Abstract
A manual or motor activated enclosure, appropriate for any surface to be enclosed, comprising matching opposite cross-linked structures containing a set of profiles that fits in the field of telescopic modular pivoting roof structures, that upon retraction it is housed underground such that none of its components are visible above ground, and upon deployment it achieves complete enclosure of the area while proving for openings.
Claims
1. A multifunctional enclosure for covering any surface, be it indoors or outdoors, the enclosure opening and closing telescopically, the enclosure comprising: at least two groups of independent modules, each module comprising: a cross-linked structure comprising: a plurality of curved cross sections, a plurality of longitudinal beams, interconnected and intertwined with the curved cross sections through knots delimiting multiple panels, a plurality of laminar material disposed upon a demarcated space delimited by the multiple panels, a front side face, a rear side face, both front and rear side faces comprising panels with multiple curved profiles and multiple cross radial beams, the independent modules, being morphologically similar to wedges, are communicatively connected to a common axis and are communicatively connected and movable by means of hooks and rollers, such that on deployment they commonly define a mobile telescopic ceiling; each group of independent modules converging on at least one rotating axis upon which the enclosure is deployed or retracted by drive means, setting such an enclosure to a parabolic arch condition when operatively deployed; a peripheral moat dimensioned to surround the surface to be covered, the moat comprising a chamber sized to house underground all the independent modules and the drive means; and a peripheral moat lid having closure means.
2. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure is divided into two opposing and parallel semi-circular halves, as a means of closing a parabolic arch made of the independent modules.
3. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 1, wherein to deploy the enclosure one independent module tows the other modules.
4. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotary axis is located below ground level and are parallel to each other.
5. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the closure means is a lid with a rainwater collector.
6. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the independent modules have openings.
7. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 6, wherein the openings are selected from a group consisting of doors and windows.
8. A multifunctional enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the rollers comprise rolling bearings.
9. A multifunction enclosure according to claim 1, wherein each independent module has an extension beyond the axis consisting of a counterweight to reduce the energy required for module rotational displacement.
10. A multifunction enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the drive means include at least one selected from a group consisting of manual operation, mechanical levers operation, motorized operation, and programmable motorized operation.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the enclosure in the closed position.
(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure in open condition.
(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of the enclosure in the closed condition.
(4) FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are a sequence of perspective views of the operational condition of the enclosure.
(5) FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view through the middle of the enclosure in a closed position, where the modules making up one half of the enclosure may be observed.
(6) FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the enclosure in closed position and of the underground storage.
(7) FIG. 7 is a view of a cross section of the enclosure retracted inside the lateral underground storage.
(8) FIG. 8 is a top view of the retracted enclosure with the covers and the upper slabs of the underground storage removed.
(9) FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the modules in cross section of an alternative enclosure of four modules where the arrangement of the modules can be seen in closed position.
(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the modules in cross section of an alternative enclosure of four modules where the arrangement of modules can be seen in open position.
(11) FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the modules in cross section of an alternative enclosure of eight modules where the arrangement of modules can be seen in closed position.
(12) FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the modules in cross section of an alternative enclosure of eight modules where the arrangement of modules can be seen in open position.
(13) FIG. 13 is a top schematic view of an horizontal section of the back panels of the modules showing the location and of the axial profiles related modules being in open position.
(14) FIG. 14 is an internal cross-sectional view of the upper module.
(15) FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the front panel of the upper module.
(16) FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the middle module.
(17) FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the front of the middle module.
(18) FIG. 18 is an internal cross sectional view of the lower module.
(19) FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the lower front panel module.
(20) FIG. 20 is a view of a cross section of the enclosure in an open position and the lateral underground storage.
(21) FIG. 21 is an internal view of a cross section of the enclosure in closed condition with side underground chambers.
(22) FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a cross section of half of the enclosure in closed position.
(23) FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an approach of a cross section of half of the enclosure that shows how the beams of the modules are related in closed position.
(24) FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an approach of a cross section of the axial profiles of the envelope in closed position showing how the axial sections of the panels of the modules are related.
(25) FIG. 25 is a view of a cross section of one underground storage and the structure in open position.
(26) FIG. 26 is a side view of an approach one to a bearing.
(27) FIG. 27 is a lower view of one of the bearings.
(28) FIG. 28 is a front view of the bearing hole through which passes one of the axes.
(29) FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the closed halves of the enclosure and a traverse cut for a better appreciation of the underground storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(30) In order that the present invention may be clearly understood and implemented the preferred embodiment is disclosed hereinafter. An accurate description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the same to the accompanying schematic drawings, given that in all figures the same reference numerals that indicate like or corresponding elements; the preferred embodiment is one of many and it is purely illustrative and in no way limiting of the invention.
(31) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive enclosure in the deployed position where it may be observed that each half of the enclosure is made of upper module (1), medium module (2), and lower module (3). Each of the modules consist of a plurality of longitudinal beams, herein shown an upper beam (4), a middle beam (5), and a lower beam (6), and a plurality of transversal ribs (7). The spaces delimited by the beams and ribs are filled by foil material covering (8). A wedge-type front and rear panels are formed by an upper profile beam (9) and two lateral or axial profiles beams (10, 11), a middle a curved profile rib (12) is used to strengthen the panels. Foil material covering (13, 14) fills the spaces delimited by the various beams and ribs. Brackets (15) may be used to strengthen the enclosure structure. One or more modules or panels may have an opening, such as a door (16), shown at the lower module (3). The upper module (1) on each half of the enclosure is framed by a closing or attack beam (17, 17) that together function as underground housing covers, and the rainwater collectors (18, 19) of the lower module (3).
(32) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure in the open position showing the underground housing covers (17 and 17).
(33) FIG. 3 is a top view of the inventive enclosure in the deployed position showing that each half of it is made by the upper module (1), middle module (2), and lower module (3). Each module consists of an upper beam (4), a middle beam (5), a bottom beam (6), a plurality of ribs or intermediate sections (7), foil material covering the spaces delimited by the beams and ribs (8), and two wedge type panels of which it can be seen the upper profile beam (9, 9). The attack beam of the upper module (1) forms the underground cover (17). Shown also are the rainwater collector (18) of the lower module (3), the front rain collector (19), the underground engine compartments (20 and 20), and the structural supporting brackets (21). This figure shows clearly how the modules of one half are offset with respect to the modules of the other half, so that they may be interposed half on the modules of the other half, to allow proper rotation without interfering with its extensions or counterweights. In the event that counterweight extensions are not used, it is not necessary to maintain an offset of the modules.
(34) FIG. 4 shows a sequence of perspective views of the evolution of the enclosure. Looking from top to bottom: 4A: Enclosure completely deployed; 4B: Partial opening; 4C: Partial opening; 4D: Enclosure fully open.
(35) FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the deployed enclosure, so that the modules which make one half of the enclosure are observable. The upper module framed by underground cover (17) is appreciated, as are middle module (2), and lower module (3). The front and rear covers (19 and 19), which are retractable, and the lower (22) and middle (23) beam from the middle module (2), as well as ribs or intermediate sections (24), and the foil material covering the space delimited by the beams and ribs (25). Counterweights (26, 27, 28 and 26, 27, 28) used in this embodiment are observed as are the front and rear axles (29 and 29) for this half of the enclosure and the front and back underground housing (30 and 30).
(36) FIG. 6 is a transversal cross-sectional view of the deployed enclosure and underground housing, where it can be observed: Upper modules (1, 1), middle modules (2, 2), and lower modules (3, 3) with its storm sewers (18, 18), the axes (29, 29), underground housing compartments (31, 31), and the group of counterweights (32) for each module.
(37) FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an open enclosure where all modules are retracted into the lateral underground housings, appreciating: upper modules (1, 1), middle modules (2, 2), lower modules (3, 3) with its attached storm gutters (18, 18), covers (17, 17) for the upper modules (1, 1) of each half, the axes (29, 29), side underground housing (31, 31), and a group of counterweights (32) for each module.
(38) FIG. 8 is a top view of the inventive enclosure in the open position with its covers removed to appreciate the disposition of the modules (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3) in the underground housing, engine compartments (20, 20), motors (33, 33), axis of each motor (34, 34), affixing and supporting structures (35, 36, 35, 36) for the axes corresponding to each side of the enclosure (29, 29, 29, 29), gearbox reductions for each motor (37, 38), and frontal extensions of each module with its counterweights (26, 27, 28, 26, 27, 28).
(39) FIG. 9 is a schematic cross sectional view an alternative embodiment of the inventive enclosure comprising four modules in a deployed mode.
(40) FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional view an alternative embodiment of the inventive enclosure comprising four modules in an open mode.
(41) FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive enclosure comprising eight modules in a deployed mode.
(42) FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive enclosure comprising eight modules in an open mode.
(43) FIG. 13 is a top schematic view of the horizontal section of the back panels of the modules showing, in the deployed position, the location and relationship amongst the axial panels of the modules. It can be appreciated the upper modules (1, 1), each with its two axial profiles or lateral beams (10, 11, 10, 11); middle modules (2, 2), each with its two axial profiles or lateral beams (39, 40, 39, 40), and lower modules (3, 3), each with its two axial profiles or lateral beams (41, 42, 41, 42).
(44) FIG. 14 is an internal cross sectional view of the upper module where it can be observed the upper beam (4), middle beam (5), lower beam (6), foil material covering (43), and the wedge formed by an upper profile beam (9), two lateral or axial profiles beams (10, 11), a middle curved profile rib (12), foil material covering (13, 14), and supporting brackets (15, 15). The axis passage (44) and the counterweight (28) are shown.
(45) FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the front panel of the upper module where it can be observed the internal face of one of the panels and the arrangement of the beams (10, 11), the curved profile (12), the foil material covering (13), and the counterweight (28).
(46) FIG. 16 is an internal cross sectional view of the middle module where it can be observed an upper beam (45), a middle beam (23), a lower beam (22), the foil material (46), and the wedge-type panel formed by a top rib or profile (47) and two lateral studs or profiles (48, 49), a curved profile (50), foil material covering (51, 52), and supporting brackets (53, 53). The axis passage (54) and the counterweight (59) are shown.
(47) FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the front panel of the middle module where it is shown the arrangement of the studs (48, 49), curved profile (50), foil material covering (51), and counterweight (27).
(48) FIG. 18 is an internal cross sectional view of the lower module where it can be observed an upper beam (55), a middle beam (56), a lower beam (57), the foil material covering (58), and the wedge-type panel formed by a top rib or profile (59), two lateral studs or profiles (60, 61), a curved profile (62), foil material covering (63, 64). The axis passage (65), the counterweight (26), an opening represented by a door (16), and a gutter (18) are shown.
(49) FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the lower module where it is shown the internal face of one panel and the arrangement of studs (60, 61), the curved middle section (62), the foil material covering (63), and the counterweight (26).
(50) FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the deployed enclosure showing the lateral underground housings (31, 31), the axes (29, 29), the group of counterweights (32), an internal reinforcement arch (66), and the sets of modules (67, 67) in their respective underground housing (31, 31), and gutters (18, 18).
(51) FIG. 21 is an internal view of a cross section of the enclosure in the deployed position showing side underground housings (31, 31), a group of counterweights (32), one of the internal reinforcement arches (66) shown to appreciate the relative position with reference to the upper (1, 1), middle (2, 2) and lower (3, 3) modules for each half of the enclosure with their gutters (18, 18), and bearings (67, 68, 69, 67, 68, 69) located on the inside of the beams corresponding to each half modules and rolling on the upper face of the arch (66).
(52) FIG. 22 is a schematic rear view of a cross section of one half of the deployed enclosure showing the upper beam (4), middle beam (5), and lower beam (6) of the upper module, the last one (6) having bearings (70) on its lower side; the middle module with an upper beam (45) presenting a bearing (71) on its upper side, a middle beam (23), and lower beam (22) presenting a bearing (72) on its lower side; lower module, presenting gutters (18), an upper beam (55) presenting a bearing (73) on its upper face, a middle beam (56), and lower beam (57); said bearings permit the modules to roll over the matching faces of the ribs or profiles that are perpendicular to the beams.
(53) FIG. 23 is a detailed schematic view of a cross section of a joint of two modules showing how the beams of the modules, in this example the middle module's lower beam (22) with its flange, hook, or stop (74) and bearing (72), allow the pulling of the lower modules, with or without the help of bearings, from the lower module with his upper beam (55) with its flange, hook, or cap (75) and bearing (73), and the respective foil material covering (46, 58).
(54) FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a cross section of the axial profiles of the deployed enclosure showing how the axial sections of the panels of the modules are related when deployed. In this case, the upper module with its lower beam (11) and its flange, hook, or cap (76) meet middle module's upper beam (48) and its flange, hook, or cap (77) and the respective foil material coverings (13, 51).
(55) FIG. 25 is a view of a cross section of one underground housing (31) showing the upper module with an upper beam (4), a middle beam (5), a lower beam (6), the foil material covering (43), and an upper profile beam (9); the middle module with an upper beam (45), a middle beam (23), a lower beam (22), the foil material covering (46), and an upper profile beam (47); the lower module with an upper beam (55), a middle beam (56), a lower beam (57), the foil material covering (58), upper profile beam (59), and gutters (18).
(56) FIG. 26 is a side view, in this case of the middle module's lower beam (22) with its flange, hook, or stop (74), in contact with lower module's upper beam (55) with its flange, hook, or cap (75), bearing (73), and the retaining bearing plate (78).
(57) FIG. 27 is a bottom view of one of the bearings in which the bearing (73) and the retaining plate of the bearing (78) are shown.
(58) FIG. 28 is a front view showing a bearing (79) in the axis passage (54) in the middle module, also shown two lateral studs or profiles (48, 49).
(59) FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing half of the enclosure deployed showing a transversal cut to the soil for better appreciation of the underground housings. It can be appreciated the upper module (1) with its counterweight (28), the middle module (2) with its counterweight (27), and the lower module (3) with its counterweight (26), the closure or attack beam (17) corresponding to this half of the enclosure formed by the attack profiles, the engine compartment (20) where a motor may be housed, the lateral underground housing (31, 31), the axis (29), shown extended for a better visualization.
(60) It is logical to assume that this invention may be implemented with modifications insofar as construction materials and number of modules, but without departing from the basic principles that are clearly specified in claims bellow.
