Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure
Patent
1998-03-04
1999-06-22
Kent, Christopher
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure
52 224, 52 66, 52 814, 52 82, 52 86, 52 88, E04B 128, E04B 132, E04B 1342, E04B 1343
Patent
active
059137754
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject of the present invention is an inflatable roof, which can be unfolded and folded away by respectively inflating and deflating it.
In general, these inflatable roofs include a plurality of longitudinal beams arranged side by side, means for sliding at least first end of the beams along at least one unfolding or folding-up track and means for supplying the beams with pressurized fluid.
This type of roof is known, among others, to allow it to be unfolded simply by inflating and folded away by deflating. This makes it possible, as required, to cover over a space for the purpose of protecting it from the elements and to uncover it in fine weather.
FR-A-2 621 944 more particularly discloses an inflatable roof in which each beam comprises two opposed panels forming a flange and each constituting one of the lobes of the interior and exterior wall of the roof and two side panels forming the web of the beam.
The means for supplying the beam with inflating fluid are formed by at least one conduit which passes through the beams and can be extended along its length, its extension and its retraction being respectively controlled by the unfolding and folding-away of the roof.
In this roof, the supply conduit is common to all beams and communicates with each of the beams via a blockable orifice controlled by blocking-off means and the supply conduit sealingly passes through an opening made in each of the side panels.
The unfolding track is located outside the beams, which leads to stresses distributed over a small area of the wall.
FR-A-2,677,394 also discloses an inflatable roof comprising a plurality of longitudinal beams arranged side by side, means for sliding at least first end of the beams along at least one unfolding or folding-up track and means for supplying the beams with inflating fluid.
In this case, the unfolding or folding-up track passes sealingly through the beams.
This unfolding or folding-up track extends longitudinally inside a pressurized-fluid supply conduit and the sliding means are located between the track and the wall of the conduit.
However, such a structure poses sealing problems and is complex because of the arrangement of the folding or folding-up track inside the pressurized-fluid supply conduit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to propose an
inflatable roof, which can be unfolded and folded away, enabling the previously mentioned drawbacks to be avoided.
The subject of the invention is therefore an inflatable roof, which can be unfolded and folded away by respectively inflating and deflating it, comprising: track formed by a rigid beam sealing passing through these beams.
In this inflatable roof, the rigid beam is formed by a pipe for conveying the pressurized fluid for inflating or deflating the beams communicating, on the one hand, at least at one of its ends, with the pressurized-fluid supply means and, on the other hand, with the interior of at least one inflatable beam via at least one orifice made in the wall of the pipe and equipped with means for blocking it off.
Other characteristics of the invention will now be described. The pipe is formed by a tube having a circular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. The means for supplying the inflatable beams are formed by at least one pressurized-fluid generator. The pressurized-fluid generator is a centrifugal blower comprising a suction port equipped with a first flexible duct whose free end comprises means for connection to a second flexible duct which is joined to the pipe, and a delivery port comprising means for connection to the second flexible duct which is intended to be joined alternately by the means for connection to the delivery port in order to inflate the beams, or to the free end of the first flexible duct in order to deflate the beams.
The blocking-off means is formed by sealed doors associated with means for opening them or for closing them. Each door comprises at least one leaf pivoting in the pipe between a closed position providing continuity of
REFERENCES:
patent: 4317315 (1982-03-01), LeBlang
Kent Christopher
Societe Civile D'Exploitation des Brevets et Procedes Spironef
LandOfFree
Inflatable roof which can be unfolded and folded away does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Inflatable roof which can be unfolded and folded away, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Inflatable roof which can be unfolded and folded away will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1704377