FOLDABLE STRUCTURE

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for roofing a structure or the like by erection of at least one frame and instal­ lation of a tent cloth (41) therealong. The frame comprises various elements forming, in the erected position of the frame, roof (2) and wall elements. The roof elements adjoin each other along a ridge line (11) and the wall elements adjoin the roof elements along roof edge lines (11). The method and apparatus are characterized in that the frame consists of two frame halves hinged together in a flat starting position and lifted from that position by at least two points. The roof elements are lifted first on the side of the ridge line (11) until the roof elements are at a given angle to each other, in which position there is provided between the roof elements a tie member which, in the loaded condition, defines an angle between the roof elements. After this, the frame is hoisted further, whereby the wall elements swivel outwardly until these have reached a substantially vertical position, in which they are fixed relatively to the roof elements (2).

Description: This invention relates to a foldable structure comprising at least one frame and a tent cloth installed therealong, said frame including various elements which, in erected position of the frame, form roof and wall elements, said roof elements adjoining each other along a ridge line and said wall elements adjoining each other along roof edge lines, and in which the frame is composed of two frame halves hinged together along said ridge line, and of which halves the roof elements can be positioned with the help of a tie member which, in the mounted condition, defines an angle between the roof elements, after which the frame can be hoisted further, whereby the wall elements can swivel outwardly until these have reached a substantially vertical position, in which they can be fixed relatively to the roof elements. Such a structure is known from GB-A-2 037 838 and is used for erection of a tent. For roofing works larger than e.g. the performance of local jobs on buried telephone connections, such structures have hardly been employed so far. For activities like roof covering, repairing of streets and the like, which should take place under dry conditions, and which have to be frequently interrupted in many regions owing to rain, experiments therewith have been made but always the elaborate erection of the tent impeded large scale application. For roofers, the elaborate erection is particularly disadvantageous, for the tent can often not be left on the roof at night, to prevent storm damage and because they are working on the same site for a relatively short period, so that the tent has to be displaced moreover relatively often. Also for other applications, such as painting and short events, such as markets and festivals, a short assembly and disassembly time may be important. It is an object of the present invention to provide a structure of the above type which can be quickly performed and by means of which a sufficiently large surface area is roofed in short time. To that effect, the present invention provides a structure in which wheels are mounted on free ends of the wall elements so that the structure can roll over a base upon outward swiveling movement of said wall elements, thus preventing damage of said base- e.g. a roof of a building. In a further elaboration of the present invention, the frame is provided with elements forming wall spreaders in the erected position of the frame, each wall spreader being mounted on one of the wall elements for hinging movement about a line parallel to the ridge line, and extending substantially in one plane, said wall spreaders being swiveled outwards for use. The wall portions sloping downwardly from the wall elements reduce the force exerted on the roof by the wind. The spreaders have the additional advantage that a surface area can be roofed that extends beyond a surface area defined by supporting points of the roof, without it being necessary to attach the tent cloth to the base along the outer circumference of the roofed surface area. This advantage is especially important on roofs, since it enables the covering to extend beyond the edge of the roof, where it is not possible to fasten the tent cloth. This possibility is now created by having the wall spreader extend beyond the edge of the roof. When the method according to the present invention is used on a roof of a building, it is thus possible to cover the roof as far as the edge and yet keep it accessible for carrying out operations thereon. Because the wall spreaders are hingedly mounted and extend substantially in one plane, the flatness of the frame in folded condition is ensured. The space occupied during storage is thus limited. Mostly, one frame, whose dimensions are limited due to the required transportability, will not be sufficiently large to roof a desired surface area. To overcome this problem, the method of the present invention preferably provides for the possibility of coupling two interspaced frames together with the roof edge lines in alignment with each other, by means of connecting sections which are mounted between corresponding sections parallel to the roof edge lines, of the frames to be coupled, with at least a part of the connecting sections being telescopically extensible from one of the said sections of one of the frames. This allows a random number of frames to be coupled to each other for obtaining a roof of the desired depth. Due to the telescopic design, the number of loose parts to be transported and to be stored is limited. For fitting the tent cloth at the gable ends of the structure, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the structure is provided at the gable ends of the frame with sections forming gable spreaders in the erected position of the frame, which spreaders have one end hinged to one of the wall elements and a free end provided with an attachment point while, after the installation of the tie member and before the further hoisting of the frame, an element which, in the erected position of the frame, forms a gable element, is hinged to the roof elements at the gable end, and during the further hoisting of the frame to the erected position, is swivelled to a position oriented outwardly and downwardly, the gable element having a free end provided with attachment points and a supporting wheel which, in the said erected position, is further inward than the said attachment points, after which sections are provided between the attachment points on the gable element and the attachment points on the gable spreaders, said sections forming gable sections in the said erected position. As a result, there is obtained an inclined gable wall capable of roofing an area extending at the gable end beyond supporting points of the structure, without the necessity of attaching the tent cloth to the base alongside the outer circumference of the roofed surface area. This provides the advantages already mentioned, in connection with the inclined walls obtained by wall spreaders, of reducing the force exerted on the structure by the wind and of the base being roofed to a possible edge while yet being accessible for carrying out operations thereon. Furthermore, the installation of the gable element, before the entire lifting of the roof elements, has the advantage that these elements need not be lifted to a high position but are hoisted together with the roof elements. The installation of a part of the tent cloth over the frames is effected preferably in such a manner that on opposite wall spreaders of at least one frame and/or connecting sections corresponding with the wall spreaders, there are provided at least one roller on which a part of the tent cloth is wound, and at least one winch. The wall spreaders are fitted with sections hinged to the ridge line in a plane parallel thereto, said sections forming supporting legs in the erected position of the frame and which are provided with projections forming in that position mounting brackets to which the roller and the winch are attached, after which at least one rope is provided over the frame between the portion of the tent cloth and the winch, by means of which the tent cloth is subsequently pulled off the roller and over the frame, said rope being wound on the winch. The tent cloth can thus be installed and removed very quickly. Because it is moreover sufficient for preventing damage due to storm to remove only the tent cloth, a substantial saving in time can be achieved as compared with the frequent disassembly and assembly of the entire arrangement. The installation of the roller and the winch on the wall spreaders or corresponding connecting sections enables to obtain the above described walls extending outwardly downwardly beyond an edge, if any, of the base. Due to the supporting legs, there is thus obtained a support for the wall spreaders and possibly for the corresponding connecting sections, so that these do not resiliently yield during the exercise of forces thereon during the rolling on and off of said portion of the tent cloth, thereby impeding the operation. Due to the hinging action of the supporting legs in the plane parallel to the ridge line, it is achieved that the mounting brackets mounted on the supporting legs and adapted to receive the roller or the winch, extend in folded-up condition of the frame, parallel to the plane thereof and, consequently, do not project. Further advantages and particulars according to the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective elevational view of an apparatus according to the present invention in a starting position prior to lifting; Fig. 2 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 1, showing a part of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a slightly lifted position; Fig. 3 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 1, and showing the part of the apparatus according to Fig. 2 in a further lifted position; Fig. 4 is a cut off perspective elevational view of the part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 4 of the part of the apparatus according to Fig. 2 of a slightly folded out wall spreader; Fig. 6 is a simplified perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention with erected, interconnected frames; and Fig. 7 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 1 of the apparatus according to the present invention with erected frames and a partly installed tent cloth. In the drawings, corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. Figs. 1-5 show the erection of a roofing structure in intermediate stages, with the tent cloth not being shown for the sake of clarity. Fig. 1 shows the structure, comprising two frames consisting of frame halves 1, in a planar position, with wall elements 3, as shown, being swivelled preferably against planar roof elements 2, which are hinged along roof edge lines 10 to the roof elements 2. Roof elements 2 are hinged together along a ridge line 11. This attachment is preferably detachable to obtain separately transportable and storable frame portions, which as regards weight and dimensions, permit a better handling than an entire frame. Gable elements 47 not yet attached to the frames with wheels 6 are shown in lying position at gable ends of the frames indicated by arrows 42. In a later stage of the erection these can be attached at points of attachment 8, preferably in hinged fashion, to roof elements 2. Wheels 9 are mounted on the free ends of the wall elements 3, preferably for swivelling movement. Designated by 12 is a base, e.g. a roof, on which the structure rests. The frames are provided with points of attachment 5 for attaching thereto hoisting ropes indicated by arrows 14. Fig. 2 shows a part of the structure shown in Fig. 1 in a slightly raised position, there being provided between roof elements 2 near roof edge lines 10, tie members 4, in this instance taking the form of ropes. Points of attachment 5 are preferably disposed at a small distance, in the direction of the roof edge lines, from centres of gravity, not shown, of frame halves 1. Furthermore, during hoisting, wall elements 3 still rest with free ends thereof or wheels 9 on the base 12, so that the entire weight thereof does not yet hang from the roof elements 2. Without additional steps, consequently, the roof elements, during lifting, will be lifted only at the roof edge lines 10. To ensure, however, that the roof elements are hoisted only at the ridge line 11, preferably a downwardly directed force indicated by arrows 7 is exerted on roof elements 2 near roof edge lines 10. By providing points of attachment 5 only a small distance closer to the roof edge lines 10 than the place where the centre of gravity, not shown, of the frame half 1 is located, the required force 7, however, can be kept so small that this can be exerted by hand. When the portions of roof elements 2 near ridge line 11 have been lifted high enough, the tie members 4 can be fitted, which are subsequently subjected to tension, after the exercise of forces 7 has been released, and define an angle between roof elements 2, which also prevents the frame halves from folding together with the ridge line 11 upwards. Front element 47 is attached to points of attachment 8 of the frame. This is effected preferably when the frame is in the position shown in Fig. 2, with the points of attachment 8 at a proper interspace and still within easy reach near the base 12. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show the frame or at least a part thereof in a position so far raised that wall elements 3 have reached a vertical position, in which they can be locked. The frame is preferably provided with co-planar wall spreaders 15 preferably having legs 16 hinged thereto in a plane parallel to the ridge line 11 and perpendicular to the plane in which extend wall spreaders 15. Preferably, mounting brackets 17 are fitted on at least a portion of legs 16 for mounting a roller 54 (see Fig. 6), whereon is wound a portion 41 (see fig. 7) of the tent cloth to be fitted among other things over the frame, or a winch 40 (see Fig. 7). Preferably an adjustable pull-up element 18 is provided between wall spreaders 15 and wall element 13. Wheels 6, 9 enable to move the apparatus in erected position, whereby the legs 16 are lifted off the base 12 by lifting wall spreaders 15 off the ground by means of adjustable pull-up elements 18. Wheels 6, 9 also ensure that base 12, during lifting from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3, and during lowering in reverse direction, whereby the end of front element 47 attached to the roof elements is carried along correspondingly as the portion of wall elements 3 attached thereto, is not damaged by ends of the wall and gable elements 3, 47 sliding thereover. Preferably, gable spreaders 49 are attached foldably to the gable end of the frame by means of hinges 48, for mounting gable sections 51 (see Fig. 6) between mounting stubs 55 and the free ends 50 of the said gable spreaders 49. The wall spreaders, the gable spreaders 15, 49 and the gable elements 47 provide for inclined walls and gables which limit the force exerted by the wind on the assembly as compared with straight walls and gables and make it possible for the roof structure to extend beyond points of support and attachment of the assembly, so that this may extend e.g. beyond roof edges, thereby covering the roof as far as the edge and allowing accessibility for perfoming operations thereon. Fig. 6 shows two interconnected frames, each consisting of frame halves 1, with connecting sections 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 disposed between them. The connecting sections are each disposed so as to be co-extensive with corresponding sections 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 parallel to the ridge line 11. Connecting sections 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 increase the roofed surface area in a simple manner. The connecting secions 20, 21, 22 and 23 preferably telescope longitudinally into and out of the corresponding sections 30, 31, 32 and 33, parallel to ridge line 11, of either of two adjoining frames, so that the number of parts to be transported and stored separately is limited. Likewise, the assembly and disassembly time of the apparatus is limited by this telescopic design, since connecting sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 need not be supplied and discharged separately. Fig. 7 shows how a part of the gable end of the first frame is closed by means of a first part 43 of the gable portion of the tent cloth provided on roof elements 2 for the purpose, said cloth being lowered to that effect, while a second part 43 is still connected against roof element 2 through loops 44, which have been loosened for the lowering of the first part 43. For fastening the underside of the gable portion 43 of the tent cloth to the gable section 51, there are provided push button portions 45 on the gable sections and at the gable end of the wall spreaders, said push button portions 45 corresponding with push button portions, not shown, provided on the gable portion of the tent cloth. By means of ropes 39 and a winch 40, a portion 41 of the tent cloth has been pulled off roller 54 partly over the first frame and a part of the connecting sections 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, thus providing a tent cloth that can be installed and removed very quickly. This is particularly favourable, because to prevent damage owing to storm it is mostly sufficient to remove tent cloth 41, 43, while the frames and the other parts can remain in erected position. The tent cloth may consist of any suitable cloth, foil or combination thereof, which combinations include both cloth-foil laminates and combinations with inserted pieces of foil, e.g. in the form of transparent windows from synthetic plastics material. It should further be noted that connecting sections 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 and the sections 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 parallel to ridge line 11, as viewed in cross section, have an outer circumference having a substantially arcuate portion situated exteriorly of the frame. As a result, the wear on ropes 39 and tent cloth 41 is limited during the unwinding of tent cloth 41 over the frame and the rewinding thereof, and, moreover, the concomitant friction is limited, so that the operation is simplified.

Claims: 1. Foldable structure comprising at least one frame and a tent cloth installed therealong, the frame comprising various elements forming in the erected position of the frame, roof and wall elements, said roof elements adjoining each other along a ridge line and the wall elements adjoining the roof elements along roof edge lines, and in which the frame is composed of two frame halves hinged together along said ridge line, and of which halves the roof elements can be positioned with the help of a tie member which, in the mounted condition, defines an angle between the roof elements, after which the frame can be hoisted further, whereby the wall elements can swivel outwardly until these have reached a substantially vertical position, in which they can be fixed relatively to the roof elements, characterized in that wheels are mounted on free ends of the wall elements so that the structure can roll over a base upon outward swiveling movement of said wall elements. 2. Foldable structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame is provided with elements which, in the erected position of the frame, form wall spreaders, each wall spreader being mounted on one of the wall elements for hinging movement about a line parallel to the ridge line and extending substantially in one plane, said wall spreaders being swiveled outwards for use. 3. Foldable structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two interspaced frames with co-extensive roof edge lines are coupled to each other by means of connecting sections mounted between corresponding sections, parallel to the roof edge lines, of the frames to be coupled, with at least a part of the connecting sections being telescopically slidable out of one of the said sections of one of the frames. 4. Foldable structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a gable end of the frame, there are provided sections that form gable spreaders in the erected position of the frame, which spreaders are hinged by one end to one of the wall elements and have a free end provided with an attachment point while after installation of the tie member and before the further hoisting of the frame, an element which in the erected position of the frame forms a gable element, is hinged at the said gable end to the roof elements, and during the further hoisting of the frame to the erected position, is swiveled to a position oriented outwardly and downwardly, the gable element having a free end provided with attachment points and a supporting wheel which, in the said erected position, is further inward than the said attachment points, after which sections are provided between the attachment points of the gable element and the attachment points on the gable spreaders, said sections forming gable sections in the said erected position. 5. Foldable structure according to claim 4, characterized in that on opposite wall spreaders of at least one frame and/or connecting sections corresponding with the wall spreaders, there are provided at least one roller on which a part of the tent cloth is wound, and at least one winch, said wall spreaders being fitted with sections attached thereto for hinging movement in a plane parallel to the ridge line, said sections forming supporting legs in the erected position of the frame and being provided with projections forming in that position mounting brackets to which the roller and the winch are attached, after which at least one rope is provided over the frame between the portion of the tent cloth and the winch, by means of which the tent cloth is subsequently pulled off the roller and over the frame, said rope being wound on the winch. 6. Foldable structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that frame halves adjoining one another along the ridge line are each provided with at least one attachment element for lifting, which is disposed on either of two lines, each extending on a frame half, equidistantly from, and parallel to, the ridge line on the side of the roof edge line and closely along a centre of gravity of respective frame halves. 7. Foldable structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the tent cloth, in the erected position of the frame, extends from the roof edge line outwardly and downwardly to free ends of wall spreaders, so that there is obtained a roof that extends beyond the surface area defined by supporting points of the wall elements, each wall spreader being substantially rectangular, extending substantially in one plane and being connected to one of the wall elements for hinging movement about a line parallel to the roof edge lines. 8. Foldable structure according to claim 7, characterized in that the wall spreaders have a free end connected by at least one pull-up member of adjustable length to at least one point near the roof edge line on the corresponding wall element. 9. Foldable structure according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized by comprising at least two frames, with two adjoining frames being adapted to be interconnected in spaced relationship, with co-extensive roof lines, there being provided connecting sections arranged to be mounted between corresponding sections of the frames to be coupled, said corresponding sections being parallel to the roof edge lines, with at least a part of the connecting sections having a smaller cross section than the said sections and being slidable into the said sections of one of the frames. 10. Foldable structure according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that it is provided with at least one gable element adapted to be hinged on at least one gable end of a frame to the roof elements and having a free end provided with attachment elements and a supporting wheel, section-like front spreaders hinged to the said gable end of the wall elements and having free ends fitted with attachment elements and gable sections to be mounted between the attachment elements of one of the gable spreaders and of the gable element. 11. Foldable structure according to any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that opposite wall spreaders of at least one frame and/or connecting sections corresponding with the wall spreaders are provided with sections having projections which, in the erected position of the frame, form supporting legs, and mounting brackets, respectively, there being further provided at least one roller on which a part of the tent cloth is wound, at least one rope attached to the tent cloth and at least one winch, said roller and said winch being arranged for attachment to said mounting brackets, said rope being arranged to be fitted over the frame between the tent cloth and the winch and to be wound on the winch. 12. Foldable structure according to claim 11, characterized in that the sections extending parallel to the ridge line have a cross section with an outer circumference the portion of which that comes into contact, in operation, with the cloth being rounded.

Inventors: BUIJS, JOHANNES
Applicants: ADVIESBUREAU D3BN CIVIEL INGENIEURS B.V.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: E04B1
IPC codes: E04B1