of an enclosure which is not connected to another module, it is folded over the beam and falls back to the front of the enclosure, along sprocket. Such a flap can be used over the entire length of a gantry, both along the beam and columns, replacing the previously described strip. The flap can then advantageously include means for fixing the free edge on a covering of the neighboring module. The flaps 36, like the cover strip 35 described above, may have other sealing properties, for example infrared.

Different types of coverings can be used. In particular, in addition to the nets described above, it is possible to use tarpaulins adapted to form a faraday cage, an anechoic chamber and / or a thermally insulated enclosure. Such tarpaulins are arranged on all four sides and on the cover, so that electromagnetic, sound and / or thermal leakage are particularly limited or prevented.

Preferably, the tarpaulins forming a Faraday cage or a thermal insulation are attached to the modules on the outer covering strips. Thus, gantries, spacers or beams are arranged inside relative to the sheets, so that they do not constitute areas of leakage, including thermal and / or electromagnetic.

In the case of an anechoic chamber, the tarpaulins are preferably fixed with the aid of the inner covering strips, so that the gantries, spacers or beams being arranged outside relative to the tarpaulins, they do not form surfaces. reflective for the waves.

Coverers can be combined with each other. Thus, a laboratory "campaign", ie temporarily mounted on a place, can form a thermally insulating enclosure, anechoic or a Faraday cage.

Because of the ease of transport, in a small volume, an enclosure with infrared-opaque tarpaulins can be used on a military ground to mask the presence of a vehicle, for example a tank. For the same reasons, an enclosure according to the invention can be used as:

- field hospital, at the scene of a disaster;

- gray or white room;

hot zone, that is to say, confining an irradiated zone or object; or,

- scientific laboratory at the scene of a crime

In the illustrated examples, the dimensions of the modules are:

Scope of a beam, PI 5 = 5 meters, approximately

Length of a module, L:

Small length, L1 = 3 meters, approximately

Great length, L2 = 5 meters, approximately

Arrow of a spacer, F 12:

if L = 3 meters: F 12 = 15 centimeters

if L ^::: 4 meters: F 12 = 20 centimeters

if L = 5 meters: F 12 = 25 centimeters

Height of a pole, H = 2 meters, approximately

Arrow of a beam = 1.15 meters, approximately

Diameter of a post, DI 1 = 25 centimeters, approximately

Diameter of a spacer, D12 = 20 centimeters, approx.

Still as an example, for a module whose overall size, in the inflated position, is 3 meters long, 5.50 meters wide and 3.30 meters high, the space in position deflated and properly folded is about 0.60 x 0.60 x 0.40 meters, for a weight of about 20 kg. Such a module is therefore particularly compact in its folded position, and particularly light, compared to equivalent modules of the prior art. The modules, in particular the posts, the beams, the spacers and, if appropriate the beams, preferably comprise:

tubes forming an outer skin made of a fabric; and,

- tubes, arranged inside the tubes.

The air chambers are preferably made of a polyurethane. The tubes are for example coated nylon fabrics, for example Shieldex ™, produced by the company Statex, Germany. Preferably, the air chambers are interconnected by valve means, so that a module can be inflated from a single inflation point.

The inflation of a module according to the invention is preferably by means of inflation means for selectively inflating one or more elements of the module and according to the following phases:

- arrange the porticoes, in deflated position, Fun on the other;

- inflate the porticos; then,

- inflate the spacers and sleepers.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments which have just been described but, on the contrary, the invention is defined by the following claims.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in the light of the teaching that has just been disclosed to them.

Of course, the dimensions of the modules and the speakers may be different from those presented with reference to the figures. The enclosure designed to form an arena described for flying drones can be used for other functions. Thus, with possibly adapted dimensions, it can be used to form an area suitable for different games, for example a basketball court, tennis or urban football, nets avoiding the ball out of the field.

The posts may have a height greater than that previously described. In this case it is advantageous to provide at least one additional lateral spacer between the base and the top of the posts.

The section of any element of a module may also not be circular but rectangular or square.

The use of transparent sheets as coverings can advantageously be used for the pool cover described above. Such tarpaulins can also be used when an enclosure according to the invention is used as a greenhouse.

An enclosure according to the invention can advantageously be used in many areas, including electromechanical construction, outdoor sites, events, civil engineering, mountain, nuclear, recreation, including playgrounds and cinema outdoors, for outdoor reception, an enclosure according to the invention may comprise a module wholly or partly covered with a solar fabric, that is to say opaque to ultraviolet.

Claims

claims

1. Inflatable module (4), characterized in that it comprises two gantries (11), each gantry comprising a beam (15) and at least one spacer (12) connecting the beams together.

2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that each gantry comprises two posts (14), the end of each beam resting on a respective pole, each post of a gantry preferably being connected to a pole of the other gantry by at least one cross member (13).

3. Module according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each beam has a range (P 15) and a positive arrow (F 15) such that:

P15 / 6 <F12 <P15 / 4,

preferably Fl 5 being close to P 15 / 4.5

4. Module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Tau least one spacer has a scope (P 12) and an arrow (F 12) such that:

P12 / 25 <F12 <P12 / 15,

preferably F12 being close to P 12/20.

5. Module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spacers have a negative arrow.

6. Module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least two spacers (12) and at least one beam (28) for connecting said two spacers together.

7. Module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each gantry (11) comprises connecting means, preferably half zippers, among:

- a band of continuity (18) along an outer side of its extrados: and / or,

an outer covering strip (21) along an inner flank of its upper surface; and or,

- A complementary strip (23) along an outer flank of its intrados; and or,

- an inner covering strip (25) along an inner flank of its intrados; and or,

- Straps (31), preferably comprising a velvet complex and hooks.

8. Enclosure (1) characterized in that it comprises at least one module according to one of claims 1 to 7 and coverings fixed to said module.

9. Enclosure according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least two modules according to claim 7 interconnected by means of continuity bands (18) and / or complementary strips (23).

10. Enclosure according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the coverings comprise electromagnetically sealed covers arranged externally relative to the module, so that they together form a Faraday cage.

11. Enclosure according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the coverings comprise anechoic covers arranged, preferably, internally relative to the module, so that they together form an anechoic chamber.

12 Enclosure according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the coverings comprise at least one cover substantially:

- thermally insulating;

- waterproof

- opaque to infrared radiation; and or

- opaque to nuclear radiation.

13 Enclosure according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the coverings comprise at least one net.

14. Enclosure according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises covering means (35,36) for sealing between two adjacent modules, preferably a sealing strip (35) disposed of so that it engages by respective connecting means (37) with a respective covering (3) of each of the modules, so that said band masks the fastening means (18, 19, 21) which connect the modules between them and with the covers.

15. Enclosure according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that each connecting strip comprises a flap (36) provided to fold mutually on one another and on said link (19) and / or in that a cover comprises a flap (36) provided to cover its connection with a module to which it is attached.