Patent Abstract:
A storage structure or hangar designed primarily for housing a sailplane or other small aircraft has a substantially T-shaped pre-fabricated upper frame support anchored to the ground at several locations, a first set of frame members mounted immovably to the upper frame support in areas where the fuselage and tail and the two wings are located when the sailplane or small aircraft is in the storage structure, and a second set of frame members hingedly mounted in part to the upper frame support and partly to first set of frame members. The second set of frame members are located substantially where the front or cockpit of the plane is located and in front of the wings. Panels covering the first and second frame members and enclosing the structure are mounted to the first and second frame members. A cable, chain or like mechanism operated by a winch raises the second set of hinged frame members together with the cover panels mounted thereon to allow the sailplane to be placed into the storage structure. The winch also lowers the second set of frame members to close the structure and enclose the plane therein. The winch is powered by a battery that is charged by a solar panel associated with the structure.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention is in the field of structures designed to house sailplanes and small aircraft. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a structure which is specifically suited for protecting sailplanes and other small aircraft from exposure to the elements.  
           [0003]    2. Brief Description of Background Art  
           [0004]    It is well known that small aircraft is best stored in hangars or like buildings where the aircraft is protected from exposure to the elements. This is particularly true for sailplanes (also known as gliders) which in modern times are usually made from fiber glass, carbon fiber or like synthetic material. It is known that these synthetic materials are severely damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun. However, storage space in hangars or like structures is usually limited in the airports and airfields where sailplanes are normally operated, and when storage space is available it is usually expensive. Sailplanes are often moved from one airfield to another or are retrieved from off-airfield landings in covered trailers in which the sailplane can be stored and transported but only if the wings are first disassembled from the fuselage. For this reason many sailplane owners or operators have specifically dimensioned trailers for each sailplane.  
           [0005]    In order to avoid exposing sailplanes, especially sailplanes made from fiberglass, carbon fiber or like synthetic material to the elements the owners or pilots usually remove the wings from the sailplane and store the sailplane in its covered trailer even when there is no intention or need to move the disassembled sailplane from one location to another. However, as it is known by those familiar with sailplane operations, sailplane wings are heavy, and removing them can be burdensome and time-consuming, especially when this operation is performed by one person. Reassembling the wings to the sailplane to make it airworthy again is equally burdensome and time consuming. Moreover, the reassembly of the wings and reconnection of the control surfaces must be performed with absolute precision with no room for error, since failure of properly attaching the wings to the fuselage, and/or failure of properly connecting the control surfaces is likely to cause serious and possibly fatal crashes.  
           [0006]    The present invention provides a solution to the problem of disassembling sailplanes for storage just to protect them from the elements, and provides convenient and relatively inexpensive storage space for sailplanes and other small aircraft.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is an object of the present invention to provide storage space for housing a sailplane or like small aircraft whereby the sailplane or aircraft is protected from the elements.  
           [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide storage space for a sailplane or like small aircraft that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.  
           [0009]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide storage space for a sailplane or like small aircraft that can be assembled at the site of usage from pre-fabricated parts.  
           [0010]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide storage space for a sailplane or like small aircraft which is easy to operate.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide storage space for a sailplane or like small aircraft that is operated by electric power without being dependent on a power grid.  
           [0012]    These and other advantages are attained by a storage structure or hangar which has a substantially T-shaped pre-fabricated truss or upper frame support anchored to the ground at a plurality of locations, first set of frame members mounted immovably to the truss or upper frame support in areas where the fuselage and tail and the two wings are located when the sailplane or small aircraft is in the storage structure, and a second set of frame members hingedly mounted in part to the truss or upper frame support and partly to first set of frame members. The second set of frame members are located substantially where the front or cockpit of the plane is located and in front of the wings. Panels covering the first and second frame members and enclosing the structure are mounted to the first and second frame members. A cable, chain or like mechanism operated by a winch raises the second set of hinged frame members together with the cover panels mounted thereon to allow the plane to be placed into the storage structure. The winch also lowers the second set of frame members to close the structure and enclose the plane therein.  
           [0013]    The foregoing and other objects and advantages attained by the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description taken together with the appended drawings where like numerals indicate like parts. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a side view of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention, the view showing a second hinged set of frame members in a down position whereby the storage structure is closed.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention, the view showing a second hinged set of frame members in a raised position whereby the storage structure is open.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a diagramatic top plan view of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention, the view showing a second hinged set of frame members in a raised position whereby the storage structure is open, and a sailplane is being maneuvered into placement within the structure.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an area shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the substantially T-shaped truss or upper frame support of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7A is a schematic, simplified perspective view of the substantially T-shaped truss or upper frame support of the storage structure or hangar and of the first and second sets of frame members attached to the truss, without showing any cross-bracing members or panels covering the frame members.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing the location of the first and second frame members which form the walls of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken on lines  9 , 9  of FIG. 8.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  10 , 10  of FIG. 9, the view showing the juncture of two members of rectangular cross-section which are part of the truss.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 is a plan view taken on lines  11 , 11  of FIG. 9, the view showing attachment of the truss or upper frame support to the first set of frame members.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  12 , 12  of FIG. 11.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  13 , 13  of FIG. 9, the view showing the attachment of two adjoining frame members.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken of the area indicated by  14  on FIG. 9, the view showing connection of two members which are part of the truss or upper frame support.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  15 , 15  of FIG. 9, the view showing connection of the truss to an anchor post.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken on lines  16 , 16  of FIG. 9.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 17 is a view taken on lines  17 , 17  of FIG. 16, the view showing connection of the truss to an anchor post.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 18 is a view taken on lines  18 , 18  of FIG. 17.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the right half of the hangar of the present invention, the view showing the second set of the hinged frame members attached to the truss.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 20 is a view taken on lines  20 , 20  of FIG. 19, the view showing a hinge in detail.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 21 is a front plan view of the front of the hangar of the present invention, the view showing the second set of frame members which enclose the cockpit, attached to the truss or upper frame support.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the area indicated  22  in FIG. 21.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  23 , 23  of FIG. 22.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic side view of the truss and of the second set of hinged frame members capable of enclosing the cockpit part of a plane, the view showing the cable and winch mechanism that raises and lowers the hinged frame members.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  25 , 25  of FIG. 24.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 26 is a view taken on lines  26 , 26  of FIG. 24.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic side view showing the raised position of the second set of hinged frame members capable of enclosing the cockpit part of a plane.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing mechanical connection between the hinged frame members normally covering the cockpit and hinged frame members normally covering the wing of a plane in the storage unit of the invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the are indicated at  29  on FIG. 24, the view showing a locking mechanism for the storage unit of the present invention.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic top view of a channel or trough and a ramp utilized for moving a plane in and out of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a channel or trough and a ramp utilized for moving a plane in and out of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention, the view also showing a plane as it is being moved.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a channel or trough and a ramp utilized for moving a plane in and out of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention, the view also showing a plane positioned for storage in the storage structure.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  33 , 33  of FIG. 1, the view showing attachment of corrugated metal siding to the first set of frame members.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines  34 , 34  of FIG. 33.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic view showing a cable, electric and hand winches utilized for raising the hinged frame members of the storage structure or hangar of the present invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 36 is a circuit diagram of the electric components of the storage unit of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0051]    The following specification taken in conjunction with the drawings sets forth the preferred embodiment of the present invention in such a manner that any person skilled in the art can use the invention. The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor, although it should be understood that various modifications can be accomplished within the parameters of the present invention.  
         [0052]    Referring now to the appended drawing figures, a preferred embodiment of the storage structure, storage unit or hangar  50  of the present invention is disclosed. It should be noted at the outset that the storage structure or hangar  50  of the present invention is designed primarily for storage of sailplanes which are also known as gliders. Sailplanes or gliders typically have small cockpits for one or two persons and the cockpits tend to be relatively low to the ground. Sailplanes or gliders also typically have long wings and a relatively narrow fuselage. All of the foregoing is especially true for the sailplanes that are made from fiberglass, carbon fiber or like synthetic material. Thus, the storage structure or hangar  50  of the present invention is primarily dimensioned for the housing of sailplanes, and in this specification the preferred embodiment of the storage structure or hangar  50  is shown and described in connection with the housing of a single sailplane. However, the invention is not so limited and the storage structure  50  of the invention can also be readily adapted for the housing and storage of other small aircraft, for example a small power plane.  
         [0053]    It is an important feature of the storage structure or hangar  50  of the present invention that it can be readily assembled from pre-fabricated parts at a desired site, such as an airfield, where sailplanes operate. Principal components or parts of the storage structure or hangar  50  include a substantially T-shaped truss or upper frame support  52  that is best shown by itself in FIG. 7. Conceptually, the T-shaped truss or upper frame support  52  has a frontal part  54  to which structures housing the wings and cockpit of a sailplane are mounted, and a rear part  56  to which structures housing the fuselage are mounted. The T-shaped truss or upper frame support  52  is advantageously pre-fabricated from steel in several sections and is assembled at the desired site from the several pre-fabricated sections. In the presently preferred embodiment the frontal part  54  is assembled from five pre-fabricated sections  58 , and the rear part  56  is assembled from two pre-fabricated sections  58 . Preferably, as in the herein described preferred embodiment each pre-fabricated section  58  is made of steel bars of substantially rectangular cross-section which are welded together to form the respective pre-fabricated section  58 . As is shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the pre-fabricated sections  58  are attached to one another by bolts  60  and nuts  62 . Moreover, adjoining linearly lined up bars of the sections  58  are linked with a reinforcing internal steel tube or bar  64 , shown in FIG. 10. FIGS. 7, 9,  17  and  18  illustrate that the T-shaped truss  52  is attached to and is supported in its elevated position by three vertical posts  66  which are embedded in the ground  68 , preferably in concrete  70 . The cross-sectional view of FIG. 15 illustrates in detail the mounting of the T-shaped truss  52  into the vertical post  66  by bolt  72  and nut  74 .  
         [0054]    The simplified diagrammatic view of FIG. 7A illustrates conceptually the mounting and location of first and second set of frame members to the substantially T-shaped truss  52 . FIG. 7A is simplified for illustration, because it does not show vertical and diagonal reinforcing bars that form part of these structures. However, the vertical and diagonal reinforcing bars are amply illustrated in other drawing figures. The first set of frame members  76  rests on the ground and is also attached to the truss  52 . FIGS. 11 and 12 show that the truss  52  includes tabs  78  that are mounted with bolts  80  and nuts  82  to the first set of frame members  76 . The first set of frame members  76  is also preferably pre-fabricated in multiple sections  84  and in the preferred embodiment these sections are attached to one another by the hose clamps  85 , as shown in detail by FIG. 13. The first set of frame members  76  has no moving parts in the assembled storage structure or hangar  50  of the invention, and serve to support cover members or panels  86  which actually enclose a sailplane  88  in the storage structure or hangar  50  of the invention and protect it from rain, solar rays and other exposure to the elements. The second set of frame members  90 , also shown conceptually in FIG. 7A, is attached in part to the truss  52  and in part to the first set of frame members  76 . More specifically, the second set of frame members  90  include parts  92  which are hingedly attached to a frontal horizontal member  94  of the truss  52  and parts  96  which are hingedly attached to frontal horizontal members  98  of the first set of frames  76 . This attachment is by hinges  100  and is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 19 and 21 while FIG. 20 shows the hinge  100  in detail. The second set of frame members  90  is also preferably pre-fabricated from several sections  102 , as shown in FIG. 19 for the part that is included in the right side of the hangar  50  and which provides the front cover for one wing of the sailplane  88  to be stored in the hangar  50 . The sections  102  shown in FIG. 19 are attached to one another by nuts  104  and bolts  106 , although other types of attachment may also be used.  
         [0055]    Generally speaking, connections or mounting between mechanical parts such as welding, bolting, using hose clamps or other types of clamps, U-bolts or types of mechanical fasteners are well known in the art. In many instances, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, the herein described and other types of known mechanical fastening devices and means are interchangeable or equivalent. For this reason, a person of ordinary skill in the art may be able to build on the basis of the present disclosure the hangar or storage structure  50  of the present invention utilizing different types of mechanical fasteners than the ones specifically described in connection with the preferred embodiment. For example, hose clamps may be substituted with bolts and nuts or welding. Bolts, nuts and other type of mechanical fasteners can, in many instances, be replaced by welding the respective parts together and such apparent variations or modifications of attaching parts together are within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 8 also shows the location of first and second sets of frame members  76  and  90  in the storage structure or hangar  50  of the present invention relative to the truss  52  and a sailplane  88  which may be stored in the structure  50 . FIGS. 1 through 4 shows the structure or hangar  50  with the cover members or panels  86  mounted on the first and second sets of frame members  76  and  90 . A door  108  is located in one of the sections  84  of the first set of frame members  76  to allow access to the interior of the storage structure or hangar  50 .  
         [0057]    The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 33 and 34 show in detail the mounting of the cover member or panel  86  to the frame members  76  and  90 . The cover members or panels  86  of the presently preferred embodiment comprise corrugated metal plates  86 , which are attached to the frames  76  and  90  with self-tapping sheet metal screws  110 . Foam  112  is located between the corrugated metal panels  86  and the frame members  76  and/or  90  to provide insulation. Instead of corrugated metal plates  86 , wood or plastic panels could also be attached to the members  76  and/or  90  to enclose the sailplane  88  and protect it from the elements.  
         [0058]    Referring now primarily to FIGS. 3, 4 and  21  through  28 , opening and closing the storage unit or hangar  50  of the present invention is disclosed. A winch  114  is mounted to a vertical member  116  of the second set of frame  90  that serves as cover for the cockpit of the sailplane  88 . A cable or wire  118  is attached to the winch  114  and is lead through pulleys  120  to a second winch  122  in the rear of the structure  50 . The second winch  122  is shown in FIG. 16. In the preferred embodiment the winch  114  is powered by a 12 volt battery  124 . The battery  124  is charged by a solar panel  126  that is placed on one of the cover plates  86 . The battery  124  and solar panel  126  are shown in FIG. 36. Rotation of the winch  114 , powered by the battery  124  winds-up or releases the cable  118  depending on the polarity of the current which is supplied to it through a switch  128  shown in FIG. 36. The second winch  122  of the preferred embodiment is hand operated and is intended for use only when for some reason or another the first winch  114  is inoperative. In alternative embodiments both winches may be electrically powered and/or may be powered by 110 AC current rather than by a D.C. battery.  
         [0059]    When the winch  114  is powered through the switch  128  to take up the cable  118 , the hinged second set of frame members  90  are lifted so as to allow the movement of a sailplane  88  into or out of the hangar  50 . More specifically, first that part of the frame members  90  is lifted together with the corresponding cover panels  86  which encloses the cockpit of the sailplane  88 . The winch  114  rides up on the cable  118  together with the frame member  116  to which it is mounted. Sides of the frame members  90  are connected with a link  130  to the respective the frame members  90  that are hingedly mounted to the frontal horizontal members  98  and enclose the wings of the sailplane  88 . Details of the operation of the link  130  that in essence links the cockpit cover door with the wing cover door, are shown in FIGS. 22, 23,  27 , and  28 . As these figures disclose, the link  130  is mounted to the respective frames members  90  in such a manner that the frame members  90  can pivot relative to the link  130 . Thus, as the frame members  90  forming the cockpit cover are lifted, the link  130  also lifts the frame members  90  forming the front cover for the wings of the sailplane  88 . When the polarity of current is reversed by the switch  128 , the winch  114  unrolls cable  118  and the frame members  90  forming the cockpit and wing covers are lowered, thereby closing the structure  50  and enclosing the sailplane  88  that may be present in the storage structure or hangar  50 . Limit switches  132  shown in FIG. 36 prevent lifting the hinged frame members  90  too high or lowering them too low and therefore prevent damage to the structure.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIGS. 5, 6 and  30  through  32  disclose other features of the storage unit or hangar  50  of the present invention which further facilitate the movement of a sailplane  88  into and out of the storage structure  50 . Specifically FIGS. 5 and 6 disclose a substantially circular indentation  136  or shallow dent in concrete  70  embedded in the ground  68  at a distance from the front of the structure  50  which substantially corresponds to the length of the wing of the sailplane  88  that is to be stored in the structure  50 . This makes it easy for a person (not shown) to push a sailplane  88  with its fuselage parallel with the front of the storage structure or hangar  50  at the proper distance from the structure  50  until the front wheel  138  of the sailplane  88  rests in the indentation  136 . Then the sailplane  88  is pivoted 90 degrees on its front wheel  138 , as shown in FIG. 5, before its is pushed into the structure  50  for storage.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 30 through 32 disclose a trough  140  formed inside the structure  50  and in alignment with the rear part  56  of the T shaped frame support  52 . In the presently preferred embodiment the trough  140  is comprised of a 4″ by 6″ wooden board  142  that is disposed flat on the ground  68  and of two 4″ by 4″ or 4″ by 6″ wooden boards  144  positioned on their respective edges and attached to the 4″ by 6″ board  142  by wood screws (not shown). In alternative embodiments the trough  140  may be made of metal or plastic or of any combination of wood, metal and plastic materials.  
         [0062]    As is known by those who are familiar with sailplane operations, sailplanes are frequently moved around by attaching a tail dolly  146  to the rear part of the fuselage  147 , as is shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. The tail dolly  146  causes the tail wheel  148  of the sailplane  88  to be lifted off the ground  68 , however the tail dolly  146  must not be attached to the sailplane  88  during flight because it significantly changes the weight and balance and is likely to cause a serious accident. Nevertheless use of the tail dolly  146  greatly facilitates transportation of the sailplane  88  on the ground, as for example when the sailplane  88  is moved from the hangar  50  to a take-off line, or when it is returned to the hangar  50  after flight. It is also customary to remove the tail dolly  146  from the fuselage  147  when the sailplane  88  is stored or hangared, principally because during prolonged storage the pressure by the straps and buckles attaching the tail dolly  146  to the fuselage  147  may discolor or damage the delicate synthetic material of the sailplane  88 .  
         [0063]    To facilitate the movement of a sailplane  88  with a tail dolly  146  into and out of the storage structure or hangar  50  of the present invention and to avoid the need for lifting the relatively heavy tail of the sailplane  88  when the tail dolly  146  is removed, a ramp  150  is placed at the end of the trough  140  in a location where the tail wheel  148  of the sailplane  88  is to be located. The sloping part  152  of the ramp  150  begins high enough so that the tail of the sailplane  88  clears it as the sailplane  88  is pushed into the hangar  50  with the wheel  154  of the tail dolly  146  and the sailplane&#39;s front wheel  138  rolling in the trough  140 . To store the sailplane  88  and to render it easy to remove the tail dolly  146  the sailplane  88  is moved until its rear wheel  148  rests in an oval depression  156  provided in the ramp  150 , as is shown in FIG. 32. In this position the wheel  156  of the tail dolly  146  is lifted off the trough  140  and the tail dolly  146  can be readily removed, and also reassembled when it is desired to move the sailplane  88  out of the storage unit  50 .  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 29 illustrates an optional lock  158  which may be attached to one of the 4″ by 4″ or 4″ by 6″ boards forming the trough  140  and to a panel  86  to prevent unauthorized opening of the structure or hangar  50 . Another lock (not shown) is usually provided in the door  108 .  
         [0065]    As noted above the storage structure or hangar  50  is preferably made from pre-fabricated parts. Although the steps of building the structure  50  should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, the preferred method of construction is briefly described below.  
         [0066]    First and preferably a location on the ground  68  is prepared by selecting a suitable flat area, the trough  140  is built from wooden boards and the ground  68  is preferably covered with light gravel (not shown) to cover the base of the structure  50 . The vertical posts  66  are embedded in concrete  70  in the ground  68 , and the substantially T-shaped truss  52  is mounted to the vertical posts  66 . Sections  84  of the first set of frame members  76  are then placed on the ground and mounted to the truss  52 , and to each other, as applicable, followed by sections  102  of the second set of frame members  90  mounted with hinges  100  to the truss  52 , to each other, and to the first set of frames  76 , as applicable. The truss  52  and the frame members  76  and  90  can then be painted if so desired, and if they have not been painted before. Subsequently, the battery  124 , the switches, the door  108 , winches  114  and  122  and the cover plates or panels  86  and insulating foam  112  are mounted to the structure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8