Abstract
A deployable frame for a weather and/or sun protection device, including: a mast with a longitudinal axis on which a slider is mounted so as to slide between a first position in which the frame is closed and a second position in which the frame is open; at least one rib connected by a stretcher to the runner, the rib including an end connected to a notch carried by one end of the mast, wherein the rib includes a first segment formed of a first part and a second part that are movable relative to each other about the extension axis of the first segment, the first part of the first segment of the rib is connected to the notch by a pivot connection about an axis which is perpendicular to a plane inclined obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the mast so that in the first closed position of the frame the first segment of the rib extends along the mast and in the second open position of the frame the first segment of the rib is moved away from the mast.
Claims
1. A deployable frame for a bad weather and/or sun protection device, comprising: a mast with a longitudinal axis on which a runner is mounted so as to slide between a first position in which the frame is closed and a second position in which the frame is open; at least one rib connected by a stretcher to the runner, the rib comprising an end connected to a notch carried by one end of the mast, wherein the rib comprises a first segment formed of a first part and a second part that are movable relative to each other about the extension axis of said first segment, the first part of the first segment of the rib is connected to the notch by a pivot connection about an axis which is perpendicular to a plane inclined obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the mast so that in the first closed position of the frame the first segment of the rib extends along the mast and in the second open position of the frame the first segment of the rib is moved away from the mast.
2. The frame of claim 1, wherein a first end of the stretcher is connected to the runner by a ball-and-socket connection.
3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the ball-and-socket connection comprises a spherical portion carried by the first end of the stretcher and housed in a complementarily shaped cavity of the runner.
4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein a second end of the stretcher is pivotally connected to the second part of the first segment of the rib.
5. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises resilient means configured to exert a force tending to deploy the frame when the frame is in its first position.
6. The frame according to claim 5, wherein the resilient means comprises a resilient member interposed between the first segment and the mast when the frame is in its first closed position.
7. The frame according to claim 6, wherein the resilient member comprises a tongue carried by the stretcher and resiliently constrained between the stretcher and the mast when the frame is in its first position.
8. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the rib comprises n segments S arranged at the end of each other from the first segment S.sub.1 to an n-th end segment S.sub.n, and wherein: for any k ∈[2, n−1] the k-th segment S.sub.k is connected to the segment S.sub.k−1 by a pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k−1.sub./S.sub.k and is connected to the segment S.sub.k+1 by a pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k+1, a rod T.sub.k is associated with the segment S.sub.k and is connected by a pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 and by a pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k+1 respectively, to the segment S.sub.k−1 and to the segment S.sub.k+1 in such a way that each segment S.sub.k together with a rod T.sub.k forms a deformable parallelogram.
9. The frame of claim 8, wherein each k-th rod T.sub.k comprises a bulge R.sub.T.sub.k for receiving the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k+1.sub./S.sub.k and the pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k+1 when the frame is in its first position.
10. The frame according to claim 8, wherein each k-th segment S.sub.k comprises a bulge R.sub.S.sub.k for receiving the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 when the frame is in its first position.
11. The frame according to claim 8, wherein the pivot axes P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1, P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 and P.sub.T.sub.k−1.sub./S.sub.kk are positioned relative to each other such that said pivot axes are substantially aligned when the frame is in its first position, the pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 being positioned between the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 and the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.1.sub./S.sub.2.
12. The frame according to claim 8, in which the frame comprises a first rod connected pivotally by a pivot connection to the stretcher and pivotally to the second segment by a pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.1.sub./S.sub.2.
13. The frame according to claim 12, wherein said first rod comprises a bulge for receiving the pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.1.sub./S.sub.2 and the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.2.sub./S.sub.1.
14. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first rib and a second rib, the first rib being symmetrical to the second rib with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the mast and passing between the first rib and the second rib.
15. The frame of claim 14, wherein the axis of the pivot connection of the first rib and the axis of the pivot connection of the second rib are contained in the same plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast.
16. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a third rib and a fourth rib, the third rib being symmetrical to the fourth rib with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the mast and passing between the third rib and the fourth rib.
17. The frame of claim 16, wherein the axis of the pivot connection of the third rib and the axis of the pivot connection of the fourth rib are contained in the same plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast.
18. The frame according to claim 14, wherein the first rib is symmetrical to a third rib with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the mast and passing between the first rib and the third rib.
19. The frame according to claim 14, wherein the second rib is symmetrical to a fourth rib with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the mast and passing between the second rib and the fourth rib.
20. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the mast has a generally oblong cross-section comprising two surfaces facing each other and connected to each other by two rounded surfaces.
21. The frame according to claim 15, wherein the axis of the pivot connection of the first rib and the axis of the pivot connection of the second rib are arranged in the vicinity of one of the rounded surfaces.
22. The frame according to claim 17, wherein the axis of the pivotal connection of the third rib and the axis of the pivotal connection of the fourth rib are arranged in the vicinity of the other of the rounded surfaces.
23. A bad weather and/or sunlight protection device comprising at least one frame according to claim 1, and a protective cloth attached to said frame so as to be put under tension when said frame is brought into its second position.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein a handle member is mounted at an end of the mast opposite that receiving the notch.
25. The device of claim 23, comprising a case adapted to be mounted around the frame when the frame is in a first closed position, the case sealingly cooperating with the handle member so as to form a sealed casing.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0057] FIG. 1 comprises two parts A and B, named respectively, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, FIG. 1A representing a device for protection against the bad weather and/or the sunlight integrating a deployable frame and FIG. 1B representing an assembly comprising a device according to
[0058] FIG. 1A with the frame housed in a case;
[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the frame of the device of FIG. 2 in which the case has been removed, the umbrella being in a first closed position and the canvas not being shown to facilitate visualization of the frame;
[0060] FIG. 3 is a view of the device in FIG. 2 at a different angular orientation;
[0061] FIG. 4 is a view of the device of FIG. 2 in angular orientation from one end of a mast of the device, this figure also including a part A illustrating the oblong shape of the mast;
[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic side and perspective view of the device;
[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view from another side of the device;
[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the device, in an intermediate position of deployment of the frame;
[0065] FIG. 8 is a larger scale schematic perspective view of the area outlined in the dotted line in FIG. 7;
[0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the device, in a final position of deployment of the frame;
[0067] FIG. 10 is a larger scale schematic perspective view of the area outlined in the dotted line in FIG. 9;
[0068] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 9 with a different angular orientation;
[0069] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a rib of a device according to the present disclosure
[0070] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view comprising four parts named FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D illustrating successively the different segments of the rib of FIG. 12;
[0071] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the waterproof casing according to the present disclosure, this figure comprising a part A named FIG. 14A, a part B named FIG. 14B and a part C named FIG. 14C;
[0072] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the waterproof casing according to the present disclosure in which a fixed portion of the case has been removed, this figure comprising a part A named FIG. 51A, a part B named FIG. 54B and a part C named FIG. 105;
[0073] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the cooperation between a movable part of the case and a fixed part of the case, this figure comprising a part A named FIG. 16A, a part B named FIG. 16B and a part C named FIG. 16C;
[0074] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the waterproof casing according to the present disclosure illustrating more particularly elastic snap-fastening means at the case and handle element, this figure comprising a part A named FIG. 17A, a part B named FIG. 17B and a part C named FIG. 17C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0075] FIG. 1 includes a first portion named FIG. 1A and a second portion named FIG. 1B. FIG. 1A depicts a bad weather and/or sunlight protection device 10 comprising a deployable frame 12 having a protective fabric 14 attached thereto and a handle member 16 that is attached to one end of a mast 18 of the frame 12. FIG. 1B illustrates an assembly 20 comprising a device 10 and a case 22 in which the frame and the fabric 14 are intended to be accommodated. The handle member 16 includes a free edge 24 applied to and sealingly engaging a free edge 26 (FIG. 1B) of the case 22 by means of an annular seal 28 (FIG. 3). The handle member 16 includes side tabs 30 for hooking onto complementary portions of the case 22 in order to secure the case 22 to the handle member 16 (FIGS. 1B and 2). Thus, when the frame 12 and the fabric 14 are accommodated in the case 22 and the case 22 performs a sealing function with the handle element 16, the assembly 20 (FIG. 1B) thus formed can be placed in a bag, an inner pocket of a jacket or a pocket of a pair of pants, without the residual drops present on the fabric 14 coming out and wetting the objects in contact with the assembly 20.
[0076] It is observed that the case 22 as well as the handle member 16 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length or height 11, a width 12 and a thickness 13. The length 11 is greater than the width, which is itself greater than the thickness 13. It will later be understood that the proposed shape of the case formed by the case 22 and the handle element 16 is enabled by the use of specific deployment/closure kinematics of the ribs B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 (FIG. 2) and by a relative arrangement of the ribs B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 with respect to each other, allowing for an increased compactness of the device 10 in the closed position compared to devices of the prior art.
[0077] FIG. 2 depicts the frame 12 together with the handle element 16, the case 22 and the canvas 14 not being shown in order to visualize the frame 12 of the device 10 in its first closed position. The frame 12, according to the present disclosure, thus comprises a mast 18 which is telescopic here but which could also be non-telescopic so that the present disclosure also covers non-telescopic masts. The telescopic mast 18 thus comprises five tube portions 18.sub.1, 18.sub.2, 18.sub.3, 18.sub.4 18.sub.5 engaged with each other. The mast 18 has a transverse section, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18, of generally oblong shape.
[0078] A runner 32 is mounted around the mast 18 and configured to slide along the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18 between the first closed position of the frame 12 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second open or deployed position of the frame 12 (FIGS. 9 to 11). As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 10, the frame 12 comprises four ribs noted B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4. Each rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 is associated and connected to a stretcher F which is connected to the runner. Furthermore, each rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 is connected to a notch 34 or support integral with the end of the mast 18 which is opposite that carrying the handle element 16. Since the mast 18 is telescopic, the notch 34 is integral with one end of the tube portion 18.sub.5 that is located radially further inward relative to the other tube portions (FIGS. 2, 5 and 8). It can be seen that the notch 34 comprises an upper base 36 connected to a tube portion 38 which is also oblong in shape and surrounds (but could be the reverse) and is attached to the end of the tube portion 18.sub.5.
[0079] As can be seen, each rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 comprises n segments S arranged one after the other from a first segment S.sub.1 to an n-th segment S.sub.n (FIGS. 9 and 12). The first segment S.sub.1 of each rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 is formed by a first part 40 and a second part 42 which are movable with respect to each other around the extension axis of said first segment S.sub.1 (FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 10). The structure of each rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 will be described in more detail later, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0080] As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11, one end of the first portion 40 of the first segment S.sub.1 of each rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 is connected by a pivotal connection about a pivot connexion around an axis P.sub.B.sub.1, P.sub.B.sub.2, P.sub.B.sub.3 and P.sub.B.sub.4 which are each perpendicular to a plane inclined obliquely to the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18. The other end of the first part engages an end of the second part and the first part and second part are rotatable relative to each other about the extension axis of the segment S.sub.1. The term “pivot axis” or “axis” in connection with a pivot connection refers both to the material element serving as a pivot which is centered on the immaterial axis and to the material axis or rod as such. The first part 40 of the first segment S.sub.1, and also the segment S.sub.1 as such of the rib B.sub.1, are rotatably articulated on the notch about a pivot axis P.sub.B.sub.1 perpendicular to a plane P.sub.1 inclined obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18. The first part 40 of the first segment S.sub.1, and also the segment S.sub.1 of the rib B.sub.2, are articulated in rotation on the notch about a pivot axis P.sub.B.sub.2 perpendicular to a plane P.sub.2 inclined obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18. The first part 40 of the first segment S.sub.1, and also the segment S.sub.1 as such of the rib B.sub.3, are articulated in rotation on the notch about a pivot axis P.sub.B.sub.3 perpendicular to a plane inclined obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18. The first portion 40 of the first segment S.sub.1, and also the segment S.sub.1 as such of the rib B.sub.4, are rotatably articulated to the notch 34 about a pivot axis (not shown) perpendicular to a plane obliquely inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18. More particularly, it is observed that the first rib B.sub.1 (FIG. 4) is symmetrical to the second rib B.sub.2 with respect to a plane A containing the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18 and passing between the first rib B.sub.1 and the second rib B.sub.2. Also, the axis P.sub.B.sub.1 of the pivot connection of the first rib B.sub.1-1 and the axis P.sub.B.sub.2 of the pivot connection of the second rib B.sub.2 are contained in the same plane B parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast 18. The third rib B.sub.3 is symmetrical to the fourth rib B.sub.4 with respect to a plane C containing the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18 and passing between the third rib B.sub.3 and the fourth rib B.sub.4. Also, the axis P.sub.B.sub.3 of the pivot connection of the third rib B.sub.3 and the axis P.sub.B.sub.4 of the pivot connection of the fourth rib B.sub.4 are contained in the same plane D parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the mast. Thus, the plane B and the plane D are parallel to each other. Also, the first rib B.sub.1 is symmetrical to the third rib B.sub.3 with respect to a plane E containing the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18 and passing between the first rib B.sub.1 and the third rib B.sub.3. The second rib B.sub.2 is symmetrical to the fourth rib B.sub.4 with respect to a plane F containing the longitudinal axis L of the mast 18 and passing between the second rib B.sub.2 and the fourth rib B.sub.4. Due to the above symmetries, the plane A and the plane C are merged and so are the planes E and F.
[0081] FIG. 6 being a side view of the ribs B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 only, and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the mast, it is understood that the oblique planes P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are perpendicular to the plane of the page.
[0082] In an example, the axes P.sub.BA and P.sub.B.sub.2 form an angle of approximately 45° with plane A (FIG. 6). Similarly, the axes P.sub.B.sub.3 and P.sub.B.sub.4 form an angle of approximately 45° with plane C (FIGS. 4 to 6).
[0083] The mast 18 has a generally oblong cross-section comprising two opposing planar surfaces 44 part A of FIG. 4 facing to each other and connected to each other by two rounded surfaces 46. The axis of the pivotal connection of the first rib B.sub.1 and the axis of the pivotal connection of the second rib B.sub.2 are in the vicinity of one of the two rounded surfaces 46. In this configuration, the first rib B.sub.1 and the second rib B.sub.2 are thus arranged side by side when the frame 12 is in its first closed position. The axis of the pivot connection of the third rib and the axis of the pivot connection of the fourth rib B.sub.4 are arranged in the vicinity of the other 46 of the two rounded surfaces. In this manner, the third B.sub.3 rib and the fourth B.sub.4 rib are arranged side by side when the frame 12 is in its first closed position. It is understood that the frame 12 offers, seen from above, i.e. along the axis L of the mast 12 and from the notch 34 (FIG. 4), thus a substantially rectangular general shape 48 when it is in its second position, each rib being arranged in the corners of said rectangular shape. This positioning of the pivot axes of the ribs B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, B.sub.4 relative to the mast allows the frame to be inserted into a rectangularly shaped case as shown in FIG. 2. This further allows the frame 12 to be more compact in the direction of the small dimension of the oblong shape.
[0084] Each stretcher F comprises a first end connected to the runner 32, more particularly by a ball-and-socket connection, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, and a second end connected by a pivotal connection to the second part 42 of the first segment S.sub.1 of each rib B.sub.1. More particularly, the first end of each stretcher F carries a spherical portion 50 engaged in a cavity of complementary shape of the runner 32. The second end of each stretcher F is pivotally inserted between two arms 52 of the second part 42 of the first segment S.sub.1 of each rib B.sub.1. As can be seen, each stretcher F also comprises elastic means which, in the particular case illustrated in the figures and better visible in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, take the form of an elastic tongue 54. This elastic tongue 54 is carried by the first end of the stretcher F and extends towards the second end of the stretcher F so as to form an angle with the stretcher F. In other words, the tongue 54 moves away from the stretcher F towards the second end of the stretcher F. Thus shaped, this tongue 54 allows to exert a elastic force against the mast 18, more particularly against the tube portion 18.sub.1 of the mast 18, which allows to induce a pre-deployment of the frame 12 from its first closed position thus allowing the user to more easily access the runner and to be able to manipulate it to move it from its first position to its second position.
[0085] According to the present document, the specific connection of each stretcher F by a pivot connection to the runner 34 and to a second part 42 of a segment S.sub.1 of a rib B.sub.1, which second segment 42 is able to pivot relative to a first segment 40 hinged on an oblique pivot axis, allows the ribs B.sub.1, B.sub.23, B.sub.4 to move away from each other from the first position (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) to the second position (FIGS. 9, 10 and 11).
[0086] The runner 34 (FIG. 11) comprises a first upper annular portion 56 comprising the housings or cavities for receiving the spherical parts 50 and a lower portion 58 comprising a recess for receiving a high spring 60 for locking the runner 34 in the second position of the frame 12.
[0087] We now refer to FIG. 12 which represents the rib B.sub.1 connected to the mast 18 and to the runner according to the aforementioned means. The different parts of a rib are illustrated in FIG. 13, this rib being able to be indifferently the rib B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3 or B.sub.4
[0088] Each rib comprises n segments S arranged end to end from the first segment S.sub.1 to an n-th end segment S.sub.n, and: [0089] for any k∈[2,n−1] [0090] the k-th segment S.sub.k is connected to the segment S.sub.k−1 by a pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k−1.sub./S.sub.k and is connected to the segment S.sub.k+1 by a pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k+1, [0091] a rod T.sub.k is associated with the segment S.sub.k and is connected by a pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 and by a pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k+1 respectively, to the segment S.sub.k−1 and to the segment S.sub.k+1 [0092] so that each segment S.sub.k form together with a rod T.sub.k a deformable parallelogram.
[0093] Here, in the case represented in the figures and better visible in FIG. 13, each rib comprises 5 segments S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4, S.sub.5 and it is observed that the segments S.sub.2, S.sub.3 and S.sub.4 respect the above mentioned rule. It can be seen that the rods T.sub.2, T.sub.3, T.sub.4 also comply with the aforementioned rule.
[0094] Similarly, the frame comprises a first rod T.sub.1 pivotally connected to the stretcher by a pivot connection P.sub.T.sub.1.sub./F and pivotally to the second segment S.sub.2 by a pivot pin R.sub.T.sub.1.sub./S.sub.2.
[0095] In order to realize a deployment and closing of each rib, the pivotal axes P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1, P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 and P.sub.T.sub.k−1.sub./S.sub.kk are positioned relative to each other so that said pivot axes are substantially aligned, the pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 being positioned between the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 and the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k−1.sub./S.sub.k.
[0096] In FIG. 13, it can be seen that each k-th rod T.sub.k comprises a bulge R.sub.T.sub.k for receiving the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.k+1.sub./S.sub.k and the pivot pin P.sub.S.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k+1 when the frame is in its first position (see also FIG. 3). Furthermore, each k-th segment S.sub.k comprises a bulge R.sub.S.sub.k for receiving the pivot axis R.sub.T.sub.k.sub./S.sub.k−1 when the frame is in its first position. Also, said first rod T.sub.1 comprises a bulge R.sub.1 for receiving the pivot axis P.sub.S.sub.1.sub./S.sub.2 and the pivot axis P.sub.T.sub.2.sub./S.sub.1.
[0097] The present document thus relates to a deployable frame comprising one or more ribs. Thus, a configuration with four ribs makes it possible to deploy a canvas around one end of the mast and thus protect the user. This frame is advantageously portable. It could also be used as a non-mobile structure by a user moving around on foot and could, for example, be transportable and serve as an umbrella. Also, in another embodiment, the frame may comprise two ribs symmetrical to each other relative to plane A or plane C (FIG. 4). In such an embodiment, the fabric could comprise a first free edge and a second free edge which could be connected to a vertical structural element(s), such as a vertical plane, for example a wall, the mast being vertically oriented and arranged adjacent to or spaced from said vertical elements. The plane A or C may be vertically oriented and perpendicular to a vertical plane passing through the vertical elements. The deployment of the two ribs can thus lead to the two ribs moving away from the vertical structural elements, the fabric thus being angularly stretched from a first vertical element, a first rib, a second rib to the second vertical element. In this way, it can be imagined that the canvas has the shape of half a canvas of FIG. 1. Such a deployable structure could be used at a terrace of a drinking establishment, for example, for tables arranged next to a wall.
[0098] The fabric can be made of an elastically deformable material so that the fabric is little or lowly stretched when the frame is in its first closed position.
[0099] Reference is now made to FIGS. 14 to 17, which illustrate a waterproof casing 62 accommodating the previously described frame 12 but which could accommodate a different frame not described herein so that the description of the waterproof casing 2 may or may not be combined with the characteristics of the frame 12. This is evident from the disclosure made in the “Introduction to the Invention” section.
[0100] The parts identical to those previously described will not be described again and will bear the same references without limiting the content of the following description to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13.
[0101] The case 62 shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 thus includes a handle element 64 and a case 66 which differ from those previously described in that the watertight attachment of these two parts is performed differently. Nevertheless, the dimensional description characteristics (length, width, and thickness) made previously and the consequences resulting therefrom are applicable to this case. This casing 62 is suitable for receiving any type of frame and in particular the one 12 described above.
[0102] The case 66 includes a fixed portion 68 and a first movable member 70a and a second movable member 70b which are movable between a first position for sealingly locking the handle element 64 with the case 66 and a second unlocking position for disengaging the handle element 64 from the case 66. The first movable member 70a and the second movable member 70b are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the mast 18. The fixed portion 68 of the case 66 includes a first wall 68a and a second wall 68b extending in the direction of length 11 and thickness 13 and a third 68c and a fourth wall 68d extending in the direction of width 12 and length 11 or height. The first wall 68a and the second wall 68b are parallel to each other. The same is true of the third 68c and fourth 68d walls. These walls 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d are connected to each other by a bottom wall 68e or top wall.
[0103] The handle member 64 includes a first wall 64a and a second wall 64b extending in the direction of length 11 and thickness 13 and a third 64c and a fourth wall 64d extending in the direction of width 12 and length 11 or height. The first wall 64a and the second wall 64b are parallel to each other. The same is true of the third 64c and fourth 64d walls. These walls 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d are connected to each other by a bottom wall 64e or top wall.
[0104] One or more sealing pieces such as seals may be interposed between the case 66 and the handle member 64 but are not shown. The walls of each pair of third walls 66c, 64c of the case 66 and the handle member 64 and fourth walls 66d, 64d of the case 66 and the handle member 64 are aligned together in the longitudinal direction and provided to be placed end to end as seen in particular in FIG. 14.
[0105] Each movable member 70a includes a first web 72a and a second web 72b connected to each other by a wall element 74 (FIGS. 15 and 16A). This wall element 74 may be shaped to be substantially aligned with the first wall 66a for the first movable member 70a and with the second wall 66b for the second movable member 70b. The description made with reference to one movable member is also valid for the other of the movable members.
[0106] In order to guide the first 70a and second 70b moving parts, guiding means are provided on the protective device.
[0107] Thus, each web 72a, 72b comprises a housing 76 having a first curved portion 76a, i.e., extending along an arc of a circle, which is connected at one end to a portion 76b oriented along the longitudinal axis L (FIGS. 15B and C). This housing 76 is here more particularly a slot, i.e. a housing passing through the web 72a, 72b. It is understood that a non-through housing, i.e. a groove, could provide the same guiding function. This being the case, the slot allows each guiding rod to be fixed to the third wall and the fourth wall of the case as shown in the figures. According to the present document, a lower rod or second rod 78 is engaged by one end in the housing 76 of the first web 72a and for the other opposite end in the housing 76 of the second web 72b. This second or lower rod 78 is fixed to the third 66c and fourth 66d walls of the case 66. In FIG. 15C, it is observed that there is a means of attachment 77 of the lower rod 78 of the first veil 72a of the first movable member 70a to the third wall 66a, whereas this means of attachment has been removed (for ease of reading) from this figure (but exists) with respect to the lower rod 78 of the first veil 72a of the second movable member 70b.
[0108] The wall element 74 of each movable member 70a, 70b may comprise a first upper hook 80 capable of cooperating by elastic snap-fastening with a first hook 82 of complementary shape of the fixed portion 68 of the case 66 when the movable member 70a, 70b is in its first position so as to lock said movable member 70a, 70b on the fixed portion 68 of the case 66 along the longitudinal direction (FIGS. 15A, 16 and 17B). It is observed that the upper end or first end of the wall element 74 of the movable member 70a, 70b is slidably guided along the longitudinal direction L by means of an upper rod 84 or first rod, the ends of which are fixed to the third 66c and fourth 66d walls of the fixed portion 68 of the case 66 and which is engaged in a slot 86 of the first end or upper end of the wall element 74 (FIGS. 16a and 17B).
[0109] Furthermore, each movable member 70a, 70b comprises a second lower hook 88 formed at a second end of the wall element 74 along the longitudinal direction L. This second hook 88 is adapted to elastically snap-fastening with a second hook 90 of complementary shape of the handle element 64 when the movable member is in its first position so as to block a movement of the movable member 70a, 70b along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.
[0110] After the deployable frame is moved to its first closed position, the opening of the case 66 is presented at the notch 34 of the frame 12 and the frame 12 is inserted into the case 66 until the third walls 66a, 64a of the case 66 and the handle member 64 and the fourth walls 66d, 64d of the case 66 and the handle member 64 come into contact, optionally via one or more seals. The movable members 70a, 70b being in their second unlocking position (not shown), these are displaced by pivoting about the first rods so as to come into an intermediate position in which the second rods 78 are able to slide longitudinally in the second portions 76b of the housings 76, the first rods 84 then also being allowed to slide in the slots 86 of the first ends of the wall elements 74 of the movable members 70a, 70b.
