Patent Description:
The present invention relates to the field of buildings, and is more particularly concerned with a lightweight retractable roof with hinged folding panel structures suspended with cables for large buildings as stadiums and the like.

It is well known in the art of buildings such as stadiums and the like to have a roof to protect the playing field against the elements and to allow their use even when bad weather conditions. Some of these roofs are openable and closable via a deployable flexible canvas or the like using a supporting cable arrangement, or a slidable roof (or sections thereof) moving along rails or the like. For instance, <CIT> shows a retractable roof for a building having a supporting frame and a high structure extending vertically above the supporting frame. These types of retractable roofs are usually not capable of supporting heavy snow falls (especially canvas type) while being of relatively light weight structure.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved retractable roof for use in large buildings and the like.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved retractable roof for use in large buildings to obviate the above-mentioned problems.

An advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof is easily retrofitted or implemented onto the opened roof of an existing building.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof is relatively light weight as being made out of a truss panel simply covered with a canvas or light rigid panels, or being made of monocoque or semi-monocoque structure. It could also be made of light and strong composite material.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof is rapidly opened or closed whenever required.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof can be divided in a plurality of sections positioned side-by-side relative to one another, with each section being individually retractable.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof, or each section thereof, is made of two panel structures hingeably connected to one another, with one panel structure being hingeably mounted on a building supporting frame and the other panel structure being suspended by at least one, but preferably two cables to a high structure. The two panel structures are also connected to each other via a tackle wire. A motor winds the tackle wire to open the roof (or section thereof) while the cables retain the roof (or section thereof) to simply support it. The cables are used to initiate the closing of the roof (or section thereof) while simply supporting the latter in the last portion of the closing displacement.

Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof, or each section thereof, is entirely opened or closed in only few minutes.

Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the retractable roof, or each section thereof, is that the weight /load (including external loads) thereof can be mainly (<NUM>% or more, depending on the specific case) carried /supported by the high structure, via the end cables, in all and every positions of the roof, even during the entire opening or closing sequences of the roof.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a retractable roof for a building according to claim <NUM>, having a supporting frame and a high structure extending vertically above the supporting frame, said retractable roof comprising:.

In one embodiment, the retractable roof further includes one of said first distal end and second proximal end being independently suspended to the high structure with a proximal end cable connected to a proximal motorized winch member.

Conveniently, the second proximal end is independently suspended to the high structure with the proximal end cable.

In one embodiment, the retractable roof further includes a punch member mounted on one of said first and second panel structures, said punch member selectively abutting to and dividing (or folding) said tackle member into first and second angled portions so as to maintain a minimum predetermined internal distal angle of said triangular shape between the tackle wire and the distal panel structure.

Conveniently, the minimum predetermined internal distal angle between the tackle wire and the distal panel structure is at least ten (<NUM>) degrees.

Alternatively, the punch member is hingeably mounted on said distal hinge member.

Conveniently, the punch member includes a biasing member biasing said punch member towards said first panel structure.

Conveniently, the punch member includes a stop member stopping displacement of said punch member under via said biasing member when said punch member engages said tackle wire.

In one embodiment, the first and second panel structure extend generally side-by-side to one another when the retractable roof is in a roof closed configuration, and (fold generally) on top of one another when the retractable roof is in a roof opened configuration.

Conveniently, the wire length of said wire side of said tackle wire, along with respective proximal and distal tensions in said proximal and distal end cables and proximal and distal lengths of said proximal and distal end cables control displacement and dynamic stability of said first and second panel structures between said roof closed and opened configurations, and static stability of said first and second panel structures at said roof closed and opened configurations.

In one embodiment, the retractable roof includes a plurality of structure sections positioned adjacent one another to form said retractable roof.

Conveniently, adjacent ones of said plurality of structure sections partially overlap one another to ensure sealing of the retractable roof.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following Figures, in which similar references used in different Figures denote similar components, wherein:.

With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a retractable roof in accordance with an embodiment <NUM> of the present invention, typically for use in large buildings <NUM> such as stadiums and the like, over a playing field <NUM> (a baseball diamond field shown), the grandstands <NUM> and the like as a protection against the elements, whenever desired and/or needed. In the Figures of the present embodiment, the stadium <NUM> is a representation of the Olympic Stadium of Montreal, Québec, Canada that was built for the <NUM> Olympic Summer Games (as best seen in <FIG>), but any other building structure, could be considered without departing from the scope of the claims.

The retractable roof <NUM> is typically mounted on a supporting frame <NUM>, such as an existing permanent roof structure or the like, and is also typically supported by a high structure <NUM> extending vertically above the supporting frame <NUM>, such as a mast, a tower or the like, or an arrangement thereof. The illustrated present embodiment of the retractable roof <NUM> is mounted on the existing cantilever horizontal beams <NUM> made of a plurality of adjacent voussoirs <NUM>' of the different consoles <NUM> forming the permanent roof <NUM> overhanging the grandstands <NUM> of the stadium <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the retractable roof <NUM> essentially closes off the central opening existing in the existing permanent roof <NUM> when in the closed configuration (see <FIG> and <FIG>), while keeping that central opening uncovered when in the opened configuration (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The retractable roof <NUM>, although mounted on the consoles <NUM>, is mainly supported by the inclined tower <NUM>, via the proximal <NUM> and distal <NUM> end cables, as detailed hereinafter. The retractable roof <NUM> typically includes at least one, but preferably a plurality of structure sections <NUM> (eighteen (<NUM>) shown in <FIG>) positioned adjacent one another to form the retractable roof <NUM>, with each structure section <NUM> being independently retractable.

Each structure section <NUM> typically includes first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures. The first or proximal panel structure <NUM> has a first proximal end <NUM> hingeably mounted on the supporting frame <NUM> at a proximal axis <NUM> and a first distal end <NUM> hingeably connected to a second proximal end <NUM> of the second panel structure <NUM> at a distal axis <NUM>. The second distal end <NUM> of the second panel structure <NUM> is typically suspended to the high structure <NUM> with a distal end cable <NUM>. Optionally, especially when the distal axis <NUM> passes over (in a horizontal plane, or horizontally, from one side to the other) the proximal axis <NUM> (as further detailed hereinbelow), one of the first distal end <NUM> and the second proximal end <NUM>, preferably the second proximal end <NUM> is typically independently suspended to the high structure <NUM> with a proximal end cable <NUM>.

A tackle member <NUM> connects to both the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures, typically at respective free rollers or pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> or the like and adjacent the first proximal end <NUM> and the second distal end <NUM>, respectively, for increased mechanical efficiency. The tackle member <NUM> forms a variable (lengthwise) wire side <NUM> of a triangular cross-sectional shape of the section <NUM>, along with the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures. A motor/winch mechanism <NUM>, preferably mounted onto the first panel structure <NUM>, connects to the tackle member <NUM> to control a wire length of the wire side <NUM> made of a plurality of passes of a tackle wire <NUM>.

Each structure section <NUM>, especially when both first and second panel structures <NUM>, <NUM> are close to be aligned with one another (or extend generally side-by-side to one another) in the closed configuration, typically further includes a crossbow punch member <NUM> mounted on one of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures adjacent the other one, preferably at the distal axis <NUM>. The punch member <NUM> selectively abuts to (or engages) and divides (or partially folds) the tackle wire <NUM> into first <NUM> and second <NUM> angled portions or segments so as to prevent the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures to align with one another while keeping an internal distal angle A (of the triangular shape) between the tackle wire <NUM> and the distal panel structure <NUM> larger than a predetermined minimum value of about ten (<NUM>) degrees, and preferably larger than about fifteen (<NUM>) degrees. It is noted that the term crossbow is used as it refers to the fact that the punch member <NUM> acts in a similar way the punch keeps the string away from the arc section in a crossbow. The crossbow punch member <NUM> is typically hingeably mounted on the first panel structure <NUM> and biased (via a biasing member <NUM> such as a tension spring or the like (schematically represented in <FIG> only by a helical spring) to abut to a stop (or abutment) member <NUM> when the structure section <NUM> is close to and in the closed configuration, as shown in <FIG>. The free end <NUM> of the punch member <NUM> typically includes a plurality of independent free rollers or pulleys <NUM> adapted to each abut a respective pass of the wire <NUM> of the tackle member <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the biasing member <NUM> could be replaced by the last pass of the tackle wire <NUM> coming from the tackle member <NUM> on the first panel structure <NUM> and ending either at the punch member <NUM> (and not at the free end <NUM> thereof) or at the first panel structure <NUM> just after running around a last free roller or pulley <NUM> of the punch member. Alternatively, the punch member <NUM> could also be fixed relative to one of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures, and therefore adapted to enter a recess (not shown) extending into the other panel, when in the roof opened configuration.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic view of the running path of the wire <NUM> of the tackle member <NUM> connecting at one end to the winch mechanism <NUM> and the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures and engaging the pulleys <NUM> of the free end <NUM> of the punch member <NUM>, to end attached to the first panel structure <NUM> illustrated with anchor member <NUM>'. <FIG> also schematically illustrates an alternate abutment member <NUM> and the biasing member <NUM>. The alternate abutment member <NUM> is a fixed tenon member <NUM> protruding from the second panel structure <NUM> adapted to pivotally engage a larger (angle wise) mortise member <NUM> formed into the punch member <NUM> such that the punch member <NUM> is allowed to pivot between the operating (deployed) position (position shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) under the pulling action of the biasing member <NUM> and the stowed position into the receiving cavity <NUM>, as further described below. Although three (<NUM>) pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> are shown on each panel structure <NUM>, <NUM>, and six (<NUM>) pulleys <NUM> on the punch member <NUM> are shown, one skilled in the art would easily understand that the quantity will be dependent on the specific characteristics and configuration of the structure section <NUM>.

Now, turning more specifically to <FIG>, the opening sequence of a typical structure section <NUM> of the retractable roof <NUM> will be detailed in the following paragraphs.

In <FIG>, a portion of the permanent roof <NUM> overhanging the grandstands <NUM> is illustrated with horizontal beams <NUM> of two adjacent consoles <NUM> linked together with transversal beams <NUM> carrying the rigid roof panels <NUM> of the permanent roof <NUM>. The inner top free ends of all beams <NUM> are supporting a ring structure <NUM> carrying technical equipment (not shown) such as spotlights and the like. Furthermore, for clarity purposes, the compression ring structure <NUM> has been omitted in these <FIG>.

The structure section <NUM> has the first proximal end <NUM> of the first panel structure <NUM> hingeably mounted on the two beams <NUM> at the proximal axis <NUM>, and the first distal end <NUM> hingeably connected to the second proximal end <NUM> of the second panel structure <NUM> at the distal axis <NUM>. The second proximal and distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the second panel structure <NUM> are independently supported by the proximal end <NUM> and distal end <NUM> cables, respectively, secured to the tower <NUM> via proximal <NUM>' and distal <NUM>' motorized winches (see <FIG>) that maintain predetermined tensions T1, T2 in the two proximal and distal end cables <NUM>, <NUM>, which tensions T1, T2 will independently vary during the opening and closing sequences of the structure section <NUM>. Tensions T1, T2 are controlled via both the angular position of the first panel structure <NUM> relative to the fixed roof structure <NUM> of the stadium <NUM> (about the proximal axis <NUM>), and the angular position of the second panel structure <NUM> relative to the first panel structure <NUM> (about the distal axis <NUM>).

The crossbow punch member <NUM> is typically freely pivotably mounted on the second panel structure <NUM> adjacent the second proximal end <NUM>, preferably at the distal axis <NUM>. The opposite free end <NUM> of the crossbow punch member <NUM> typically includes the plurality of freely mounted pulleys <NUM>, each selectively abutting a respective pass of the wire <NUM> of the tackle member <NUM> (location of which could vary on both the proximal <NUM> and distal <NUM> panel structures, such as being closer to the proximal axis <NUM> and the second distal end <NUM>, respectively) when the structure section <NUM> is adjacent the closed configuration. After the stop (or abutment) member <NUM> keeps the punch member <NUM> in fixed position relative to the distal panel structure <NUM> via the biasing member <NUM>, the crossbow punch member <NUM> touches or engages the tackle cable <NUM>, such that the punch member <NUM> always pushes on the tackle wire <NUM> to force the tackle wire <NUM> to divide into the first <NUM> and second <NUM> angled portions, as shown in <FIG>, when the first <NUM> and second <NUM> panel structures are almost in alignment with one another (or side-by-side to one another). The stop member <NUM> is preferably located on the distal panel structure <NUM>, extending (preferably from the central hinge bracket <NUM>') on the proximal panel structure side relative to the punch member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, but any other type of stop member could be used.

The opening sequence of each structure section <NUM> starts with the structure section <NUM> in the fully closed configuration, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in which the two proximal end <NUM> and distal end <NUM> cables are in tension T1 and T2 respectively. The winch mechanism <NUM>, typically located close to the proximal axis <NUM>, is activated to start winding up the tackle wire <NUM> (acting similarly to a tendon in biology - see direction D1 in <FIG>) and thereby initiate the displacement of the two panel structures <NUM>, <NUM> toward each other, by forcing the upward displacement of the distal axis <NUM> via the tackle wire <NUM> pushing on the crossbow punch member <NUM>. The motorized distal winch <NUM>' of the distal end cable <NUM> simultaneously controls the unwinding of the distal end cable <NUM> to maintain the tension T2 required to support the structure section <NUM> during the opening of the structure section <NUM>. Throughout the entire opening sequence, as well as the closing sequence, the tensions T1 and T2 always ensure a dynamic stability of the structure section <NUM>, as well as accounting for possible wind effects that could otherwise suddenly and momentarily loosen either one or both tensions T1 and T2 close to zero (and therefore jeopardize the smoothness of the sequence).

During the folding of the structure section <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the motorized proximal winch <NUM>' of the proximal end cable <NUM> simultaneously controls the unwinding of the proximal end cable <NUM> that allows for the tension T1 to induce a moment opposite to the tipping (or flipping) motion of the entire structure section <NUM> (when the resulting moment of the center of gravity of the two panel structures <NUM>, <NUM> of the structure section <NUM> passes over the proximal axis <NUM>, horizontally from one side to other, i.e. during the change of its rotational direction about the proximal axis <NUM>) to ensure dynamic stability during the opening sequence. The two panel structures <NUM>, <NUM> act as a triangular beam having the proximal corner hingeably mounted to the supporting frame <NUM> (at proximal axis <NUM>) and the distal corner linked to the high structure <NUM> via the distal end cable <NUM>, and, because of the dynamic stability effect of the structure section <NUM> about the proximal axis <NUM>, the middle third corner also linked to the high structure <NUM> via the distal end cable <NUM>.

Up to about a position of the section structure <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the motorized distal winch <NUM>' of the distal end cable <NUM> controls the movement of the structure section <NUM>. This control is gradually transferred to the motorized proximal winch <NUM>' of the proximal end cable <NUM> up to about the position of the structure section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. From about that position illustrated in <FIG>, the motorized proximal winch <NUM>' of the proximal end cable <NUM> controls the movement of the structure section <NUM>, while the motorized distal winch <NUM>' of the distal end cable <NUM> simply maintains a tension T2 in the distal end cable <NUM> to induce a moment opposite to the folding motion to ensure dynamic stability during the remaining of the opening sequence up to the opened configuration shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (and almost in <FIG>). Also, from about that position shown in <FIG>, a second stop member (the first panel structure itself or any other not shown), typically extending from the proximal panel structure <NUM>, abuts to the crossbow punch member <NUM> to force it to pivot towards the distal panel structure <NUM>, against the biasing member <NUM>, and to typically engage into a corresponding receiving cavity <NUM> extending into the distal panel structure <NUM>. In the roof opened configuration shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (and almost in <FIG>), the proximal <NUM> and distal <NUM> panel structures fold generally on top of one another.

The schematics of both <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate well the balance provided by both motorized winches <NUM>', <NUM>' that control respective tensions T1, T2 of end cables <NUM>, <NUM> which induce opposite moments relative to the hinge proximal axis <NUM> of the structure section <NUM> all along during the folding and tipping of the panel structures <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the roof closed configuration illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and almost in <FIG>, although not required (because of the tension provided in the end cables <NUM>, <NUM> that maintain static stability of the structure section <NUM>), rest supports <NUM> could be mounted on the horizontal beams <NUM> of consoles <NUM> adjacent the first proximal end <NUM> to allow the first proximal end <NUM> to 'sit' onto the consoles <NUM>.

In the closing sequence, the movement of the structure section <NUM> is initiated by the motorized proximal winch <NUM>' of the proximal end cable <NUM>, while the winch mechanism <NUM> controls the unwinding of the tackle wire <NUM> (see direction D2 in <FIG>) to allow the deployment of the two panel structures <NUM>, <NUM>. During this time, the simultaneous controlled winding of the distal end cable <NUM> by the motorized distal winch <NUM>' allows for the tension T2 to induce a moment opposite to the unfolding motion of the entire structure section <NUM> to ensure dynamic stability during the closing sequence, and the 'forward' tilting of the entire structure section <NUM>, thereby maintaining the triangular shape throughout the sequence.

From there on, the steps illustrated in <FIG> are essentially sequentially reversed. Accordingly, between about the positions illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the control of the movement is gradually transferred from the motorized proximal winch <NUM>' of the proximal end cable <NUM> to the motorized distal winch <NUM>' of the distal end cable <NUM>. Tension T2 in the distal end cable <NUM> ensures the 'forward' tilting of the entire structure section <NUM>, while maintaining its triangular shape throughout the sequence, especially when the distal axis <NUM> is tipping over the proximal axis <NUM>. From about the position illustrated in <FIG> up to the closing configuration of <FIG>, the motorized distal winch <NUM>' controls the tipping movement of the structure section <NUM> while the winch mechanism <NUM> controls the unwinding and elongation of the tackle wire <NUM> (acting similarly to a tendon in biology) including the pushing of the tackle wire <NUM> by the pulleys <NUM> at the free end <NUM> of the crossbow punch member <NUM>, under the action of the biasing member <NUM>, that is prevented from further free rotation about the distal axis <NUM> by the stop member <NUM>. The abutment of the punch member <NUM> to the stop member <NUM> occurs before the free end <NUM> touches the tackle wire <NUM>, such that the force applied to the punch member <NUM> by the tackle wire <NUM> keeps the punch member <NUM> in abutment against the stop member <NUM>. Essentially, at the end of the closing sequence, the tension T2 in the distal end cable <NUM> controls the position of the structure section <NUM> while the tension in the tackle wire <NUM> controls the 'opening' of the triangular shape.

The tensions T1, T2 of the two proximal <NUM> end distal <NUM> end cables ensure both the dynamic stability of the structure section <NUM> during the closing and opening sequences, and the static stability of the structure section <NUM> in the roof closed and opened configurations.

Since the tower <NUM>, in the present case (Montreal stadium <NUM>), is not in line with each structure sections <NUM> (each structure section <NUM> is generally oriented towards the center of the stadium <NUM> rather than the tower <NUM>), the tensions in the proximal <NUM> and distal <NUM> end cables induce a lateral force on the structure section <NUM>, and in turn onto the corresponding supporting consoles <NUM> pulling the consoles <NUM> towards the tower <NUM>. In order to compensate for that lateral force, each structure section <NUM> is connected to a lateral cable <NUM> (shown only on one structure section <NUM> in <FIG> for clarity purposes) pulling on the structure section essentially in the opposite lateral direction (than the tower <NUM>) towards a compression ring structure <NUM> abutting to and transferring all of the effort to the base of the tower <NUM>.

Preferably, to protect the playing field <NUM> or the like from the elements (sunrays, rain, snow, wind, etc.) and/or allow a controlled environment (air temperature, pressure, humidity, etc.) inside the stadium <NUM>, each structure section <NUM> typically, and preferably sealably, partially overlaps an adjacent structure section <NUM> to provide a sealing interface there between. For air sealing, there could be a seal joints or the like (not shown) between adjacent structure sections <NUM>, and for water, there are gutters or the like (not shown) running all along the interfaces to ensure proper and efficient water drainage. Although not illustrated, in case of an abnormal heavy snow fall, the second distal end <NUM> of the distal panel structures <NUM> could selectively be tilted further down about the distal axis <NUM> than the closed configuration to allow the snow accumulated thereon to slide and fall onto the playing field <NUM>.

The sealing interface between adjacent structure sections <NUM>, as well as the positioning of the different end cables <NUM>, <NUM> of each structure section <NUM>, depending on the actual configuration of the retractable roof <NUM>, would typically determine the sequential opening (and reverse closing) of the successive structure sections <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Although not illustrated, one skilled in the art would readily realize that, without departing from the scope of the claims, the first panel structure <NUM> could simply be a truss-like structure, without any surface panels, as it be positioned not to close off or cover the opening in the existing roof <NUM> of the stadium <NUM> in the closed configuration.

Claim 1:
A retractable roof (<NUM>) for a building (<NUM>) having a supporting frame (<NUM>) and a high structure (<NUM>) extending vertically above the supporting frame, said retractable roof (<NUM>) comprising:
- at least one structure section (<NUM>) including first and second panel structures, said first panel structure (<NUM>) having a first proximal end (<NUM>) being hingeably mountable on the supporting frame (<NUM>) at a proximal hinge member (<NUM>) and a first distal end (<NUM>) hingeably connecting to a second proximal end (<NUM>) of the second panel structure (<NUM>) at a distal hinge member (<NUM>), a second distal end (<NUM>) of said second panel structure (<NUM>) being suspended to the high structure (<NUM>) with a distal end cable (<NUM>) connected to a distal motorized winch member (<NUM>');
- a tackle member (<NUM>) connecting to both said first and second panel structures of said at least one structure section (<NUM>) adjacent said first proximal end (<NUM>) and said second distal end (<NUM>), respectively, and including a tackle wire (<NUM>) forming a wire side (<NUM>) of a triangular cross-sectional shape with said first and second panel structures; and
- a winch mechanism (<NUM>) connecting to the tackle member (<NUM>) to control a wire length of the wire side (<NUM>).