MULTIFUNCTIONAL BUILDING

Abstract: A multifunctional building for providing accommodation to events, said building comprising a sports field (1) for an outdoor sport, whereby at least part of the sports field is provided in a container (4) which can be moved in vertical direction, in such a manner that in raised condition said container forms the roof of a space which can be utilized for indoor activities. The sports field may be a grass field which comprises sports facilities fixedly provided thereon. Stands (6) may be present outside the sports field, which stands can be moved to a position under the container when the container occupies a raised position. Roofed-in stands may furthermore be present, the roof of said stands abutting the container when said container occupies a raised position.

Description: MULTIFUNCTIONAL BUILDING The invention relates to a building for providing accommodation to events, said building comprising a sports field for an outdoor sport such as soccer, baseball, rugby, American football, etc. A sports field for such an outdoor sport usually has a relatively large surface area, so that the building, which generally comprises stands surrounding the sports field and which may furthermore be provided with a roof over the stands and the sports field, is mostly a very voluminous structure. Because buildings of this type can only be used for outdoor sports events for a relatively limited time, alternative uses for such a building are sometimes sought. Thus it may be used for pop concerts and similar events. Events of this kind may cause damage to the sports field and the sports facilities possibly present thereon, however, but this damage is outweighed by the advantages of using the building for several purposes. Such a building may be provided with a roof, as a result of which the number of possible uses is increased considerably. Generally such a roof must be constructed in such a manner, however, that it can be opened, for example by moving aside part of the roof. This may be necessary in order to expose the grass of the sports field to the outside air, so that it can grow in a natural manner, it may also be necessary because the rules of certain outdoor sports do not allow the use of a roof. Also in those cases where a roof is present, however, the number of uses of the building is limited by the presence of the sports field, which is used for outdoor sports and which consists of natural or artificial grass, for example. Although it is possible to cover the sports field for certain activities, or to provide a floor some distance above the sports field, it has been proposed to design the sports field such that it can be picked up in parts and be moved to a location outside the building. This is a highly time-consuming, labourious and thus costly method, however. The object of the invention is to provide a multifunctional building which comprises a sports field for practising an outdoor sport, but which is also suitable for indoor activities, whereby the building can be efficiently converted to accommodate the various events . In order to accomplish that objective at least part of the sports field of the multifunctional building is according to the invention provided in a container which can be moved in vertical direction, in such a manner that in raised condition said container forms the roof of a space which can be utilized for indoor activities. With a building of this type the sports field for practising the outdoor sport always lies in the open air, so that the rules of the sport in question are complied with. According to another aspect of the invention the sports field may furthermore consist of natural grass, which grass can be kept in optimum condition, because it is in contact with the outside air and with the natural light at all times, whilst in addition to that the quality of the grass may be enhanced in that the container in which the grass field is present may be provided with the necessary installations for the watering, draining, etc. of the grass field. Furthermore heating elements may be provided in order to prevent snow and/or ice from remaining present on the sports field, which is disadvantageous when the sports field is being used and which is also disadvantageous because of the additional energy which would be required for moving the sports field in vertical direction. Preferably the means for moving the container in vertical direction are positioned under the container. As a result of this they do not constitute a physical or visual obstacle when the container occupies a low position. In addition this enables an advantageous support with a minimum span and an optimum distribution of forces. According to another aspect of the invention the sports field may comprise sports facilities fixedly provided thereon, such as dugouts, goal posts, lines, etc. When indoor activities take place these sports facilities do not cause any inconvenience, because they are present on the roof of the space within which the indoor activities take place. According to another aspect of the invention stands which are present outside the sports field may be movable in such a manner that they can be moved to a position under the container when said container occupies a raised position. In that case the container comprising the sports field not only forms the roof of the space within which an indoor activity takes place, but it also forms the roof of the stand that has been moved forward. This may be advantageous in particular when the indoor activity is a sport which is played on a smaller area than the area of the sports field. According to another aspect of the invention roofed-in stands may be present outside the sports field, the roof of said stands being constructed in such a manner that it abuts the container when said container has been moved to a raised position. In this manner it is possible to form a closed space having a free area of at least the same dimensions as the sports field. According to another aspect of the invention the container, when occupying its raised position, may abut a wall or the roof of a stand, whereby a flexible, inflatable sealing means is provided between said container and said wall or said roof. Preferably said sealing means consists of a flexible, inflatable hose, which may be divided into compartments . The hose may thereby be inflated when the container is .positioned at the correct height, so that an adequate yet slightly flexible seal is obtained along the edge of the container. According to another aspect of the invention said sealing means are attached to the container and they are at the upper side provided with a slab whose bottom edge extends to above a wall part or said roof after said sealing means have been inflated. As a result of this it is inter alia possible to obtain an adequate discharge of for example rain water. This construction will be explained in more detail hereafter. According to another aspect of the invention the container may be provided with a supporting structure, which has a height such that it comprises a floor, so that a space is created which may function as a parking garage or a storage space. In this manner the height of the container and its supporting structure which is necessary to give the container sufficient strength and rigidity can be utilized in an effective manner. Of course such a parking garage for visitors of events can only be used when the container occupies its lowermost position. The storage space can be used constantly, however, for example as a caravan garage. The space may thereby be accessible in more than one raised position of the container. According to another aspect of the invention the container may be constructed in such a manner that it can be secured in a user position at several heights, which may be useful, for example for energy reasons, when events take place which require a space less high than the maximum height to which the container can be raised. In one preferred embodiment this maximum height may be higher than the roof of the stands surrounding the sports field, as a result of which the number of possible uses of the building can be further increased. According to another aspect of the invention at least three hydraulic jacks are provided under the container for lifting said container, whereby each jack may comprise a plurality of hydraulic cylinders surrounding a leg, on which leg the container is supported, and whereby said cylinders are capable of jointly moving said leg some distance upwards, and whereby one cylinder can engage said leg at a lower location whilst another cylinder remains in engagement with said leg. This will be discussed in more detail hereafter by means of an embodiment of a jack of this type. The number of hydraulic jacks and/or their location is preferably selected such that the space under the container can be utilized optimally ,and that they do not form an obstacle when the stands are being moved, as already discussed before. It is preferred to use four jacks, which are spaced far apart. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for converting a facility for practising an outdoor sport into a facility for indoor activities, and vice versa, wherein at least part of the bottom of the sports field for said outdoor sport is moved up to the position in which said bottom forms the roof of the space for said indoor activities, and vice versa. Further aspects of the invention, which may be used both separately and in combination with each other, are described hereafter and are defined in the claims. Hereafter an embodiment of a multifunctional building will be described by way of illustration with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows the building in sectional view; Figure 2 is a plan view of the building; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the building; Figure 4 is a plan view of the building; Figure 5 shows part of the container with sealing means; Figure 6 shows the operation of the sealing means; Figure 7 shows part of the container, with a parking garage present therein; Figure 8 is an elevational view of a jack; Figure 9 is a sectional view, along line IX-IX in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a plan view of the first yoke; and Figure 11 is a plan view of the second yoke. The Figures are merely schematic illustrations of the building and parts thereof, wherein like parts are numbered alike. The schematic sectional view of Figure 1 shows a sports field 1 in the form of a soccer field with natural grass, which sports field 1 is provided with sports facilities such as goals 2 and lines 3 (Figure 2) . The sports field 1 is present within a container 4, which, in order to have sufficient rigidity for supporting the sports field, has a height of a few metres, including its supporting structure. In the situation shown in Figure 1 container 4 is positioned on or near the ground 5 (surface level), that is, in its lowermost position. Provided around the sports field 1 are stands 6 with seating accommodation for spectators. A roof 7 is present over stand 6, so that the spectators on stand 6 are sheltered. A safety trench 8 is present between container 4 and stands 6, which safety trench functions to prevent spectators from having easy access to the sports field 1 from stand 6. The depth of safety trench 8 is equal to the height of container 4 in this embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 container 4 is supported by four jacks 9, two of which are shown in Figure 1. Container 4, with sports field 1 present therein, can be raised to various heights by means of said hydraulic jacks 9. Figure 2 is a plan view of the building, from which the roof 7 of stands 6 has been left out. As a result of this stands 6 and safety trench 8 can be distinguished. The periphery of sports field 1, which measures 120 metres by 79, for example, is indicated by means of chain-dotted line 10. The sports field 1 is provided with the lines 3 for a soccer match. The dimensions of said soccer field are 105 metres by 68. Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the building, wherein container 4 with sports field 1 occupies a raised position. Container 4 is thereby supported on four legs 11, two of which are shown. Said legs 11 have been raised by means of jacks 9, and that in such a manner that the edge of container 4 is positioned near roof 7 of stand 6. Legs 11 move up and down along with the container and are hidden in the ground when container 4 occupies a low position. Legs 11 may thereby be provided spaced from the edge of container 4, so that an advantageous support of the container with a minimum span and an optimum distribution of forces is obtained. The space between container 4 and roof 7 may be filled, as will be explained in more detail hereafter, so that a closed space is created under container 4 and roof 7, in which events such as sporting contests for indoor sports and pop concerts may take place. In the embodiment the stands 6 along the short sides of sports field 1 are constructed in such a manner that they can be moved to a position under container 4, so that a smaller space is created between stands 6. This may be of importance for sporting contests such as tennis, which are played on a smaller area than a soccer match. The forward position of the stands is indicated at 12. Figure 4 shows a plan view which corresponds with Figure 2, from which also container 4 has been left out. Chain-dotted line 10 indicates the periphery of the sports field 1, and dashed lines 13 indicate the positions of stands 6, both in their normal position and in their forward position. In addition to that Figure 4 shows the four jacks 9. The weight of the container with the sports field may be IO 7 kg, for example. The space between container 4 and the roof (Figure 3) may be 0.5 m, for example. Figure 5 schematically shows the edge of container 4, which consists of the vertical side 15. Said vertical side 15 has a height of 3 m, for example, and is provided with a flexible hose 16 surrounding container 4. In its position of rest said hose 16 may for example have a shape as illustrated in Figure 5. Said hose is attached to container 4 at the locations indicated at 17. A pressure pipe 18 is present within container 4, by means of which pressure pipe hose 16 can be inflated. Hose 16 may be subdivided into compartments, whereby each compartment may be connected to pressure pipe 18. A slab 19 of a flexible material, for example rubber, is provided above and against hose 16. Said slab is hinged to container 4 at its upper side, so that slab 19 will be pressed outwards when hose 16 is inflated. Figure 6 shows the side 15 of container 4 in its position near roof 7 of the stand. The space between roof 7 and container 4 is 0.5 m, for example, and is sealed by inflating hose 16 by means of pressure pipe 18. As is apparent from Figure 6, slab 19 is thereby lifted, so that its bottom edge will be positioned above roof 7. As a result of this rain water and the like can readily flow off from sports field 1 to the upper side of roof 7. Thus the resulting seal between container 4 and roof 7 is fully weather resistant and yet flexible to a certain extent. Figure 7 schematically illustrates part of container 4, showing the space 25 which has been created within container 4. In order to give container 4, which supports sports field 1, sufficient rigidity and strength, container 4 is constructed to have a height of a few metres, 3 or 4 for example, which makes it possible to create a circumferentially closed space 25 within container 4. Figure 7 shows the container in its lowermost position, and space 25 is in the form of a garage for about 400 passenger cars. Figure 8 is a schematic view of a jack 9, which is provided with four hydraulic cylinders 26, which are capable of moving a leg 11 upwards. The pistons 27 of two opposing cylinders 26 are to that end interconnected by a yoke 28, 29 at their upper sides, which yoke can be moved in vertical direction by the cylinders 26 in question. Leg 11 has a substantially square cross-section and consists of a metal shell, which may be filled with concrete. Cams 30 are welded to the metal shell of leg 11 in a predetermined spaced-apart relationship. Said cams 30 are positioned on all four sides of leg 11. Leg 11 is at its upper side attached to container 4. Jack 9 is located under the ground 5 (surface level) , as is for example shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic view according to line IX-IX in Figure 8. Four cylinders 26 are shown, which are each positioned near a flat side of leg 11. Furthermore four locking means 31 are provided, which can be moved in a horizontal plane from a free position, as shown in Figure 9, to a locking position, in which position locking means 31 butts against leg 11. Said locking means 31 are secured to foundation plate 32, in which cylinders 26 are provided, so that leg 11 is locked against movement in vertical direction when locking means 31 occupy their locking position. Arrow 33 indicates the direction of movement of locking means 31. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of first yoke 29, which is secured to two pistons of opposing hydraulic cylinders 26. The lower yoke 29 is provided with two locking means 34, which are capable of movement in horizontal direction with respect to yoke 29, as indicated by arrow 35. Locking means 34 can move from a locking position, in which they butt against leg 11, to a free position, in which they are spaced from leg 11, and vice versa. In the locking position locking means 34 co-operate with cams 30. Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the upper yoke 28, showing the two other opposing hydraulic cylinders 26. Upper yoke 28 is likewise provided with locking means 36, which function in the same manner as locking means 34 of lower yoke 29. The direction of movement of locking means 36 is indicated by means of arrow 37. The operation of the hydraulic jack 9 is as follows. When container 4 is to be moved up from its lowermost position, the two yokes 28, 29 are in their lowermost position, one being positioned straight above the other, so that the locking means 36, 34 provided on yokes 28, 29 are in engagement with cams positioned one above the other. Locking means 34, 36 are to that end in their locking position, in which they butt against leg 11. Locking means 31 located on the four corner points of leg 11, at the upper side of foundation plate 32, are moved to their free position as shown in Figure 9 when the lifting operation is to begin. Then leg 11 is moved upwards by the action of all four hydraulic cylinders 26. The diameter of hydraulic cylinder 26 is for example 0.7 m, whilst the hydraulic pressure is for example 400 bar. The velocity at which leg 11 is moved is 2 m per hour, for example. When yokes 28, 29 have reached their uppermost position, that is, when the hydraulic cylinders have completed their maximum stroke of for example 1.5 m, locking means 31 are moved to their locking position, thus blocking any downward movement of leg 11. Then locking means 34 of the lower yoke 29 are put in their free position, so that the lower yoke 29 can be moved down to its starting position. In that position locking means 34 are put in their locking position again, so that they come into engagement with the relevant cams 30. Then locking means 36 of upper yoke 28 are put in their free position, after which upper yoke is moved to its lowermost position as well. Then locking means 36 are put in their locking position again. After locking means 31 have been put in their free position, the moving upwards of leg 11 along the length of stroke of hydraulic cylinders 26 can be started again. It will be apparent that by using the above method a double locking of leg 11 is provided at all times, that is, at least two of the three sets of locking means 31, 34, 36 are constantly in engagement with the cams 30 of leg 11. This is important for safety reasons, in particular when the space under container 4 is being used during said lifting. The downward movement of leg 11 is effected by the same method, during which movement two of the three sets of locking means 31, 34, 36 are likewise constantly in engagement with leg 11. By using the multifunctional building according to the present invention it becomes possible to use a relatively small ground area in a very efficient manner. Furthermore it is possible to keep a field of grass forming sports field 1 in an optimum condition, because it lies in the open air at all times and because it can be kept free from contact with sportspeople for a desired period of time. Under normal circumstances the time required for lifting or lowering the sports field may be 4 to 8 hours, this may take place at night, for example. The illustrated embodiment is merely to be considered as such. The invention as described above may also be implemented in manners different from that according to the illustrated embodiment.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A multifunctional building for providing accommodation to events, said building comprising a sports field (1) for an outdoor sport, characterized in that at least part of the sports field (1) is provided in a container (4) which can be moved in vertical direction, in such a manner that in raised condition said container (4) forms the roof of a space which can be utilized for indoor activities. 2. A building according to claim 1, characterized in that means for moving said container (4) in vertical direction are provided under said container (4) . 3. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sports field (1) comprises sports facilities fixedly provided thereon. 4. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that stands (6) are present outside said sports field (1), which stands can be moved to a position under said container (4) when said container occupies a raised position. 5. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that roofed-in stands (6) are present outside said sports field (1), the roof (7) of said stands abutting said container (4) when said container occupies a raised position. 6. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in its raised position said container (4) abuts a wall or the roof of a stand, with the interposition of flexible, inflatable sealing means (16, 17, 18, 19) 7. A building according to claim 6, characterized in that said sealing means comprise a flexible, inflatable hose (16) , which is preferably divided into compartments. 8. A building according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said sealing means are attached to said container (4) and are at their upper side provided with a slab (19) whose bottom edge extends to above a wall part or said roof (7) after said sealing means have been inflated. 9. A building according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a space (25) provided in the supporting structure of said container (4), which space comprises a floor and may function as a parking garage or a storage space. 10. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three hydraulic jacks (9) are provided under the container (4) for lifting said container (4) . 11. A building according to claim 10, characterized in that said hydraulic jacks (9) are provided spaced from the edge of said container (4) . 12. A building according to claim 11, characterized in that each jack (9) comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (26) surrounding a leg (11), on which leg (11) said container (4) is supported, whereby said cylinders (26) are capable of jointly moving said leg (11) some distance upwards, and whereby one cylinder (26) can engage said leg at a lower location whilst another cylinder (26) remains in engagement with said leg (11) . 12. A method for converting a facility for practising an outdoor sport into a facility for indoor activities, and vice versa, wherein at least part of the bottom of the sports field (1) for said outdoor sport is moved up to the position in which said bottom forms the roof of the space for said indoor activities, and vice versa.

Inventors: HOCK FRANS, HOCK, FRANS
Applicants: HOCK FRANS, HOCK, FRANS
Application year: 1996
Main classification: E04H3
IPC codes: E04B1, E04H3