Support structure for a crossbeam, its pre-assembly process and its installation process

Abstract

A method for installing a support structure (100) for a crossbeam (150), such as a shade beam, comprising providing a structure including at least one pair (12, 22, 32) of uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) hinged to each other by a joint (14, 24, 34), modifying the relative position of the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) by means of the joint (14, 24, 34), and anchoring a portion (100b) of the structure to the ground (S), an opposite portion (100a) of the structure being configured to support the crossbeam (150). A corresponding support structure (100) and a method for pre-assembling such a support structure (100) are shown in Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Support structure for a crossbeam, its pre-assembly method and its installation method. Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a method for installing a support structure for a crossbeam, such a support structure, and a method for pre-assembling such a support structure. Such a support structure can be used to support crossbeams intended to be held at height, for example, shade beams. Previous technique

[0002] A shade structure is a device designed to provide shade and comprising crossbeams mounted on supports. In recent years, the use of shade structures has expanded considerably in both agriculture, to provide shade for certain plants, and in the energy sector, where shade structures serve as elevated supports for photovoltaic panels. The term agrivoltaic system is sometimes even used when these two applications are combined.

[0003] The supports are sized according to the crossbeams they are to support. Typically, above a certain size, each crossbeam can be supported by several posts. During installation, these posts are mounted independently of each other, which is time-consuming and can lead to mix-ups or positioning errors. However, pre-assembling these posts at the factory would be impractical due to the significant size of the resulting structure, which limits transport options to the installation site.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a new type of support structure. Description of the invention

[0005] To this end, the present exposition relates to a method of installing a support structure for a crossbeam, such as a shade beam, comprising providing a structure including at least one pair of uprights hinged to each other by a hinge, modifying the relative position of the uprights by means of the hinge, and anchoring a part of the structure to the ground, an opposite part of the structure being configured to support the crossbeam.

[0006] The steps of the installation process can be implemented in the order indicated above or in any technically relevant order: thus, anchoring with respect to the ground can be carried out before or after the modification of the relative position of the uprights.

[0007] The support structure has sufficient mechanical characteristics to support the cross member attached to it, as well as other components intended to rest on this cross member, such as a roof covering, solar panels, etc. For the purposes of this document, a post is defined as an element that extends primarily along one dimension of space: its length, or longitudinal dimension, is at least an order of magnitude greater than its width and thickness. A transverse direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a post.

[0008] The support structure comprises at least two uprights hinged to one another: thus, unless the hinge is locked, the relative position of the uprights can be changed. The uprights hinged to one another form a pair, and the support structure may comprise, as will be detailed later, one or more pairs of uprights. In this description, and unless otherwise indicated, "one" or "one" element (e.g., pair of uprights, etc.) means "at least one" or "each" element. Conversely, the generic use of the plural may include the singular.

[0009] The support structure is configured to support a crossbeam with respect to the ground. Thus, a part of the support structure, typically on one side of the uprights in the longitudinal direction, can be anchored with respect to the ground, i.e. to the ground itself (directly to the ground) or in a structure itself in contact with the ground (indirectly to the ground), while an opposite part of the structure, typically on the other side of the uprights in the longitudinal direction, can include means for supporting the crossbeam.

[0010] Thanks to the fact that the support structure includes a hinge between the uprights, the structure can be supplied in a configuration suitable for transport or handling. On site, the support structure is then put in place using the hinge: the uprights are moved relative to each other to reach the configuration in which they are able to support the crossbeam. Thus, the support structure can be pre-assembled at the factory to simplify its installation without complicating its transport.

[0011] The support structure can be uninstalled by following the same steps, in reverse order.

[0012] In certain embodiments, modifying the relative position of the uprights involves spacing the uprights apart from each other. Thus, the support structure can be supplied in a first configuration, called compact, where the uprights are relatively close to each other or at least occupy a small space, and on site, be brought into a second configuration, called deployed, by spacing the uprights apart from each other.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the installation method includes, after modifying the relative position of the uprights, locking the hinge to fix the relative position of the uprights. Thus, the uprights can be held firmly in position to support the cross member. Alternatively, locking the hinge may not be necessary if the relative position of the uprights is blocked otherwise, for example, at their end opposite the hinge.

[0014] The locking of the joint can occur immediately after the modification of the relative position of the uprights or later, for example after positioning of the crossbar, in order to retain a certain margin of adjustment.

[0015] In particular, in certain embodiments, the installation method comprises attaching the cross member to a first upright, then modifying the relative position of another upright with respect to said first upright so as to allow the cross member to be attached to the other upright, and then locking the hinge to fix the relative position of the other upright. The other upright may be an upright from the same pair as the first upright, or from a different pair. Thanks to these arrangements, the position of the other upright can be adjusted after the cross member has been attached to the first upright, thus ensuring that the position of the other upright allows the cross member to be properly attached. The installation of the support structure is thus simplified because the installer only needs to attach two elements at a time, namely the cross member and the first upright, then the cross member and the other upright, and finally the other upright and the hinge.

[0016] The present disclosure also relates to a support structure for a crossbeam, such as a shade beam, comprising at least one pair of uprights hinged to each other by a joint configured to allow modification of the relative position of the uprights, one part of the structure being configured to be anchored to the ground and an opposite part of the structure being configured to support the crossbeam. The support structure may have all or some of the characteristics mentioned above.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the uprights are rotationally articulated. Thus, changing the relative position of the uprights in a pair involves increasing or decreasing the angle formed by the uprights of that pair. Rotation minimizes the angle between the uprights, thereby reducing the overall size of the support structure in its compact configuration. The uprights may be rotationally articulated only. Alternatively, the articulation may allow not only rotation but also sliding of one upright relative to the other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support structure comprises several pairs of uprights hinged to one another, at least one of the uprights of the structure being common to two consecutive pairs. For example, an upright called The central element can belong to a first pair, which it forms with a post to its left, and to a second pair, which it forms with another post to its right. The pairs of posts are thus linked to each other by means of a post common to two consecutive pairs. This allows for the creation of more robust support structures while retaining the advantages described above.

[0019] In some embodiments, the structure comprises four uprights arranged in three consecutive pairs in a general W shape. The general W shape includes four arms, corresponding to the four uprights, connected by three vertices, where the respective joints of the pairs of uprights can be located. However, a different number of uprights could be provided, for example, two, three, five, or six uprights. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide for a break between the pairs of uprights, in the sense that two consecutive pairs may not be connected, that is, may not share a common upright, whether or not they are each connected to other pairs. Thus, the proposed structure is of a particularly flexible design.

[0020] In some embodiments, the uprights have a square cross-section. A closed cross-section facilitates articulation, while a square cross-section limits buckling. The cross-section may be square transversely to the longitudinal direction of the uprights.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the joint is provided with a stop, optionally removable, configured to limit the movement of the uprights relative to each other. Typically, the stop can be designed to limit the distance between one upright and the other. The stop can set an upper limit at the angle formed by the two uprights. Such a stop is particularly useful to prevent the uprights, during installation, from being positioned too far from their desired positions. The stop can be dimensioned to withstand the weight of the upright. The stop can be provided at the joint, for example on the hinge piece, but can also be provided on another component of the support structure. For example, the stop can be a dedicated part independent of the joint.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the portion configured to be anchored to the ground comprises a foot, the foot including a base plate and reinforcement for attaching the base plate to at least one of the uprights. The base plate is a portion, preferably flat or nearly flat, providing stable anchorage to the ground. The base plate may include means for attaching to the ground, for example, holes for receiving additional elements such as screws, stakes, staples, etc. The reinforcement for attaching the base plate to at least one of the uprights, more simply called the reinforcement, is fixed relative to the base plate and ensures the connection between the base plate and the The amount considered is the weight of the bracket. Thus, the bracket ensures good anchoring of the support structure to the ground. In use, the bracket can be located in the lower part of the support structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the shoe forms a joint for a pair of uprights. For example, one or both of the uprights can be movable relative to the shoe, and thereby movable relative to the other upright.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the opposite part, configured to support the cross member, is provided on an extension of one of the uprights beyond the hinge. This configuration has several advantages: firstly, the hinge does not interfere with said opposite part. Secondly, for a pair of uprights, it is possible to support the cross member with only one upright of the pair, namely on the aforementioned extension. This simplifies installation, it being understood that the other upright indirectly supports the cross member by being coupled to the first upright of the pair.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the opposite side comprises, on at least one of the uprights, a guide configured to cooperate with the cross member so as to guide the cross member in sliding motion. The guide may take the form of a continuous or discontinuous rail, one or more shoulders, etc. Thanks to such a guide, the installation of the cross member is facilitated, and its precise positioning can be finely adjusted, with less effort, to correspond to the position of the other uprights.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the structure is pre-drilled for anchoring to the ground and / or for locking the joint. For example, as mentioned previously, the base plate may include holes for anchoring to the ground. Alternatively or in addition, the reinforcement and / or at least one upright may be provided with one or more holes for locking the joint. Pre-drilling the structure further speeds up its on-site installation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the joint comprises at least one of a pivot and a slide, supported by a part separate from the uprights. The joint itself may be formed by one or more parts; providing parts external to the uprights allows the structural integrity of the uprights to be maintained.

[0028] The present exposition also relates to a method for pre-assembling a support structure as previously described, comprising supplying at least one pair of uprights and assembling the uprights of the same pair by means of a joint configured to allow modification of the relative position of the uprights, the uprights being assembled to each other in a relative position different from the position in which the structure is configured to support the crossbeam. Through such pre-assembly, the support structure can be manufactured and placed in the first configuration mentioned above, before being installed on site, placed in the second configuration mentioned above, and thus supporting the crossbeam.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the joint is rigidly attached to one of the uprights of the pair and attached with at least one degree of freedom to the other upright of the pair. Thus, the uprights remain movable relative to each other while simplifying the installation of the support structure, since it is sufficient to attach the movable upright to the joint to stiffen the support structure. A support structure thus pre-assembled allows for particularly rapid on-site installation.

[0030] In the present exposition, the characteristics relating to the support structure can naturally be extended to the installation process or the pre-assembly process, mutatis mutandis, and vice versa. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other features and advantages of the subject matter of this presentation will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached figures.

[0032] Fig. 1 represents a support structure according to one embodiment, at a first stage of its installation (compact configuration), in side view.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a joint according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 represents a support structure according to one embodiment, at a second stage of its installation, seen from the side.

[0035] Fig. 4 represents a support structure according to one embodiment, at a third stage of its installation, in side view.

[0036] Fig. 5 represents a support structure according to one embodiment, at a fourth stage of its installation (deployed configuration), in side view.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the support structure in the configuration of Fig. 5. Description of the implementation methods

[0038] To make the explanation more concrete, an example of a support structure, a pre-assembly method, and an installation method is described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this example.

[0039] Figure 1 represents a support structure 100 for supporting a cross member 150, which will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The support structure 100 comprises at least two uprights, here four uprights 10, 20, 30, 40, arranged in one or more pairs. In this case, the support structure 100 comprises a first pair 12 formed by the first upright 10 and the second upright 20, a second pair 22 formed by the second upright 20 and the third upright 30, and a third pair 32 formed by the third upright 30 and the fourth upright 40. Unless otherwise stated, the information described for one upright or pair may also apply to the other uprights or pairs. respectively. As can be noted from the outset, an amount can be common to two consecutive pairs: in this example, the second amount 20 is common to the first pair 12 and the second pair 22, and the third amount is common to the second pair 22 and the third pair 32.

[0040] Within a pair, the uprights are hinged to one another. Thus, the first pair 12 comprises a first hinge 14. Similarly, but independently, the second and third pairs 22, 32 comprise second and third hinges 24, 34, respectively. The hinges 14, 24, 34 are configured to allow modification of the relative position of the uprights 10 and 20, 20 and 30, 30 and 40, respectively. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the hinge 14, 24, 34 may comprise a pivot 15, 25, 35 carried by a part separate from the uprights. Alternatively, or in addition, the hinge 14, 24, 34 could comprise a slide. As will be described in more detail later, the pivot 15, 25, 35 may be in the form of a bolt.

[0041] Overall, the support structure 100 comprises a part 100b, shown at the bottom of [Fig.1], configured to be anchored to the ground, and an opposite part 100a, shown at the top of [Fig.1], configured to support the cross member 150. For the sake of brevity, reference is made hereafter to the upper and lower parts of the support structure and the uprights in accordance with the orientation of [Fig.1], without excluding however that the support structure 100 may be used in another orientation.

[0042] To pre-assemble such a support structure 100, at least one pair 12, 22, 32 of uprights 10, 20, 30, 40 are provided. The uprights 10, 20, 30, 40 can have any desired shape, for example, a closed-section profile, in particular a square. The uprights 10, 20, 30, 40 can also be made of any desired material, for example, metal, typically galvanized steel. The uprights 10, 20, 30, 40 can be pre-drilled for assembly to a joint 14, 24, 34 and / or to the cross member 150.

[0043] Once the uprights 10, 20, 30, 40 are supplied, the uprights of the same pair (for example, the uprights 10, 20 of the first pair 12) are joined by a joint (for example, the first joint 14) configured to allow modification of the relative position of the uprights. In this case, the uprights are arranged in three consecutive pairs in a general W shape: the joints 14, 24, 34 connect portions of successive uprights 10, 20, 30, 40 that are adjacent, alternately on one side and the other of the support structure 100 in the longitudinal direction of the uprights.

[0044] An example of a joint 14 is described with reference to [Fig. 2]. In this example, the joint 14 allows the support structure 100 to be anchored to the ground. However, in general, anchoring to the ground could be achieved by other means, typically another part, than the articulation 14 between the uprights 10 and 20.

[0045] Thus, the joint 14, or more generally the part 100b of the support structure 100 configured to be anchored to the ground, may include a shoe. In this example, the joint 14 and the shoe are combined, that is, formed from the same part. In other words, the shoe can form a joint 14 for the pair 12 of uprights 10, 20. The shoe, like the uprights, can be made of any desired material, for example, galvanized steel.

[0046] The shoe may include a frame 16, formed, for example, by two sides 16a, 16b extending from either side of the two uprights 10, 20 of the pair 12 in the transverse direction. Thus, the uprights 10, 20 fit between the sides 16a, 16b of the frame 16. The sides 16a, 16b are flat here, but any other suitable shape may be considered.

[0047] The frame 16 is assembled to the uprights 10, 20. For this purpose, the frame 16 may include holes, for example pre-drilled, for its assembly to the uprights 10, 20. More specifically, bolts 161, 162 pass through the two sides 16a, 16b and, between them, through the uprights 10, 20 respectively. The number of bolts can be adjusted for each upright. Here, three bolts 161, aligned or not, ensure the rigid attachment of the second upright 20 to the frame 16. Furthermore, a single bolt 162 provides a degree of freedom for the assembly between the joint 14 and the second upright 20. More precisely, the bolt 162 forms a pivot 15 to allow modification of the relative position between the first upright 10 and the frame 16, therefore between the first upright 10 and the second upright 20. Thus, in this example, the uprights 10, 20 are pivoted in rotation.Although this has been presented with reference to a particular joint structure, other types of joints generally allow the uprights 10, 20 to be rotated. The bolt 162 can be selectively tightened to lock or unlock the joint 14.

[0048] The support structure 100, for example the frame 16, can be pre-drilled for locking the joint 14. For this purpose, the frame 16 can include holes 163 allowing the insertion of a bolt to lock the first upright 10 in the position in which it supports the cross member 150. The holes 163 and the bolt inserted therein can therefore also contribute to locking the joint 14, in addition to or as an alternative to tightening the bolt 162. Before installing the support structure 100, the holes 163 can be free of any bolt so as not to hinder the adjustment of the position of the first upright 10.

[0049] In addition to the reinforcement 16, the shoe may include a base plate 17 specifically designed to form the interface between the support structure 100 and the ground. The reinforcement 16 allows the uprights 10, 20 to be fixed to the base plate 17. For example, the reinforcement 16 and the The sole 17 can form a single, monobloc piece. If necessary, the reinforcement 16 can be supported relative to the sole 17 by one or more buttresses 17a.

[0050] The footing 17 can be pre-drilled for anchoring to the ground, as shown by the holes 17b in [Fig.2]. These holes can allow some positioning play of the footing 17 relative to an anchor point, and, for this purpose, be oblong and / or simply wider than the piles, staples, screws or other means inserted into them.

[0051] Optionally, the joint 14 may be provided with a stop 18 to limit the movement of the uprights 10, 20 relative to each other. In this case, this stop 18, which may be removable, takes the form of a bolt located opposite the fixed upright (the second upright 20) with respect to the movable upright (the first upright 10). The stop 18 limits the rotation of the first upright 10 beyond the position in which it is intended to support the cross member 150.

[0052] As shown in [Fig. 1], the joint 34, located on the same side of the support structure 100 (at the bottom) as the joint 14, can be substantially identical to the joint 14, apart from the positioning of the holes and / or the dimensions of the parts. The joint 24, located on the opposite side of the support structure 100, can be of similar construction but does not require a base plate and, as illustrated, does not include a stop. The joint 24 could, however, include a stop if desired. Base plates, used for anchoring to the ground, are generally only provided on one side of the support structure 100.

[0053] As can be seen from the comparison between Figures 1 and 5, in the pre-assembly process, the uprights are assembled in a relative position different from the position in which the support structure 100 is configured to support the cross member 150. In [Fig. 1], the support structure 100 is shown in a first configuration. In this example, the uprights 10, 20, 30, and 40 are as close to each other as possible. Thus, the first configuration is particularly compact and facilitates the transport of the support structure 100 from one site to another, typically from its manufacturing site to its installation site.

[0054] A method for installing the support structure 100, according to one embodiment, is now described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. As previously stated, this method includes supplying the support structure 100, for example by means of the pre-assembly method described above. Then, the relative position of at least two uprights of a pair is changed by means of the joint, and a portion 100b of the support structure is anchored to the ground.

[0055] This is what is represented in [Fig. 3]: with respect to [Fig. 1], the second amount 20 and the third amount 30 of the second pair 22 (forming a pair intermediate) have been moved relative to each other, in this case separated from each other, for example so that the respective soles of the shoes forming the joints 14, 34 belong to the same plane, typically the plane of the ground S. Before or after the anchoring of the shoes forming the joints 14, 34 to the ground, the joint 24 can be locked so as to fix the relative position of the uprights 20, 30 of the pair 22.

[0056] This scheme can be repeated with the other pairs of the support structure 100, as shown in [Fig.4]: compared to [Fig.3], the first upright 10 has been moved (here set apart) relative to the second upright 20 of the same first pair 12. Similarly, the fourth upright 40 has been moved (here set apart) relative to the third upright 30 of the same third pair 32. Thus, in this example, the lateral pairs (first pair 12 and third pair 32) are positioned after the intermediate pair (second pair 22) to facilitate anchoring to the ground S, but a different order is also conceivable.

[0057] To facilitate the assembly of the cross member 150, the joints 14, 34 may not be locked immediately after the separation of the lateral pairs 12, 32. For example, the first upright 10 and / or the fourth upright 40 may be left against the stops 18, 38 of the corresponding joints 14, 34: thus, these uprights 10, 40 are pre-positioned but retain a possibility of adjustment.

[0058] The positioning of the cross member 150 is shown more particularly in Figures 5 and 6. However, it can be seen from the outset in [Fig. 4] that the part 100a of the support structure 100 configured to support the cross member can be provided on an extension 39 of a post beyond the joint. More precisely, the third post 30 extends, on the side of the cross member 150, beyond the joint 24 of the second pair 22 to which it belongs. The third post 30 therefore has an extension 39 intended to support the cross member 150 and which may include, for this purpose, openings or any other means of retention or attachment.

[0059] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the cross member 150 can be a structural element configured to be supported by at least one of the uprights. The cross member 150 may comprise a profiled element extending primarily in one spatial direction; however, other types of cross members are also envisaged.

[0060] As illustrated, the cross member 150 can be fitted onto the uprights 10, 20, 30, and 40, the uprights fitting between two profiles of the cross member 150. To facilitate the positioning of the cross member 150, the support structure 100, and in particular its portion 100a configured to support the cross member 150, can be provided with a guide on at least one of the uprights, configured to cooperate with the cross member so as to guide its sliding movement. In this case, the guide can be provided on the hinge 24, itself mounted on the second upright 20 and the third 30. More precisely, the guide 24a (see also [Fig. 4]) can be formed by a surface of the joint 24, here the upper surface, intended to come into contact with the cross member 150. The guide 24a can be flat so as to guide the cross member in sliding motion. In other words, even before any fastening, the cross member 150 rests on the guide 24a, which determines its orientation and thus ensures sliding guidance in the longitudinal direction of the cross member 150.

[0061] Once positioned, the cross member 150 can be fixed relative to the first upright of a pair, then the position of the other upright of the pair is modified to adjust to the cross member 150 and allow the cross member 150 to be fixed to this other upright. Only then is the joint between the uprights locked.

[0062] Thus, in the example of [Fig. 5], the cross member 150 can first be attached to the extension 39, for example by bolting, thereby securing the cross member 150 to the third upright 30 and also to the second upright 20 via the hinge 24. Next, the first upright 10 is moved, for example from its position against the stop 18, so that its holes are aligned with those of the cross member 150. When the connection between the cross member 150 and the first upright 10 is possible, it is made, and then the hinge 14 is locked, typically by tightening the bolt 162 and inserting an additional bolt into the holes 163, thereby fixing the relative position of the first upright 10 to the second upright 20. The same steps can be performed for the fourth upright 40.

[0063] Although the present description refers to specific embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention. For example, the steps presented in a certain order may be carried out in a different, technically feasible order. As an alternative or in addition to bolts, any suitable mechanical fastening means may be used, such as pins, rods, cotter pins, or the like. More generally, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of installing a support structure (100) for a crossbeam (150), such as a shade beam, comprising supplying a structure comprising at least one pair (12, 22, 32) of uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) hinged to each other by a hinge (14, 24, 34), modifying the relative position of the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) by means of the hinge (14, 24, 34), and anchoring a portion (100b) of the structure to the ground (S), an opposite portion (100a) of the structure being configured to support the crossbeam (150).

2. Installation method according to claim 1, wherein the modification of the relative position of the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) includes the spacing of the uprights from one another.

3. Installation method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, after modification of the relative position of the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40), locking the joint (14, 24, 34) so ​​as to fix the relative position of the uprights.

4. Installation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising fixing the cross member (150) to a first of the uprights (30, 20), then modifying the relative position of another upright (10, 40) with respect to said first upright (30, 20) so as to allow the fixing of the cross member (150) to the other upright (10, 40), then locking the hinge (14, 34) so ​​as to fix the relative position of the other upright (10, 40).

5. Support structure (100) for a cross member (150), such as a shade beam, comprising at least one pair (12, 22, 32) of uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) hinged to each other by a hinge (14, 24, 34) configured to permit modification of the relative position of the uprights, one part (100a) of the structure being configured to be anchored to the ground (S) and an opposite part (100b) of the structure being configured to support the cross member (150).

6. Structure according to claim 5, wherein the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) are rotationally articulated.

7. Structure according to claim 5 or 6, comprising several pairs (12, 22, 32) of uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) articulated with respect to each other, at least one of the uprights (20, 30) of the structure being common to two consecutive pairs (12, 22, 32); preferably in which the structure comprises four uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) arranged in three consecutive pairs (12, 22, 32) in a general W shape.

8. Structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the joint (14, 34) is provided with a stop (18, 38), optionally removable, configured to limit the movement of the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) relative to each other.

9. Structure according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the part (100b) configured to be anchored opposite the ground comprises a shoe including a base plate (17) and a reinforcement (16) for fixing the base plate (17) to at least one of the uprights (10, 20), optionally wherein the shoe forms a hinge (14) for a pair (12) of uprights.

10. Structure according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the opposite part (100a), configured to support the cross member (150), is provided on an extension (39) of one of the uprights (30) beyond the joint (24).

11. Structure according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the opposite part (100a) comprises, on at least one of the uprights (30), a guide (24a) configured to cooperate with the cross member (150) so as to guide the cross member in sliding.

12. Structure according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the structure is pre-drilled for its anchoring to the ground and / or for locking the joint (14, 24, 34).

13. Structure according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the joint (14, 24, 34) comprises at least one of a pivot (15) and a slide, carried by a part separate from the uprights.

14. Method of pre-assembling a structure according to any one of claims 5 to 13, comprising supplying at least one pair (12, 22, 32) of uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) and assembling the uprights of the same pair by means of a joint (14, 24, 34) configured to permit modification of the relative position of the uprights, the uprights (10, 20, 30, 40) being assembled to each other in a relative position different from the position in which the structure is configured to support the cross member (150).

15. A pre-assembly method according to claim 14, wherein the joint (14, 24, 34) is rigidly assembled to one of the amounts (20, 30) of the pair and assembled with at least one degree of freedom to the other of the amounts (10, 40) of the pair.

Images