EP1106750A1 - Collapsible shelter device and support therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The cover comprises a number of arched supports (2) extending between individual bearing points in pivot fittings in two spaced apart bearings (4). The supports are rotatably mounted inside these points and each bearing has one pivot fitting, all the rotation and pivot axes being essentially parallel. A canopy material (6) extends over the supports. An Independent claim is also included for the bearing device, in which the individual bearing points are preferably formed by bores provided in the pivot fitting.

Description

The invention relates to a collapsible covering device and in particular a cabriolet cover for swimming pools and a storage facility for such a covering device.

So far, fixed roofs or have been used to cover outdoor swimming pools Covering films which extend parallel to the water surface are known. Such covers have the disadvantage that they are difficult or not open completely or use the swimming pool under the cover, for example, is not possible in bad weather.

It is an object of the invention to be easy to use and fully openable To create cover device.

This task is accomplished by a collapsible cover device with the Features specified claim 1 and a storage device for such Covering device with the features specified in claim 10 solved. Preferred Embodiments result from the subclaims.

According to the invention, a collapsible covering device, in particular created for swimming pools which, when opened, have a dome or barrel-shaped cover. Because of the invention Construction, the individual supporting arches can be folded together in such a way that they come to lie parallel to each other. In this way, the covering device be fully opened and the collapsed cover comes to lie completely on the edge of a layer to be covered. When the cover device is opened, the individual supporting arches rotate in each case with respect to the pivot elements at their individual bearing points, while at the same time pivot the swivel elements around their respective pivot point.

The two pivot elements preferably pivot substantially parallel to each other. The individual supporting arches are preferably at individual bearing points, which are spaced from each other, on the pivot elements stored. However, several supporting arches can also be attached to one bearing point be stored so that groups of supporting arches at common bearing points are stored. When folding the cover device can the individual supporting arches are placed in such a way that they lie flat on the ground come. The tarpaulin that forms the actual cover folds together. The individual move when opened or closed Support arches apart and stretch the between or above them arranged tarpaulin to form a cover dome. This dome enables the Use of the space or the area under the dome, for example, a Swimming pool also used when the cover device is closed become. Furthermore, the dome can also be used to cover a parked area Vehicle or similar objects are used. At the same time good weather protection is achieved. Due to the dome shape of the cover water can easily drain on the outside and snow can easily slide off, so that snow loads are not a problem for the covering device. The cover device is easy to assemble, since only the two storage devices must be firmly anchored to the floor. Advantageously the outer support arches in the closed state of the cover releasably attached to the floor, so that the covering device is secure in this state kept closed and yet easy to open.

The pivot elements preferably extend in the closed state the covering device in its longitudinal direction parallel to one to be covered The plane and the bearing points are each in the longitudinal direction of the associated one Swivel element spaced apart. This means that if the The level to be covered is, for example, a horizontal surface, the swivel elements also extend horizontally in their longitudinal direction. Here are the bearing points of the individual arches in this horizontal direction from each other spaced. This allows that when opening the cover device when the arches on the swivel elements and the swivel elements around their Swivel pivot points, the individual supporting arches as closely and flatly as possible come to rest to save space when folding the cover to enable. In a preferred use, the one to be covered Level a horizontal surface, but it can also be oriented differently Surfaces are covered with the covering device according to the invention, wherein then the indicated orientations of the individual components accordingly change the orientation of the level to be covered.

The middle bearing points are more preferably in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pivot element further from a plane to be covered spaced as the outer bearing points. This means in the case of a horizontal one plane to be covered, that the middle bearing points in vertical Direction are highest. This ensures that with the same design of the individual arches, the middle arches are arranged higher are, so that the desired dome shape is generated, which slips easily for example snow on the outside. Furthermore, through this Arrangement of the bearing points the folding of the cover device further improved since the individual supporting arches are extremely tight when opened come to rest on each other.

Conveniently, the swivel elements are arched and the bearing points arranged in an arc. This means the swivel elements are for example, crescent-shaped, with the curved side arranged at the top is. The individual bearing points for the supporting arches are near the arcuate edge of the pivot element also arranged on an arc. This causes the middle bearing points when the pivot member extends parallel to a horizontal plane, higher in the vertical direction are arranged as the outer bearing points. In this way it becomes even Barrel or dome shape of the cover device with identical supporting arches achieved and at the same time a cheap folding of the cover enables.

The supporting arches are preferably bent tubes. That way they are Supporting arches can easily be produced in the desired shape, for example by rolling. The tubes are preferably made of aluminum or stainless steel. However the use of suitable plastics is also conceivable. Conveniently it should be a weatherproof material.

In addition, end pieces can preferably be made of plastic for storing the Supporting arches can be inserted into the tubes at their free ends. Here materials preferably used plastics, which have a low coefficient of friction have to the storage of the arches on the pivot elements to optimize and easy mobility of the arches on the To enable swivel elements. This will make it easy to unfold the cover device allows. Furthermore, by a suitable combination of materials between the swivel elements and the end pieces used wear in the bearings can be minimized. For example, there are Swivel elements made of metal, preferably aluminum or stainless steel, and the plastic end pieces. So the durability of the cover device ensured even with frequent opening and closing.

The supporting arches preferably run in a semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape. In this way, an ideal dome shape of the cover device is closed or not collapsed state reached. The shape of the arches depends in particular on the shape of the surface to be covered. Act the area to be covered is, for example, a circular one Swimming pool, the arches are ideally semicircular in shape because of this way it is possible that the supporting arches in the collapsed state the cover on one side of the pool to be concentric to this come. In the closed state, the covering device then essentially has the shape of a hemisphere. Is it the area to be covered? For example, around an oval swimming pool, the supporting arches ideally point a shape that corresponds to a half ellipse or parallel to The outer contour of the pool runs. However, there are other forms of the arches conceivable, which depends on the shape of the area to be covered and can address aesthetic considerations. For example, the supporting arches be arched, creating a kind of "Gothic arch". Also a substantially rectangular portal shape of the arch is conceivable, whereby then the covering device in the closed state is a semi-cylindrical or has barrel shape. The individual arches are preferred identically designed, which enables cost-effective production. It is for generating certain forms of the closed covering device however, it is also possible to use arches with different shapes and / or dimensions to use.

The tarpaulin preferably consists of a fabric or a film. In which The tarpaulin material is preferably a PE or PU material. Preferably the material should be UV resistant to be used outdoors have a sufficient shelf life. There is also a water intake undesirable due to the material to prevent freezing in winter. The use of a PVC material is also conceivable. If a film is used, this can be fabric or fiber reinforced for improved strength to achieve. Loops are expediently formed on the tarpaulin which the arches are passed through. These loops can turn into Form channels extend the entire length of the tarpaulin, however, it can only individual loops can be provided, which are spaced apart are arranged. Through these loops, the individual support tubes can be easily pushed through during assembly, which makes it extremely simple assembly is possible. Furthermore, it is also easily possible to cover the tarpaulin replace when worn. To insert the supporting arches, it is necessary that they can be easily pushed through the loops. For this Basically, a PVC material for tarpaulin is less cheap because PVC tends to to adhere to the support arches, which makes insertion difficult. The Loops can be sewn or welded to the tarpaulin as separate elements but can also be in the palm itself by darts or sewn or welded folds are formed in the form of darts. Further is it is possible additional reinforcement elements in the area of the supporting arches on the To provide tarpaulin on which the loops are then attached or formed are.

The central supporting arch preferably runs in a vertical plane. To this Wise, the cover device is easy to fold and large Stability achieved, for example, against snow loads. The fact that the middle arc is vertical or vertical, the covering device in the closed state a highest point, which is linear runs. There is no horizontal surface on the top, on which Can collect snow or water. In this way e.g. Snow from the slip dome-shaped cover so that no excessive Snow loads can occur and the entire construction for lower loads can be interpreted. For this reason, it is also preferred that the number of arches is odd, so there is always a medium elbow which defines the highest point of the closed covering device.

The storage device according to the invention for the covering device described above has at least one fastening element and one pivot element. The fastening element preferably consists of two fastening rails in the form of angle profiles that can be attached to the floor. On the fastener is preferably the pivot element on a bore e.g. rotatably supported by a screw. In this way, the pivot element can be rotated or pivoted relative to the fastener. The Swivel element additionally has a plurality of bearing points for rotatable Storage of supporting arches. The bearing points are preferably holes that are spaced from each other. Screws can be screwed into the holes or bolts are used to rotatably attach the arches so that these are pivotable relative to the swivel element. This storage facility thus enables a double or superimposed pivoting movement of the Support arches of a cover device around two different bearing points, namely once around the bearing point of the individual support arch on the swivel element and at the same time together with the swivel element around its pivot point the fastener.

Fig. 1

eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Abdeckvorrichtung im geschlossenen Zustand,

Fig. 2a und 2b

die Abdeckvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 im teilweise geöffneten Zustand,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht einer Lagereinrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht der Lagereinrichtung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 3 und

Fig. 6

die Lagereinrichtung gemäß Fig. 3 im aufgeklappten Zustand.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this shows:

Fig. 1

a preferred embodiment of the cover device in the closed state,

2a and 2b

1 in the partially open state,

Fig. 3

a side view of a storage device according to a preferred embodiment,

Fig. 4

3 shows a top view of the bearing device according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 5

a sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3 and

Fig. 6

3 in the opened state.

1 is a perspective view of the closed cover device shown. The cover device consists of several substantially semicircular extending supporting arches 2. The supporting arches 2 extend between two bearing devices 4 to which they are attached with their free ends. The Supporting arches 2 are in their closed state of the covering device in their middle Areas spaced apart from the free ends so that they form a hemispherical supporting structure. Above or between the supporting arches extends a covering material in the form of a tarpaulin 6. The tarpaulin 6 is on the Support arches 2 fastened such that the support arches 2 by loops which the tarpaulin 6 are formed, are passed through. In this way, the distance between the individual supporting arches 2 by the design of the tarpaulin 6 predetermined and the tarpaulin 6 is through the support arches 2 in the closed state stretched essentially smooth. The tarpaulin 6 consists of a suitable one weatherproof material such as PE, PU or PVC in the form of a Foil, a fabric or a fabric or fiber reinforced film.

2a and 2b show the covering device in a partially open state in two different views. The covering device serves in the shown Embodiment for covering a circular swimming pool 8. However, the covering device can also be used for various other purposes are used, for example, to cover motor vehicles or equipment. When using a translucent tarpaulin, for example Can be used as a "greenhouse". To open the cover device the arches 2 to one side of the area to be covered, here the Swimming pool 8, folded away. The supporting arches 2 have a course that is shaped according to the area to be covered. Here are the supporting arches 2 semicircular so that they are in the opened state of the cover concentric to the swimming pool on one side of this flat on come to rest on the floor. The support arches 2 are pivotable on the storage facilities 4 attached so that the entire cover with the tarpaulin 6 can be folded away. The supporting arches are expediently 2 in Form of bent tubes attached to the inside of the tarpaulin 6. To do this on the tarpaulin 6 corresponding loops are formed through which the supporting arches 2 can be pushed through. These loops 6 can by appropriate Folding and sewing or welding are formed, leaving channels are present in the form of darts, through which the supporting arches 2 are pushed can be. However, loops can also be used as separate elements, which do not necessarily extend over the entire length of the tarpaulin 6 must be attached to the tarpaulin. This can vary depending on the material by sewing, welding, gluing or other suitable joining methods respectively. It can also have a web-like reinforcement over the entire course of the supporting arch 2 may be provided on the tarpaulin, on which preferably also appropriate fastening devices or loops for fastening the Supporting arches 2 are formed. Such reinforcement devices can also serve to connect tarpaulin segments when tarpaulin 6 is not is made from one piece, but composed of individual segments is. In this case, the individual segments of the tarpaulin 6, for example by gluing, sewing, welding or other suitable joining methods get connected. In the area of the outermost or lowermost support tube 2a a retaining band 10 is attached approximately in the region of the center of the support tube 2a. With this tether 10, the cover can be partially closed Condition are kept so that, for example, the swimming pool 8 under the closed cover can be used. It also serves Retaining strap 10 for easy closing of the cover, since only the tether 10 must be pulled to the individual arches 2 with the Fold the tarpaulin 6 up and pull it over the swimming pool 8. Finally the tether 10 can also be used in the fully closed state to attach the bottom support tube 2a to the floor, for example on a hook, so that the cover device does not open automatically due to gusts of wind can.

3 to 6, the more precise design of the storage facilities 4 described in more detail. Since the two storage facilities 4 in the preferred Embodiment are identical, here only one of the storage facilities 4 described. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the storage device 4. The bearing device 4 consists of a swivel element 12 in the form a plate, which is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant metal such as for example, stainless steel or aluminum. The swivel element 12 is by means of a screw or a bolt 14 on fastening rails 16 pivotally attached. As can be seen in the section in Fig. 5, the Fastening rails 16 are formed as two angle profiles. The mounting rails 16 have holes 17 (see FIG. 4) around the fastening rails 16 by means of screws on a plane to which the cover device is attached to be attached. The angle profiles 16 are arranged such that two their long sides 16a face each other and are spaced apart in this way are that the pivot member 12 are arranged between them can. The pivot element 12 is rotatable on the two by means of the screw 14 Mounting rails 16 attached. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the Fastening rails 16 and correspondingly also the swivel element 12 at the end opposite the screw 14, a bore 18 into which if necessary, a screw can be used. So during assembly be determined very easily in which direction the covering device is folded or can be folded. Depending on which side the cover device can be folded, a screw on the corresponding Side in the holes in the pivot member 12 and the mounting rails 16 are used. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 can pivot the pivot member 12 to the left. Now the Screw 14 removed and inserted into the bore 18, the pivot element 12 swivel to the right. The pivot element 12 is on its top arched or crescent-shaped. Along the upper arch The supporting arches 2 are circumferential by means of screws 20 along the individual The circumferentially spaced bearing points are rotatably supported. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can be seen, the supporting arches 2 are formed by tubes. The Pipes 2 are slotted at their ends so that the pivoting element 12 in the Pipes can engage, so that the end regions of the support arches 2 the pivot element 12 rotatably around the individual bearing points. As in Fig. 5 too is recognizable, a plastic element 22 is inserted in the end region of the supporting arch 2. The plastic element 22 can be clamped, glued into the tube or secured by other means such as additional bolts 24. The plastic element 22 serves to reinforce the end region of the support arch 2 and for better storage of the support sheet 2 on the pivot element 12. Das Swivel element 12, like the fastening rails 16, is preferably made of made of stainless steel or aluminum. In combination with the plastic element 22 can be a good storage of the arches 2 on the pivot element 12 can be achieved because the friction and wear can be reduced. The swivel element 12 thus does not come directly into the tubes of the supporting arches 2 Contact only with the plastic element 22. Instead of the plastic element 22, a component made of a different material can also be used , it should only have the best possible sliding properties between the Swivel element 12 and the end regions of the supporting arches 2 can be achieved. The Supporting arches 2 can also be provided with a core beyond the end region to increase stability. Except for the crescent shape shown in FIG. 3 or arc shape of the pivot member 12 are other shapes of this element possible. In particular, a triangular shape can also be used become. It is preferred that the central supporting arches 2 are arranged higher are as the outer arches. This way the same will be the case Formation of the supporting arches 2 ensures that there is a highest point of the covering device in the middle, so that water can drain off and for example, no snow can deposit on the cover.

Fig. 6 shows the state of the bearing device 4 when the covering device is folded becomes. To fold the supporting arches 2 to one side folded away, being around the screws 20 on the pivot member 12 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 to the left, by arrow A indicated). At the same time, the swivel element 12 rotates around the screw 14 also to the left (indicated by arrow B). In this way it becomes possible that the individual support arches 2 parallel to each other and parallel to those on the ground attached mounting rails 16 come to lie on each other. To this In this way, the covering device can be folded away very easily to one side are, the tarpaulin 6 stretched between the supporting arches 2 folds. The area covered by the covering device becomes complete released and the covering device comes completely at one Edge of the covered area. 6 also clearly shows that the direction of folding changes very easily depending on the application can be by the pivot member 12 and the mounting rail 16 are connected to each other at the holes 18 instead of through the Screw 14. In this case, the pivot element 12 and the supporting arches 2 can be folded away to the right.

The assembly of the cover device according to the invention is very simple because the Supporting arches 2 can be attached to the tarpaulin 6 by means of loops and then can be attached to the pivot member 12. The mounting rails 16 are simply placed at the desired location on the floor Anchored screws over the extinguisher 17. Then the pivot element 12 attached to the fastening rails 16 by means of a bolt or a screw, where, as explained above, you can choose in which direction the Cover device should be foldable.

The cover device described above is designed so that it easily from Can be folded or folded away by hand. However, it is additional an electric drive is also conceivable. This could, for example, on a Axis of rotation at the location of the screw 14 are attached. It is also a Linear drive, e.g. a spindle drive between the pivot element 12 and the Mounting rail 16 conceivable. Such could be because of the more favorable leverage ratio are preferably arranged between the bores 18.

Reference list

2nd

Supporting arch

2a

lowest supporting arch

4th

Storage facility

6

Plans

8th

Swimming pool

10th

Tether

12th

Swivel element

14

screw

16

Mounting rail

16a

Long side

17th

hole

18th

drilling

20th

screw

22

Plastic element

24th

bolt

FROM

Direction of rotation

Claims (10)

Collapsible cover device, in particular for swimming pools (8), with two bearing devices (4) arranged at a distance from one another, wherein the bearing devices (4) each have a swivel element (12), the pivoting elements (12) can each be pivoted about a pivot point (14), a plurality of supporting arches (2) extend between the bearing devices (4), the ends of which are rotatably mounted on each of the swivel elements (12) at individual bearing points (20), the axes of rotation of the support arches (2) at the bearing points (20) and the pivot axes of the pivot elements (12) at the pivot points (14) are substantially parallel to one another, and a tarpaulin (6) is attached to the supporting arches (2) and extends between the supporting arches (2). A collapsible cover device according to claim 1, in which the swivel elements (12) in the closed state of the covering device extend in its longitudinal direction parallel to a plane to be covered and the bearing points (20) in the longitudinal direction of the associated Swivel element (12) are spaced apart. A collapsible cover device according to claim 2, wherein the middle bearing points in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the Swivel element (12) further spaced from a plane to be covered are as the outer bearing points. Collapsible covering device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the swivel elements (12) are arcuate are and the bearing points (20) are arranged in an arc. Collapsible covering device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supporting arches (2) are bent tubes. Collapsible cover device according to claim 4, in which end pieces (22) preferably made of plastic for supporting the supporting arches (2) are inserted into the tubes at their free ends. Collapsible covering device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supporting arches (2) semi-circular or semi-elliptical run. Collapsible covering device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tarpaulin (6) consists of a fabric or a film and preferably has loops through which the supporting arches (2) are passed through. Collapsible covering device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a central supporting arch (2) in a vertical plane runs. Storage device for a collapsible cover device with at least a fastener (16) and an attached thereto about a pivot point (14) pivotally arranged pivot element (12), the Swivel element a plurality of spaced apart bearing points (20) in particular in the form of bores on which support arches can be rotated are attachable.

Images