GB2243849A

GB2243849A - Self-stowing shelter

Info

Publication number: GB2243849A
Application number: GB9010602A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frank Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-05-11
Filing date: 1990-05-11
Publication date: 1991-11-13
Also published as: GB9010602D0

Abstract

The main cover 26 is mounted to be retractable on a roller in a housing 10 with the leading edge of the cover secured to a removable front cover 12 of the housing. The housing includes drains, a cleaning device and a locking mechanism. Two housings can be mounted back to back to provide a vehicle cover or shelter mounted on e.g. scaffolding. The cover may be used vertically as a fence or wind-break. <IMAGE>

Description

QUICK ASSEMBLY PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE UNIT.

This invention relates to a quick assembly protective structure unit.

Protective structures such as tents, canopies and simple protective coverings in the form of sheets made of tarpaulin, plastic sheeting or other materials1 are in common usage. They are used as protection against the elements, for example against the sun's rays or as a shield against rain, frost or the ingress of water. With the exception of fixed canopies or awnings, protective structures and coverings are mainly transportable.

But a problem exists with the folding up, stowing away and transporting, particularly when wet or covered with ice or snow.

According to the present invention there is provided a unit which consists of a rigid outer casing which contains the protective material on a roller blind type system, is transportable and provides a quick assembly structure. The rigid outer casing, made of plastic or metal, can be of different lengths and capacity, with various external profiles and can be combined with additional units for larger structures. The outer casing houses a self retracting roller blind mechanism in conjunction with a self aligning spool on to which is attached the required protective material in such a manner as to facilitate self storage by automatic or manual means. A manual locking facility can be provided at one or both ends to restrain the roller mechanism to provide a required length or drop.

The free end of the protective material is attached to a rigid member hereafter called the cover plate - which, when the material is extended to form the protective cover, holds the material in position and can be used as an anchor or interlocking plate, and with the material retracted forms the weatherproof cover for the outer casing.

Retractable roller blinds are in common usage - for example window coverings and awnings. This invention is similar in principle to the standard roller blind system but has additional unique features: The entire unit is transportable and weatherproof.

A self scavenging facility can be incorporated on the roller blind apperture to clear ice or snow.

The rigid outer casing has a drainage system.

A manual.locking facility to adjust from full to partial drop to suit climatic conditions or other requirements.

All parts are corrosion proof, materials are anti-fungicide treated and rot-proof, and selected for suitability in differing climates or particular requirements such as camouflage.

This invention aims at providing a self stowing unit for a multitude of purposes when temporary or semi-permanent protective structures are required in a transportable package. The basic principles of the invention remain constant but the unit can be provided in different sizes and a variety of materials to suit the particular requirement. Examples of application are as follows: Agricultural/Horticultural greenhouses or other structures.

Construction Industry scaffolding protection/wind barrier.

Automobile canopies/commercial vehicle or trailer side curtains.

Military - vehicle extensions, mobile hospitals, tents, camouflage.

Shipping, small craft and aircraft protective awnings.

Fast assembly structures in disaster areas - hospitals, temporary homes.

Fencing purposes - crowd control, cattle control (electrified), security (alarm connected).

Stalls in open or covered markets. Xarquees or similar type structures.

Domestic usage - outdoor car repair protection/portable workshops,awnings, tents, vehicle extensions and general camping purposes. Greenhouses, cold frames and other D. I. Y. uses.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows in perspective the self stowing unit in its transportable state, with cover plate in retracted position.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the self stowing unit with cover plate and material extended to form the main cover, with optional side panels in dropped position.

Figure 3 shows two self stowing units in the extended position with side curtains dropped to form an automobile cover.

Figure 4 illustrates two self stowing units with modified outer casing, with material extended over alumtnium/steel supports to form the main cover of an apex type structure, with one side completely extended, one side partially extended.

Figure 5 illustrates one self stowing unit in the vertical position with the rigid outer casing and cover plate fitted in posts with sockets, to form a fence/barrier for crowd/animal/security control. In the horizontal position the unit would be secured to scaffolding with material dropped to the required length to form scaffolding protection or wind barrier.

Referring to the drawings Figure 1 shows the self stowing unit assembled prior to fitting the required protective material. The outer casing 10 containing the aluminium/steel roller 16 with self tapping holes 18 for attaching various covers. The aluminium/steel roller 16 is fitted with self aligning guides 20 and self retracting mechanism 22 and has an optional manual locking device 24. The cover plate 12 is shown in the retracted position, secured with cover plate retaining screws 14. The outer casing 10 is of a size suitable to house the roller 16 with material retracted, and facilitate the securing of the roller bearings.

Figure 2 shows the unit with the protective materil attached to the roller 16 and cover plate 12 with the material extended to form the main cover 26.

Optional side panels 28 with securing means 30 are shown in the dropped position.

Figure 3 illustrates two units.back to back with the outer casings 10 secured by a locking means - not shown. The main covers 26 are extended with the cover plate 12 - not shown - and side panels 28 dropped in the application as an automobile cover.

Figure 4 illustrates two units back to back with modified outer casings 10 secured by a locking means - not shown. The protective materials are extended to form the main covers 26, on one side fully extended with the cover plate 12 attached to the aluminium/steel scaffold tube 32 at the base of the structure. On the other.side the main cover 26 partially extended with the roller 16 locked into position with the manual locking device 24 and the cover plate 12 secured to the aluminium/steel scaffold tubes 32 at the side of the structure. All scaffold tubes 32 connected with scaffold sockets 34.

Figure 5 illustrates the unit in the vertical position with the netting/fencing material extended utilising the main cover 26 as a barrier/fence. The outer casing 10 and cover plate 12 fit into aluminium/steel securing posts 36 with post sockets 38.

With the unit in the horizontal position the sheeting material would be dropped utilising the mainKcover 26 as a scaffolding protection/wind barrier with the outer casing 10 and the cover plate 12 attached to the scaffolding.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1 A self stowing unit which is transportable, comprising a rigid outer casing with drainage system containing a self retracting roller blind mechanism in conjunction with a self aligning spool carrying protective materials of suitable colour/camouflage/texture, formimg the main cover attached to a rigid member. The main cover when extended over supports of various styles forms a multipurpose, quick assembly structure, with automatic/manual retraction, with the rigid member forming the cover plate when retracted. The outer casing of suitable dimensions and rigid composition, to accommodate the width, length and type of material required.

2 A self stowing unit as claimed in Claim 1 but with outer casing profile modified, to form a windbreak or accommodate other specific requirements.

3 A self stowing unit as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 with an external manual locking device to enable adjustment to a desired extension or drop.

4 A self stowing unit as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 with a self scavenging facility on the apperture to clear the cover when retracting.

5 A self stowing unit as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 or Claim 4 with various attachments and fastening means, to accommodate numerous applications as required'.

6 A self stowing unit substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 5 of the accompanying drawings.