Background of the invention Marquees and tents are used to provide temporary sheltered areas for many purposes, including the following: <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> sheltered hospitality and entertaining areas;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> temporary extensions to existing buildings or structures;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> temporary accommodation or storage facilities;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> site offices or remote field stations;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> sheltered Information and trade display areas.

Known marquee structures comprise a frame assembly, typically made of metal, which acts to support a roof in order to provide a sheltered area. In large marquee structures the frame comprises a series of parallel spans of frame which are interconnected by longitudinally extending frame members to form a series of bays. The roof of the marquee is provided by a covering of fabric material. Typically, the fabric used is a canvas material which may be coated with PVC in order to provide improved water-proofing properties. The roof is comprised of one or more sections of fabric material with each section of fabric material being sized so as to extend between adjacent parallel spans of frame and across the full span (width) of the structure. Such sections of roof fabric are known as"skins"or"covets".

However known designs of such marquees have a number of disadvantages.

Firstly, each section or skin of roof material, being of fixed dimensions, is only suitable for one particular span of structure. For example, a section of roof fabric used in a structure

with a 15 metre span is not suitable for use in a structure with a 10 metre span.

Accordingly, it is necessary to have a set of approximately dimensioned sections of roofing fabric for each size of structure.

Furthermore, as each section of roof material spans the full width of the structure, the section of material can be heavy and bulky, especially when damp.

A further disadvantage with the use of fabric roofing materials is that damp fabric should not be packed away far extended periods of time. Accordingly, in situations where a structure must be dismantled whilst the fabric roof material is still damp, it is necessary to ensure that the fabric is unpacked and aired within two to three days so as to prevent rotting of the fabric material from occurring. Additionally, due to the size and bulk of the sections of roofing material some form of hoisting system is typically required in order to adequately air the fabric after use. Also, a large area is usually required in order to clean the sections of material after use.

Further if the fabric roof materials sustains damage to a particular area of a section of roof material, the entire section may be rendered useless unless it can be repaired. However even when repaired, the aesthetics of the repaired section of roof material may reduced it the damaged area is visible when the section of roof is in place.

Fabric roof materials such as canvas often allow the seepage of moisture. Even without exposure to rain, condensation within the roof can result in moisture that can stain interior lining materials used within the marquee and may also expose electrical wiring and fittings to moisture thereby resulting in the risk of fire.

Additionally depending upon the intended application of the temporary structure, a fabric roof often provides less than desirable thermal and noise insulation properties.

There are also further disadvantage with using traditional beams to form the frame work of a temporary structure. These beams are connected together by aligning adjacent holes in the end of the beams and passing bolts or pins through these openings. The bolts or pins and hence the beams are held in position by tightening a nut to the bolts or some form of locking clip to the pins.

These systems of forming a framework are labour and time intensive. In particular, segments of the frameworks are formed by laying out the beams in position on the ground and then bolting or locking them together. As there are usually many joints which need to be bolted or pinned together, much of the time of the erection of the framework is spent fixing those connections. These bolts and locking pins are subjected to considered force and may become bent. The bolts or pins are often forced through holes which have contaminants lodged in them such as snow, dirt or salt.

Further, it is conventional to mark the beams with a numbering system and/or colour coding system to try and ensure that the framework is formed in the correct sequence and with the correct interconnecting beams. However, as semi skilled or unskilled labour is used to erect these frameworks, it is common that significant amounts of time are wasted in reassembling portions of the framework where the persons have no or little past experience in this type of work.

This problem is magnified in emergency circumstances such as flood, fire or poor lighting conditions which require that these structures be quickly erected and dismantled. In those circumstances, the persons available to assist in erecting such structures may have no prior relevant experience.

Object of the invention It is one object of the present invention to ameliorate the limitations of current temporary structures such as a marquee which eliminates the need to use large sections of fabric roofing material.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a simple to operate system for connecting beams and forming frameworks of the type discussed above.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly in one aspect of the invention a temporary structure of a modular design comprising of a frame structure having at least one pair of generally parallel primary frame members or rafters, each member or rafter having a channel opening towards the other member to slidably receive side edges of a rigid or semi rigid panel member.

Preferably, the temporary structure comprises two or more pairs of the generally parallel primary frame members.

In a preferred form of the temporary structure, it further comprises at least one secondary frame member traversing between the pair of generally primary frame members or rafters and engaging an end edge of the panel member.

In another preferred form of the temporary structure, the secondary frame member is of an I section and defines an opening to receive the end edge of the panel members.

Preferably, the temporary structure further comprises seals between the primary frame members or rafters and the edge of the panel member to prevent the seepage of water from the outer surface of the panel through into the interior of the temporary structure and/or vibrational noise.

In another preferred form of the temporary structure, the primary and/or secondary frame members further comprise drainage channels to facilitate the drainage of water and moisture which may leak pass any seals.

In another preferred form of the temporary structure the seals have a curved or sloping outer face extending from the primary frame members or rafters to engage the panel member.

Preferably, the temporary structure further comprises a secondary frame member having a plurality of openings extending along the length of the member which engages the panel member.

In another preferred form of the temporary structure, at least one panel member is of a twin walled construction with first and second planar faces separated by a plurality of interposing webs defining a series of hollow channels which extend along the length of the panel.

In another preferred form of the temporary structure, the panel member is made from a polycarbonate material.

In a further preferred form of the temporary structure, at least one of the panel members is a solar panel.

In a further preferred form of the temporary structure, a panel member further comprises a light source.

In another preferred form of the temporary structure, the primary frame member further comprises a second channel generally parallel to the first channel to receive a further underlying panel member to define a thermal and/or noise insulation cavity therewith.

In a further separate aspect of the invention which is adapted to be used with the temporary structure described above, a connection system for connecting two or more beams and/or connectors together is provided comprising: (a) a first member locatable on or in an end of a first beam or connector and having a projection extending away from the first beam, the projection having an end which defines a necked head; and (b) a second member locatable in or on an end of a second beam or connector and having a locking member movable within the second member between an unlocked and a locked position, the locking member having a necked end defining an opening to receive the projection of the first member when the respective shapes are aligned and to retain the projection within the necked end when the projection and the necked end are rotated relative to one another.

In a preferred form of the connecting system, the head and the opening have irregular complementary cross-sectional shapes.

In a further preferred form of the connecting system, the irregular cross-sectional shapes are rectangular or oval.

In another preferred form of the connecting system, the head and the opening have regular complementary cross-sectional shapes.

In a further preferred form of the connecting system, the regular cross-sectional shapes are square or star shaped.

According to another preferred form of the connecting system, the first member and second member have complementary locating means.

In another preferred form of the connecting system, a projection from the first member locates in a recess in the second member to prevent relative rotation between the first member and the second member when the locking member is in the locked position.

In another preferred form of the connecting system, the second member additionally comprises a lever to move the locking member between the unlocked and locked positions. Typically, the lever is spring loaded.

In another separate form of the invention, another related connection system for connecting two or more beams and/or connectors together is provided comprising: (a) a first member locatable on or in an end of a first beam or connector and having a projection extending away from the first beam, the projection having an end which defines a necked head; and (b) a second member having a necked longitudinal track defining an opening to receive the projection of the first member and to retain the projection in a locked position within the necked end when the projection and the necked end are rotated relative to one another.

In a preferred form of the related connecting system, the head has an irregular cross- sectional shape.

In a further preferred form of the related connecting system, the irregular cross-sectional shape is rectangular or oval.

Description of the drawings: The invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the drawing in which: Figure 1 depicts a typical marquee structure with a fabric roof in accordance with the prior art.

Figure 2 depicts a marquee structure utilising a rigid panel roof system in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a panel member utilised in the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts an end view of the panel member illustrated in figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a main roof frame member used to support the panel members of the roof system.

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a member used both as a secondary roof frame member and panel joining element.

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the joining and seating arrangement between abutting panel members.

Figure 8 is an end view of a first member according to another form of the invention for a provision of a connecting system.

Figure 9 is a side view of the first member of figure 8.

Figure 10 is a plan view of the first member of figure 8.

Figure 11 is a plan view of the second member according to one form of the invention for the provision of a connecting system.

Figure 12 is an end view of the second member of figure 11.

Figure 13 is a side view of the second member of figure 11.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of stage one of connecting the first member of figure 8 to the second member of figure 11.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of stage two of connecting the first member of figure 8 to the second member of figure 11.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of stage three of connecting the first member of figure 8 to the second member of figure 11.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of stage four of connecting the first member of figure 8 to the second member of figure 11.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a connector with the second member of figure 11.

Figure 19 is a plan view of the beam of figure 18 in an erected position.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of stage one of connecting the connector of figure 18 to a beam.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of stage two of connecting the connector of figure 18 to a beam.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of stage three of connecting the connector of figure 18 to a beam.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of stage four of connecting the connector of figure 18 to a beam.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a cross-sectional shape used in a second form of the invention.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of stage one of connecting one beam with a first connector to another beam.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of stage two of connecting the beams of figure 25.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of stage three of connecting the beams of figure 25.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of stage four of connecting the beams of figure 25.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of stage five of connecting the beams of figure 25.

Referring to figure 1, a conventional marquee structure 1 is depicted. The marquee includes a supporting frame 2, the members of which are typically made from a lightweight metal such as aluminium. The frame assembly is of a modular design comprising a series of parallel spans of frame 3 which are interconnected by longitudinally extending frame members 4 to form a series of bars 5. Thus to increase the size of the structure an additional frame module 6 (shown in broken line) is added to the structure. Typically span widths 7 are in multiples of three to five metres, whilst the spacing 8 of the parallel spans of frame is also typically in multiples of three to five metres.

Typically the framework is erected on steel plates 9 fixed to the ground by anchoring stakes, or in the case where the structure is erected over concrete or asphalt surfaces it may be secured to the surface with loxens.

A fabric covering, typically of a canvas material, is supported by the frame structure and provides the roof of the structure. The roof comprises sections of fabric 10, commonly known as skins or covers, which extend between adjacent parallel spans of frame and across the entire span of the structure. In Figure 1 a section of fabric roof 10 is shown in position. As the sections of roof material are of fixed dimensions there is a need for different skins according to the span of the structure.

The frame members 11 which support the roof are equipped with grooves, commonly known as catar tracks, into which opposing edges 12a, 12b of the sections. of roof are engaged Typically the edges of the section of roof are threaded into the trades of the frame members from one side of the structure and the section of roof is then drawn over the span of the frame by means pulling the section of roof from the other side of the structure with the aid of ropes. The grooves in the roof frame members 11 act to guide the sections of roof material as they are pulled over the span of the frame.

The wall sections 13 of the marquee may be of a fabric material, although in some applications the walls may incorporate rigid components such as steel security wails, access doors and roller shutters. Typically the wall sections are suspended by hooks or rings from the upper frame members and secured with bars connected to the base of the upright supports 14. Depending upon the intended use of the Structure, one or more sections of wall may be omitted.

Referring to figure 2, a marquee structure 15 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As with the prior art structure shown in figure 1, the frame 16 of the structure is of a modular design comprising a series of parallel arranged frame sub-assemblies 17 interconnected by longitudinally extending frame members 18, so that in order to increase the size of the structure a further frame module is added to increase the length dimension of the structure.

The frame of the roof 19 of the structure includes a plurality of parallel, transversely extending roof frame members or rafters 20. Preferably the rafters 20 are made from a lightweight metal material such as aluminium. The details of the rafters 20 will be described with reference to figures 5 & 6.

In accordance with the present invention the roof structure further includes a plurality of individual rigid panel elements 21. Opposing edges 22a, 22b of the panel elements are slidably received within recesses provided in opposing parallel rafters 20a, 20b. Upon assembly of the roof of the structure opposing edges of each panel member are fitted into the receiving recesses of the opposing rafters and then slid along the recesses in the rafters and into desired position. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each panel member is engaged in the receiving recesses of the opposing rafters at or near the lower side edge 23 of the roof frame and then pushed along the rafters until reaching the desired position. A longitudinally extending joining member may be used to join abutting panel members.

Details of this aspect of the invention will be described with reference to figure 7.

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a panel member 21. The panel member is of a rigid construction. In a particularly preferred embodiment the panel member is of a twin walled construction with first and second planar faces 24a, 24b separated by a plurality of interposing webs 25. As illustrated in figure 4, the panel member includes a series of hollow channels 26 which extend along the length of the panel. However it should be appreciated that the construction of the panel can vary depending upon the intended function. For example, the panel member may comprise a frame, which provides the panel with the necessary degree of rigidity. The frame of the panel member may then be covered with a flexible (non-rigid) material.

Typically the panel may have a length dimension of 1 to 2 metres, a width dimension of around 1 metre and a thickness dimension of around 10 millimetres. However it should be appreciated that the dimensions of the panel can vary depending upon the intended function.

Preferably the panel member is made from a polycarbonate material. This material provides the necessary degree of toughness whilst also being relatively lightweight. In a

number of applications it may also be preferable for the panel to be translucent and to provide screening properties against ultra violet light.

The panels may include one or more projections which extend above the planar faces 24a and/or 24b. The purpose of the projections is to prevent the planar faces of two adjacent panels from rubbing together during handling and storage, thereby preventing the faces of the panels from being scratched. The projections provide a clearance between panels when stacked and also allow for easier cleaning of the panels.

Referring to figure 5, a cross sectional view of one type of roof frame member or rafter 20 is illustrated. Preferably the rafter 20 is of uniform cross section along its length, and more preferably is extruded from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. The member 20 is intended to be a main load bearing member and is connected to the upright members 14. Thus the members 20 are used to transfer the load of the roof to the wall frame members. The member includes opposing open recesses 27 which are adapted to receive the side edges 22a, 22b of the adjacent panel members. In the embodiment depicted the recesses include channels 28 defined by walls 29 which act as drainage channels for water and/or sites for location of locking means (not shown). The member further includes a recess 30 adapted to receive a seal far sealing between the panel and the member. For assembly of the frame the member 20 also includes a centrally located aperture 31 into which is located a mating insert; or lug, carried by the corresponding upright support 14.

In the embodiment of the frame member depicted there are two sets of recesses 27 provided. This enables the roof to be provided with two layers of panel members.

Alternatively. the lower recesses can slidably receive other members from which lining material may be suspended to provide an interior lining for the roof of the marquee.

Figure 6 depicts a secondary frame member or rafter 20 which is also intended to receive the edges of adjacent panel members. In this case the frame member is not intended to be a main load bearing member and accordingly does not require the same cross sectional dimensions as the frame member depicted in figure 5. As with the frame member of figure 5, the secondary member includes opposing recesses or openings 32 adapted to receive the edges 22a, 22b of adjacent panel members. Similarly, the member also includes drainage channels33 to facilitate the drainage of water and moisture.

Members 34 of the same cross section as frame member shown in figure 6 are used as joining elements to join two abutting frame members. This aspect of the assembly of the roof will be discussed with reference to figure 7.

Figure 7 illustrates the joining of two abutting panel members 22 for use in the roof of the structure. Joining member 34 is slidably engaged with the panel members 22 within the recesses 33 of the joining member 34 and are retained by the projections or lugs 35 of the joining member. In this way the two abutting panel members are linked together.

The connection arrangement further includes a weather seal 36 provided at least on the outer side of the connection. The seal is provided with a curved or sloping outer face so that in the advent of rain the water is caused to flow over the joining member 34 rather than seep through the connection. The seal 36 is engaged within the recess 33 of the joining member. The seal on the inner side of the panels need not be a weather seal as used on the outer side of the panels, but rather may be a dust seal.

A further preferred feature of the present invention is, the incorporation of one or more solar panels (not shown) in place of the standard panels so as to provide a self sufficient power supply for lighting, temperature control, electrical equipment and the like. This feature would be particularly advantageous in locations where an external power supply is not readily available, irregular, or cost prohibitive, or where the noise of a generator is undesirable.

A further preferred feature of the present invention is the incorporation of light sources (not shown) within one or more of the panel members. This feature is advantageous in entertainment and hospitality applications. Preferably all wiring and fittings are internally located within the panel member (s) thereby reducing the risk of fire or electrocution.

Another further preferred feature of the present invention is the arrangement of two or more overlying layers of panel members to form a multi-layered roof. This arrangement provides enhanced thermal and noise insulation properties.

In another preferred form of the invention, the panels may be provided which a heating means passing along the channels 26. Typically, the heating means is in the form of a helically wire fed along the channels 26. Heating of the panels is desirable where the

temporary structure is erected in cold climates subject to snow or icy conditions. In this way no significant buid up of ice or snow will occur which could have both saftely and weight considerations.

Further in areas which are subject to high wind, the panels may be designed to pop out under certain wind conditions as a sacrifice against metal beams becoming airborne. The possible downside to this is that the panels may be readily displace by vandals. If this is the overriding consideration then metal beams may be located in channels 26 and be attached to the surrounding framework.

The panel system of the present invention permits repeated and variable installations.

Panels can be of a universal design insofar as the panels can be used in a number of spans, not simply one fixed span. Furthermore, the panels can be made from a lightweight material and can be sized to afford easy handling and installation. For example, by utilising the present invention it is possible for a single person to install the roof section of a marquee whereas it is typically necessary for at least two or more persons to be required in order to install a skin of fabric roof material. The panels, owing to the fact that they can be discretely sized, can afford improved storage and cleaning. If one panel is damaged it is necessary to replace that panel only. Furthermore, solid paneling can afford improved security, thermal insulation and noise reduction properties.

In the separate aspect of the invention which is adapted to be used with the temporary structure described above in figures 8 to 10, a first member 37 is depicted. This first member 37 is destined to be located in an end of a beam (as more particularly shown in figure 20). It will be fixed into such a beam by punching extensions from the beam so this extension will be located in depressions 38 shown in figure 2023.

The first member has a body portion 39 which is cylindrical shaped and extending from it laterally are wings 40 and 41. At the forward edge of each of wings 40 and 41 is a projection 42 and 43 which are destined to be located in holes to fix the first member 37 against rotation when the first member 37 is in the locked position.

Also extending from the cylindrical body portion 39 is an axial projection 44 having a head 45. Head 45 is of a generally rectangular shape.

In figures 11 to 13, the second member 46 is depicted. Second member 46 has a body 47 of generally U shape. The yoke 48 of the body 47 is cylindrical with an axial opening 49 passing there through. The arms 50 and 51 of the U shape extend parallel to one another. Indents 52 and 53 are provided to be engaged by the projections 42 and 43 of the first member.

A locking member 54 is slidingly located in the opening 49 and has a necked region 55 which, as shown in figure 12, is generally rectangular. Bolt 56 is affixed at the other end of locking member 54. As shown in figure 13, a spring 57 urges the bolt 56 away from a ring 58 which is adapted to slide along bolt 56. Arms 59 and 60 extend from the ring 58 and are pivotally attached to a lever 61 which is itself pivotally attached to arms 50 and 51. Movement of the lever 61 in the direction of arrow A will move the ring 58 in the opposite direction and urge the bolt 56 via spring 57 and locking member 44 in the same direction. When the lever 61 is released the spring 57 expands and the locking member 54 may move in the other direction.

In figures 14 to 19, the sequence of connecting the first member and the second member together is depicted. In figure 14 the first member 37 is rotated so that the head 45 is aligned with the necked region 55. In figure 15, the head 45 has been inserted through the necked region 55 and, the first member 37 is rotated relative to the second member 46 until the wings 40 and 41 are located in the indents 52 and 53. In this position, the head 45 and the necked region 55 are no longer aligned and therefore cannot be disengaged. In this arrangement, the head 45 is located behind the necked region 55. As shown in figures 17 to 19 the lever 61 has been rotated towards the first member 37 which causes the bolt 56 and therefore the locking member 54 to move in the opposite direction to the lever 61 to pull the first member 37 and second member 46 together.

In figure 20 and 21, the second member 46 is shown installed in a V shaped connector, the first member is not installed. The lever 61 is in the unlocked position to permit the engagement with a beam (see figure 19) in which the first member 37 has been installed.

Figures 20 to 23 show essentially the same sequences as depicted in figures 14 to 17 but with the first member 37 and second member 46 in their respective installed positions.

In contrast to the earlier described figures, figures 27 to 339 depict a separate embodiment of the invention.

In this arrangement, the beam 62 is provided with a necked channel 63 along one of its edges. A connector head 65 projects from the end of another beam 64 as more clearly shown in figure 25. As was the case for the first embodiment of the invention this head 65 is rectangular and has a minor axis width which approximates the opening in the necked channel 63. When the head 65 is inserted into this channel 63, the beam 64 is approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of beam 62. Figure30 shows the exact positioning of the components at this stage.

As depicted by the sequence in figures 31 to 33, the beams are rotated relative to one another until the beams are coplanar. In this final stage the rectangular head 65 has moved so its major axis width is not aligned with the necked channel 63 thereby locking the two beams together. By adopting appropriate dimensions for the head 65 and channel 63, a close interference fit between the beams can be achieved.

It will be appreciated that by using the components of the invention it is possible to provide a quick and easy connection between beams without the need for bolting and other tools. The connectors may be designed so they adopt a standard shape for corners for a framework which again adds to the simplicity and speed of erection. This also gives a means to minimise the incorrect selection of connectors and beams. Such frameworks may be quickly erected and disassembled making them ideal for crisis situations and where temporary structures are required.

The word'comprising'and other forms of the word comprising as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions which are obvious to the person skilled in the art and which do not have a material effect upon the invention.

Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.