CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

The present case claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 61/826,980 filed on 23 May 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates generally to knockdown louvered wall systems, for example louvered wall systems for use with outdoor performance stages and other temporary structures.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor performance stages often use curtains or tarps on the sides and the back of the stage area in addition to the stage rooftop. They form vertical walls to protect the stage area from wind, rain and sunlight, as well as to hide portions of the stage area from view. However, when subj ected to wind gusts or high-speed winds, for instance those occurring during a thunderstorm, the vertical walls behave as wind sails and they can apply significant wind loading forces to the retaining framework. Wind gusts and high-speed winds coming straight towards the open side of such performance stage also tend to lift the rooftop because of the pressure rising above the stage area.

Many outdoor performance stages are designed to be transported from site to site, for instance when they are used as concert tour stages. They are thus assembled and disassembled frequently. Each time they are assembled, they must be anchored to the ground and the framework must be made strong enough to sustain the efforts in the case of inclement weather, especially those on the vertical walls. The lack of a permanent structure on the sites where the knockdown performance stage will be installed means that most or even all the gear and equipment must be transported and assembled on site. The need for a very strong and resistant framework can create complications in terms of transportation and handling at the site, thereby increasing costs and amount of work required for assembling and disassembling the knockdown performance stages. Thus, designing knockdown outdoor performance stages that are relatively large in size can quickly become more complex than smaller ones, especially since larger performance stages are mostly installed in widely-open spaces such as large parks or fields where no surrounding obstacles can break the wind. Compromises must often be made between the size of a performance stage and the transportation costs.

Other kinds of outdoor structures can be also subjected to the same limitations and challenges.

While vertical walls could potentially be omitted in outdoor performance stages to overcome some of the challenges caused by wind gusts and high-speed winds, it is not always possible and/or desirable to omit wind and rain shields. Outdoor performance stages typically receive musical instruments, various electric and electronic equipment and many other things that must remain dry at all time. The rooftop can protect from the falling rain but rain can also be carried by the side winds onto the stage area, especially in large implementations where the rooftop is relatively high above the floor. Wind and rain shields around the sides and the back of the performance stages are thus needed under inclement weather more than under fair weather conditions. The shading provided by the vertical walls against direct sunlight is also generally desirable. Clearly, room for improvements still exists in this area.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided a knockdown louvered wall system including: a pair of spaced- apart and vertically-extending side frame having mutually-facing inner sides defining an open space between them, each side frame including two spaced-apart vertical rails disposed on its inner side; a plurality of spaced-apart blade panels disposed in superposition across the open space between the side frames, each blade panel having two opposite and lengthwise-extending major side edges, and two opposite and widthwise-extending minor side edges, each blade panel including: a main panel member; two traction bars, each extending along a corresponding one of the minor side edges of the blade panel, each traction bar having two opposite ends; and two tie members, each extending along a corresponding one of major side edges of the blade panel, each tie member having two opposite ends that are attached to a corresponding one of the traction bars of the blade panel; and a plurality of blade connector assemblies disposed between the blade panels and the vertical rails, each blade connector assembly having an outer end slidingly connected to corresponding ones of the vertical rails and an inner end removably attached to a corresponding one of the traction bars.

In another aspect, there is provided a louvered wall system as shown, described and/or suggested herein.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of protecting a space from rain and/or wind gusts and/or high-speed winds as shown, described and/or suggested herein. In another aspect, there is provided a method of assembling and disassembling a knockdown louvered wall system as shown, described and/or suggested herein.

Further details on the various aspects of the proposed concept will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the exterior side of a generic example of a knockdown louvered wall system incorporating the proposed concept;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the interior side of the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front side view of the exterior side of the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a left side view of the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross section view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one of the blade panels in the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmented top plan view of the blade panel shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a side longitudinal view of the blade panel shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view of one of the traction bars used in the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-section view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one of the surface ribs used in the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the surface rib shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view illustrating how the minor side edge of a blade panel is slidingly connected to the vertical rails of a corresponding side frame in the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged isometric view of what is shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged end view illustrating the cross section profile of one of the vertical rails in the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view illustrating how the rollers of a blade connector assembly engage the corresponding vertical rail in the louvered wall system shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 17 is a semi-schematic isometric view of an example of three louvered wall systems 100 placed side-by-side to close an area on three sides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the exterior side of a generic example of a knockdown louvered wall system 100 incorporating the proposed concept. The illustrated louvered wall system 100 is designed for use around an outdoor performance stage to protect the stage area from wind and rain, as well as to hide portions of the stage area from view and minimize exposition to direct sunlight coming from the lateral sides and/or the back side of the stage area. It can replace one or more of the vertical walls made of curtains, tarps or the like. The louvered wall system 100 can also be installed on other kinds of structures, buildings and/or locations where it can be useful. The louvered wall system 100 includes a pair of spaced-apart and vertically-extending side frame 102. The side frames 102 of the illustrated example include a plurality of elongated tubular members configured to form a rigid column framework having a rectangular cross section. They can be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum or an alloy thereof. Each side frame 102 is anchored to the ground using a suitable arrangement and both side frames 102 are connected together by an overhead cross frame 104 extending horizontally. The overhead cross frame 104 has a similar construction than that of the side frames 102. Variants are possible as well.

The side frames 102 have mutually-facing inner sides 110 defining a substantially rectangular open space 112 between them. The inner sides 110 are parallel to one another. Each side frame 102 includes two spaced-apart vertical rails 114 disposed on its inner side 1 10. The vertical rails 114 are parallel to one another and span from the bottom to the top of the side frames 102. They also symmetrically disposed with reference to the open space 112. Variants are possible as well.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the interior side of the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front side view of the exterior side of the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG .1. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross section view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3.

The louvered wall system 100 further includes a plurality of spaced-apart blade panels 120 that are disposed in superposition across the open space 112 between the side frames 102. The blade panels 120 are substantially rectangular in shape and are all parallel to one another in the illustrated example. Variants are also possible. Each illustrated blade panel 120 also defines a slanted angle with reference to the horizontal and the blade panels 120 are sloping towards the exterior side in normal use. This way, any rain water falling on the louvered wall system 100 will be guided directly to the exterior and away from the stage area located on the interior side.

Most implementations will have the blade panels 120 set at an angle between about 20 degrees and 30 degrees with reference to the horizontal. Tests and simulations shown that an angle 23.2 degrees with reference to the horizontal would be an optimum value for the air flow while preventing rain water ingress in an implementation designed for an outdoor performance stage. Nevertheless, using another angle is also possible.

If desired, the blade panels 120 can be provided in two or more superposed sets where the successive blade panels 120 have a substantially identical spacing. The blade panels 120 in the set that is closer to the bottom will have a tighter spacing than that of the blade panels 120 in the set above them.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one of the blade panels 120 in the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The blade panel 120 of the illustrated example includes a main panel member 122 made of a pliant and substantially inelastic sheet material forming two opposite planar surfaces when stretched to form the blade panel 120. The sheet material can be, for instance, a strong fabric or woven canvas having metallic eyelets or grommets positioned at various locations. Variants are possible as well.

The sheet material can be made waterproof, i.e. having low water absorption characteristics. It can be coated with a water repellent is necessary. It is also preferably opaque to block the sunlight, although using a translucent or even a transparent material could be possible as well, depending on the exact implementation.

The sheet material must be strong enough to deflect high-speeds winds and gusts while minimizing fluttering and distortions. Yet, the material may be pliant so that it can be rolled up and/or folded for a compact storage, if needed. Variants are possible as well. For instance, in some implementations, the blade panel 120 can be made in a substantially inflexible material such as fiberglass or aluminum, to name just a few. Other materials are also possible.

If desired, at least some of the blade panels 120 can have a double-curvature construction instead of being substantially planar as shown. The double-curvature construction imparts a three- dimensional (3D) profile to the blade panel 120 to increase its overall rigidity when stretched, thereby increasingly resisting distortions when exposed to wind gusts or high-speed winds. The 3D profile can be obtained by properly positioning pieces of sheet material and stitching them in a way that the desired shape will appear when tension is applied as the blade panel 120 is stretched between the spaced-apart side frames 102. FIG. 7 is a fragmented top plan view of the blade panel 120 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a side longitudinal view of the blade panel 120 shown in FIG. 6.

The sheet material of the illustrated example is stitched and reinforced at its edges. It has two opposite and lengthwise-extending major side edges 124 and two opposite and widthwise- extending minor side edges 126. The major side edges 124 are thus longer than the minor side edges 126. The main panel member 122 forms a one-piece component. The major side edges 124 and the minor side edges 126 are continuous and substantially rectilinear in the illustrated example. The major side edges 124 also extends substantially horizontally across the open space 1 12. Variants are possible as well.

Each blade panel 120 further includes two traction bars 130 having opposite ends 132, as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a side view of one of the traction bars 130 used in the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The traction bars 130 are square shaped in the illustrated example. They can be made of a rigid material such as aluminum or an alloy thereof. Variants in the shape and/or the material are also possible. Each traction bar 130 extends along a corresponding one of the minor side edges 126 of the blade panel 120. In the illustrated example, they are inserted inside respective sleeves 134 formed by looped ends in the sheet material.

In use, the blade panels 120 are stretched between the side frames 102. Since the sheet material is substantially inelastic, the tension will increase the rigidity of the blade panels 120. Each blade panel 120 also includes two tie members 140, each extending along a corresponding one of major side edges 124 of the blade panel 120. The tie members 140 thus extend longitudinally along the entire blade panels 120. Each tie member 140 has two opposite ends that are attached to a corresponding one of the traction bars 130 of the blade panel 120. In the illustrated example, each tie member 140 includes a pliant and substantially inelastic strap made of a fabric material or the like. Each strap extends uninterruptedly between the two opposite traction bars 130. The strap forms loops around the sleeves 134. Variants are possible as well.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-section view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7. As can be seen, the tie member 140 is wrapped by some of the material to form the region bordering the major side edge 124. The tie member 140 can be stitched, glued and/or otherwise attached to the rest of the blade panel 120.

If desired, one can use one or more additional tie members 140 and/or use tie members 140 than are not straps, such as ropes or cables to name just a few. The tie members 140 can also be in the form of rigid members to create a rigid frame with the traction bars 130. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each blade panel 120 of the illustrated example includes a plurality of spaced-apart surface ribs 150 extending on its main panel members 122, for instance on the top surface thereof. Each surface rib 150 has opposite first and second ends. The first end is attached to one of the major side edges 124 of the blade panel 120 and the second end is attached to the other one of the major side edges 124 of the blade panel 120. The surface ribs 150 are at right angle with the major side edges 124 of the blade panels 120 in the illustrated example. Variants are also possible. One can also omit the surface ribs 150 in some implementations, for instance on a blade panel 120 that is relatively short in length.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one of the surface ribs 150 used in the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the surface rib 150 shown in FIG. 11. As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, each surface rib 150 of the illustrated example includes a first tubular section 152 and a second tubular section 154 having a telescopic engagement with one another. They are also rigid in flexion. Variants are also possible.

Two spaced-apart and substantially symmetrically-disposed surface ribs 150 are provided on each blade panel 120 of the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of these surface ribs 150 also includes an internal compression spring 156 generating a spring force between the first section 152 and second sections 154. The spring 156 is inserted inside the first section 152 and the end of the second section 154 is inserted into the first section 152 until it abuts against the end of the spring 156. The surface ribs 150 are designed so that they are slightly longer than the width of the blade panels 120 and a compression is required to attach them. The spring force will thus generate a tension in the widthwise direction.

In use, although the sheet material and the other materials of the blade panels 120 can be selected so as to minimize the thermal expansion, for example when they are heated by an intense sunlight, some small variations in length can occur and lower the tension. The spring force will help compensating the variations due to the thermal expansion of the materials. The spring 156 can also prevent the tension from becoming excessive when the materials are cooler. Variants are possible as well. In the illustrated example, the surface rib 150 includes a retaining pin 160 fitting into a pair of registered holes 162 made across the first section 152. The second section 154 includes a pair of longitudinal slots 164 and the pin 160 will also extend across the slots 164 when the first and second sections 152, 154 are assembled. This arrangement will prevent the first and second sections 152, 154 from disconnecting. Variants are also possible.

Each surface rib 150 includes opposite end connectors 158 that can be attached to a corresponding pair of eyelets located on the major side edges 124. Sets of bolts and nuts can be used to attach them. Variants are possible as well.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view illustrating how the minor side edge 126 of a blade panel 120 is slidingly connected to the corresponding vertical rails 114 in the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is an enlarged isometric view of what is shown in FIG. 13. As can be seen, the louvered wall system 100 also includes a plurality of blade connector assemblies 170 disposed between the blade panels 120 and the vertical rails 114. Each blade connector assembly 170 includes a main body 172 extending between the outer end and the inner end of the blade connector assembly 170. In the illustrated example, the blade connector assembly 170 is slidingly connected to a corresponding one of the vertical rails 114 using a pair of juxtaposed rollers 174 rotatably connected to its outer end. The outer end of the blade connector assembly 170 and the rollers 174 thus form a trolley that can be moved up and down the corresponding vertical rails 114. Variants are possible as well. For instance, one can use sliding pads or the like instead of rollers. FIG. 15 is an enlarged end view illustrating the cross section profile of one of the vertical rails 1 14 in the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the illustrated example includes vertical rails 114 having an inverted T-shaped profile. The vertical rails 114 are made integral with a corresponding vertical beam 176 that is part of the side frame 102. Each vertical rail 114 extends in the middle of the corresponding C-shaped beam 176. Variants are possible as well.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view illustrating how the rollers 174 of a blade connector assembly 170 engage the corresponding vertical rail 114 in the louvered wall system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the rollers 174 engage the corresponding vertical rail 114 and they are movable vertically while resisting to a longitudinal tension force in the blade panel 120. Variants are possible as well.

In the illustrated example, as best shown in FIG. 13, the inner end of each blade connector assembly 170 is removably attached to a corresponding one of the ends of the traction bars 130 using eyebolts 180. The looped head of each eyebolt 180 is attached to the main body 172 using any suitable arrangement, for example a fastener. The shank of each eyebolt 180 extends through the minor side edge 126 of the blade panel 120 and into the traction bar 130. It protrudes into the remaining space inside the sleeve 134. An impact-absorbing compression spring 182 is set around the shank of the eyebolt 180 between the side of the tension bar 130 and a nut 184 mounted to the threaded free end of the eyebolt 180. A washer is provided between the nut 184 and the end of the spring 182. The position of the nut 184 can be changed for adjusting the length of the eyebolt 180 on the inner side of the traction bar 130. The shank of the eyebolt 180 is disposed in alignment with the main body 172 and the rollers 174. Variants are possible as well.

In use, the springs 182 of the blade connector assemblies 170 will compensate for the variations due to the thermal expansion. As aforesaid, some small variations in length can occur and lower the tension when the materials are heated, for instance by an intense sunlight. The springs 182 will compensate for the variations in length. The spring 182 can also prevent the tension from becoming excessive when the materials are cooler and there are sudden variations of the tension, for instance when strong wind gusts occur. Moreover, they can compensate for some misalignments of the side frames 102. Variants are possible as well. The illustrated louvered wall system 100 further includes a rigging assembly 190 to hold the blade panels 120 in position. The rigging assembly 190 supports the weight of the blade panels 120 and of the other associated components. The rigging assembly 190 includes a plurality of cables 192 (or the like) interconnecting the ends of the blade panels 120 and mechanically tackling them together. The blade panel 120 at the top is supported by the side frames 102. Some of these cables 192 are set between adjacent ones of the main body 172 of the blade connector assemblies 170, as best shown in FIG. 13. Variants are possible as well.

The rigging assembly 190 can also include one or more hoists 194 for lifting and lowering the blade panels 120. One hoist 194 can be attached at the top of each vertical rail 114. The hoist or hoists 194 can be driven by a manually-actuated system and/or by an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic motor. Variants are possible as well. In the illustrated example, the rigging assembly 190 also includes a plurality of cables 196 (or the like) interconnecting the ends of the surface ribs 150 and mechanically tackling them together. Some of the cables 196 are provided to attach the blade panel 120 at the top to the overhead cross frame 104. Some of the cables 196 are provided to attach the blade panel at the bottom to corresponding counterweights 198 and so as to apply a continuous downward tension. The counterweights 198 can be for instance concrete blocks or the like. Variants are possible as well. For instance, one can use a mechanism to create the tension towards the bottom. The counterweights 198 will mitigate the movements of the blade panels 120 due to the wind.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the bottom end of the vertical rails 114 are inwardly deflected in the illustrated example, thereby forming curved sections 200. The curved sections 200 do not necessarily need to be shaped as shown and it is possible to design the curved sections 200 differently, for instance with a strait portion merging with the rest of the vertical rail 114 at a steeply-curved junction. The curved sections 200 are provided to progressively apply the tension across the blade panels 120 when they are installed, and to progressively lower the tension when they are removed. The entry point of each vertical rail 114 is then located closer to that of the opposite vertical rail 114 on the other side of the open space 112. Moving the blade panel 120 upwards will bring the minor side edges 126 of the blade panel 120 further apart and increase the tension. Variants are possible as well.

If desired, the traction bars 130 can be made telescopic. This way, the angle of the blade panels 120 can be adjusted, for instance from 0 to 30 degrees (or even more) with reference to the horizontal, by vertically moving one of the major side edges 124 of the blade panels 120 with reference to the other of its major side edges 124 using individual hoists 194. Variants are possible as well. Setting the blade panels 120 from their normal oblique angle to a horizontal or substantially horizontal angle can be useful as a last resort to minimize wind load when the louvered wall system 100 is exposed to exceptionally severe weather conditions. Other situations may also exist. If desired, the louvered wall system 100 can be provided with a set of first side covers 202 extending substantially vertically between the blade panels 120, as shown in FIG. 17, to close the space at the opposite ends of the intervening space between two blade panels 120. FIG. 17 is a semi-schematic isometric view of an example of three louvered wall systems 100 placed side-by-side to close an area on three sides. Variants are possible as well. In some implementations, the louvered wall system 100 can also be provided with a set of second side covers extending vertically to close the spaces between the first side covers 202 and the side frames 102. Variants are possible as well.

These first and second side covers can be made of a waterproof pliant and substantially inelastic sheet material. They will mitigate the entry of rain water on both sides of the blade panels 120. They can be pre-cut and individually installed by hand once the blade panels 120 are in position. Variants are also possible.

FIG. 17 also shows that the side frame 102 between two adj acent sets of superposed blade panels 120 can be shared by these two sets. The three louvered wall systems 100 in FIG. 17 use four side frames 102. FIG. 17 further shows the variation in the spacing between successive blade panels 120. Blade panels 120 near the ground are closer to one another than the blade panels 120 at the top. This arrangement also takes into account the fact that the wind is often faster above the ground than close to the ground.

As can be appreciated, the louvered wall system 100 can be easily assembled, disassembled and transported wherever it is needed. It is also capable of withstanding wind gusts and high-speed winds with wind speeds of more than 90 MPH (144 km/h) that can occur during parts of the year when most of the outdoor performance stages are used, especially during thunderstorms. It allows air to pass between the numerous blade panels 120, thereby mitigating the load on the supporting framework and still prevent wind-blown rain from entering.

The present detailed description and the appended figures are meant to be exemplary only, and a skilled person will recognize that many changes can be made while still remaining within the proposed concept.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 louvered wall system

102 side frame

104 overhead cross frame

110 inner side (of side frame)

112 open space

114 vertical rail

120 blade panel

122 main panel member

124 major side edge

126 minor side edge 130 traction bar

132 end (traction bar)

134 sleeve

140 tie member

150 surface rib

152 first section (of surface rib)

154 second section (of surface rib)

156 compression spring

158 end connector

160 retaining pin

162 hole

164 slot

170 blade connector assembly

172 main body

174 roller

176 beam

180 eyebolt

182 spring

184 nut

190 rigging assembly

192 cable

194 hoist

196 cable 198 counterweight

200 curved section (of vertical rail)

202 first side cover