Openable enclosure arrangement for a shelter, and a device and method thereof

Abstract

An arrangement (100) for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400) comprising two devices (102), each comprising a plurality of joints (104) to which curved elements (106) may be attached; wherein between each curved element (106), fabric (108) may be attached; a base (110); wherein the curved elements (106) are arranged between the two devices (102) at corresponding joints (104); whereby each device (102) may rotate between a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to their bases (110), the curved elements (106) may rotate in relation to the joints; wherein the devices (102) may be set in a vertical position to allow attaching of the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) therebetween essentially on the ground after which the devices (102) may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved elements (106) to rotate forming an openable and closable enclosure.

Description

[0001] OPENABLE ENCLOSURE ARRANGEMENT FOR A SHELTER, AND A DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, the present invention relates to doors and enclosures and arrangements for shelters. Particularly, however not exclusively, the present invention pertains to an openable enclosure arrangement for a shelter.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Shelters are used for different purposes and in different places. For example, shelters are used for covering vehicles, for sheltering people, for giving protection against weather etc. Shelters that are used for covering massive vehicles, such as aircraft, are typically built by using cranes. Because of this, such shelters need to be built in places where cranes can operate. Air tillable shelters are also known although such arrangements are typically limited to a certain size and may suffer from heavy wind.

[0006] Prior art discloses various shelter and hangar arrangements with doors that allow transport of inventory or vehicles in and out of the shelter. Often the doors are an integral part of the shelter. On the other hand, such arrangements may be difficult to assemble without specialized tools or the use of heavy machinery, such as lifting cranes and the like.

[0007] Some examples of prior art include US20170107738A1 wherein a door is installed throughout various steps requiring a number of personnel to stand on the base of the arrangement to ensure correct alignment of the structure, and US3552330A which teaches an armored closure for an aircraft hangar. Further, EP0258181B1 discloses a weather-protection shelter for light aircraft comprising a plurality of hemispherical bars which are supported in a rotatable maimer and covered with covering material, such as fabric, forming a hemispherical cover. WO2022260748A1 teaches a collapsible hangar system which uses a plurality of collapsible arches to form a hangar for storing aircraft and equipment at an airfield. US4084599A discloses a collapsible temporary outdoor enclosure wherein a pair of spaced base members and a plurality of shaped struts spanning between the base members mounted thereto at hinge points. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The objective of the embodiments of the present invention is to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks evident in the prior art arrangements particularly in the context of openable enclosure arrangements for shelters. The objective is generally achieved with an openable enclosure arrangement, a device, and a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] An advantage of the present disclosure is that an openable enclosure arrangement may be assembled on ground and hoisted for use without the need for cranes or such heavy machinery. The openable enclosure arrangement may be assembled swiftly in situ.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention an arrangement for an openable enclosure of a shelter comprising

[0011] - two devices, each comprising o a plurality of joints to which curved elements may be attached; o wherein between each curved element, fabric may be attached to create a closed structure for neighboring curved elements; o a base;

[0012] - wherein the curved elements are arranged between the two devices at corresponding joints;

[0013] - characterized in that each device may rotate between a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to their bases, and that each device further has joints in relation to which the curved elements may rotate;

[0014] - wherein the devices may be set in a vertical position to allow attaching of the curved elements and the fabrics therebetween essentially on the ground after which the devices may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved elements to rotate via the joints in relation to the devices in a curvilinear path forming an openable and closable enclosure.

[0015] In accordance with one other aspect of the present invention a device for an openable enclosure for a shelter comprising - a plurality of joints to which curved elements may be attached;

[0016] - wherein between each curved element, fabric may be attached to create a closed structure for neighboring curved elements;

[0017] - a base;

[0018] - characterized in that the device may rotate between a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to the base, and which device further has joints in relation to which the curved elements may rotate;

[0019] - wherein the device may be set in a vertical position to allow attaching of the curved elements and the fabrics therebetween essentially on the ground after which the device may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved elements to rotate via the joints in relation to the device in a curvilinear path.

[0020] Accordingly, in one other aspect of the present invention a method for an openable enclosure of a shelter comprising

[0021] - setting two devices each in a vertical position in relation to the ground;

[0022] - attaching a plurality of joints at two corresponding devices with curved elements wherein the joints have rotating means so that said curved elements may rotate in relation to the device;

[0023] - attaching a fabric between each neighboring curved element so that they form a closed structure;

[0024] - setting the two devices each in a horizontal position in relation to the ground to allow the curved elements to rotate via the joints in relation to the devices in a curvilinear path forming an openable and closable enclosure.

[0025] Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the attached dependent claims.

[0026] The present disclosure enables ground-level assembly and a partial canopy that operates as an end door for an existing shelter frame.

[0027] As briefly reviewed hereinbefore, the utility of the different aspects of the present invention arises from a plurality of issues depending on each particular embodiment. The expression “a number of’ may herein refer to any positive integer starting from one (1). The expression “a plurality of’ may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), respectively.

[0028] The term “exemplary” refers herein to an example or example-like feature, not the sole or only preferable option.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are reviewed more closely with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

[0031] Fig. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the arrangement for an openable enclosure for a shelter in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0032] Figs. 2a-b depict a device for an openable enclosure for a shelter in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0033] Fig. 3 depicts a flow chart for a method for an openable enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0034] Figs. 4a-d depict isometric views of an embodiment of the arrangement for an openable enclosure for a shelter with varying amount of attached curved elements in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0035] Fig. 5 depicts an isometric view of the device together with a connecting piece in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0036] Fig. 6 depicts an isometric view of the device together with a connecting piece and a beam for a curved element in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0037] Fig. 7 depicts an isometric view of the arrangement with attached curved elements in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0038] Fig. 8 depicts an isometric view of the arrangement and shelter where a wire is connected to the ground, curved elements, and the shelter in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0039] Fig. 9 depicts a side view of the arrangement with a wire connected to the arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0040] Fig. 10 depicts an isometric view of the arrangement where the top curved element is partially rotated with attached fabric in accordance with the present disclosure, Fig. 11 depicts an isometric view of the arrangement where the openable enclosure has been rotated to form a shelter structure in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0041] Fig. 12 depicts a side view of the arrangement where the openable enclosure has been rotated to form a shelter structure in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0042] Fig. 13 depicts an aerial view of the arrangement where the openable enclosure has been rotated open and a connecting piece of fabric has been attached between the top curved element and the main frame of the shelter in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Fig. 1 depicts an arrangement (100) for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400). The arrangement for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400) comprises at least two devices (102) wherein the devices (102) comprise a plurality of joints (104) to which curved elements (106) may be attached. Therefore, the joints (104) are also hereinafter interchangeably called curved element joints (104). Between each curved element (106), a fabric (108) may be attached so that a closed structure is created between neighboring curved elements (106). The curved elements (106) are arranged between the two devices (102) at corresponding curved element joints (104). The device (102) has a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to a base (110) of the device (102). In an example, the device (102) acts as a hinge with joints (104). Therefore, the device (102) may be, for example, a dualuse hinge or have at least dual functions. In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4a-4d, the two devices (102) are structurally similar and are arranged on opposite sides of the opening of the shelter (400) so that they support the curved elements (106) in a substantially mirror- symmetric manner with respect to a central plane of the shelter (400).

[0045] The base (110) therefore provides support for the device (102) in relation to which the device (102) may rotate in relation to the ground. The base (110) may be, for example, a base bus which may further provide connection with the neighboring shelter (400).

[0046] Further, the device (102) has rotating means at the curved element joints (104) which enable said curved element joints (104) to provide rotation of the curved elements (106) attached thereto in relation to the device (102). The joints (104) may be arranged such that a single curved element (106) is attached at a single joint (104). Alternatively, at least two curved elements (106) may be attached at a single joint (104). Therefore, as illustrated, for example, four curved elements (106) may be attached at two curved element joints (104) such that two neighboring curved elements (106) share a common single joint (104).

[0047] The device (102) can be set in a vertical position to allow the curved elements (106) and fabrics (108) therebetween to be attached on the ground. The device (102) may then be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved element joints (104) to rotate in relation to the device (102) in a curvilinear path forming an openable and closable enclosure.

[0048] Figs. 2a-b shows a device (102) for an openable enclosure for a shelter (400) which comprises a plurality of curved element joints (104) to which curved elements (106) may be attached, and wherein between each curved element (106), fabric (108) may be attached to create a closed structure for neighboring curved elements (106). The device (102) has a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to the curved element joints (104) so that the curved element joints (104) can rotate in relation to the device (102). The device (102) may be set in a vertical position which allows attachment of the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) therebetween on the ground. After attaching the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) therebetween, the device (102) may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved element joints (104) to rotate in relation to the device (102) in a curvilinear path which forms an openable and closable enclosure.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a flow chart for a method (300) for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400) comprising setting at least two devices (102) in a vertical position, wherein a plurality of curved element joints (104) are attached to at least two corresponding devices (102). The curved element joints (104) have rotating means so that said curved element joints (104) and the curved elements (106) thereat can rotate in relation to the device (102). Further, a fabric (108) is attached between each pair of neighboring curved elements (106) so that a closed structure is formed between the curved elements (106). The at least two devices (102) are set in a horizontal position in relation to the base of the device (102) to allow the curved element joints (104) to rotate in relation to the device (102) in a curvilinear path forming an openable and closable enclosure.

[0050] Figs. 4a-d show the arrangement (100) for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400) where multiple devices (102) are connected to their respective pluralities of curved element joints (104). To the curved element joints (104), curved elements (106) are attached which form a half circle when connected to each other. Between each curved element (106) there may be fabric (108) attached which creates a closed structure between neighboring curved elements (106). There are multiple joints (104) and curved elements (106) adjacent to each other forming an enclosed curving shape structure when the joints (104) are rotated in relation to the device (102). As the curved elements (106) spread, the fabric (108) covers the space between neighboring curved elements (106). The aforementioned curving shape is just an example and the arrangement (100) for an openable enclosure may be of some other shape not mentioned here.

[0051] Figs. 5 and 6 show the device (102) in closer detail. The device (102) is set on a base (110) that allows the device (102) to turn between horizontal and vertical positions. The base (110) keeps the device (102) steady and connected to the rest of the shelter (400) structure. The device (102) has four curved element joints (104) fixed to the device (102). Alternatively, the number of curved element joints (104) fixed to the device (102) may be less or more than four. However, four curved element joints (104) is the preferred embodiment.

[0052] The free end of the locking piece is used to attach a curved element (106), or a beam if the curved element (106) is built from multiple beam pieces forming a curved element (106), against the curved element joint (104). If a curved element (106) is built from multiple pieces, then each beam piece is connected to each other using a locking piece in a similar maimer as described above. As the curved element (106) is attached and secured to the corresponding curved element joints (104), and if the curved element (106) comprises multiple pieces each beam piece attached and secured against each other, the arrangement may be rotated. The device (102) has rotating means at the curved element joints (104) so that the curved element joints (104) may rotate in relation to the device (102). The vertical and horizontal positions of the device (102) allow the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) to be attached on the ground and therefore ease assembly of the arrangement (100).

[0053] Fig. 7 shows the device (102) set in a vertical position to allow attaching the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) (not illustrated) therebetween on the ground. After the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) have been attached the device (102) may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved element joints (104) to rotate in relation to the device (102) in a curvilinear path forming an openable enclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, each device (102) is pivotable about its base (110) between a substantially vertical assembly position and a substantially horizontal operating position, corresponding to an angular movement of about 90 degrees. When in the operating position the curved elements (106) span only a part of a full circle so that the arrangement (100) forms a canopy- or door-like partial enclosure closing an end opening of the shelter (400). Both devices (102) are mounted on respective bases (110) and are movable relative to the ground so that the entire set of curved elements (106) is carried by two movable side structures. The formed openable enclosure may act as a door or a wall to a shelter (400). Similar to the way of rotating the curved element joints (104) to form the enclosure, the formed enclosure may be rotated back to ground to create an open structure aligning the curved element joints (104) and curved elements (106) against each other in relation to the ground. The pivot axis between each device (102) and its base (110) is arranged at or close to ground level. This low pivot enables the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) to be handled and attached essentially on the ground when the devices (102) are in the vertical position, which improves ergonomics and speeds up installation. In practice, the rotation of the devices (102) about the bases (110) can be stopped and locked at intermediate angular positions between the vertical and horizontal end positions so that the openable enclosure can be opened and closed in a stepless manner according to the desired opening of the shelter (400).

[0054] In an embodiment, the top curved element is connected to the device (102) in a fixed maimer without a rotatable curved element joint (104), so that it does not rotate in relation to the device (102). Referring to fig. 7, the arrangement (100) may comprise a top curved element which is connected to the device (102) in a fixed manner and not via a joint (104). Therefore, such top curved element may only move in synchronicity with the vertical and horizontal positions of the device (102) and therefore stays fixed in relation to the device (102), whereas the rest of the curved elements (106) that are attached to the device (102) via the curved element joints (104) are able to rotate.

[0055] Figs. 8 and 9 show an embodiment, where the arrangement (100) comprises means to move the curved elements (106) along a curvilinear path such as a number of chains (112) running through the curved elements (106). The chains (112) are used to open and close the enclosure structure. The chains (112) may be motored to help close and open the enclosure of the shelter (400) which motors may be arranged, for example, at locations (114) of the shelter (400) as illustrated. The chains (112) may be metallic chains, ropes, wires, or any other objects that may be used for helping move the curved elements (106) in relation to each other. Further, the material of the chains (112) is not necessarily metal. The aforementioned objects and materials are examples and other embodiments are also possible.

[0056] Fig. 10 shows the arrangement (100) having the top curved element (106) partially spread with fabric (108) arranged between the top curved element (106) and the neighboring curved element (106). Chains (112) are arranged between the curved elements (106) and the main frame of the shelter (400) structure where the chains (112) are used to pull the curved elements (106) to spread out the enclosure.

[0057] Figs. 11 and 12 show the device (102), curved element joints (104) and the curved elements (106) in their spread-out position where the arrangement (100) forms an enclosure. The curved elements (106) have fabric (108) arranged between each neighboring curved element (106). However, the enclosure and the main frame of the shelter (400) have not been connected with a fabric (108).

[0058] Fig. 13 shows the device (102), curved element joints (104) and the curved elements (106) in their spread-out position where the arrangement (100) forms an enclosure. The curved elements (106) have fabric (108) arranged between each neighboring curved element (106). Between the top curved element of the arrangement (100) and the main frame of the shelter (400), a separate fabric may be arranged to form a completely enclosed structure between the arrangement (100) and the shelter (400). In an embodiment, the arrangement (100) is connected to an end of a shelter (400). In the embodiment, when the arrangement (100) is at the end of a shelter (400) the opening may be used, for example, to carry in equipment and / or drive in vehicles. Similarly, the end opening acts as an exit for any vehicles that have been placed inside the shelter (400).

[0059] In an embodiment, the curved element (106) may be formed from multiple pieces. The curved element (106) may be formed from multiple pieces such as beams connected to each other. However, in another embodiment the curved element (106) may be a single piece. In yet another embodiment, the curved element (106) comprises at least two pieces connected to one another.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the number of beams for a curved element (106) may vary between the curved elements (106) of the same embodiment. As an example, the bottom and top curved elements (106) could be formed from a single curved element (106) whereas the two middle curved elements (106) could be formed from multiple beams. The aforementioned are just examples, other embodiments are also possible.

[0061] The curved element (106) may have a perforated profile. This kind of profile lightens the curved element (106). The holes in the curved elements (106) may be used by the chain (112) or chains (112) to open and close the arrangement (100). In another embodiment, the curved elements (106) may be uniform without any holes. In yet another embodiment, the curved elements (106) may be uniform without holes except for functional holes which may be used to insert a chain (112) or chains (112) throughout the curved elements (106). In yet another embodiment, the curved element (106) may comprise a beam-like structure or a cross-sectional pipe structure. In such embodiments the curved element (106) forms a closed box- or pipe-like cross section, providing a stiff, encased arch that can also house functional elements such as chains (112), electric wiring or ventilation conduits. Other embodiments are also possible and the aforementioned are just examples. In an embodiment, the arrangement (100) comprises a motor for opening and closing the enclosure. The motor may be connected to a chain (112) or chains (112) for moving the curved elements (106) in relation to each other and thereby opening and closing the enclosure. The motor may be arranged on ground level or to the arrangement (100). However, the motor is not vital for opening and closing the enclosure as the opening and closing of the enclosure may also be done manually.

[0062] The elements of the arrangement (100), i.e. curved element joints (104), curved elements (106), beams, connecting pieces and devices (102) may be made of aluminum. Other materials may be used as well, for example composites, 3 -dimensional printed composite hybrid structures, and steel. The aforementioned materials are examples and other materials may be used as well.

[0063] In an embodiment, the top curved element (106) of the arrangement (100) is connectable to a shelter (400) via a fabric (108). When the device (102) is in vertical position, the fabric (108) may be placed therebetween the curved elements (106). The complete fabric (108) may comprise keder fabric slides having width substantially equal to the distance between two curved elements (106). Alternatively, the keder fabric slides may be wider, for example, two or three times the width of the distance between two curved elements (106) or more. The keder fabric slides may comprise a PVC fabric slides (Poly( vinyl) chloride) which has a Keder TM type of edging. The edging of the fabric slide is slid through a fastening groove of the curved element (106) to make an external enclosure. In addition, an internal covering or additional elements (light system, heat insulating system, curtains, ballistic protective sheeting) may be installed by using inner fastening groove of the curved elements (106). The aforementioned embodiments are examples and other embodiments are also possible.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the fabric (108) slides are independently slid through fastening grooves of the curved element (106). However, according to an embodiment, the fabric (108) slides are slid together with the chains (112). In such an embodiment, the fabric (108) slides comprises the needed amount of chains (112), and when the chains (112) are slid between the curved elements (106), the fabric (108) slide is slid simultaneously. The chains (112) may be, for example, chained ball bands. This embodiment may be applied both to external enclosure and internal covering. The type of chains (112) mentioned are just examples and other chains or chain-like elements may be used as well.

[0065] Few examples of optional elements for the arrangement (100) are given next. Double fabric (external fabric and internal covering) improves the heat insulation. If the internal covering is selected to be aramid fabric, then the protective nature of the arrangement (100) will improve. The material of the double fabric may be, for example, aramid fabric, copper fabric, insulating air cell fabric, metallic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mesh, polyethylene, polyurethane (PU) or PVC, technical fabric with rubber mixture and so on. The aforementioned fabrics and materials are examples and other such fabrics and / or materials not mentioned here may be used as well. In addition, ballistic panels may be placed in the arrangement (100) to protect people and vehicles from splinters. Yet further systems may be added to the arrangement (100), e.g. generators, motors, sensors, heating and lighting systems etc. In addition, the fabric (108) may be two-sided colored camouflage according to summer / urban environment. In addition, the curved element (106) has such a form that it may be utilized for enclosing electric wires or used as ventilation pipe.

[0066] The scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims together with the equivalents thereof. The skilled persons will again appreciate the fact that the disclosed embodiments were constructed for illustrative purposes only, and the innovative fulcrum reviewed herein will cover further embodiments, embodiment combinations, variations and equivalents that better suit each particular use case of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An arrangement (100) for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400) comprising- two devices (102), each comprising o a plurality of joints (104) to which curved elements (106) may be attached; o wherein between each curved element ( 106), fabric (108) may be attached to create a closed structure for neighboring curved elements (106); o a base (110);- wherein the curved elements (106) are arranged between the two devices (102) at corresponding joints (104);- characterized in that each device (102) may rotate between a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to their bases (110), and that each device (102) further has joints (104) in relation to which the curved elements (106) may rotate;- wherein the devices ( 102) may be set in a vertical position to allow attaching of the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) therebetween essentially on the ground after which the devices (102) may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved elements (106) to rotate via the joints (104) in relation to the devices (102) in a curvilinear path forming an openable and closable enclosure.

2. The arrangement (100) according to claim 1, comprising a chain (112) running through the curved elements (106) to move the curved elements (106) in relation to each other.

3. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, comprising a top curved element which is fixed in relation to the device (102) so that the top curved element moves in synchronicity between the vertical and horizontal positions of the device (102).

4. The arrangement (100) according to claim 3, wherein the top curved element is connectable to a shelter (400) via a fabric.

5. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the device (102) is connected to an end of a shelter (400).

6. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of joints (104) and curved elements (106) is four.

7. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one curved element (106) is a single piece.

8. The arrangement (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the curved element (106) comprises at least two connected pieces.

9. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, comprising a motor connected to the chain (112) for moving the curved elements (106) in relation to each other and thereby opening and closing the enclosure.

10. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, comprising a base (110) which provides support for the device (102) in relation to which the device (102) may rotate in relation to the ground between the vertical and horizontal positions.

11. The arrangement (100) according to claim 2, wherein the chain (112) is selected from a metallic chain, a rope and a wire.

12. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the openable enclosure forms a door or wall at an end of the shelter (400) through which vehicles and / or equipment can be moved into or out of the shelter (400).

13. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, comprising a double fabric formed by an external fabric and an internal covering, the double fabric improving heat insulation.

14. A device (102) for an openable enclosure for a shelter (400) comprising- a plurality of joints (104) to which curved elements (106) may be attached;15- wherein between each curved element (106), fabric (108) may be attached to create a closed structure for neighboring curved elements (106);- a base (110);- characterized in that the device (102) may rotate between a vertical and a horizontal position in relation to the base (110), and which device (102) further has joints (104) in relation to which the curved elements (106) may rotate;- wherein the device (102) may be set in a vertical position to allow attaching of the curved elements (106) and the fabrics (108) therebetween essentially on the ground after which the device (102) may be set in a horizontal position to allow the curved elements (106) to rotate via the joints (104) in relation to the device (102) in a curvilinear path.

15. A method (300) for an openable enclosure of a shelter (400) comprising- setting two devices (102) each in a vertical position (302) in relation to the ground;- attaching at a plurality of joints (104) of the two corresponding devices (102), curved elements (106) wherein the joints (104) have rotating means so that said curved elements (106) may rotate in relation to the device (102) (304);- attaching a fabric (108) between each neighboring curved element (106) so that they form a closed structure (306);- setting the two devices (102) each in a horizontal position in relation to the ground to allow the curved elements (106) to rotate via the joints (104) in relation to the devices (102) in a curvilinear path forming an openable and closable enclosure (308).

Images