GB2527750A

GB2527750A - Support structures

Info

Publication number: GB2527750A
Application number: GB1411161.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carol Smith; Roger Scovell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-24
Filing date: 2014-06-24
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Also published as: GB201411161D0

Abstract

The support structure 10,40 has first and second frame members 12,14 and a pair of bow strings 16,18 hingedly connected to the frame members at a pair of first and second spaced apart points 20, wherein the bow strings overlap one another at a point between the first pair of spaced apart points. Two pairs of bow strings may be used. The frame members may be biased by the springs in a first configuration in which they are spaced apart, but can be moved to a second configuration in which they are closer together. A releasable retainer or hook catch 34 can hold the frame members in the second configuration. The frame members may comprise a loop, plate or a hoop of metal wire. The support structure may include foldable plates, frames or boards that are sprung and hingedly connected to form end walls 32 of the support structure.

Description

Title: Support structures

Description:

This invention relates to support structures) and in particular, to support structures that can be used to support flexible webs, such as the side walls of receptacles and the like.

Flexible webs provide a convenient barrier and/or retaining structure, but often need to be supported by a framework to adopt a useful shape. The use of a flexible web is often desirable where, for example, having a low-weight structure is an important consideration, where the ability to collapse or fold the structure into a small volume when not needed. Examples of instances where supported flexible web structures are used include receptacles (for example, bags and gabions), tents, pop-up signage, wind breaks, temporary partition walls, etc. Such structures may additionally comprise ballast to weight them down, say, when being used as windbreaks or safety barriers.

It is known to provide support for flexible webs using resiliently deformable struts that can be bent to adopt a compact shape, but which can spring back out to adopt a deployed shape. In one known example of such a structure, a pop-up tent, the tent walls are manufactured from a woven polymer web and the tent is held in an erected configuration by sprung hoops that are inserted in pockets of the web. The sprung hoops can be twisted to adopt a coiled configuration, thus collapsing the tent into a relatively small, flat, disc, which can be more easily transported and stored when the tent is not in use. A drawback of this type of arrangement is that there is a knack to collapsing the structure because it can be difficult to manipulate the hoops correctly, and in the correct order, where more than one hoop is involved, to cause them to coil-up to collapse the structure.

Other collapsible structures are known that overcome this problem, by, for example, providing straight pole sections that can be removably inserted in pockets of the web. Striking such a structure can be much simpler, but the poles then adopt a straight configuration, which can make them difficult to transport and/or store.

A further known collapsible structure uses hinged support poles, whether rigid or resiliently deformable, which allow the poles to be folded to collapse the structure when not in use. However, the hinges can be susceptible to wear and can introduce slack, thus loosening the rigidly of the erected structure. Hinges also potentially create pinch points for foreign objects and the web itself, and can be expensive to manufacture.

A need therefore exists for an improved and/or an alternative type of support structure which addresses one or more of the above problems, and/or which provides an alternative solution.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support structure comprising first and second relatively rigid frame members and a pair of bow springs hingedly connected thereto, the bow springs each being hingedly connected at a pair of first spaced-apart points to second pair of spaced-apart points of each of the relatively rigid frame members, and wherein the bow springs overlie one another at a point lying between the first pair of spaced-apart points.

In essence, therefore, the invention provides a first pair of relatively rigid frame members that are resiliently connected to one another by the bow springs. Thus, the relatively rigid frame members are biased, by the bow springs, to adopt a first, spaced-apart, configuration but are moveable, against the action of the bow springs, to a second configuration in which they are spaced closer together than in the first configuration.

Suitably, the second configuration sees the relatively rigid frame members in a proximal relationship, such as, a substantially side-by-side, or overlapping configuration.

Releasable retaining means is suitably provided for releasably retaining the relatively rigid frame members in the second configuration. By releasing the releasable retaining means, the relatively rigid frame members suitably spring apart, under the action of the bow springs, to the second configuration.

The releasable retaining means may comprise a hook, catch or latch cooperating between the relatively rigid frame members to retain them in the second configuration. The hook) catch or latch is suitably pivotally or hingedly connected to a first one of the relatively rigid frame members, and suitably comprises an engagement portion adapted for positive engagement with a second one of the relatively rigid frame members. By rotation or pivoting of the hook, latch or catch to disengage the hook from the engagement portion thereof, therefore, the relatively rigid frame members can be released from the second configuration.

In the second configuration, the bow springs may be substantially straight, whereas in the second configuration) the bow springs may be curved or bent.

A collapsible structure may comprise one or more of the support structures as described herein.

A second aspect of the invention provides support structure comprising first and second relatively rigid frame members and a two pairs of bow springs hingedly connected thereto, the bow springs each being hingedly connected at a pair of first spaced-apart points to a first and second, second pair of spaced-apart points of each of the relatively rigid frame members) and wherein the bow springs of each pair overlie one another at a point lying between the first pair of spaced-apart points.

Suitably, the relatively rigid frame members comprise a relatively rigid loop or plate with the respective pairs of bow springs being hingedly connected thereto at opposite sides thereof. The relatively rigid frame member or frame members suitably comprise a relatively rigid hoop, such as a hoop of metal wire or plastics.

A collapsible structure incorporating one or more support structures according to the invention may additionally comprise additional stabilisation means to constrain the relative movement of the relatively rigid frame members along a desired locus) for example, to constrain them to move parallel to one another, in a straight line) along an arcuate locus, and so on. The additional stabilisation means may comprise a triangulation member, or a foldable plate or board member hingedly or moveably affixed to one or more of the relatively rigid frame members.

The support structure of the invention is suitably useful as a collapsible support structure for a flexible web or flexible webs. For example, the support structure may be incorporated into a receptacle whose side walls, for example, are manufactured of a flexible web material.

Embodiments of the invention may comprise a receptacle, such as a bag, manufactured from a flexible web material, incorporating a collapsible support structure as described herein. The receptacle can be of any suitable or desired size, and so the receptacle could be used as a gabion, for example, or as part of a tent structure.

The hinged connections of the support structure may comprise pintle hinges or leaf hinges, for example, or they could be provided by a flexible web affixed to the support structure.

Preferred embodiments of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a collapsible support structure in accordance with the invention in an deployed configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the collapsible support structure of Figure 1 is a partially collapsed configuration; Figures 3,4, and 5 are a sequence showing the collapsing of a bag incorporating a collapsible support structure as shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 is a plan view of FigureS from above; Figures 7, 8 and 9 are a sequence showing a perspective view of the bag of Figures 3 to 6; Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a collapsible end wall for the bag of Figures 3 to 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a collapsible end wall for the bag of Figures 3 to 9;

S

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of a collapsible end wall for the bag of Figures 3 to 9; Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a collapsible end wall for the bag of Figures 3 to 9; Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a deployed receptacle in accordance with the invention; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 14 in a collapsed configuration.

In Figure 1, a support structure 10 comprises a first 12 and a second 14 relatively rigid frame member) and first 16 and second 18 bow springs. A first one of the bow springs 16 is hingedly connected 20 to a left side (as shown in the drawing) of the upper rigid frame member 12, and at its lower end, to a right side (as shown in the drawing) of the lower rigid frame member 14, also via a hinge 20. Similarly, a second one of the bow springs 18 is hingedly connected 20 to a right side (as shown in the drawing) of the upper rigid frame member 12, and at its lower end, to a left side (as shown in the drawing) of the lower rigid frame member 14, also via a hinge 20. The bow springs 16, 18 urge the rigid frame members 12, 14 apart, and the configuration of the support structure lOis as shown in Figure 1, i.e. with the upper 12 and lower 14 rigid frame members in a parallel, and spaced apart configuration when the bow springs 16, 18 are substantially straight.

However, as shown in Figure 2, the rigid frame members 12, 14 can be pushed towards one another, whereby the bow springs 16, 18 bend (out of the plane of Figure 2) whilst the connections between the support structure components 12, 14, 16, 18 are maintained by the hinges 20. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the support structure 10 can be collapsed or deployed by bending, or straightening, respectively, the bow springs 16, 18. As can be seen in Figure 2, without any additional constraints, the rigid frame members 12, 14, can move relative to one another along any locus. It can therefore be desirable to constrain this movement in some way.

In Figure 3, the support structure of Figures 1 and 2 has therefore been modified by the addition of a flexible web 22, which is connected to the support structure 10, to provide some triangulation. Specifically, in Figure 3, the flexible web 22 is connected, via reinforced pockets or eyelets 24, through which pins of the hinges 20 of the support structure 10 pass. Such a configuration ensures that the support structure 10 snaps to a deployed position in which corners 26 are right angles.

Additionally or alternatively, the flexible web 22 comprises integrally-formed pockets along its upper 28 and lower edges 30 for receiving the rigid support frame members 12, 14.

The support structure shown Figures 3, 4 and 5 additionally comprises a pair of hinged end walls 32, which are each manufactured of a pair of relatively rigid boards, for example, of card or plastics sheet, which are hingedly connected to one another across their lateral midlines.

The support structure 10 can be collapsed, as previously described, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5. by urging the upper 12 and lower 14 rigid frame members towards one another, whereupon the flexible web 22 becomes slack and collapses in on itself, and whereupon the end walls 32 fold in (as shown, or out) to allow the rigid frame members 12, 14 to so move. Eventually, as shown in Figure 5, the support structure 10 is completely collapsed and the upper 12 and lower 14 frame members overlie one another.

An additional modification to the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 compared with that of Figures 1 and 2, is the provision of a releasable catch 34 connected to the lower (in the illustrated example) rigid frame member 14, which is adapted to hook over and "catch" the upper frame member 12 when the support structure lOis collapsed. The bow springs 16, 18 urge the rigid frame members 12, 14 apart, thus positively engaging the free end of the catch 34 with the upper frame member 12, thus retaining the structure 10 in the collapsed configuration shown in Figure 5.

However, the catch 34 can be released, by user intervention, to allow the structure 10 to spring back to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 3, when desired.

Figure 6 is a plan elevation of the structure 10 shown in Figure 5. From Figure 6 it can be seen that the support structure 10 comprises a pair of rounded-rectangular metal hoops 12, 14 forming the upper, and lower rigid frame members, and that there are two pairs of bow springs 16, 18, one pair disposed on either long side of the metal hoops 12, 14. As can be seen in Figure 6, the bow springs 16, 18 bend outwardly such that the structure 10 forms a substantially flat) disc shape when collapsed. However, as can be seen in Figure 6b, the bow springs 16, 18 could equally bend inwardly without departing from the invention.

Figures 7 to 9 are a sequence showing the structure 10 of Figures 3 to 6 applied to a three- dimensional receptacle 40. The upper 12 and lower 14 rigid frame members are formed as rounded-rectangular hoops of metal, and the bow springs 16, 18 are manufactured from resiliently deformable polymer or composite rods.

In Figures 7 to 9, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. The receptacle 40 comprises a rigid base 42 manufactured from a board, which is connected around its periphery to the lower rigid frame member 14, also in the form of a correspondingly-shaped hoop of metal wire.

The receptacle additionally comprises side walls 44 and end walls 46 manufactured from a flexible web material to define a hollow interior volume 48. The top of the receptacle 40 is open to allow items (not shown) to be placed therein, or removed therefrom, as desired. Although not shown in the illustrated embodiments, the receptacle 40 may additionally comprise a closeable lid, for example, a flap or flaps that close-off the opening, and which may be retainable in situ) for example, using a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener) a clip, a catch etc. The end walls 46 are each fabricated from, or comprise, a pair of relatively rigid portions 50, 52 that are hingedly interconnected) for example by a fold-line. The upper and lower edges 54 of the end walls 46 and side walls 44 also comprise an integrally-formed pocket for receiving respective sections of the upper rigid support hoop 12. The bow springs 16, 18 are disposed within the hollow interior receiving volume 48 of the receptacle 40.

As can be seen in Figures Sand 9, the receptacle can be compressed flat by pushing down on the upper hoop 12. This causes the bow springs 16, 18 to flex outwardly pushing the side walls 44 out with them. This prevents the side walls 44 from collapsing into the interior 48 of the receptacle 40, thus inhibiting inadvertent jamming of the mechanism. At the same time, the end walls 46 collapse inwardly, as shown, by virtue of folding along the fold-line. Eventually, as shown in Figure 9, the upper hoop 12 overlies the lower hoop 14, and the two can be connected to one another by a pair of hook-catches 34 connected to the lower hoop 14.

The hook catches 34 comprise an upstanding portion and an inwardly bent-over hook portion that engages the upper hoop 12 when it is pressed down. The catches 34 can be released, in the illustrated example, by bending one or both of them outwardly, whereupon the receptacle springs back to the configuration shown in Figure 7. other types of catches 34 could equally be used, although it will be appreciated that the function of the catches 34 is to releasably retain the upper 12 and lower 14 rigid support members (hoops) together. Usefully) the catches 34 are arranged to that the hook portion faces inwardly. This means that when one of the catches 34 is released, the respective side of the receptacle 40 begins to spring upwardly, whilst the other catch 34 remains hooked to the opposite side of the upper hoop 12. This causes the upper hoop 12 to tilt relative to the lower hoop 14 thus urging the upper hoop out of engagement with the other catch 34. Such a configuration enables the receptacle to be deployed single-handedly, i.e. by releasing one of the catches 34, whereupon the deployment of the receptacle is capable of automatically disengaging the other catch 34, thus allowing the receptacle 40 to spring back of its own volition.

Meanwhile, the end walls 46 provide triangulation and guide the upper hoop 12 to move substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the lower hoop 14. Also, one deployed, the receptacle is relatively rigid because the crossed bow springs 16, 18 brace opposite corners of the side walls 44 into a substantially right-angled configuration, whereas the end walls 46 brace the ends of the receptacle into a substantially right-angled configuration. The interaction of the relatively rigid hoops 12, 14, the diagonal bow springs 16, 18 and the relatively rigid end walls 46 inhibits twisting or racking of the receptacle when deployed, thus facilitating access to the hollow interior volume 48 thereof.

Figures 10 to 13 of the drawings show various alternative configurations for the end walls 46 previously described.

In Figure 10, each end wall 46 is fabricated from a pair of c-shaped wire portions 50 that are hingedly connected to one another at their free ends 52 by hinges 54. The hinges 54 can optionally be spring-loaded to bias the end wall 46 to a substantially flat configuration, but which allow it to fold, along a notional fold line 56 to collapse inwardly, as shown in Figures 9 and 9 above, or outwardly) as desired. The wire-frame end wall 46 of Figure 10 is suitably used in conjunction with a flexible web over-layer forming the actual end wall of the receptacle 40.

In Figure 11, the end wall 46 is comprised of a pair of board portions 0, 2 that are hingedly connected to one another along a flexible join line 64. One of the board portions 62 extends beyond the join line 4 to form an overlapping projection 66. A bungee cord (or other suitable tension spring) 8 is provided, that connects to the boards 60, 62, and which overlies the free end 70 of the overlapping projection 6. As can be seen, the end wall 46 can be folded about the join line 64, whereupon the free end 70 of the projection 6 bears against the bungee cord 68 to bias the end wall back towards a substantially flat configuration, whereby the board portions 0, 2 are substantially parallel.

In Figure 12, a similar configuration for the end wall 46 to that shown in Figure 11 comprises a pair of overlapping board portions 60, 62. However, this time, the spring 68 is connected to a first one of the boards 60, and to the free end 70 of the overlapping projection 66. Again, the spring 68 acts to bias the end wall back towards a substantially flat configuration, whereby the board portions 60, 62 are substantially parallel.

In Figure 13, a yet further configuration of the end wall 4 is shown, in which the board portions 60, 62 are connected edge-to-edge, for example, by a taped joint 64. In this embodiment, a loop spring 72 is provided, whose free ends are connected to respective edges of the boards 0, 2.

The loop spring 72 biases the end wall 46 back towards a substantially flat configuration, whereby the board portions 60, 62 are substantially parallel.

Finally, Figures 14 and 15 show a tote bag 80 in accordance with the invention, which is substantially the same as the receptacle 40 described in relation to Figures 7 to 9. The tote bag 80 additionally comprises a pair of handles 82 that allow the bag 80 to be more easily carried by hand.

The tote bag 80 is manufactured from a woven polymer fabric material for durability and strength, the upper 12 and lower 14 hoop frame members are manufactured from steel wire, and the bow springs 16, 18 are manufactured from glass-or carbon fibre-reinforced polymer rods. The catches 34 are manufactured from injection moulded plastics, such as PE or PP, or they could be manufactured by alternative means, such as from formed wire, and can be released by a user manipulating them through an aperture, if desired, in the handles 82.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments, which are merely exemplary of the invention. In particular eh invention is not restricted to the details of the materials of construction or the dimensions (if any) and proportions where indicated or shown.

Specifically, the invention could be used in bags, such as re-usable shopping bags, or as gabions, rubble or other heavy duty containers, tent structures, pop-up signage and so on.

Claims

Claims: A support structure comprising first and second relatively rigid frame members and a pair of bow springs hingedly connected thereto, the bow springs each being hingedly connected at a pair of first spaced-apart points to second pair of spaced-apart points of each of the relatively rigid frame members, and wherein the bow springs overlie one another at a point lying between the first pair of spaced-apart points.
2. A support structure as claimed in claim 1, comprising first and second relatively rigid frame members and a two pairs of bow springs hingedly connected thereto, the bow springs each being hingedly connected at a pair of first spaced-apart points to a first and second, second pair of spaced-apart points of each of the relatively rigid frame members, and wherein the bow springs of each pair overlie one another at a point lying between the first pair of spaced-apart points.
3. A support structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the relatively rigid frame members are resiliently connected to one another by the bow springs, and wherein the frame members are biased, by the bow springs, to adopt a first, spaced-apart, configuration but are moveable, against the action of the bow springs, to a second configuration in which they are spaced closer together than in the first configuration.
4. A support structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second configuration is one in which the relatively rigid frame members are in any one or more of the group comprising: a proximal relationship; a substantially side-by-side configuration; and an overlapped configuration.
5. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising releasable retaining means for releasably retaining the relatively rigid frame members in a second configuration, the second configuration being any one or more of the group comprising: a proximal relationship; a substantially side-by-side configuration; and an overlapped configuration.
6. A support structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the releasable retaining means comprises a hook, catch or latch cooperating between the relatively rigid frame members.
7. A support structure as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the hook, catch or latch is pivotally or hingedly connected to a first one of the relatively rigid frame members) and comprises an engagement portion adapted for positive engagement with a second one of the relatively rigid frame members.
8. A support structure as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the releasable retaining means comprises a hook catch affixed to a first one of the relatively rigid frame members comprising an upstanding portion and an inwardly bent-over hook portion adapted, in use, to engage the second relatively rigid frame member.
9. A support structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hook portion comprises a chamfered upper edge adapted, in use) to slide over the second relatively rigid frame member thus splaying the upstanding portion laterally to enable the hook portion to pass the second relatively rigid frame member as it is pressed into engagement therewith.
10. A support structure as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, wherein when in the second configuration, the bow springs are substantially straight, but when in the second configuration, the bow springs are curved or bent.
11. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim) wherein the relatively rigid frame members comprise a relatively rigid loop or plate with the respective pairs of bow springs being hingedly connected thereto at opposite sides thereof.
12. A support structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the relatively rigid frame member or frame members suitably comprise a relatively rigid hoop of metal wire.
13. A support structure according to any preceding claim) further comprising additional stabilisation means to constrain the relative movement of the relatively rigid frame members along a desired locus.
14. A support structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the relatively rigid frame members are constrained to move parallel to one another.
15. A support structure as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the additional stabilisation means is moveably affixed to one or more of the relatively rigid frame members and comprises any one or more of the group comprising: a triangulation member; a foldable plate; a foldable frame; and a foldable board.
16. A support structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the additional stabilisation means comprises an end wall fabricated from a pair of c-shaped wire portions that are hingedly connected to one another at their free ends by hinges.
17. A support structure as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the hinges are spring-loaded to bias the end wall to a substantially flat configuration, but which allow the end wall to fold, along a notional fold line intersecting the hinges.
18. A support structure as claimed in claim 16 or claim 15, wherein the wire-frame end wall additionally comprises a flexible web over-layer forming an end wall for the support structure.
19. A support structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the additional stabilisation means comprises an end wall comprising of a pair of board portions that are hingedly connected to one another along a flexible join line.
20. A support structure as claimed in claim 19, wherein a first one of the board portions extends beyond the join line to form an overlapping projection.
21. A support structure as claimed in claim 20, further comprising a tension spring connecting the boards, which overlies the free end of the overlapping projection such that the wall is foldable about the join line such that the free end of the projection bears against the tension spring to bias the end wall back towards a substantially flat configuration) whereby the board portions are substantially parallel.
22. A support structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the tension spring is connected to a first one of the boards, and to the free end of the overlapping projection of the second board portion, whereby, in use, the tension spring acts to bias the end wall back towards a substantially flat configuration, whereby the board portions are substantially parallel.
23. The support structure according to any preceding claim, further comprising a flexible web affixed thereto.
24. A receptacle comprising a side walls manufactured of a flexible web material comprising a support structure according to any preceding claim.
25. A receptacle as claimed in claim 24, wherein the receptacle comprises any one or more of the group comprising: a bag; a tote bag; a tent; a gabion; and pop-up signage.
26. A receptacle as claimed in any of claims 24 or 25, wherein the flexible web comprises an integrally-formed pocket along an edges thereof for receiving a portion of a rigid support frame members.