Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DOME STRUCTURE
AND INSTALLATION APPARATUS THEREFOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dome structure and more
particularly, relates to an improved dome structure, and an installation
apparatus
therefor.
2. Background Art
The manufacture and use of various types of dome structures is known
in the art. These range from fixed domes to collapsible domes that can be
deployed
when needed and folded into a compact configuration thereafter. An example of
a
collapsible dome is shown in U.S. Patent 5,004,001, which teaches a foldable
dome
structure including means for raising and lowering the dome. This dome,
particularly
intended to cover a pool, requires a substantial amount of force to be
deployed and
collapsed. Such means as hydraulic, pneumatic or manual jacks are required to
create
the necessary force. The incorporation of such components into the dome
structure
causes the price to increase greatly making the dome unaffordable for many.
Although the use of a manual jack eliminates the need for a motor and
consequently
the cost thereof, the fact remains that an excessive amount of effort by an
individual
is necessitated to manually raise and lower the dome. Also, the dome of U.S.
Patent
5,004,001 is not practical to use for most other applications, such as to
cover a spa, as
it is designed to cover a large area, and it cannot be easily stored without
taking up
too much space as it is not foldable.
Furthermore, a problem which is typically encountered by dome
manufacturers is the securement of the fabric to the arched members of the
dome.
The procedure involved can be laborious even for an experienced worker.
Therefore,
most often domes are completely assembled before being shipped to the
distributors.
For the original manufacturer of the dome, shipping the structure with
the fabric already secured at the factory then becomes more expensive as it
must be
shipped with care to ensure that the fabric is not damaged. In the occurrence
that the
fabric is torn, unattached or otherwise damaged, the replacement of the fabric
becomes a problem since the distributors may not have the necessary tools,
equipment or expertise to repair the dome.
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Due to the fact that customers generally want a guarantee on the
purchase of a dome, there is a need to be able to readily replace damaged
fabrics at
the distributor where it was bought rather then having to send the dome back
to the
manufacturer for repair.
Still further, customers desire a dome that is propitiously suited for use
in all four seasons such that it is able to withstand the harsh elements of
winter but
that can also be put to use during summer months. Problems arise when
temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius as the dome fabric is prone to
cracking. Particularly, the elements of winter, such as snow accumulating on
the
fabric and wind causing the fabric to stretch and unstretch repeatedly, strain
the
fabric. Therefore, there is a need for a dome that can keep the fabric thereof
taut to
avoid cracking during winter months.
Also, it is desirable for the dome to be multifunctional such that it can
be employed as a sunshade during the summer. Most domes are unifunctional, in
that
they act solely as a cover for a swimming pool or the like. This is partly due
to the
fact that conventional dome structures are heavy and not easily positionable.
Therefore, in order to eliminate one or all of the above stated
problems, there is a need to provide an improved foldable dome structure.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved
dome structure that requires a minimum amount of force to be deployed and or
collapsed.
It is another aim of the present invention to provide an improved dome
structure that is foldable into a compact configuration.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus for
installing the flexible interconnecting means of the dome structure.
It is yet another aim of the present invention to provide an improved
dome structure that is propitiously suited for use in all four seasons.
Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a
deployed position. The dome structure comprising first and second spaced-apart
spring loaded assemblies, a plurality of arched members including first and
second
arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the
arched
members being pivotally connected to the first and second spring loaded
assemblies,
flexible interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members, each
of
the spring loaded assemblies having spring means and first and second linking
arms
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for providing a force to assist in moving the arched members between the
deployed
position and the collapsed position, each of the first and second linking arms
having a
first end pivotally secured to the first and second arched members
respectively, a
second end of each of the linking arms being pivotally secured to the spring
means,
and wherein the dome structure in the collapsed position is arranged with the
first
ends of the linking arms spaced apart by a distance less than a distance
between the
second ends of the linking arms, and when the first arched member is moved
apart
from an adjacent intermediate arched member the distance between the first
ends of
the linking arms is greater than the distance between the second ends of the
linking
arms, the spring loaded assemblies thereby assisting the dome structure into
the
deployed position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a dome structure foldable into a compact configuration comprising
first and
second spaced-apart spring loaded assemblies for providing assistance in
moving the
dome structure between a collapsed position and a deployed position, a
plurality of
arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate
arched
members therebetween, each of the arched members being pivotally connected to
the
first and second spring loaded assemblies, the arched members fanning out
about the
spring loaded assemblies when moved from the collapsed position to the
deployed
position, and each of the arched members being longitudinally bendable for
allowing
the dome structure to be arranged in the compact configuration, and flexible
interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus for installing flexible sheet covering to a dome
structure
having a plurality of arched members with at least a first laterally defined
groove on
one side and at least a second laterally defined groove on an opposing side
thereof,
the grooves for receiving the flexible sheet covering. The apparatus
comprising a pair
of interconnected wheels adapted to mate with the first and second laterally
defined
grooves on opposing sides of an arched member, the pair of wheels being
rollable
along the arched member for successively inserting the flexible sheet covering
into
the grooves, and tightening means 'for releasably tightening the wheels
against the
arched member.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a deployed
position. The dome structure comprising a plurality of arched members
including
first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween,
and a variable force generating device connected to said plurality of arched
members
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for assisting in moving said dome structure between said collapsed position
and said
deployed position, said variable force generating device generating a variable
force
having a variation curve selected to substantially correspond to a curve of
the force
required for moving said dome structure between said collapsed position and
said
deployed position.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a
deployed
position. The dome structure comprising first and second spaced-apart base
assemblies, a plurality of arched members including first and second arched
members
and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the arched members being
pivotally connected to the first and second base assemblies, the arched
members
fanning out about the base assemblies when moved from the collapsed position
to the
deployed position, the first and second arched members having a diameter
smaller
than a diameter of the intermediate arched members, and flexible
interconnecting
means extending between adjacent arched members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing
by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dome structure including arched
members pivotally connected to spring loaded assemblies according to an
embodiment of the present invention, the dome structure being shown in a
deployed
position;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dome structure in accordance with
the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a collapsed position;
Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the dome structure in accordance
with the embodiment of Fig. 1 illustrating a compact foldable configuration by
bending the arched members at hinges;
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the dome structure in the compact foldable
configuration;
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the arched members and hinges of
the dome structure in the deployed position illustrating the attachment of the
fabric
extending from one arched member to the next adjacent arched member;
Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a generally I-shaped arched member
and corresponding hinge attached thereto;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the I-shaped arched member sectioned
at an angle with the corresponding hinge attached thereto;
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Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the I-shaped arched member with the
corresponding hinge in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 7 in a bent
position;
Fig. 9 is a perspective segmental (partially sectioned) view of a
generally tubular-shaped arched member sectioned at an angle with
corresponding
hinge;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the generally tubular-shaped arched
member with the corresponding hinge attached thereto;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the generally tubular-shaped arched
member with the corresponding hinge in accordance with the embodiment of Fig.
10
in a bent position;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one of the spring loaded assemblies in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 from a point of view standing outside
the
dome structure;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 from a point of view standing inside
the
dome structure;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 from a point of view standing inside
the
dome structure;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus for installing the fabric to
the arched members of the dome structure; and
Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with
the embodiment of Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the spring
loaded assembly in the deployed position.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in the
collapsed position in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 17.
Fig. 19 is another perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in
the collapsed position in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 17.
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a dome structure including arched
members pivotally connected to base assemblies according to an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, the dome structure being shown in a
collapsed
position;
Fig. 21 is a perspective, partially sectioned view of the dome structure
in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 20 in a deployed position, showing
struts
between adjacent arched members;
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Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the dome structure in accordance with
the embodiment of Fig. 20 in an alternative deployed position;
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of one of the base assemblies in the
deployed position in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 21.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Refernng to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters
thereto, there is illustrated in Figs l and 2 a preferred embodiment of a dome
structure, identified by reference numeral 10, in a deployed position and in a
collapsed position respectively. The dome structure 10 is made up of a
supporting
structure or frame 12 and a fabric 14 attached thereto. The structure 12
includes a
plurality of arched members 16 pivotally connected at both ends 18 to a pair
of spring
loaded assemblies 20. More particularly, the plurality of arched members 16
can be
further described as a first and a second arched member 22, 24, with
intermediate
arched members 26 therebetween. In this exemplary embodiment there are three
intermediate arched members 26. Naturally, the number of intermediate arched
members 26 may vary according to the design of the dome structure 10.
Refernng to Fig. 1, when the dome structure 10 is deployed on the
ground the first and second arched members 22, 24 are at 0° and
180° positions and
the three intermediate arched members 26 are at 45° intervals therefrom
so as to form
the arcuous shape of the dome structure 10. As may be seen in Figure 2, the
shape of
the arched members 16, dictated in part by their length, may be such that one
nests on
top of the other with each arched member 16 having substantially the same
length.
However, it is also possible that the length of each arched member 16 may vary
such
that one nests within the other. Still other configurations exist.
Now referring to Figs. 1 to 4, the arched members 16 are each
sectioned into three substantially equal pieces generally identified by
letters a, b, c for
each respective arched member 16. The structural integrity of each of the
arched
members 16 is maintained by hinges 28 connecting respective sections a, b, c
together. The hinges 28 are fixed to each arched member 16 between section a
and b
and between section b and c. The hinges 28 allow the dome structure 10 to be
folded
into a compact configuration for storage (Figs. 3 and 4). Thus, the dome
structure 10
is foldable into 1/3 the arched members' 16 arc length which advantageously
reduces
the storage space required. It should be understood however that the arched
members
16 of the frame 12 may also be built up of three or more sections in any
suitable
manner that may enable the dome structure 10 to be folded in a compact
configuration.
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Furthermore, the arched members 16 are preferably made out of
aluminum alloy tubing, plastic or some fairly rigid yet flexible material.
Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the arched members 16 with
hinges 28 along line 3-3 of Fig. 2. The hinge 28 of the second arched member
24 is
omitted so that the cross-sectional shape thereof can be clearly viewed. As
can be
seen, the first and second arched members 22 and 24 have a rectangular tubular
cross-sectional shape with a top flange and a bottom flange 30, 32 and a pair
of
laterally protruding portions 34 in-between (Fig.S shows first and second
arched
members 22, 24 turned sideways). The top and bottom flanges 30, 32 in
combination
with the laterally protruding portions 34 define a pair of grooves 36 on each
side of
the first and second tubular arched members 22, 24. The pair of grooves 36 lay
parallel one above the other.
The three intermediate arched members 26 have a generally I-shaped
cross-section with a central portion 38 flanked by a top and a bottom flange
40, 42
(Figs. 5 and 6). A pair of laterally protruding portions 44 extends from the
central
portion 38, the latter in combination with the top and bottom flanges 40, 42
define a
pair of grooves 46 on each side of the intermediate arched members 26.
Similarly to
grooves 36 of the tubular arched members 22, 24, the pair grooves 46 also lay
parallel one above the other.
In addition, top flanges 40 have a pair of downwardly extending
projections 48 and bottom flanges 42 have a pair of upwardly extending
projections
50, both pairs of projections 48 and 50 are symmetrically disposed on opposed
sides
of the central portion 38.
Still referring to Fig. 5, both types of arched members 16 are designed
to couple with the fabric 14 such that the fabric 14 can be attached to the
arched
members 16 in pieces. To cover the supporting structure 12 of this embodiment,
four
pieces of fabric 14 are required. The fabric 14 extends between the five
arched
members 16 and is maintained connected to each by way of mouldings 52 which
are
secured to the longitudinal edges 54 of each piece of fabric 14. The above-
described
grooves 36 and 46 of the arched members 16 are thus designed for engageably
receiving the mouldings 52. More specifically, one of the pair of grooves 36
and 46
on one side of an arched member 16 receives one molding 52 of one longitudinal
edge 54 of one piece of fabric 14.
Advantageously, having two grooves 36 and 46 on each side of the
arched members 16 allows the dome structure 10 to have a top layer of fabric
14a and
an underneath layer of fabric 14b if desired. The underneath layer of fabric
14b is
separated from the top layer of fabric 14a by an air layer therebetween. If
preferred,
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the underneath layer of fabric 14b may be made up of less than four pieces.
For
example, as illustrated in Fig. S, two pieces of fabric 14 may be attached
between the
intermediate members to fortify the impermeability of the dome structure 10.
The fabric 14 used for the dome structure 10 may be any suitable
flexible material and may include solid fabrics as well as screen fabrics and
the like.
To accommodate the two types of arched members 16 there exist two
types of hinges 28a & b: hinges 28a for use with the intermediate arched
members
26, and hinges 28b for use with the first and second tubular arched members 22
and
24. Figs. 6 through 8 illustrate hinges 28a and Figs. 9 through 11 illustrate
hinges
28b.
Referring concurrently to Figs. 6 to 8, hinge 28a has a first part 56 and
a second part 58 that are configured to slide onto top flange 40 of the
sectioned
intermediate arched members 26 at the sectioned extremities thereof. As
illustrated in
Fig. 7, the first and second parts 56, 58 of the hinge 28a are made up of a
pair of
juxtaposed triangularly shaped walls 60 whereby the height of the triangular
walls 60
of parts 56 and 58 link together to form a joint. The hinge 28a also includes
a
blocking pin 62 for insertion into aligned apertures 64 defined in walls 60 of
the first
part 56 of the hinge 28a. The blocking pin 62 acts to prevent the intermediate
arched
member 26 from hyper-extending. A locking pin 66 may also be included for
insertion into overlapping apertures 68 defined in the walls 60 of both the
first and
second parts 56, 58 when the hinge 28a is in an extended position (Not shown
in Fig.
7). The locking pin 66 acts to lock the intermediate arched members 26 in the
extended position.
In Fig. 6, a cross-sectional view of an intermediate arched member 26
with hinge 28a secured thereto is depicted. The hinge 28a is secured onto the
top
flange 40 of the intermediate arched member 26 by way of a screw 70.
In Fig. 7, a perspective view of sections b & c (or a & b) of
intermediate arched member 26 connected by hinge 28a is shown. The sections
are in
an extended position as would be the case when the dome structure 10 is
deployed. It
can be seen that the intermediate arched member 26 is sectioned at an angle to
permit
the sections to fold together, bending at the hinge 28a as illustrated in Fig.
8. It is
preferably sectioned at 120° but it should be understood that other
angles could also
work while remaining within the scope of the invention.
Now refernng concurrently to Figs. 9 to 11, hinge 28b for connecting
sections a, b & c of first and second arched members 22, 24 is exemplified.
Since
hinge 28b is very similar to hinge 28a, parts that are substantially the same
will be
identified with same reference numerals denoted with a prime symbol.
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Fig. 9 shows a disassembled view of the hinge 28b having a first part
56' and a second part 58' each including a pair of juxtaposed triangularly
shaped
walls 60' to be secured to respective sections of the arched members 22 and
24. The
first and second arched members 22, 24 have a pair of slots 72 defined in the
top
flange 30 of each section a, b & c for receiving the first and second parts
56' and 58'
therethrough. Each wall 60' of parts 56' and 58' also includes a downwardly
projecting piece 74 for insertion through the slot 72. The piece 74 has
apertures 76
that align with apertures 78 on the side of the tubular arched members 22, 24
when
inserted in slots 72. The apertures 76 and 78 are for receiving pop rivets 80
therethrough.
The hinge 28b also includes a pair of locking pins 66' for insertion
into overlapping aligned apertures 64 defined in the walls 60' of the first
and second
parts 56', 58' thereof. The locking pins 66' act to lock the sections of the
first and
second arched members 22, 24 in the extended position and also prevent hyper-
extending thereof as illustrated in Fig. 10. Notably, a single locking pin 66'
could be
employed to carry out the above-stated function.
In Fig. 10, a perspective view of sections b & c (or a & b) of first and
second arched members 22, 24 connected by hinge 28b is shown. The sections are
in
an extended position as would be the case when the dome structure 10 is
deployed.
Similarly to Fig. 7, Fig. 10 shows that arched members 22, 24 are sectioned at
an
angle to permit the sections to fold together. Preferably the section is an
angle of 120°
but it should be understood that other angles could also work while remaining
within
the scope of the invention. Depicted in Fig. 11 is a perspective view of
arched
members 22, 24 in a folded orientation, bent at the hinge 28b. It can be seen
that one
of the pair of locking pins 66' is engaged with only the first part 56' of the
hinge 28b
to permit bending thereof.
Now referring concurrently to Figs. 12 through 14, one of the pair of
spring loaded assemblies 20 of the supporting structure 12 is shown. Since the
pair of
spring loaded assemblies 20 are substantially identical only one such assembly
will
be described in detail herein.
The spring loaded assembly 20 comprises a base 82 having a floor
plate 84 with a pair of vertically extending side plates 86 attached thereto.
The side
plates 86 are in mirror relation with each other flanking a central shaft 88.
The central
shaft 88 is supported by the side plates 86 therebetween. Particularly, the
ends 90 of
the central shaft 88 protrude through centrally located apertures 92 in the
side plates
86 and are secured in position by way of stopper pins 94.
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Moreover, each of the arched members 16 are connected to a
respective connecting plate 96, each connecting plate 96 preferably having a
generally elongated shape. The connecting plates 96 are preferably screwed
onto the
bottom flanges 32 and 42 of the arched members 16. As may be seen in Figs. 12
to
14, connecting plates 96 are pivotally connected to the central shaft 88 of
the spring
loaded assembly 20.
Spacers 98 are intersticed between the connecting plates 96 along the
central shaft 88 as can best be seen in Fig. 14. The spacers 98 separate the
connecting
plates 96 from being one adjacent the other.
The spring loaded assembly 20 also comprises a linkage mechanism
100 having a vertically extending shaft 102 that is substantially
perpendicular and
pivotally connected to the central shaft 88. One example by which the shaft
102 may
be connected to the central shaft 88 is by fixing the lower end 104 of the
shaft 102 to
a leg 106 configured to symmetrically rotate about the central shaft 88. The
upper
1 S end 108 of the shaft 102 is preferably screw threaded and sized for
receiving a plate
110 and a nut (not shown).
Still refernng concurrently to Figs. 12 to 14, the linkage mechanism
100 further includes a cross bar 112 and first and second linking arms 114,
116 that
are connected to the cross bar 112 and to the connecting plates 96 of the
first and
second arched members 22, 24 respectively. The first linking arm 114 has a
first end
thereof pivotally connected at point 118 to cross bar 112 and a second end
pivotally
connected at point 120 to the connecting plate 96 of the first arched member
22. The
second linking arm 116 has a first end pivotally connected at point 122 to
cross bar
112 and a second end thereof pivotally connected at point 124 to the
connecting plate
96 of the second arched member 24. Pivot points 120 and 124 on the connecting
plates 96 are located on the elongated bodies thereof between the connections
to the
central shaft 88 and to the arched members 22, 24 respectively.
The linking arms 114 and 116 move in relation to the position of the
connecting plates 96 of the first and second arched members 22, 24. In turn
the
position of the linking arms 114, 116 causes the cross bar 112 to slide up and
down
the shaft 102 accordingly.
Extending about the shaft 102 is a coil spring 126 that is restricted at
one end by the plate 110 screwed onto the upper end 108 of the shaft 102 and
at the
other end by the cross bar 112 at the lower end 104 of the shaft 102. The
spring 126
rests on the cross bar 112 such that when the latter slides up the shaft 102,
the spring
118 is compressed against the plate 110. Also, by a suitable adjustment of
nut, the
compression forces on the spring 126 may be varied. By tightening the nut, the
plate
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110 moves further down the shaft 102 against the spring 126, thereby
compressing
the spring 126.
As may be seen in Fig. 14, when the dome structure 10 is in a closed
position, pivot points 118 and 122 of linking arms 114 and 116 respectively
are
spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between pivot points 120 and
I24.
Thus, the arrangement is such that, when in a closed position the pressure
from
spring 126 exerts a pressure on cross bar 112 and linking arms 114 and 116
such that
the first arched member 22 and the second arched member 24 are forced
together. On
the other hand, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, once a force has been exerted on
first
arched member 22 to separate it from adjacent second arched member 24, the
distance between pivot points 120 and 124 increases and therefore the force
from
spring 126 is exerted such that the first arched member 22 and the second
arched
member 24 are forced apart.
Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly 20
from a point of view standing outside the dome structure 10. The linkage
mechanism
100 is located within the dome structure 10 to keep it covered. For example,
in the
event of rain, the linkage mechanism 100 is covered thus reducing the
likelihood of it
rusting due to water exposure.
Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly 20
from a point of view standing inside the dome structure 10. It can be seen
that when
the dome structure 10 is deployed from 0° to 180° the shaft I02
with coil spring 126
extends vertically at 90°, halfway between the first and the second
arched members
22, 24. In this position, the spring 126 is maximally extended as permitted by
the
plate 110 and cross bar 112 of the linkage mechanism 100.
Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly 20
when the dome structure 10 is collapsed at 0° (or 180°). It can
be seen that the shaft
102 with coil spring 126 extends horizontally such that it is centered halfway
between the first and the second arched members 22, 24 that lie one on top of
the
other separated by the intermediate arched members 26. In this position, the
spring
126 is maximally compressed by the cross bar 112 against the plate 110 of the
linkage mechanism.
The linkage mechanism 100 of the spring loaded assembly 20 is
designed so as to allow the dome structure 10 to remain in any given position.
For
example, the dome structure 10 may be deployed, leading with the first arched
member 22, anywhere between 0° to 180° and remain stable. The
basic principle of
the spring loaded assemblies 20 lies in the fact that the spring force
substantially
equals the need of the dome structure 10 at any given moment; therefore, the
latter
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can remain stable in any position. Specifically, the available moment of the
spring
126 yields the necessary moment of force of the dome structure 10.
Advantageously,
the application of the above stated principle results in a dome structure 10
that is
operably movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position and that
requires a minimum amount of manual force to be deployed and or collapsed.
Moreover, the coil spring 126 is selected as a preferred embodiment of
the present invention as it can generate a variable force that can be adjusted
by way
of the nut and plate 110. Therefore the coil spring is one example of a
variable force
generating device. This is advantageous as the force required to assist in
moving the
dome structure 10 between a deployed position and a collapsed position is
variable
such that the force required differs depending on the angle of the first
arched member
22. For example, when the force required is graphed with respect to angles
between
0° to 180° it takes on a bell curve shape: when the first arched
member 22 is at an
angle between 50° and 130° the force required is greater than
the force required when
the first arched member 22 is between angles 0° to 50° and
130° to 180°. Thus, the
coil spring 126 is selected as it can also provide a bell curve varying force.
From a structural perspective, the spring loaded assembly 20 is
configured such that the shaft 102 with coil spring 126 pivots about the
central shaft
88 in direct relation with the first and second arched members 22 and 24. The
linkage
mechanism 100 works to displace the shaft 102 and spring 126 at half the angle
between the first and second arched members 22, 24 to maintain an equilibrium
position.
When the dome structure 10 is collapsed the spring 126 is compressed;
thus, upon deployment, the spring 126 acts to urge the dome structure 10 and
more
particularly the arched members 16 to fan out. Contrarily, when the dome
structure
Z O is deployed the spring 126 is relatively extended; therefore, it does not
resist
against an individual manually forcing the dome structure 10 into a compact
configuration.
Now referring to Figs. 15 and 16, an apparatus 128 for installing the
fabric 14 to the arched members 16, and more particularly for inserting the
mouldings 52 on the longitudinal edges 54 of the fabric 14 into the grooves 36
and
46 of the arched members 16 is illustrated. Notably, the arrangement of the
apparatus
128 is relatively symmetrical.
The apparatus 128 comprises a pair of wheels 130 mounted on shafts
132 to a pair of blocks 134, whereby the shafts 132 are retained by an
arrangement
including an inset retaining member 136.
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Tn the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, the
apparatus 128 is adapted to install the fabric 14 on a dome structure 10
having five
arched members 16 equidistantly spaced at 45° angles when fully
deployed;
consequently the apparatus is configured accordingly. The blocks 134 are cut
at 45°
angles and the periphery 138 of the wheels 130 are beveled at 45°
angles so as to
optimize the interaction between the apparatus 128 and the arched members 16.
Specifically, the periphery 138 of the wheels 130 are vertically aligned
within the
grooves 36 and 46 to apply an equal distribution of pressure to the mouldings
52 for
installation.
In the particular arrangement shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the periphery
138 of the wheels 130 have a upper rim portion 140 and a lower rim portion 142
separated by an indentation 144 for mating with the laterally protruding
portions 34
and 44 of the arched members 16. The upper and lower rim portions 140, 142 are
designed to fit into grooves 36 and 46 of the arched members 16 defined by top
and
bottom flanges 30, 32, 40, 42 and laterally protruding portions 34 and 44.
Depending
on in which grooves the mouldings 52 are being inserted into, either the upper
or
lower rim portion 140, 142 then exerts pressure on the molding 52 as it is
rolled
along the arched member 16 to insert the molding 52 into the groove.
Moreover, the pair of blocks 134 may be interconnected by means 146.
Naturally, the blocks 134 may be movable with respect to each other. One
exemplary
embodiment of interconnecting means 146 is illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. The
interconnecting means 146 include two cylindrical rods 148 and sleeves 150 for
insertion through horizontal openings 152 defined in the blocks 134. The
sleeves 150
are preferably press-fit into the openings 152 and the cylindrical rods 148
are then
inserted therethrough. The stated arrangement permits the blocks 134 to slide
horizontally along the cylindrical rods 148. Stopper pins 154 may also be
included at
both ends of the cylindrical rods 148 to ensure that the blocks 126 can not
slide off
the rods 148.
The apparatus 128 also comprises tightening means 156. An
exemplary embodiment of the tightening means 156 can best be seen in Fig. 16,
whereby a rectangular rod 158 is introduced through horizontal slots 160
defined in
both blocks 134 and the blocks 134 are flanked by first and second tightening
members 162 and 164 respectively. Preferably, the first tightening member 162
is
passive while the second tightening member 164 is active having a grip 166 and
cranking means 168. The second tightening member 164 slidably engages the
rectangular rod 158 so as to decrease or increase the distance between the
first and
second tightening members 162, 164. By decreasing the distance therebetween,
the
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blocks 134 are purposely pushed closer together as is required for
installation
purposes.
Now, the method by which the apparatus 128 may be utilized for
inserting the longitudinal edge mouldings S2 which are secured to the fabric
14 in the
S grooves 36 and 46 so that the fabric 14 extends between adjacent arched
members 16
will be further described. Advantageously, the apparatus 128 may be utilized
with the
supporting structure or frame 12 fully assembled and in a deployed
configuration.
As such, the method involves an individual providing a piece of fabric
14 with a molding S2 for installation to one side of an arched member.
Notably, the
apparatus 128 is designed to install fabric 14 on both sides of an arched
member 16
simultaneously; however the method will be described for the installation on
just one
side.
Initially, one portion of the molding S2 may be manually snapped into
preferably the top groove of the arched member 16 at any location therein. As
such,
1 S the individual may choose to insert the molding S2 from the center of the
arched
member moving outwardly or vise versa.
Thereafter, the apparatus 128 may be tightened into position by way of
the tightening means 1 S6. While gripping the grip 166 of the first tightening
member
162 the individual may use the cranking means 168 to slide the blocks 134
closer
together until the angled wheels 130 make firm contact with the arched member
16
such that the upper rim portion 140 presses against the portion of the molding
S2
included into the groove (36 or 46 depending on which arched member is
involved).
Thereafter, the apparatus 128 may be manually displaced so that the
wheels 130 roll along the arched member 16 which acts as a rail guiding the
wheels
2S 130. By rolling the apparatus 128, the molding S2 is sequentially inserted
into the
groove 36 or 46 due to the pressure applied thereon. To facilitate insertion,
it is
preferable that the individual manually sequentially aligns the molding S2
with the
groove 36 or 46 prior to rolling the apparatus 128 thereover. An analogy may
be
drawn from zipping up a zipper whereby the act of zipping is facilitated by
bringing
the two ends of the zipper close together.
Thus, when the fabric 14 has been inserted into one side of the arched
member 16, the individual may then proceed to install the apposite end of the
fabric
14 to the next adjacent arched member 16 of the supporting structure 12 and so
on.
Now, turning to Figs. 17 through 19, there is illustrated another
3S embodiment of the spring loaded assembly embodiment. To the extent that
similar
components are provided, similar reference numerals are utilized. As shown in
this
embodiment, and as may be used in the other embodiments, there is provided a
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spherical spring 170 for operational movement in place of the previously
described
linkage mechanism 100.
The spherical spring 170 extends about the central shaft 88, preferably
between side plates 86, and is directly connected to both the first and the
second
arched members 22, 24. The spring loaded assemblies 20 of this exemplary
embodiment differ also in that the interconnecting plates 96 and spacers 98
are
connected to the central shaft on the outside of one of the side plates 86.
Notably, this
embodiment is not governed by the same basic principle as above stated for the
linkage mechanism whereby the spring force substantially equals the need of
the
dome structure 10 at any given moment.
Moreover, referring to Figs. 20 through 23, there is illustrated another
embodiment of the dome structure 10. To the extent that similar components are
provided, similar reference numerals are utilized. As shown in this
embodiment, and
as may be used in the other embodiments, the first and second arched members
22
and 24 have a diameter smaller that a diameter of the intermediate arched
members
26. Therefore, the first and second arched members 22 and 24 are able to pivot
from
0 to 180 degrees irrespective of the intermediate arched members 26. The
arcuate
path of the first and second arched members 22 and 24 is thus in spaced
relation to
the arcuate path of the intermediate arched members 26. Particularly, the
first and
second arched members 22 and 24 are displaceable underneath the supporting
structure formed by the deployed intermediate arched members 26.
The configuration of the dome structure 10 illustrated in Figs. 20
through 23 is advantageous in that the dome structure 10 can be employed as a
sunshade. By raising the first and second arched members 22 and 24 in the
vertical
90 degree position and maintaining the intermediate arched members 26 deployed
and spaced at 45 degree angles, a partial cover configuration is formed. Thus,
a
person is able to enter or exit the area shaded by the fabric 14 extending
between the
intermediate arched members 26.
Furthermore, it is advantageous to be able to pivot the first and second
arched members 22 and 24 in the vertical 90 degree position so as the maintain
the
fabric 14 extending between the first and second arched members 22 and 24 and
respective intermediate arched members 26 in a stretched configuration. Hence,
the
fabric 14 is not left hanging in the way.
Notably, the intermediate arched members 26 may be provided with a
rectangular tubular cross-sectional shape rather than a generally I-shaped
cross-
section as previously described. Preferably, the intermediate arched members
26 at
degree angles from the vertical have a rectangular tubular cross-sectional
shape as
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CA 02524297 2005-10-25
can clearly be seen in Fig. 21. Generally, a tubular cross-section yields a
more rigid
arched member 16. It is preferable that the intermediate arched members 26
adjacent
the first and second arched members 22 and 24 respectively have a more
unyielding
cross-sectional shape, as they are no longer supported by the fabric 14
extending
therebetween when the first and second arched members 22 and 24 are raised in
the
vertical position.
Now refernng to Figs. 21 and 22 particularly, it can be seen that the
dome structure 10 further comprises struts 172 extending between adjacent
arched
members 16. The struts 172 act to reinforce the supporting structure 12. The
struts
172 respectively maintain adjacent arched members 16 in spaced relation to
keep the
fabric 14 extending therebetween as taut as possible.
The struts 172 are adapted to be positioned between adjacent arched
members 16 following deployment of the dome structure 10. Once the arched
members 16 are positioned in the desired configuration, the struts may be
added to
1 S further reinforce the supporting structure 12. Preferably, the struts 172
are adapted to
engaged between adjacent arched members 16 beneath the fabric 14 and remain
fixed
in position. Furthermore, the struts 172 are preferably positioned at a center
point,
identified by CP in Fig. 22, between respective ends of an intermediate arched
member in intersecting relation thereto.
In this exemplary embodiment, the struts 172 are provided as rigid
tubes having V-shaped notches 174 at respective ends for engaging with the
bottom
flange 32 of respective tubular intermediate arched member 26. Obviously,
numerous
other strut designs and attachment means exist that would be obvious to a
person
skilled in the art.
Therefore, the dome structure 10 of the present embodiment is an
example of a multifunctional dome that is propitiously suited for use through
four
seasons. The first and second arched members 22 and 24 that can be raised in a
vertical position while the rest of the dome remains fanned out allow for the
dome
structure 10 to act as a sunshade. Furthermore, the struts 172 that reinforce
the dome
structure 10 help prevent the fabric 14 from stretching and unstretching when
exposed to the harsh elements of winter. Consequently, the taut fabric 14 is
less
likely to crack at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius.
Moreover, the dome structure exemplified in Figs. 20 through 23
comprises a pair of spaced apart base assemblies 176 differing in design to
the spring
loaded assemblies 20 described above. The base assemblies 176 define an axis
178
about which the arched members 16 pivot. The arched members 16 are pivotally
connected in spaced relation along the axis 178 of rotation in a manner
suitable for
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CA 02524297 2005-10-25
yielding the operational result described above. The base assemblies 176
embodied in
Figs. 20 to 23 do not include a variable force generating device, such as the
coil and
spherical springs 126 and 170 of the previous embodiments. However, it should
be
understood that a force generating device may also be employed in this
embodiment.
It should be understood that the above described embodiments are for
purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made
thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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