Protective structure for outdoor shelter with membrane tension system

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective structure (1) for an outdoor shelter comprising a peripheral frame (2), a covering membrane (4) configured to extend at least partly inside an internal space (15), and a tensioning device (5) configured to ensure the tensioning of the covering membrane (4) and comprising at least one hoop (3) mechanically connected to and supported by the peripheral frame (2). The at least one hoop (3) is rotatable relative to the peripheral frame (2) about an axis of rotation (A) between an installation position in which the at least one hoop (3) is not in contact with the covering membrane (4), and a use position in which the at least one hoop (3) is configured to bear against the covering membrane (4) and to project relative to the peripheral frame (2). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Protective structure for outdoor shelter with membrane tensioning system Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective structure, and more precisely to a protective structure for an outdoor shelter, such as a carport or a pergola for example. State of the art

[0002] It is known from the state of the art to use a rigid structure in order to provide support for a flexible element, such as a canvas for example, in order to produce a protective element intended to be used outdoors. The purpose of the flexible element is to provide protection for what is located below the protective element, and thus to combat in particular bad weather and / or protect against solar radiation.

[0003] When producing and / or mounting the protective element, it is often complex and tedious to obtain a tension in the flexible element which is uniform and sufficient so that the protective element can play its role of protection against external elements and in particular rain.

[0004] Indeed, poor installation or poor tension of the flexible element will generally lead to rapid deterioration of the flexible element, as well as an accumulation of water and / or poor protection during sufficient rain. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a protective structure for an outdoor shelter, which is of simple and economical structure, which demonstrates ease of installation, while ensuring uniform and lasting tensioning of a flexible element such as a membrane.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a protective structure for an outdoor shelter, such as a carport or a pergola for example, the protective structure comprising: - a peripheral framework; - a covering membrane configured to extend at least partially within an internal space delimited by the peripheral frame; - a tensioning device configured to ensure the tensioning of the covering membrane and comprising at least one mechanically connected hoop only and supported by the peripheral frame;

[0008] characterized in that the at least one hoop is movable in rotation relative to the peripheral frame around an axis of rotation, the at least one hoop being movable between an installation position in which the at least one hoop is not in contact with the covering membrane, and a use position in which the at least one hoop is configured to bear against the covering membrane and to project relative to the peripheral frame.

[0009] Such a configuration of the protective structure, and in particular of the tensioning device, allows the installation and tensioning of the covering membrane by rotating the hoop(s). This advantageously makes it possible to break down the installation of the covering membrane and the tensioning of the covering membrane into two separate stages.

[0010] Advantageously, the rotation of the arch allows the covering membrane to be tensioned progressively, which makes it possible to avoid tears which may occur when the covering membrane is tensioned.

[0011] The protective structure may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame comprises two longitudinal edges and / or two lateral edges.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame comprises a first connecting device and a second connecting device, the at least one hoop extending between a first end portion comprising a first complementary connecting device configured to cooperate with the first connecting device and a second end portion comprising a second complementary connecting device configured to cooperate with the second connecting device.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation extends through the first complementary connecting device and the second complementary connecting device.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral edges and the longitudinal edges are adjacent two by two.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame is substantially rectangular.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting device and / or the second connecting device comprises an assembly groove.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame is formed at least partially by a profile. The profile may be made of a substantially rigid material such as steel, aluminum or a plastic compound for example.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting device and the second connecting device are assembly grooves.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, each hoop further comprises a reinforcing part.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, each reinforcement part is substantially rectilinear and extends along the axis of rotation.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one hoop is configured to bear against a lower face of the covering membrane when the at least one hoop occupies the position of use.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering membrane is configured to be positioned above the at least one hoop when the tensioning system occupies a use configuration.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering membrane has at least one elongated retaining element intended to be fixed to the peripheral frame.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure further comprises at least one fixing part intended to extend respectively along the peripheral frame, the at least one fixing part comprising an elongated fixing element configured to cooperate by form complementarity with a respective elongated retaining element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the elongated retaining elements can be either continuous or discontinuous.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elongated retaining elements are produced in the form of a rod or a fixing rod.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elongated retaining elements are provided on the lower face of the covering membrane.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame further comprises two fixing parts intended to extend respectively along the two longitudinal edges, each fixing part comprising an elongated fixing element configured to cooperate by shape complementarity with a respective elongated retaining element.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the elongated fastening elements has a shape configured to oppose the removal of the elongated retaining elements when a force parallel to the elevation axis is exerted on the covering membrane.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elongated fixing elements have a shape substantially similar to a C.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one hoop is configured to extend along an elevation axis which is substantially perpendicular to the extension plane of the peripheral frame when said hoop occupies the position of use.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting device and / or the second connecting device are configured to allow the sliding of the first complementary connecting device and / or the second complementary connecting device of the hoop when the hoop occupies the installation position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first complementary connecting devices and second complementary connecting devices are each configured to prevent the arch from sliding when the latter cooperates with the assembly grooves of the longitudinal edges and when it occupies the position of use.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first complementary connecting device and / or the second complementary connecting device have a generally cylindrical shape extending substantially along the axis of rotation.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elongated retaining elements are produced in the form of a rod or a fixing rod.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one hoop has a bending radius which is constant over the entire portion of the hoop which is in contact with the covering membrane when the hoop occupies the position of use.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing part of the arch is substantially rectilinear.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the arch has a shape substantially similar to an arc of a circle.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion of the hoop which is in contact with the covering membrane when the hoop occupies the position of use has a bending radius which is substantially between 2 / 1000 and 6 / 1000, and advantageously between 3 / 1000 and 5 / 1000, and such as for example 4 / 1000.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one hoop further comprises at least one locking device configured to block the rotation of the hoop relative to the peripheral frame in the position of use.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking device comprises at least:

[0043] - a locking hole provided on an end portion of the hoop, the locking hole blocking being through and being configured to be opposite the connecting device when the arch is in the position of use, and

[0044] - a removable locking member that is configured to extend through the orifice locking and to protrude inside the connecting device so as to block the rotation of the arch.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking device is arranged on either side of one or both fixing portions.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking orifice is substantially cy-

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[0055] lindic and has at least one threaded portion. According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is substantially cylindrical and has at least one threaded portion. According to one embodiment of the invention, the threaded portion of the locking member is configured to cooperate by shape complementarity with the tapped portion of the locking orifice. According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure is configured to be supported by one or more support legs. According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame is made of one or more profiled elements. According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral frame may have a generally rectangular shape or any other shape, for example circular. According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure further comprises a plurality of reinforcing rods configured to extend from the side edges to the reinforcing portions. According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure further comprises a plurality of reinforcing rods configured to extend between the reinforcing portions of each hoop. According to one embodiment of the invention, the invention further relates to a method of installing a protective structure for an outdoor shelter, the installation method comprising at least the following steps: - provision of a peripheral frame, - supply of a covering membrane, - provision of at least one hoop, - placing the covering membrane inside the internal space of the peripheral frame, the placing of the covering membrane being carried out by the cooperation of each of the elongated retaining elements with the respective fixing parts of the longitudinal edges, - inserting the first complementary connecting device and the second complementary connecting device of the at least one hoop inside the first connecting device and the second connecting device of the longitudinal edges, the hoop occupying the installation position, - moving, by sliding, at least one hoop to a desired or predefined position, - rotation by a user of at least one hoop from the installation position to the use position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method of installing a structure protection further includes the following steps, successively to the rotation step: - supply of blocking devices - placing a locking member inside each of the locking orifices provided on each of the end portions of the at least one hoop so as to lock the at least one hoop in the position of use. Brief description of the figures

[0056] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the appended figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0057] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a protective structure in a mode of rea lization of the invention;

[0058] [Fig.2] is a partial sectional perspective view of a peripheral frame of the protective structure of [Fig.l];

[0059] [Fig.3] is a partial sectional perspective view of the peripheral frame of the protective structure of [Fig.2] according to an opposite view;

[0060] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of a hoop of the protective structure of [Fig.l];

[0061] [Fig.5] is a partial perspective view of the arch of the protective structure of [Fig.4] according to an opposite view. Detailed description

[0062] Figures 1 to 5 represent all or part of a protective structure 1 for an outdoor shelter, such as a carport or a pergola for example. The protective structure 1 comprises a peripheral frame 2 which comprises several hoops 3, a covering membrane 4 and a tensioning device 5. The protective structure 1 is further configured to be supported by one or more support feet 6. The support feet 6 are configured to support the peripheral frame 2, and to rest on the ground or on one or more support surfaces not shown in the figures.

[0063] The peripheral frame 2 comprises two lateral edges 7.1; 7.2 and two longitudinal edges 8.1; 8.2 which each extend along an extension plane P. In order to facilitate the manufacture of the invention, the peripheral frame 2 can be produced by means of several superimposed profiled elements. The profile can be made of a rigid material such as steel, aluminum or a plastic compound for example. According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures; the peripheral frame 2 can have a generally rectangular shape; however, any other shape is also possible, such as a circular peripheral frame 2 for example.

[0064] According to the embodiment of the invention visible in the figures, the longitudinal edges 8.1; 8.2 respectively comprise a first assembly device 9.1 and a second assembly device 9.2, such as an assembly groove for example.

[0065] The tensioning device 5 is configured to ensure the tensioning of the covering membrane 4 and comprises one or more hoops 3 movable independently between an installation position in which the hoop 3 is not in contact with the covering membrane 4, and a use position in which the hoop 3 is configured to bear against a lower face of the covering membrane 4 and to project out of the extension plane P.

[0066] Each hoop 3 comprises a first complementary connecting device 10.1 and a second complementary connecting device 10.2 as well as a reinforcing part 11. The first complementary connecting device 10.1 and the second complementary connecting device 10.2 are provided respectively on either side of the hoop 3. The first complementary connecting device 10.1 as well as the second complementary connecting device 10.2 are configured to cooperate by complementary shape respectively with the first connecting device 9.1 and the second connecting device 9.2 of the longitudinal edges 8.1; 8.2 of the peripheral frame 2. Each of the first complementary connecting device 10.1 and second complementary connecting device 10.2 has a generally cylindrical shape extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation A. Advantageously, the first complementary connecting device 10.1 and the second complementary connecting device 10.2 are also configured to allow the sliding of the arch 3 when the first complementary connecting device 10.1 and the second complementary connecting device 10.2 cooperate with the first connecting device 9.1 and the second connecting device 9.2 provided on the longitudinal edges 8.1;8.2 and the arch 3 occupies the installation position. In addition, the first complementary connecting device 10.1 and the second complementary connecting device 10.2 are configured to prevent the sliding of the arch 3 occupies the use position.

[0067] The hoop 3 has a bending radius which is constant over the entire portion of the hoop 3 which is in contact with the covering membrane 4 when the hoop 3 occupies the position of use. The portion of the hoop 3 which is in contact with the covering membrane when the hoop 3 occupies the position of use has a bending radius which is substantially between 2 / 1000 and 6 / 1000, and advantageously between 3 / 1000 and 5 / 1000, and such as for example 4 / 1000. The reinforcing part 11 of the hoop 3 is substantially rectilinear and extends substantially along the axis of rotation A.

[0068] Advantageously, such a configuration of the tensioning device 5 allows the installation and tensioning of the covering membrane 4 by rotating the hoops 3. This makes it possible to break down the installation of the covering membrane 4 and the tensioning of the covering membrane 4 via the tensioning device 5 into two distinct steps.

[0069] Advantageously, the rotation of the hoop 3 allows the covering membrane 4 to be tensioned progressively, which makes it possible to avoid tears that may occur when the covering membrane 4 is tensioned.

[0070] The peripheral frame 2 further comprises fixing parts 12 intended to extend respectively along the two longitudinal edges 8.1; 8.2. Each fixing part 12 comprises an elongated fixing element 13 configured to cooperate by form complementarity with an elongated retaining element 14 provided on the covering membrane 4. According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the elongated fixing elements 13 have substantially a shape similar to a C. The covering membrane 4 has at least two elongated retaining elements 14 intended to be fixed respectively on either side of the peripheral frame 2 at each of the longitudinal edges 8.1; 8.2.The elongated retaining elements 14 are continuous according to the embodiment shown in the figures and have the shape of a rod, however the elongated retaining elements 14 could perfectly well be discontinuous and / or be made in the form of one or more fixing rods. The elongated fixing elements 13 advantageously have a shape configured to oppose the withdrawal of the elongated retaining elements 14 when a force parallel to an elevation axis E is exerted on the covering membrane 4.

[0071] The covering membrane 4 is configured to extend at least partly inside an internal space 15 delimited by the peripheral frame 2. The covering membrane 4 is further configured to be positioned above the hoops 3 when the tensioning device 5 occupies a usage configuration.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, and as seen more specifically in Figures 4 and 5, each of the hoops 3 may comprise a locking device 16 configured to block the rotation of the hoop 3 relative to the peripheral frame 2 in the position of use. The locking device 16 comprises a locking orifice 17 and a removable locking member 18. The locking device 16 is arranged on either side of one or other of the first complementary connecting devices 10.1 and second complementary connecting device 10.2.

[0073] The locking orifice 17 is provided on a first end portion 19.1 and / or on a second end portion 19.2 of the hoop 3. The locking orifice 17 is through and is configured to be opposite the first connecting device 8.1 and / or the second connecting device 8.2 when the hoop 3 is in the position of use. As seen more specifically in Figures 4 and 5, the locking orifice 17 is substantially cylindrical and has at least one threaded portion.

[0074] The removable locking member 18 is configured to extend through the locking orifice 17 and to protrude inside the assembly device 9.1 so as to prevent rotation of the hoop 3. The removable locking member 18 is substantially cylindrical and has at least one threaded portion. The removable locking member 18 could be a screw for example. The threaded portion of the removable locking member 18 is configured to cooperate by form complementarity with the threaded portion of the locking orifice 17.

[0075] The protective structure 1 comprises reinforcing rods configured to extend from the lateral edges 7.1; 7.2 to the reinforcing parts 11. The reinforcing rods also extend between each reinforcing part 11 of each hoop so as to stiffen the protective structure 1 once assembly and mounting are complete.

[0076] An example of a method for installing a protective structure 1 is described below. Such an installation method comprises the following steps: - providing a peripheral frame 2, - providing a covering membrane 4, - providing a tensioning device 5 comprising hoops 3, and locking devices 16, - placing the covering membrane 4 inside the internal space 15 of the peripheral frame 2, the placing of the covering membrane 4 being carried out by the cooperation of each of the elongated retaining elements 14 with the respective fixing parts 12 of the longitudinal edges 8.1; 8.2, - insertion of the first complementary connecting device 10.1 and the second complementary connecting device 10.2 of the at least one hoop 3 respectively inside the first connecting device 9.1 and the second connecting device 9.2 of the longitudinal edges 8.1;8.2, the hoop 3 occupying the installation position, - moving, by sliding, the at least one hoop 3 to a desired or predefined position, - rotation by a user of the at least one hoop 3 from the installation position to the use position. - installation of a removable locking member 18 inside each of the locking orifices 17 provided on each of the end portions 19.1; 19.2 of the at least one hoop 3 so as to lock the at least one hoop 3 in the position of use.

[0077] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective structure (1) for an outdoor shelter, the protective structure (1) comprising: - a peripheral frame (2); - a covering membrane (4) configured to extend at least partly inside an internal space (15) delimited by the peripheral frame (2); - a tensioning device (5) configured to ensure the tensioning of the covering membrane (4) and comprising at least one hoop (3) mechanically connected and supported by the peripheral frame (2);characterized in that the at least one hoop (3) is movable in rotation relative to the peripheral frame (2) around an axis of rotation (A), the at least one hoop (3) being movable between an installation position in which the at least one hoop (3) is not in contact with the covering membrane (4), and a position of use in which the at least one hoop (3) is configured to bear against the covering membrane (4) and to project relative to the peripheral frame (2).;

2. Protective structure according to claim 1, in which the peripheral frame (2) comprises two longitudinal edges (8.1; 8.2) and / or two lateral edges (7.1; 7.2).

3. Protective structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral frame (2) comprises a first connecting device (9.1) and a second connecting device (9.2), the at least one hoop extending between a first end portion (19.1) comprising a first complementary connecting device (10.1) configured to cooperate with the first connecting device (9.1) and a second end portion (19.2) comprising a second complementary connecting device (10.2) configured to cooperate with the second connecting device (9.2).

4. Protective structure according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting device (9.1) and / or the second connecting device (9.2) comprises an assembly groove.

5. Protective structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one hoop (3) is configured to extend along an elevation axis (E) which is substantially perpendicular to an extension plane (P) of the peripheral frame (2) when said hoop (3) occupies the position of use.

6. Protective structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the covering membrane (4) has at least one elongated retaining element (14) intended to be fixed to the peripheral frame (2).

7. Protective structure (1) according to claim 6, which further comprises at least one fixing portion (12) intended to extend respectively along the peripheral frame (2), the at least one fixing portion (12) comprising an elongated fixing element (13) configured to cooperate by form complementarity with a respective elongated retaining element (14).

8. Protective structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each of the elongated fixing elements (13) has a shape configured to oppose the removal of the elongated retaining elements (14) when a force parallel to the elevation axis (E) is exerted on the covering membrane (4).

9. Protective structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first connecting device (9.1) and / or the second connecting device (9.2) are configured to allow the sliding of the first complementary connecting device (10.1) and / or the second complementary connecting device (10.2) of the arch (3) when the arch (3) occupies the installation position.

10. Protective structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first complementary connecting device (10.1) and / or the second complementary connecting device (10.2) have a generally cylindrical shape extending substantially along the axis of rotation (A).

11. Protective structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one hoop (3) has a bending radius which is constant over the entire portion of the hoop (3) which is in contact with the covering membrane when the hoop (3) occupies the position of use.

12. Protective structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the hoop (3) which is in contact with the covering membrane (4) when the hoop (3) occupies the position of use has a bending radius which is substantially between 2 / 1000 and 6 / 1000, and advantageously between 3 / 1000 and 5 / 1000.

13. Protective structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hoop (3) further comprises at least one locking device (16) configured to block the rotation of the hoop (3) relative to the peripheral frame (2) in the position of use.

14. Protective structure (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one locking device (16) comprises at least: - a locking orifice (17) provided on the first end portion (19.1) and / or on the second end portion (19.2) of the arch (3), the locking orifice (17) being a through orifice and being configured to face the first connecting device (8.1) and / or the second connecting device (8.2) when the arch (3) is in the position of use, and - a removable locking member (18) which is configured to extend through the locking orifice (17) and to project inside the first connecting device (8.1) and / or the second connecting device (8.2) so as to block the rotation of the arch (3).

15. A method of installing a protective structure (1) for an outdoor shelter wherein the protective structure (1) is at least according to claims 3 and 5, the installation method comprising at least the following steps: - providing a peripheral frame (2), - providing a covering membrane (4), - providing at least one hoop (3), - placing the covering membrane (4) inside the internal space (15) of the peripheral frame (2), - inserting the first complementary connecting device (10.1) and the second complementary connecting device (10.2) of the at least one hoop (3) respectively inside the first connecting device (9.1) and the second connecting device (9.2) of the longitudinal edges (8.1;8.2), the hoop (3) occupying the installation position, - rotation by a user of the at least one hoop (3) from the installation position to the use position.

16. Method of installing a protective structure (1) according to the preceding claim in which the protective structure (1) is at least according to claim 12, further comprising the following steps, successively to the rotation step: - supply of blocking devices (16), - placing a removable locking member (18) inside each of the locking orifices (17) provided on each of the first end portion (19.1) and second end portion (19.2) of the at least one hoop (3) so as to lock the at least one hoop (3) in the position of use.

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