GB1577922A

GB1577922A - Portable building structure

Info

Publication number: GB1577922A
Application number: GB1472976A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Leighton D F
Current assignee: Leighton D F
Priority date: 1977-04-21
Filing date: 1977-04-21
Publication date: 1980-10-29

Description

(54) PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE (71) I, DUNCAN FINDLAY LEIGHTON, of 346, Preston Road, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley in the County of Lancaster, a British subject, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a portable building structure, and has for its principal object, the provision of a structure which can be easily erected and dismantled without the use of specialised tools, which presents a more weatherproof covering than a tent, and which is relatively cheap to manufacture.

According to this invention a structure for use in a building comprises a plurality of self-sustaining moulded panels joined endto-end to form a self sustaining arch, and at least one taut flexible tie engaging overthe arch and anchored at its ends.

The expression "self-sustaining moulded panels" is used to indicate that so long as no external load is applied to the panels, they will normally retain their shape, and will not drape in the fashion of a fabric panel. The panels need not be very rigid and indeed it might be advantageous if they have a modicum of flexibility, and it is particularly advantageous if they are not rigid. An indication of the interpretation to be placed on the expression "self-sustaining" can be obtained from the fact that according to a preferred feature of the invention, the panels are moulded in resinous plastics material, and preferably from glass reinforced plastics material. In a particular example, panels approximately 8 feet by 4 feet are made of glass-fibre reinforced plastics approximately 1/16th of an inch thick, and preferably, the edges of each panel are of increased thickness.

It will be appreciated that by manufacturing the panels of glass-reinforced plastics, it is possible to present a rigid appearance to the structure which gives the impression of being more permanent than, for example, a marquee. However, according to another preferred feature of the invention, at least some of the panels are formed with ribs, domes or other asperities, whereby the panels are made more rigid. Such formations may also improve the appearance of the structure.

The expression "arch" is also used in a wide sense to include any superstructure which provides in effect roof and wall elements. It is preferred however that the arch is in fact arcuate, so that the structure encloses a space the lateral vertical section of which is in the shape of a segment of a circle (i.e. the space between the circumference and a chord of the circle).

According to another preferred feature of the invention the flexible tie engages with the panel structure over a substantial part of the arch, preferably over the greater part of the length of the arch, and in the preferred arrangement, the tie is not out of engagement with more than one panel at each side of the structure, and it may engage with all the panels.

Retaining means are preferably provided securing the ends of the arch to the ground, so that the structure is restrained against collapse when the tie is tensioned into engagement with the panel arch. The retaining means at each side of the structure may simply comprise a foot plate adapted to be spiked to the ground and also adapted to be secured to the lower end of the end panel at that side of the arch.

The tie may comprise a rope or cable with provision for anchoring it at its ends and for adjusting its effective length. In the preferred engagement a screw-and-nut mechanism is provided for adjusting the length of the tie.

Each panel preferably has a formation at or near to its side edges whereby it can be interengaged with a similar panel, so that two or more arch structures can be secured together edge-to-edge to create a building structure which comprises a series of similar arches, the length of the building being the sum of the widths of the arches (less any overlap at the edges).

A portable building constructed in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is an outside elevation of a panel, Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the panel shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a lateral section through the panel shown in Figure 1, illustrating it connected to two similar panels, Figure 4 is a transverse section through a building structure, Figure 5 is a plan view of a lower jointing element, Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through the jointing element shown in Figure 5, Figule 7 is a plan view of an tipper jointing element, Figure 8 is a longitudinal section through the jointing element shown in Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a plan view of an area of the building structure.

The particular building being described is intended to replace a marquee for such purposes as exhibitions, outdoor meetings and the like. It is of generally arcuate cross-section as is evident from Figure 4, and may be made in a variety of sizes - for instance 80 feet long by 30 feet wide, the width being the horizontal distance across the bottom of the arch.

The semi-circular ends of the building are filled by any convenient method, for exam ple by the use of panels such as those hereinafter described (though some would require cutting to provide them with curved ends) or by the use of fabric sheets such as those used for marquees, or if the building is likely to remain it sint for some time, by the use of building blocks such as breeze blocks.

Since the invention is concerned only with the provision of the 'roof' and 'side walls' of the building, the end walls or end filling will not be further described, but it is envisaged that the end walls or filling will be formed of panels of glass-fibre reinforced plastics material.

The roof and side wall structure essential ly comprises a series of moulded glass-fibre reinforced plastics panels 10 joined end-to end and edge-to-edge to form a continuous imperforate structure. In this particular example, each panel 1() is approximately 8 feet by 4 feet and is rectangular as seen in elevation (Figure 1) but arcuate as seen in longitudinal cross-section (Figure 2). The panel 10 is provided with two large shallow pyramid formations 12 and 14. The panel 10 is moulded by known techniques and the moulded material is approximately 1/16th of an inch thick, and the edge portions of each.

panel 10 are of increased thickness. The pyramids 12 and 14 give rigidity to the panel 10 (and improve its appearance) and since there is one pyramid to each half of the panel 10, it is a simple matter to cut the panel 10 transversely between the two pyramids if 'half panels' are needed.

Along each of its longitudinal marginal portions, the panel 10 is given a V-shaped trough formation 16 - the trough being of substantial dimensions - so that the trough 16 along one edge of a panel can be received in one of the troughs 16 of an adjacent panel as shown in Figure 3. Rows of bolt holes 18 and 20 are formed through the panel 10 near to its top and bottom lateral edges.

The panels 10 may be coloured, but it is preferred that they shall be translucent, so that plenty of light can penetrate the roof and walls, thereby obviating the necessity for windows.

For fastening two panels 10 end-to-end, a pair of jointing elements 22 and 24 are provided (see Figures 5 and 8). The upper element 22 simply comprises a flat strip of glass-reinforced plastics, of the same length as the width of a panel 10 between its troughs 16, and formed with two rows of holes 26 and 28, so arranged that they register with the row of holes 18 at the top of one panel and the row of holes 20 at the bottom of a higher panel when the strip 22 is placed over the upper and lower marginal portions of two abutting panels. The lower jointing element 24 is similar to the upper element 22, excepting that it has a trough section 30 at one end to receive the trough 16 at one side of a panel 10.

When two panels 10 are placed end-toend (so that together they subtend to arc twice the angle of that subtended by one panel) a lower jointing element 24 is placed below the joint and an upper jdinting element 22 is placed above the joint to produce a sandwich construction, and then bolts are passed through the registering holes in the jointing elements 22, 24 and panels 10. and nuts are fitted on the underside. When the nuts are tightened the two panels 10 are firmly attached to each other and the joint is reasonably weatherproof. In order to produce a semi-circular arch as shown in Figure 4, it is necessary to connect together in this way four panels 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d and it will be observed that the panel 10d is a half-panel.

A footplate 40 extends along the ground at each side of the structure. and this footplate 40 has to be as long as the building. As this length may be considerable (80 feet in this particular case) the footplate 40 may be made in sections. The footplate 40 simply comprises a flat metal strip 42 to which is welded a metal angle iron 44 drilled to coincide with a row of holes 20 along the lower edge of a panel 10. In addition, fixing holes are drilled through the horizontal flanges of the footplate and, in use, these receive spikes (indicated at 46 in Figure 4) by which the footplate 40 is anchored to the ground. It will be appreciated that when the lower panels 10a and 10d are fastened to the footplate 40, the ends of the arch are fixed.

If a downward load is then applied to the arch, the panels 10 are placed in endwise compression and the arch becomes rigid. It is this principle on which the invention is based.

A series of ties 50 is provided and generally one such tie 50 will be fitted at each side of each arch of panels such as the arch 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. Since the ties 50 are identical with each other, only one will be described in detail. The tie consists of a rope or steel cable 52 of sufficient length to stretch over the arch, and anchoring devices indicated generally at 54 at its ends. Each anchoring device comprises a spike 56 adapted to be driven into the ground after the fashion of a marquee peg, an auxiliary spike 58 connected to the spike 56 by a cable 60, a headed spindle 62 pivoted on the spike 56, a screw-threaded extension 64 connected to the cable 52 and an internally threaded clevis 66.The clevis 66 is rotatable on the spindle 62 but is held captive thereon, and since it is threaded on to the extension 64, rotation of the clevis 66 increases or decreases the effective length of the tie 50 according to the direction of rotation.

The tie 50 is laid in the arcuate trough formed by the troughs 16 which fit end-toend, and anchored to the ground as shown in Figure 4. It is then tensioned to apply the required compressive force to the panels.

The order of assembly of the structure is as follows: First, the footplates 40 are placed in position and spiked to the ground.

Then a series of panels 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d is secured together by bolts, and lifted into position between the footplates, near to one end of the footplates.

A second series of panels is secured end-to-end and then lifted slightly above the first set of panels and its trough at one edge lowered into the trough of the first set of panels.

Further sets of panels are secured together and lifted into position.

The ties are laid in the troughs and then tensioned.

Although the above order of assembly is considered to be the most suitable, it will be appreciated that assembly of the structure in a different order is possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A structure for use in a building comprising a plurality of self-sustaining moulded panels as hereinbefore .defined joined end-to-end to form a self sustaining arch, and at least one taut flexible tie engaging over the arch and anchored at its ends.

2. A structure according to Claim 1, wherein the panels are moulded in a resinous plastics material.

3. A structure according to Claim 2, wherein the panels are moulded from a glass reinforced plastics material.

4. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the panels are formed with ribs, domes or other asperities, whereby the panels are made more rigid.

5. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch is arcuate in shape so that the structure encloses a space the lateral vertical section of which is in the shape of a segment of a circle.

6. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible tie engages with the panel structure over a substantial part of the arch.

7. A structure according to Claim 6, wherein the flexible tie engages with the panel structure over the greater part of the length of the arch.

8. A structure according to Claim 7.

wherein the flexible tie is not out of engagement with more than one panel at each side of the structure.

9. A structure according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the flexible tie engages with all of the panels.

10. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein retaining means are provided securing the ends of the arch to the ground, so that the structure is restrained against collapse when the tie is tensioned into engagement with the panel arch.

11. A structure according to Claim 10, wherein the retaining means at each side of the structure comprises a footplate adapted to be spiked to the ground and adapted to be secured to the lower end of the end panel at that side of the arch.

12. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible tie comprises a rope or cable with provision for anchoring it at its end for adjusting its effective length.

13. A structure according to Claim 12, wherein a screw-and-nut mechanism is provided for adjusting the length of the tie.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. building. As this length may be considerable (80 feet in this particular case) the footplate 40 may be made in sections. The footplate 40 simply comprises a flat metal strip 42 to which is welded a metal angle iron 44 drilled to coincide with a row of holes 20 along the lower edge of a panel 10. In addition, fixing holes are drilled through the horizontal flanges of the footplate and, in use, these receive spikes (indicated at 46 in Figure 4) by which the footplate 40 is anchored to the ground. It will be appreciated that when the lower panels 10a and 10d are fastened to the footplate 40, the ends of the arch are fixed. If a downward load is then applied to the arch, the panels 10 are placed in endwise compression and the arch becomes rigid. It is this principle on which the invention is based. A series of ties 50 is provided and generally one such tie 50 will be fitted at each side of each arch of panels such as the arch 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. Since the ties 50 are identical with each other, only one will be described in detail. The tie consists of a rope or steel cable 52 of sufficient length to stretch over the arch, and anchoring devices indicated generally at 54 at its ends. Each anchoring device comprises a spike 56 adapted to be driven into the ground after the fashion of a marquee peg, an auxiliary spike 58 connected to the spike 56 by a cable 60, a headed spindle 62 pivoted on the spike 56, a screw-threaded extension 64 connected to the cable 52 and an internally threaded clevis 66.The clevis 66 is rotatable on the spindle 62 but is held captive thereon, and since it is threaded on to the extension 64, rotation of the clevis 66 increases or decreases the effective length of the tie 50 according to the direction of rotation. The tie 50 is laid in the arcuate trough formed by the troughs 16 which fit end-toend, and anchored to the ground as shown in Figure 4. It is then tensioned to apply the required compressive force to the panels. The order of assembly of the structure is as follows: First, the footplates 40 are placed in position and spiked to the ground. Then a series of panels 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d is secured together by bolts, and lifted into position between the footplates, near to one end of the footplates. A second series of panels is secured end-to-end and then lifted slightly above the first set of panels and its trough at one edge lowered into the trough of the first set of panels. Further sets of panels are secured together and lifted into position. The ties are laid in the troughs and then tensioned. Although the above order of assembly is considered to be the most suitable, it will be appreciated that assembly of the structure in a different order is possible without departing from the scope of the invention. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A structure for use in a building comprising a plurality of self-sustaining moulded panels as hereinbefore .defined joined end-to-end to form a self sustaining arch, and at least one taut flexible tie engaging over the arch and anchored at its ends.

8. A structure according to Claim 7.

14. A structure according to any one of

the preceding claims, wherein each panel has a formation at or near to its side edges whereby it can be interengaged with a similar panel, so that two or more arch structures can be secured together edge-toedge to create a building structure which comprises a series of similar arches, the length of the building being the sum of the width of the arches less any overlap at the edges.

15. A structure constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings.