TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to building structures, in particular to building structures with fabric or another web material to provide a canopy.

BACKGROUND

Building structures based on a frame with a fabric as cover (hereinafter referred to as“fabric structure”) are used in various ways and in many applications. Large fabric domes cover outdoor sport fields, arenas, shopping malls, swimming pools and other locations having a need for a shelter which can be built in a relatively short time, using light weight material and which provide a maximum of coverage with a minimal use of material and manpower. Specially designed fabric structures may be temporarily or permanently used for big events such as fairs, whereas smaller building structures, usually referred to as tents, provide camping and residential shelters.

In fabric structures, the proper tension must be maintained on the fabric to accommodate the intended application of such fabric structure. A number of different support structures and tensioning means have been developed to maintain the desired tension in a fabric structure. Most of the smaller or mid-sized fabric structures utilize a center support means with anchored guide lines attached to side supports in order to maintain the structure.

In many fabric structures, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the center support means and guide lines needed to maintain a fabric at the proper tension and to minimize the overall support frame. Often, a complex frame is needed to support the fabric structure.

USA patent 4,593,710 patent by Fabric and Structure Technology Inc. is summarized as a portable fabric covered building-type structure with articulated arch frames extending transversely in longitudinally spaced vertical planes. Spreaders rigidly connect the arch frames. Individual rectangular fabric sections extend transversely between pairs of the arch frames providing a shelter. The side edges of the fabric sections are connected to the rails of removable ladder-like mechanisms carried by the frames for tensioning the sections across their widths. The ends of the fabric sections are pulled downwardly at the sides by other mechanisms for tensioning the fabric sections lengthwise.

USA patent 4,982,534 by Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd. is summarized as a suspended membrane structure, comprising suspending parallel or radial members, a membrane downward hung by wire members from points on each suspending member, and bracing cables on the membrane in the same direction with that of said suspending member at each middle position between said suspending members, for imparting a tensile force to said membrane.

USA patent application 2004/0261953 A1 by Hart is summarized as a sail shaped awning attached to a building structure with remote support having wires for tensioning the awning connected to the roof to apply a downward, restraining force. Outer edges of the tensioned awning fabric connected to the remote support are raised or lowered to assist in holding down the roof and to keep out debris during high winds.

A disadvantage of the current art solutions is that the structure is complex and expensive to cover large areas.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fabric structure with reduced complexity, which is suitable for covering large areas without the need for one or more central supporting pillars obstructing the covered area. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a structure constructed from material which is relatively limited in volume, number of elements and weight in comparison to the coverage, and which requires a minimal use of manpower and time to build.

The object is realized by a fabric structure which uses covering sheets as a structural component of the structure. For this purpose, the fabric structure comprises sheets, tensioning web-like segments (hereinafter referred to as“web segments”), column-like compression members (hereinafter referred to as“columns”), and anchor devices. The fabric structure is suspended by anchor devices and has multiple systems providing connections and tension to each other. A first system comprises the web segments connected to the columns. A second system comprises the columns positioned as spacers between overlying sheets and underlying sheets. A third system comprises the anchor devices tensioning the first and/or the second system. A method for building the fabric structure is also disclosed.

This way, the invented fabric structure is easy to build with a minimum amount of people, provides maximum coverage and requires no obstructive pillars in the covered area. The fabric structure is especially useful for building canopies and the like. Used for example as marquee for a wholly or partially covered concert- or party area, the structure provides unobstructed view on a show and allows optimal freedom for people to move around in the covered area.

The invention is summarized in the following clauses.

1 . A fabric structure comprising one or more sheets, one or more tensioning web segments, one or more columns arranged for providing support, and one or more anchor devices arranged for providing tension to the one or more sheets, characterized in that, the fabric structure is at least partially suspended by the one or more anchor devices whereby the fabric structure comprises multiple systems arranged for providing a connection and tension to each other, whereby:

a first system of the multiple systems comprises a web segment of the one or more web segments arranged for being connected to a column of the one or more columns;

a second system of the multiple systems comprises the column configured between a sheet of the one or more sheets positioned above the column and a sheet of the one or more sheets positioned below the column;

a third system of the multiple systems comprises an anchor device of the one or more anchor devices arranged for providing tension to the first system and/or to the second system.

2. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets are flexible.

3. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets comprise reinforcement means of the group comprising:

Reinforcing fibers;

one or more cables;

granulates;

flakes; coating.

4. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets are at least partly made of light weight material such as a polymer, carbon or glass.

5. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets are at least partly provided with one or more perforations.

6. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets comprise a woven fabric.

7. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets are provided with an attachment means arranged for attachment to the one or more web segments and/or to the one or more anchor devices.

8. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more columns are arranged for being positioned in a substantial vertical orientation.

9. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more columns are substantially rigid.

10. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more columns are provided with an attachment means arranged for attachment to the web segment.

1 1 . The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more columns comprise at least partly one or more hollow sections.

12. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more web segments comprise one or more longitudinal strengthening elements of the group comprising:

cables;

fibers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, plastic fibers or natural fibers;

ropes;

wires, such as steel wires

chains.

13. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more web segments are provided with attachment means arranged for attachment to the one or more columns, the one or more sheets, and/or the one or more anchor devices. 14. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets comprise at least partially translucent material.

15. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets are substantially non-stretchable in the direction of the warp thread.

16. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more sheets are made of a woven textile and oriented such that a substantial part of the warp threads substantially run in the direction of the direction of the provided tension.

17. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more anchor devices comprise one or more support means of the group comprising:

a pole;

a wall of a building;

an existing pole, such as a lamp posts;

an anchor device of a second fabric structure;

an anchor device arranged for being fixated to a piece of ground.

18. The fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the fabric structure is arranged for being used as an application of the group comprising:

a canopy;

a roof;

a marquee;

a shelter;

a tent;

a booth;

a housing;

an awning.

19. A method for building the fabric structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

A. setting the one or more anchor devices;

B. positioning a first sheet of the one or more sheets on a column of the one or more columns; C. positioning a second sheet opposite to the first sheet and at least partially overlapping said first sheet, such that the column onto which the first sheet is positioned, is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet at a position where the first sheet and the second sheet overlap;

D. attaching the first and the second sheet to the one or more anchor devices;

E. attaching the column, the first sheet, and the second sheet to the one or more web segments;

F. exerting tension to the first and second sheet by pulling the one or more anchor devices away from the first and second sheet respectively;

G. securing the one or more anchor devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a fabric structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of the fabric structure of the embodiment according to figure 1 to show how the sheets are arranged as cover. FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of a segment of an embodiment of the invented fabric structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures. For the convenience of the reader the following references are summed up with their short description.

100 An example embodiment of the invented fabric structure

101 a,b,...n column

102a,b,...n web segment

103a,b,...n sheet arranged as cover

104a,b,...n pole forming an anchor device together with cable 1 14a,b,...n respectively

105a,b,...n attachment means 200 Uncovered area

In the following figures, not every element has a reference number. This is to enable a better view on the exemplary configuration. The reader will have no trouble to determine which elements have which description and functionality by analyzing the given examples.

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a fabric structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fabric structure 100 is formed by a plurality of sheets 103a,b,...n. A sheet 103a,b,...n may for example comprise a cloth. The shape of the sheet may for example comprise a triangular shape, as shown in the figure. The sheet can be put under tension by preferably substantially vertically positioned columns which keeps apart sheets, which are positioned at least partly on top of each other. The columns therefore act as spacers between these sheet, while the sheets exert compression on the columns.

This is clarified by zooming in on one example, wherein sheet 103a is put under tension by column 101 a. Column 101 a puts tension on both the underside of sheet 103a with an upper contact point of column 101 a, and on upper side of sheet 103b with a lower contact point of column 101 a. Column 101 a keeps sheets 103a and 103b apart in this way. A first attachment means 105a of multiple attachment means 105a,b,...n is attached to a first anchor device formed by a combination of a pole 104a and a cable 1 14a, as indicated by dashed line representation. A second attachment means 105b is attached to a second anchor device formed by a combination of a pole 104b and attachment means 1 14b. the first anchor device and the second anchor device put tension on opposing end sides of the sheets 103a, b and thus clamp or support column 101 a in between both sheets 103a, b. Column 101 a is then suspended form the ground. The length of column 101 a and the tension on the ends of sheets 103a,b largely determine the tension put on sheets 103a, b by column 101 a. A higher tension leads to more tense sheets 103a,b and to a more stable construction of the fabric structure.

Column 101 a may also touch the ground or be supported by the ground and still provide the desired tension between sheets 103a,b.

Preferably the anchor devices put a tension on tips or edges of sheets 103a,b,...n, but attachment means may in principle also be attached on any other fastening point on a sheet 103a,b,...n.. In order to increase tension, to support columns and/or to connect anchor devices to multiple sheets and to each other, web segments 102a,b,...n are provided. The web segments may be provided with all kinds of reinforcing elements, such as (steel) cables or reinforcing fibers.

As an example, poles 104a,b,...n are presented in combination with cables 1 14a,b,...n as anchor devices, but instead of these anchor devices other elements may be used as well. These elements may be part of existing infrastructure, such as lamp posts or existing buildings such as a wall or the ground itself. The geometry is not limited to what is shown in the figures. The same tensioning system can be applied to different geometries, shapes and/or numbers of sheets.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of the fabric structure 100 of the embodiment according to figure 1 to show how the sheets 103a,b,...n are arranged as cover. For the purpose of showing a clear configuration, columns 101 a,b,...n are left out of the figure. Web segments 102a,b,...n are arranged for connecting sheets and/or anchor devices. Of the anchor devices only poles 104a,b,...n are shown. These poles 104a,b,...n may in practice be supported by cables 1 14a,b,...n as shown in figure 1 .

By arranging sheets 103a,b,..n in a circle-like configuration, optionally a space in the middle may be left uncovered. This provides interesting options. For example, people who have entered fabric structure 100 may choose to stand in the light in the center without having to leave the fabric structure.

Another option is to place an arrangement of plants in the middle. In this way the plants will be able to profit from direct sun light for example. Because the invented fabric structure has no physical obstructions under the covered area, all kinds of elements, people are free to be moved or to move around.

The sheets may be made of opaque or (semi) transparent or (semi) translucent material, such as a woven textile. By applying the invented fabric structure multiple, variations and configurations are possible which provide a stable, self-supporting cover with the least possible obstructions in a maximum coverage area. The covering may be provided to prevent objects or people getting wet when it is raining or to provide maximum shading on a hot day.

The fabric structure is easy to set up with a limited amount of people. Normally two persons would be capable to build the structure. Even one person is able to build the structure. First poles 104a,b,...n of anchor devices are set up and secured, e.g. by cables 1 14a,b...n. Poles 104a,b,...n may be stuck in the ground a bit to temporary secure them or a wall may be used as an anchor device. Then sheets 103a,b,...n are attached to poles 104a,b,...n optionally using attachment means 105a,b,...n. A following step comprises that columns 101 a,b,...n are attached to web segments 105a,b,...n. The sheets 103a,b,...n may then be positioned and columns 101 a,b,...n may be placed through holes in the sheets 103a,b,...n. Next step is to pull the ends of the sheets away from the columns 101 a,b,...n. The columns 101 a,b,...n allow top sheets and a lower sheets to move towards each other to a certain point which keeps top- and lower sheet apart at a set distance. Then the top and lower sheets, while being tensioned, clamp the columns and the anchor is secured.

FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of a segment of an embodiment of the invented fabric structure 100, wherein a sheet 103a is attached to anchor devices 105a,b,c. A column 101 a is placed on top of sheet 103a and held in place by web segments 102c, d,e. Web segments 102c, d,e are directly or indirectly put under tension by anchor means. Column 101 a presses sheet 103a down under the influence of tension exerted on the web segments 102c,d,e. Instead of web segments 102c,d,e, a second sheet above sheet 103a may cover column 101 a and accordingly exert a compressing tension on column 101 a together with sheet 103a. Anchor devices 104a, b may be attached to sheet 103a by means of attachment means 105a,c respectively. Another attachment means such as 105b may be arranged for attaching web segments 102a,b.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.