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AMOBILE SHELTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to temporary shelters. More particularly, although not exclusively it discloses a portable canopy structure for use on building sites or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most building construction or repair situations time is of the essence. Delay caused for example by inclement weather can incur substantial penalties. However stripping and repairing roofs in wet weather for example can cause further damage to the roof structure, ceiling and internal fittings of the building. While it is well known to erect shelters using conventional scaffolding this is laborious, time consuming and expensive. With small jobs of short term duration especially in elevated locations these known types of shelters are often not economically feasible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages and accordingly a mobile shelter for construction sites or the like is disclosed, said shelter in a position of use including a canopy

structure having suspension points connected to an overhead support and stabilisation means to resist wind loading.

Preferably said suspension points are located at or adjacent the periphery of the canopy structure.

It is further preferred that said stabilisation means comprise ground anchors and cables connected to peripheral points on said canopy structure.

It is further preferred that said suspension points are adapted for connection to lifting tackle of a conventional mobile crane.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

One currently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached figure lwhich shows a schematic elevation view of a canopy structure according to said invention in a position of use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT There is a building such as a house 1 with a roof 2 of for example conventional tile construction which requires repair. In accordance with the invention there is a canopy 3 which is suspended above the roof preferably

from the articulated arm 4 of a mobile crane 4A of conventional design. While the invention is not limited to any particular type of crane one which has been found suitable is a 20 to 30 tonne Franner style mobile crane.

With some installations the crane may subsequently be removed and the canopy structure connected to the ground by legs if the site layout permits.

Preferably but not essentially the canopy 3 may be of a type used for outdoor marquees and comprise a weatherproof material such as flame retardant P.V.C. coated tensioned membrane. It is of a clear span design with a known form of integral support framework 5, 6. One type of canopy found suitable is that manufactured by Giulio Barbieri S.p. A. of Italy under the brand name Giulio Barbieri Special Modular Coverings. The canopy is sufficiently rigid that it can be supported by crane lifting tackle 7 attached to the four comer fittings 8. The canopy 3 is thereby suspended directly above the roof as shown at a height sufficient to provide a rain shelter for workers engaged in stripping and repairing said roof. While the canopy shown with this embodiment of the invention is 10 metres square it is preferably of modular design to allow for different size variations according to site requirements.

Additional weather protection may be provided by optional water and windproof side skills 9 which can be removably fitted around the periphery of the canopy. In order to stabilise the canopy against wind forces and tether it in place over the roof there are ground anchors 10 preferably attached by cables 11 to the comers 8 as well as intermediate side fittings 12. These anchor weights may be of any suitable size and shape. With this embodiment they are formed from concrete and may have a mass of 500 to 2000 kg. Alternatively other kinds of anchors such as ground stakes or screw piers may be used.

It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiment disclosed provides a novel and unique form of expedient low cost shelter for short term work on elevated structures such as roofs. Clearly however the example disclosed is only the currently preferred form of the invention and a wide variety of modifications may be made which would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example the shape, structural configuration, material of construction and size of the canopy may be changed according to application. The points of attachment for the lifting tackle and anchors may also vary according to design preference. With

appropriate modifications a shelter according to this invention may also be

adapted for film/media related work.