U.S. patent application number 11/661176 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for pavilion.
Invention is credited to Willi Glaeser.
Application Number | 20070295380 11/661176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33560509 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070295380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glaeser; Willi |
December 27, 2007 |
Pavilion
Abstract
The invention relates to a pavilion, particularly for protection
from the sun, light, wind and rain and for providing privacy. In
contrast to conventional awnings or beach tents, the size and
inclination of the transportable pavilion can be altered. To this
end, a dome-like roof element is mounted in an articulated
arrangement situated on both sides of the roof element in such a
manner that the tensioning braces that tension the roof element are
accommodated in accommodating shafts, which are mounted in a manner
that enable them to rotate individually, thereby enabling the
inclination of the roof element to be altered relative to the
surface upon which the pavilion is placed. By moving the tensioning
braces relative to one another, the tensioning angle and thus the
size of the roof element can be altered.
Inventors: |
Glaeser; Willi; (Baden,
CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM COLLARD;COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
33560509 |
Appl. No.: |
11/661176 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
November 15, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB04/03753 |
371 Date: |
February 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/133 ;
135/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/133 ;
135/123 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/38 20060101
E04H015/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 26, 2004 |
DE |
20 2004 013 465.9 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. Pavilion, particularly for use as sun protection, light
protection, privacy protection, wind protection, and rain
protection, in which a planar tarp-like roof element (1) is spread
open by means of a tensioning support mechanism having tensioning
braces (8), in such a manner that at least a part of the tensioning
braces is connected with two articulated arrangements (4, 4'), in
each instance, which are disposed on both sides of this roof
element (1), and whereby the incline angle of the roof element (1)
is adjustable by means of the articulated arrangement (4, 4'),
relative to a set-up surface (2) of the pavilion, as a whole, in
that each tensioning brace (8) is individually mounted to rotate in
the articulated arrangement (4, 4'), in such a manner that each
tensioning brace is able to rotate individually, and in this way,
the distance of the tensioning braces (8) that hold up the roof
element (1), relative to one another, can be changed, whereby the
articulated arrangements (4, 4') disposed on both sides of the roof
element (1) are connected with the foot elements (3, 3') that face
the set-up surface of the pavilion, in each instance, preferably in
one piece, wherein the pavilion can be broken down and transported
in that the tensioning braces (8) can be released from the
articulated arrangements (4, 4') and the tarp-like roof element
(1), and the one-piece or multi-piece tensioning braces are only
arced to form the dome-shaped roof element (1) when they are
connected with the articulated arrangements (4, 4'), as
intended.
19. Pavilion according to claim 18, wherein the articulated
arrangement (4, 4') has an axle of rotation onto which a number of
accommodation elements corresponding to the number of tensioning
braces (8) is set, whereby the accommodation elements each comprise
a bearing eye and an accommodation shaft (10), and these bearing
eyes sit on the axle of rotation of the articulated arrangement (4,
4') so as to rotate, in each instance, and each bearing eye makes a
transition into the accommodation shaft (10) for accommodating a
tensioning brace segment of the tensioning braces (8), in each
instance.
20. Pavilion according to claim 19, wherein the rotational mobility
of the bearing eyes accommodated on the axle of rotation of the
articulated arrangement (4, 4') can be inhibited and/or locked by
means of corresponding clamping and/or gearing.
21. Pavilion according to claim 20, wherein the foot elements (3,
3') are provided with insertion shafts (17, 17') for foot braces
(11, 11'), preferably ones that project laterally, on the side that
faces the set-up surface (2).
22. Pavilion according to claim 21, wherein the foot elements (3,
3') are equipped with an articulation for folding down the foot
braces (11, 11') that are connected with the foot elements (3, 3')
in fixed or releasable manner, on the side facing the set-up
surface, in each instance.
23. Pavilion according to claim 21, wherein the foot braces (11)
can be anchored in the set-up surface (2), preferably by means of
conventional stakes.
24. Pavilion according to claim 23, wherein the foot braces (11)
are additionally secured additionally with weight elements, whereby
for this purpose, the foot braces (11, 11') can preferably be
connected with a corresponding sandbag element, by way of a
corresponding insertion tab, in each instance.
25. Pavilion according to 22, wherein the articulated arrangements
(4, 4') and/or the foot braces (11, 11') connected with these
articulated arrangements (4, 4') have at least one, preferably two
spacer strips (18, 18') assigned to them, the length of which marks
the preferred set-up distance between the foot elements (3,
3').
26. Pavilion according to claim 18, wherein the roof element (1)
has at least two, preferably four tensioning braces (8) assigned to
it, whereby the roof element (1) is connected with the tensioning
braces (8) in that the tensioning braces (8) are pushed into an
accommodation seam (7), preferably a continuous one, and/or one or
more accommodation tabs, in each instance, which are disposed lying
on the outside, in each instance, preferably on the side of the
roof element (1) that faces away from the set-up surface (2).
27. Pavilion according to claim 26, wherein the accommodation loops
and/or seams (7) are configured in such a manner that the
tensioning braces (8) engage over the roof element (1) in the
manner of an outside ribbing, whereby the tensioning braces (8) are
disposed at a distance from the roof surface essentially formed by
the tarp-like roof element (1).
28. Pavilion according to claim 26, wherein the roof element (1)
extends between a first and a last tensioning brace (8), whereby
the first tensioning brace (8) is accommodated in a first
tensioning seam (12), and the last tensioning brace (8) is
accommodated in a last tensioning seam, and at least one tensioning
eye (14) for attaching a tie-down rope (15) is assigned both to the
first and to the last tensioning seam, in each instance, in order
for this tie-down rope (15) can be connected with the foot element
(3) that lies closest, in each instance, for purposes of additional
set-up security.
29. Pavilion according to claim 26, wherein the tensioning braces,
(8) can be put together from releasable tensioning brace segments,
preferably made of plastic or fiberglass, in each instance, whereby
the tensioning brace segments that supplement one another to form a
tensioning brace (8) are connected with one another, so as not to
come loose, by means of a flexible tensioning cord that lies on the
inside.
30. Pavilion according to claim 26, wherein an attachment element
for attaching a tensioning rubber band (20) is assigned to each
accommodation loop and/or seam (7, 12) of each tensioning brace
(8), in the region of the insertion opening into the accommodation
loop and/or seam, whereby this tensioning rubber band can be hooked
into a hook (21) attached to the accommodation element of the
rotational articulated arrangement, so that the accommodation loops
and/or seams (7, 12), with the inserted tensioning braces (8), are
tensioned at least approximately tightly over the entire length of
the tensioning braces (8), when the pavilion is set up as
intended.
31. Pavilion according to claim 28, wherein the tie-down ropes (15)
are connected with the laterally projecting foot braces (11) so as
not to come loose, whereby the foot braces (11, 11') are preferably
configured as pipe elements and these tie-down ropes (15) are
guided within the foot braces (11) as an internal cord, and the
foot brace (11, 11') have an attachment device, preferably a
clamping device for the tie-down rope (15), in each instance.
32. Pavilion according to claim 31, wherein the pavilion is secured
by means of additional tie-down ropes (16), which are firmly
connected with the set-up surface by means of additional attachment
devices.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a pavilion, particularly for use as
sun protection, light protection, privacy protection, wind
protection, and rain protection.
[0002] In recent years, a great number of alternative sun
protection concepts have become known in addition to the
conventional sun umbrellas known up to now, within the framework of
an increasingly spreading leisure industry and an increasing
relocation of leisure activities and social life into the
outdoors.
[0003] For one thing, sun sail designs should be mentioned, in
which a tarp-like sailcloth element is connected with a set-up of
connecting rods, whereby these connecting rods can be secured on
the set-up surface, if necessary, for example by means of stakes,
and furthermore, the sailcloth can be spread out by means of an
appropriate tensioning device, if necessary.
[0004] Furthermore, so-called "beach shells" have become known,
which are small tent designs in a shell shape, which particularly
serve to provide the user with sun protection that can be set up
quickly and is portable. The so-called sun shells consist, in most
cases, of a floor tarp having a roof element like half a dome,
whereby the roof element can be set up in that a set of fiberglass
connecting rods is pushed into accommodation seams or tabs that lie
on the outside, whereby an accommodation opening is assigned to
each seam end, in such a manner that the fiberglass connecting rods
can be inserted into the accommodation openings assigned to the
accommodation seams, in each instance, in such a manner that when
this is done, the fiberglass connecting rod forms a round arc, in
each instance, which holds up the half-dome. The half-dome set up
in this manner can then be connected with the set-up surface, in
each instance, by means of conventional stakes or other suitable
attachment devices and tensioning ropes. The main advantage of this
device lies in its portability and its low weight, so that sun
protection can quickly be set up on location, at an artificial lake
or a pool, which protection is often important, or even absolutely
necessary, particularly also for small children, if there is strong
sunshine.
[0005] However, it is a disadvantage that the previously known
beach shells can only be adapted to the changing position of the
sun in that they are moved, as a whole. Furthermore, the previously
known sun shells are at most suitable as partial sun protection,
because of their small dimensions.
[0006] Proceeding from this state of the art, the invention is
based on the task of creating an improved patent that can be used
simultaneously as protection against sun, light, and rain, and for
providing privacy, and is easily adjustable as a function of the
weather conditions, in each instance, but nevertheless remains
mobile and portable.
[0007] This task is accomplished by means of a pavilion in
accordance with the main claim. Advantageous embodiments can be
derived from the dependent claims 2 to 15.
[0008] According to the main claim, the invention consists in the
fact that a pavilion, consisting of a roof element that is spread
out by means of a tensioning support mechanism is adjustable in its
incline in that at least some of the tensioning braces of the
tensioning mechanism are connected with articulated arrangements,
in each instance, which are disposed on both sides of the roof
element mentioned above. The articulated arrangements disposed on
both sides of the roof element make it possible for the roof
element to be adjustable relative to the set-up surface of the
pavilion, as a whole. By means of the adjustment of the incline
angle, it is possible to easily react to a different position of
the sun, for example, or to change the function from sun protection
to privacy protection or wind protection.
[0009] According to claim 2, the tensioning braces of the
tensioning support mechanism are individually connected with the
aforementioned articulated connections, so as to rotate. This has
the advantage that the tensioning braces are also able to rotate
relative to one another, so that not only can the roof element as a
whole be adjusted in its incline angle, but also it is additionally
adjustable, by means of the relative movements of the tensioning
braces, to what extent the roof element is fanned out, i.e.
stretched out. The roof element is therefore not only adjustable in
terms of its incline, but also in terms of its size. This
additional adjustment possibility makes it possible to utilize or
use the pavilion for the most varied purposes, without thereby
making complicated set-up and disassembly work necessary, in each
instance.
[0010] In concrete terms, this is made possible in that, according
to the main claim, each tensioning brace is inserted into a
separate accommodation element of the articulated arrangement,
whereby the accommodation elements are set onto a common axle of
rotation of the articulated arrangement, by means of a bearing
ring, whereby the tensioning braces are simply inserted into
corresponding accommodation shafts of the accommodation
elements.
[0011] In order to lock the pavilion in its incline and expanded
size, in each instance, it has proven to be advantageous if the
rotational mobility of the accommodation elements accommodated on a
common axle of rotation can be inhibited and/or locked.
[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the articulated arrangements
disposed on both sides of the roof element can be connected with
the foot elements of the pavilion, preferably in one piece.
[0013] In order to achieve the most stable set-up possible, it is
practical if the foot elements can be provided with foot braces
that project out laterally, whereby this is achieved, in simple
manner, in that the corresponding foot braces can be inserted into
corresponding insertion shafts of the articulated arrangements
disposed on both sides. On the basis of the design explained above,
the set-up surface of the pavilion is increased in size, as a
whole.
[0014] A further contribution to increasing the stability of the
set-up of the design is made by anchoring of the foot braces by
means of conventional stakes or other attachment devices,
particularly those known from the camping sector.
[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the stability can be
further improved in that the foot braces are additionally secured
with additional weight elements. For this purpose, the foot braces
can be inserted into corresponding insertion tabs of special
sandbag elements, for example, so that the sandbag elements are
firmly connected with the foot braces. The additional securing
explained above can be practical, in particular, because after all,
significant wind loads have to be handled, in some instances,
depending on the size of the roof element.
[0016] In connection with the pavilion according to the invention,
it has proven itself if the articulated arrangements, i.e. the foot
braces connected with these articulated arrangements, have spacer
strips assigned to them. These spacer strips serve as a set-up aid
for the pavilion. If the articulated arrangements are set up spaced
apart from one another, in such a manner that the spacer strips are
tensioned, it is assured that the articulated arrangements stand at
their proper set-up distance, as intended. Subsequently, the
tensioning braces already connected with the roof element can be
inserted into the accommodation shafts that are connected with the
articulated arrangements, in each instance, and thereby the
pavilion can be completely set up, to a great extent.
[0017] The connection between tensioning braces and roof element is
brought about, according to claim 10, in simple manner, in that the
tensioning braces are pushed into accommodation seams and/or
accommodation tabs of the roof element, which preferably lie on the
outside. For the case that more than two tensioning braces are
involved, the tensioning braces form an outside ribbing for the
roof element, if they are set up as intended, whereby the advantage
of the accommodation seams or accommodation tabs, respectively, are
dimensioned in such a manner that the outside ribbing are disposed
at a distance from the actual roof surface. Because the outside
ribbing is disposed at a distance from the roof element, it is
avoided that direct contact points exist between the outside
ribbings and the actual roof element. Such contact points represent
potential penetration points for any rainwater, so that the spacing
between the roof ribbing and the roof element represents a
contribution for improving the rain protection imparted by the
pavilion.
[0018] Furthermore, the durability of the pavilion is significantly
increased by the fact that possible friction points outside ribbing
and roof element are disposed spaced apart from the actual roof
surface. Possible damage to the accommodation seam or the
accommodation tab remains without any influence on the sealed
condition of the roof element.
[0019] With regard to the outside ribbing formed by the support
mechanism of the tensioning braces, a differentiation can be made
between a first and a last outside rib and therefore also a first
and a last tensioning loop, in which the tensioning braces that
form the first and the last outside rib, in each instance, are
accommodated. An eye element is assigned to these tensioning loops,
in each instance, through which the tie-down rope runs, whereby the
tie-down rope in turn can be connected with the foot element that
lies the closest.
[0020] By means of the aforementioned tie-down ropes, the pavilion
is additionally secured in its incline angle, in each instance, by
means of the bracing that is brought about, in addition to locking
of the tensioning braces in the articulated arrangement. In order
to facilitate the ease of disassembly and the transport of the
pavilion according to the invention, it has proven itself if the
tensioning braces are not made in one piece, but rather can be put
together from several tensioning brace segments. In this
connection, it has proven itself to be advantageous if the
tensioning brace segments to be connected with one another for the
purpose of set-up are connected by means of a tensioning cord that
lies on the inside. The tensioning cord is dimensioned in such a
manner that the tensioning brace segments can be released from one
another, can be transported lying parallel next to one another, and
are connected with one another so as not to come loose, by way of
an internal, resilient tensioning cord. Because of the spring
effect of the tensioning cord, the latter supports insertion of the
tensioning brace segments into one another.
[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the accommodation
loops, i.e. the accommodation seam, which the tensioning braces are
inserted for a connection with the tarp-like roof element, are
provided with tensioning rubber bands, in each instance, whereby
these tensioning rubber bands can be connected with the articulated
arrangements disposed on both sides of the roof element. In this
way, it is assured that the accommodation loops and/or seams are
properly tensioned when set up as intended, and for one thing,
unattractive bulge formations in the region of the accommodation
seams or tabs are avoided, and furthermore, hooking of the ends of
the tensioning braces inside the accommodation loops and/or seams
is avoided, to a great extent.
[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the tie-down ropes already
mentioned above are firmly connected with the foot braces, with
those of the accommodation loops that can be connected with the
foot braces, in which they are guided as an internal cord, for
example. In addition, a clamping or securing device for the
tie-down ropes can be assigned to the foot braces, in each
instance. This first of all has the advantage that the tie-down
ropes can easily be secured with the articulated arrangement, i.e.
with the foot braces, after the incline angle has been adjusted as
desired. Furthermore, the tie-down ropes do not have to be carried
along separately, in complicated manner, and subsequently connected
with the pavilion, but rather are already present at the correct
location and pre-assembled, by way of pre-assembly on the foot
elements.
[0023] In the following, the pavilion according to the invention
will be described in greater detail using an exemplary embodiment
shown only schematically in the drawing.
[0024] The figures show:
[0025] FIG. 1 a pavilion in a front view,
[0026] FIG. 2 the pavilion shown in FIG. 1 in a side view,
[0027] FIG. 3 the pavilion shown in FIG. 1 and 2 in a perspective
view,
[0028] FIG. 4 a detail view of an articulation arrangement of the
pavilion, and
[0029] FIG. 5 another detail view of the articulation arrangement
of the pavilion.
[0030] According to the representation in FIG. 1, the pavilion of
the exemplary embodiment essentially consists of a roof element 1
that covers a set-up surface 2 in the manner of a dome. The roof
element 1 is set up on the set-up surface with foot elements 3, 3'
on both sides, which are connected with an articulation arrangement
4, 4'. The roof element 1 consists essentially of a roof tarp 5,
which is held spread out by an outside ribbing. The outside ribbing
consists essentially of accommodation seams 7 that lie on the
outside, which are inserted into the tensioning braces 8 made of
fiberglass In this connection, the tensioning braces 8 as such are
composed of several tensioning brace segments that have been
inserted into one another; this cannot be seen in FIG. 1.
[0031] According to the side view in FIG. 2, the tensioning braces
8 are inserted into accommodation shafts 10 of the articulated
arrangement 4, in each instance, in order to spread the tarp-like
roof surface 5 out. The accommodation shafts 10 are an integral
part of accommodation elements for the tensioning braces 8, which
essentially consist of the accommodation shaft 10 and a bearing
eye, which are set onto a common axle of rotation of the
articulated arrangement 4, in each instance. The bearing eyes are
mounted to rotate relative to one another in the articulated
arrangement 4, so that the tensioning braces 8 can be moved
relative to one another, and therefore the spread angle of the roof
element 1 can be varied. If one leaves the distance between the
tensioning braces 8 unchanged, the incline angle of the roof
element 1 as a whole can be changed by means of moving the
tensioning braces 8 as a whole in the articulated arrangement
4.
[0032] As is also evident from FIG. 2, foot braces 11, 11' that
project laterally are inserted into corresponding insertion shafts
15, 15' articulation arrangements 4, 4'. Thus the set-up surface of
the pavilion as a whole is increased in size.
[0033] According to the perspective view in FIG. 4, the pavilion is
secured, in a preferred embodiment, by means of four tensioning
braces 8, which are individually inserted into corresponding
accommodation shafts 10 of the articulated arrangement 4, 4'. The
first and last accommodation seam for the tensioning braces 8, in
each instance, is referred to as a so-called "tensioning seam" 12.
This designation comes from the fact that this tensioning seam 12
is additionally provided with tensioning eyes 14 for attaching
tie-down ropes 15. The tie-down ropes can be connected with the
set-up surface in conventional manner, using stakes.
[0034] Set-up of the pavilion can take place in simple manner, in
that first the articulated arrangements 4, 4' are set up on the
set-up surface 2. Finally, the articulated arrangements can be
connected with the foot braces 11, 11' that project laterally, as
can also be seen in FIG. 4, for example. For this purpose, the foot
braces 11, 11' are pushed into corresponding insertion shafts 15,
15' of the articulated arrangement 4 or 4', respectively.
[0035] Set-up of the pavilion as a whole is facilitated due to the
fact that the foot braces 11, 11' have spacer strips 18, 18'
assigned to them, as shown in FIG. 4, which pre-determine the
intended space between the articulated arrangements 4, 4', i.e. the
foot elements 3, 3'. The articulated arrangements 4, 4' can
therefore be set up at a correct distance from one another simply
by stretching out the spacer strips 18, 18' connected with the foot
elements 3, 3'. Subsequently or before, the tensioning braces 8 are
each inserted into an accommodation seam 7 or into a tensioning
seam 12 of the roof element 1, and thus an outside ribbing for the
roof element 1 is created, whereby the roof element 1 is connected
with the articulated arrangements 4, 4' disposed on both sides of
the roof element in that the tensioning braces 8 are subsequently
inserted into their accommodation shafts 10, in each instance, and
by doing so the fiberglass connecting rods of the tensioning braces
8 are arced, so that the roof element 1 is forced into a dome
shape.
[0036] According to the representation in FIG. 4, a tensioning
rubber band 20 are disposed in the region of the introduction
opening of the accommodation seams, tensioning seams 7, 13, in each
instance, for accommodating the outside ribbing of the tensioning
and accommodation seams 7, 13, i.e. the roof element 1, which
rubber band can be connected with a hook element 21 of the
accommodation shaft 10, in each instance. As soon as the tensioning
rubber bands 20 have been connected with the hook elements 21, it
is assured that the tensioning seams or accommodation seams,
respectively, are tensioned over the entire width of the roof
element 1, so that an unattractive bulge formation in the region of
the roof element 1 is avoided.
[0037] In the detail view according to FIG. 5, the articulated
arrangement 4 with the inserted foot elements 11, 11' can be seen
once again. Furthermore, it is shown how the tensioning braces 8
can be inserted into their accommodation element, in each instance,
i.e. into the accommodation shaft 10, in each instance, which is
assigned to the tensioning brace 8, in each instance. Above, the
set-up of a pavilion has therefore been described, which can easily
be carried along in a bag, completely broken down. For this
purpose, the tensioning braces 8 can be broken down into individual
tensioning brace segments, and the articulated arrangements 4, 4'
can be disassembled from the foot braces 11, 11', and the tarp of
the roof element 1 can be carried along folded up or rolled up. The
pavilion can then simply be set up in that the articulated
arrangements 4, 4' are connected with the foot braces 11, 11', set
up at the intended distance from one another, and the roof element
1, spread out by means of the tensioning braces 8, is connected
with the articulated arrangement. Various tie-down devices can be
used for additional securing. Furthermore, the foot brace elements
can be additionally secured with weight elements, such as special
sandbags.
[0038] The advantage of the pavilion according to the invention
consists in the fact that a large-area sun protection, light
protection, or rain protection and wind protection, respectively,
is created with the pavilion, which can be easily adjusted in its
incline, by means of the articulated arrangements 4, without any
disassembly or relocation of the pavilion being required for this
purpose. Furthermore, the size of the sun protection can also be
adapted to the individual wishes of the user, in simple manner, by
means of the relative mobility of the tensioning braces relative to
one another. The pavilion according to the invention combines the
design and the appearance of a parachute with the design of a
concert shell or beach shell, to create a novel, high-quality
design object for the outdoor sector.
REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST
[0039] 1 roof element [0040] 2 set-up surface [0041] 3, 3' foot
elements [0042] 4, 4' articulated arrangements [0043] 5 roof tarp
[0044] 7 accommodation seams [0045] 8 tensioning brace [0046] 10
accommodation shaft [0047] 11, 11' foot brace [0048] 12 tensioning
seam [0049] 14 tensioning eye [0050] 15 tie-down rope [0051] 16
additional tie-down rope [0052] 17, 17' insertion shaft [0053] 18,
18' spacer strip [0054] 20 tensioning rubber band [0055] 21
hook
* * * * *