Dome structure and installation apparatus therefor

Abstract

A dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The dome structure comprising a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween. The dome structure also comprising a variable force generating device connected to the plurality of arched members for assisting in moving the dome structure between the collapsed position and the deployed position. The variable force generating device generating a variable force having a variation curve selected to substantially correspond to a curve of the force required for moving the dome structure between the collapsed position and the deployed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dome structure and more particularly, relates to an improved dome structure that is foldable and requires a minimum amount of force to be deployed and collapsed, and an installation apparatus therefor.

2. Background Art

The manufacture and use of various types of dome structures is known in the art. These range from fixed domes to collapsible domes that can be deployed when needed and folded into a compact configuration thereafter. An example of a collapsible dome is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,001, which teaches a foldable dome structure including means for raising and lowering the dome. This dome, particularly intended to cover a pool, requires a substantial amount of force to be deployed and collapsed. Such means as hydraulic, pneumatic or manual jacks are required to create the necessary force. The incorporation of such components into the dome structure causes the price to increase greatly making the dome unaffordable for many. Although the use of a manual jack eliminates the need for a motor and consequently the cost thereof, the fact remains that an excessive amount of effort by an individual is necessitated to manually raise and lower the dome. Also, the dome of U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,001 is not practical to use for most other applications, such as to cover a spa, as it is designed to cover a large area, and it cannot be easily stored without taking up too much space as it is not foldable.

Furthermore, a problem which is typically encountered by dome manufacturers is the securement of the fabric to the arched members of the dome. The procedure involved can be laborious even for an experienced worker. Therefore, most often domes are completely assembled before being shipped to the distributors.

For the original manufacturer of the dome, shipping the structure with the fabric already secured at the factory then becomes more expensive as it must be shipped with care to ensure that the fabric is not damaged. In the occurrence that the fabric is torn, unattached or otherwise damaged, the replacement of the fabric becomes a problem since the distributors may not have the necessary tools, equipment or expertise to repair the dome.

Due to the fact that customers generally want a guarantee on the purchase of a dome, there is a need to be able to readily replace damaged fabrics at the distributor where it was bought rather then having to send the dome back to the manufacturer for repair.

Therefore, in order to eliminate one or all of the above stated problems, there is a need to provide an improved foldable dome structure.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved dome structure that requires a minimum amount of force to be deployed and or collapsed.

It is another aim of the present invention to provide an improved dome structure that is foldable into a compact configuration.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus for installing the flexible interconnecting means of the dome structure.

Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The dome structure comprising first and second spaced-apart spring loaded assemblies, a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the arched members being pivotally connected to the first and second spring loaded assemblies, flexible interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members, each of the spring loaded assemblies having spring means and first and second linking arms for providing a force to assist in moving the arched members between the deployed position and the collapsed position, each of the first and second linking arms having a first end pivotally secured to the first and second arched members respectively, a second end of each of the linking arms being pivotally secured to the spring means, and wherein the dome structure in the collapsed position is arranged with the first ends of the linking arms spaced apart by a distance less than a distance between the second ends of the linking arms, and when the first arched member is moved apart from an adjacent intermediate arched member the distance between the first ends of the linking arms is greater than the distance between the second ends of the linking arms, the spring loaded assemblies thereby assisting the dome structure into the deployed position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dome structure foldable into a compact configuration comprising first and second spaced-apart spring loaded assemblies for providing assistance in moving the dome structure between a collapsed position and a deployed position, a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the arched members being pivotally connected to the first and second spring loaded assemblies, the arched members fanning out about the spring loaded assemblies when moved from the collapsed position to the deployed position, and each of the arched members being longitudinally bendable for allowing the dome structure to be arranged in the compact configuration, and flexible interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for installing flexible sheet covering to a dome structure having a plurality of arched members with at least a first laterally defined groove on one side and at least a second laterally defined groove on an opposing side thereof, the grooves for receiving the flexible sheet covering. The apparatus comprising a pair of interconnected wheels adapted to mate with the first and second laterally defined grooves on opposing sides of an arched member, the pair of wheels being rollable along the arched member for successively inserting the flexible sheet covering into the grooves, and tightening means for releasably tightening the wheels against the arched member.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The dome structure comprising a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, and a variable force generating device connected to said plurality of arched members for assisting in moving said dome structure between said collapsed position and said deployed position, said variable force generating device generating a variable force having a variation curve selected to substantially correspond to a curve of the force required for moving said dome structure between said collapsed position and said deployed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dome structure including arched members pivotally connected to spring loaded assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention, the dome structure being shown in a deployed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dome structure in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dome structure in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating a compact foldable configuration by bending the arched members at hinges;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dome structure in the compact foldable configuration;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the arched members and hinges of the dome structure in the deployed position illustrating the attachment of the fabric extending from one arched member to the next adjacent arched member;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a generally I-shaped arched member and corresponding hinge attached thereto;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the I-shaped arched member sectioned at an angle with the corresponding hinge attached thereto;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the I-shaped arched member with the corresponding hinge in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a bent position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective segmental (partially sectioned) view of a generally tubular-shaped arched member sectioned at an angle with corresponding hinge;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the generally tubular-shaped arched member with the corresponding hinge attached thereto;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the generally tubular-shaped arched member with the corresponding hinge in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10 in a bent position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the spring loaded assemblies in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 from a point of view standing outside the dome structure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 from a point of view standing inside the dome structure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2 from a point of view standing inside the dome structure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus for installing the fabric to the arched members of the dome structure; and

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the spring loaded assembly in the deployed position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in the collapsed position in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the spring loaded assembly in the collapsed position in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a preferred embodiment of a dome structure, identified by reference numeral 10, in a deployed position and in a collapsed position respectively. The dome structure 10 is made up of a supporting structure or frame 12 and a fabric 14 attached thereto. The structure 12 includes a plurality of arched members 16 pivotally connected at both ends 18 to a pair of spring loaded assemblies 20. More particularly, the plurality of arched members 16 can be further described as a first and a second arched member 22, 24, with intermediate arched members 26 therebetween. In this exemplary embodiment there are three intermediate arched members 26. Naturally, the number of intermediate arched members 26 may vary according to the design of the dome structure 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, when the dome structure 10 is deployed on the ground the first and second arched members 22, 24 are at 0° and 180° positions and the three intermediate arched members 26 are at 45° intervals therefrom so as to form the arcuous shape of the dome structure 10. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the shape of the arched members 16, dictated in part by their length, may be such that one nests on top of the other with each arched member 16 having substantially the same length. However, it is also possible that the length of each arched member 16 may vary such that one nests within the other. Still other configurations exist.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the arched members 16 are each sectioned into three substantially equal pieces generally identified by letters a, b, c for each respective arched member 16. The structural integrity of each of the arched members 16 is maintained by hinges 28 connecting respective sections a, b, c together. The hinges 28 are fixed to each arched member 16 between section a and b and between section b and c. The hinges 28 allow the dome structure 10 to be folded into a compact configuration for storage (FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, the dome structure 10 is foldable into ⅓ the arched members' 16 arc length which advantageously reduces the storage space required. It should be understood however that the arched members 16 of the frame 12 may also be built up of three or more sections in any suitable manner that may enable the dome structure 10 to be folded in a compact configuration.

Furthermore, the arched members 16 are preferably made out of aluminum alloy tubing, plastic or some fairly rigid yet flexible material.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the arched members 16 with hinges 28 along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. The hinge 28 of the second arched member 24 is omitted so that the cross-sectional shape thereof can be clearly viewed. As can be seen, the first and second arched members 22 and 24 have a rectangular tubular cross-sectional shape with a top flange and a bottom flange 30, 32 and a pair of laterally protruding portions 34 in-between (FIG. 5 shows first and second arched members 22, 24 turned sideways). The top and bottom flanges 30, 32 in combination with the laterally protruding portions 34 define a pair of grooves 36 on each side of the first and second tubular arched members 22, 24. The pair of grooves 36 lay parallel one above the other.

The three intermediate arched members 26 have a generally I-shaped cross-section with a central portion 38 flanked by a top and a bottom flange 40, 42 (FIGS. 5 and 6). A pair of laterally protruding portions 44 extend from the central portion 38, the latter in combination with the top and bottom flanges 40, 42 define a pair of grooves 46 on each side of the intermediate arched members 26. Similarly to grooves 36 of the tubular arched members 22, 24, the pair grooves 46 also lay parallel one above the other.

In addition, top flanges 40 have a pair of downwardly extending projections 48 and bottom flanges 42 have a pair of upwardly extending projections 50, both pairs of projections 48 and 50 are symmetrically disposed on opposed sides of the central portion 38.

Still referring to FIG. 5, both types of arched members 16 are designed to couple with the fabric 14 such that the fabric 14 can be attached to the arched members 16 in pieces. To cover the supporting structure 12 of this embodiment, four pieces of fabric 14 are required. The fabric 14 extends between the five arched members 16 and is maintained connected to each by way of mouldings 52 which are secured to the longitudinal edges 54 of each piece of fabric 14. The above-described grooves 36 and 46 of the arched members 16 are thus designed for engageably receiving the mouldings 52. More specifically, one of the pair of grooves 36 and 46 on one side of an arched member 16 receives one molding 52 of one longitudinal edge 54 of one piece of fabric 14.

Advantageously, having two grooves 36 and 46 on each side of the arched members 16 allows the dome structure 10 to have a top layer of fabric 14a and an underneath layer of fabric 14b if desired. The underneath layer of fabric 14b is separated from the top layer of fabric 14a by an air layer therebetween. If preferred, the underneath layer of fabric 14b may be made up of less than four pieces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, two pieces of fabric 14 may be attached between the intermediate members to fortify the impermeability of the dome structure 10.

The fabric 14 used for the dome structure 10 may be any suitable flexible material and may include solid fabrics as well as screen fabrics and the like.

To accommodate the two types of arched members 16 there exist two types of hinges 28a & b: hinges 28a for use with the intermediate arched members 26, and hinges 28b for use with the first and second tubular arched members 22 and 24. FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate hinges 28a and FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate hinges 28b.

Referring concurrently to FIGS. 6 to 8, hinge 28a has a first part 56 and a second part 58 that are configured to slide onto top flange 40 of the sectioned intermediate arched members 26 at the sectioned extremities thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first and second parts 56, 58 of the hinge 28a are made up of a pair of juxtaposed triangularly shaped walls 60 whereby the height of the triangular walls 60 of parts 56 and 58 link together to form a joint. The hinge 28a also includes a blocking pin 62 for insertion into aligned apertures 64 defined in walls 60 of the first part 56 of the hinge 28a. The blocking pin 62 acts to prevent the intermediate arched member 26 from hyper-extending. A locking pin 66 may also be included for insertion into overlapping apertures 68 defined in the walls 60 of both the first and second parts 56, 58 when the hinge 28a is in an extended position (Not shown in FIG. 7). The locking pin 66 acts to lock the intermediate arched members 26 in the extended position.

In FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of an intermediate arched member 26 with hinge 28a secured thereto is depicted. The hinge 28a is secured onto the top flange 40 of the intermediate arched member 26 by way of a screw 70.

In FIG. 7, a perspective view of sections b & c (or a & b) of intermediate arched member 26 connected by hinge 28a is shown. The sections are in an extended position as would be the case when the dome structure 10 is deployed. It can be seen that the intermediate arched member 26 is sectioned at an angle to permit the sections to fold together, bending at the hinge 28a as illustrated in FIG. 8. It is preferably sectioned at 120° but it should be understood that other angles could also work while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Now referring concurrently to FIGS. 9 to 11, hinge 28b for connecting sections a, b & c of first and second arched members 22, 24 is exemplified. Since hinge 28b is very similar to hinge 28a, parts that are substantially the same will be identified with same reference numerals denoted with a prime symbol.

FIG. 9 shows a disassembled view of the hinge 28b having a first part 56′ and a second part 58′ each including a pair of juxtaposed triangularly shaped walls 60′ to be secured to respective sections of the arched members 22 and 24. The first and second arched members 22, 24 have a pair of slots 72 defined in the top flange 30 of each section a, b & c for receiving the first and second parts 56′ and 58′ therethrough. Each wall 60′ of parts 56′ and 58′ also includes a downwardly projecting piece 74 for insertion through the slot 72. The piece 74 has apertures 76 that align with apertures 78 on the side of the tubular arched members 22, 24 when inserted in slots 72. The apertures 76 and 78 are for receiving pop rivets 80 therethrough.

The hinge 28b also includes a pair of locking pins 66′ for insertion into overlapping aligned apertures 64 defined in the walls 60′ of the first and second parts 56′, 58′ thereof. The locking pins 66′ act to lock the sections of the first and second arched members 22, 24 in the extended position and also prevent hyper-extending thereof as illustrated in FIG. 10. Notably, a single locking pin 66′ could be employed to carry out the above-stated function.

In FIG. 10, a perspective view of sections b & c (or a & b) of first and second arched members 22, 24 connected by hinge 28b is shown. The sections are in an extended position as would be the case when the dome structure 10 is deployed. Similarly to FIG. 7, FIG. 10 shows that arched members 22, 24 are sectioned at an angle to permit the sections to fold together. Preferably the section is an angle of 120° but it should be understood that other angles could also work while remaining within the scope of the invention. Depicted in FIG. 11 is a perspective view of arched members 22, 24 in a folded orientation, bent at the hinge 28b. It can be seen that one of the pair of locking pins 66′ is engaged with only the first part 56′ of the hinge 28b to permit bending thereof.

Now referring concurrently to FIGS. 12 through 14, one of the pair of spring loaded assemblies 20 of the supporting structure 12 is shown. Since the pair of spring loaded assemblies 20 are substantially identical only one such assembly will be described in detail herein.

The spring loaded assembly 20 comprises a base 82 having a floor plate 84 with a pair of vertically extending side plates 86 attached thereto. The side plates 86 are in mirror relation with each other flanking a central shaft 88. The central shaft 88 is supported by the side plates 86 therebetween. Particularly, the ends 90 of the central shaft 88 protrude through centrally located apertures 92 in the side plates 86 and are secured in position by way of stopper pins 94.

Moreover, each of the arched members 16 are connected to a respective connecting plate 96, each connecting plate 96 preferably having a generally elongated shape. The connecting plates 96 are preferably screwed onto the bottom flanges 32 and 42 of the arched members 16. As may be seen in FIGS. 12 to 14, connecting plates 96 are pivotally connected to the central shaft 88 of the spring loaded assembly 20.

Spacers 98 are intersticed between the connecting plates 96 along the central shaft 88 as can best be seen in FIG. 14. The spacers 98 separate the connecting plates 96 from being one adjacent the other.

The spring loaded assembly 20 also comprises a linkage mechanism 100 having a vertically extending shaft 102 that is substantially perpendicular and pivotally connected to the central shaft 88. One example by which the shaft 102 may be connected to the central shaft 88 is by fixing the lower end 104 of the shaft 102 to a leg 106 configured to symmetrically rotate about the central shaft 88. The upper end 108 of the shaft 102 is preferably screw threaded and sized for receiving a plate 110 and a nut (not shown).

Still referring concurrently to FIGS. 12 to 14, the linkage mechanism 100 further includes a cross bar 112 and first and second linking arms 114, 116 that are connected to the cross bar 112 and to the connecting plates 96 of the first and second arched members 22, 24 respectively. The first linking arm 114 has a first end thereof pivotally connected at point 118 to cross bar 112 and a second end pivotally connected at point 120 to the connecting plate 96 of the first arched member 22. The second linking arm 116 has a first end pivotally connected at point 122 to cross bar 112 and a second end thereof pivotally connected at point 124 to the connecting plate 96 of the second arched member 24. Pivot points 120 and 124 on the connecting plates 96 are located on the elongated bodies thereof between the connections to the central shaft 88 and to the arched members 22, 24 respectively.

The linking arms 114 and 116 move in relation to the position of the connecting plates 96 of the first and second arched members 22, 24. In turn the position of the linking arms 114, 116 causes the cross bar 112 to slide up and down the shaft 102 accordingly.

Extending about the shaft 102 is a coil spring 126 that is restricted at one end by the plate 110 screwed onto the upper end 108 of the shaft 102 and at the other end by the cross bar 112 at the lower end 104 of the shaft 102. The spring 126 rests on the cross bar 112 such that when the latter slides up the shaft 102, the spring 118 is compressed against the plate 110. Also, by a suitable adjustment of nut, the compression forces on the spring 126 may be varied. By tightening the nut, the plate 110 moves further down the shaft 102 against the spring 126, thereby compressing the spring 126.

As may be seen in FIG. 14, when the dome structure 10 is in a closed position, pivot points 118 and 122 of linking arms 114 and 116 respectively are spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between pivot points 120 and 124. Thus, the arrangement is such that, when in a closed position the pressure from spring 126 exerts a pressure on cross bar 112 and linking arms 114 and 116 such that the first arched member 22 and the second arched member 24 are forced together. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, once a force has been exerted on first arched member 22 to separate it from adjacent second arched member 24, the distance between pivot points 120 and 124 increases and therefore the force from spring 126 is exerted such that the first arched member 22 and the second arched member 24 are forced apart.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly 20 from a point of view standing outside the dome structure 10. The linkage mechanism 100 is located within the dome structure 10 to keep it covered. For example, in the event of rain, the linkage mechanism 100 is covered thus reducing the likelihood of it rusting due to water exposure.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly 20 from a point of view standing inside the dome structure 10. It can be seen that when the dome structure 10 is deployed from 0° to 180° the shaft 102 with coil spring 126 extends vertically at 90°, halfway between the first and the second arched members 22, 24. In this position, the spring 126 is maximally extended as permitted by the plate 110 and cross bar 112 of the linkage mechanism 100.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the spring loaded assembly 20 when the dome structure 10 is collapsed at 0° (or 180°). It can be seen that the shaft 102 with coil spring 126 extends horizontally such that it is centered halfway between the first and the second arched members 22, 24 that lie one on top of the other separated by the intermediate arched members 26. In this position, the spring 126 is maximally compressed by the cross bar 112 against the plate 110 of the linkage mechanism.

The linkage mechanism 100 of the spring loaded assembly 20 is designed so as to allow the dome structure 10 to remain in any given position. For example, the dome structure 10 may be deployed, leading with the first arched member 22, anywhere between 0° to 180° and remain stable. The basic principle of the spring loaded assemblies 20 lies in the fact that the spring force substantially equals the need of the dome structure 10 at any given moment; therefore, the latter can remain stable in any position. Specifically, the available moment of the spring 126 yields the necessary moment of force of the dome structure 10. Advantageously, the application of the above stated principle results in a dome structure 10 that is operably movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position and that requires a minimum amount of manual force to be deployed and or collapsed.

Moreover, the coil spring 126 is selected as a preferred embodiment of the present invention as it can generate a variable force that can be adjusted by way of the nut and plate 110. Therefore the coil spring is one example of a variable force generating device. This is advantageous as the force required to assist in moving the dome structure 10 between a deployed position and a collapsed position is variable such that the force required differs depending on the angle of the first arched member 22. For example, when the force required is graphed with respect to angles between 0° to 180° it takes on a bell curve shape: when the first arched member 22 is at an angle between 50° and 130° the force required is greater than the force required when the first arched member 22 is between angles 0° to 50° and 130° to 180°. Thus, the coil spring 126 is selected as it can also provide a bell curve varying force.

From a structural perspective, the spring loaded assembly 20 is configured such that the shaft 102 with coil spring 126 pivots about the central shaft 88 in direct relation with the first and second arched members 22 and 24. The linkage mechanism 100 works to displace the shaft 102 and spring 126 at half the angle between the first and second arched members 22, 24 to maintain an equilibrium position.

When the dome structure 10 is collapsed the spring 126 is compressed; thus, upon deployment, the spring 126 acts to urge the dome structure 10 and more particularly the arched members 16 to fan out. Contrarily, when the dome structure 10 is deployed the spring 126 is relatively extended; therefore, it does not resist against an individual manually forcing the dome structure 10 into a compact configuration.

Now referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an apparatus 128 for installing the fabric 14 to the arched members 16, and more particularly for inserting the mouldings 52 on the longitudinal edges 54 of the fabric 14 into the grooves 36 and 46 of the arched members 16 is illustrated. Notably, the arrangement of the apparatus 128 is relatively symmetrical.

The apparatus 128 comprises a pair of wheels 130 mounted on shafts 132 to a pair of blocks 134, whereby the shafts 132 are retained by an arrangement including an inset retaining member 136.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the apparatus 128 is adapted to install the fabric 14 on a dome structure 10 having five arched members 16 equidistantly spaced at 45° angles when fully deployed; consequently the apparatus is configured accordingly. The blocks 134 are cut at 45° angles and the periphery 138 of the wheels 130 are beveled at 45° angles so as to optimize the interaction between the apparatus 128 and the arched members 16. Specifically, the periphery 138 of the wheels 130 are vertically aligned within the grooves 36 and 46 to apply an equal distribution of pressure to the mouldings 52 for installation.

In the particular arrangement shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the periphery 138 of the wheels 130 have a upper rim portion 140 and a lower rim portion 142 separated by an indentation 144 for mating with the laterally protruding portions 34 and 44 of the arched members 16. The upper and lower rim portions 140, 142 are designed to fit into grooves 36 and 46 of the arched members 16 defined by top and bottom flanges 30, 32, 40, 42 and laterally protruding portions 34 and 44. Depending on in which grooves the mouldings 52 are being inserted into, either the upper or lower rim portion 140, 142 then exerts pressure on the molding 52 as it is rolled along the arched member 16 to insert the molding 52 into the groove.

Moreover, the pair of blocks 134 may be interconnected by means 146. Naturally, the blocks 134 may be movable with respect to each other. One exemplary embodiment of interconnecting means 146 is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. The interconnecting means 146 include two cylindrical rods 148 and sleeves 150 for insertion through horizontal openings 152 defined in the blocks 134. The sleeves 150 are preferably press-fit into the openings 152 and the cylindrical rods 148 are then inserted therethrough. The stated arrangement permits the blocks 134 to slide horizontally along the cylindrical rods 148. Stopper pins 154 may also be included at both ends of the cylindrical rods 148 to ensure that the blocks 126 can not slide off the rods 148.

The apparatus 128 also comprises tightening means 156. An exemplary embodiment of the tightening means 156 can best be seen in FIG. 16, whereby a rectangular rod 158 is introduced through horizontal slots 160 defined in both blocks 134 and the blocks 134 are flanked by first and second tightening members 162 and 164 respectively. Preferably, the first tightening member 162 is passive while the second tightening member 164 is active having a grip 166 and cranking means 168. The second tightening member 164 slidably engages the rectangular rod 158 so as to decrease or increase the distance between the first and second tightening members 162, 164. By decreasing the distance therebetween, the blocks 134 are purposely pushed closer together as is required for installation purposes.

Now, the method by which the apparatus 128 may be utilized for inserting the longitudinal edge mouldings 52 which are secured to the fabric 14 in the grooves 36 and 46 so that the fabric 14 extends between adjacent arched members 16 will be further described. Advantageously, the apparatus 128 may be utilized with the supporting structure or frame 12 fully assembled and in a deployed configuration.

As such, the method involves an individual providing a piece of fabric 14 with a molding 52 for installation to one side of an arched member. Notably, the apparatus 128 is designed to install fabric 14 on both sides of an arched member 16 simultaneously; however the method will be described for the installation on just one side.

Initially, one portion of the molding 52 may be manually snapped into preferably the top groove of the arched member 16 at any location therein. As such, the individual may choose to insert the molding 52 from the center of the arched member moving outwardly or vise versa.

Thereafter, the apparatus 128 may be tightened into position by way of the tightening means 156. While gripping the grip 166 of the first tightening member 162 the individual may use the cranking means 168 to slide the blocks 134 closer together until the angled wheels 130 make firm contact with the arched member 16 such that the upper rim portion 140 presses against the portion of the molding 52 included into the groove (36 or 46 depending on which arched member is involved).

Thereafter, the apparatus 128 may be manually displaced so that the wheels 130 roll along the arched member 16 which acts as a rail guiding the wheels 130. By rolling the apparatus 128, the molding 52 is sequentially inserted into the groove 36 or 46 due to the pressure applied thereon. To facilitate insertion, it is preferable that the individual manually sequentially aligns the molding 52 with the groove 36 or 46 prior to rolling the apparatus 128 thereover. An analogy may be drawn from zipping up a zipper whereby the act of zipping is facilitated by bringing the two ends of the zipper close together.

Thus, when the fabric 14 has been inserted into one side of the arched member 16, the individual may then proceed to install the opposite end of the fabric 14 to the next adjacent arched member 16 of the supporting structure 12 and so on.

Now, turning to FIGS. 17 through 19, there is illustrated another embodiment of the spring loaded assembly embodiment. To the extent that similar components are provided, similar reference numerals are utilized. As shown in this embodiment, and as may be used in the other embodiments, there is provided a spherical spring 170 for operational movement in place of the previously described linkage mechanism 100.

The spherical spring 170 extends about the central shaft 88, preferably between side plates 86, and is directly connected to both the first and the second arched members 22, 24. The spring loaded assemblies 20 of this exemplary embodiment differ also in that the interconnecting plates 96 and spacers 98 are connected to the central shaft on the outside of one of the side plates 86. Notably, this embodiment is not governed by the same basic principle as above stated for the linkage mechanism whereby the spring force substantially equals the need of the dome structure 10 at any given moment.

It should be understood that the above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position, the dome structure comprising:

first and second spaced-apart spring loaded assemblies;

a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the arched members being pivotally connected to the first and second spring loaded assemblies;

flexible interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members;

each of the spring loaded assemblies having spring means and first and second linking arms for providing a force to assist in moving the arched members between the deployed position and the collapsed position, each of the first and second linking arms having a first end pivotally secured to the first and second arched members respectively, a second end of each of the linking arms being pivotally secured to the spring means; and

wherein the dome structure in the collapsed position is arranged with the first ends of the linking arms spaced apart by a distance less than a distance between the second ends of the linking arms, and when the first arched member is moved apart from an adjacent intermediate arched member the distance between the first ends of the linking arms is greater than the distance between the second ends of the linking arms, the spring loaded assemblies thereby assisting the dome structure into the deployed position.

2. The dome structure of claim 1, wherein the spring loaded assemblies include a central shaft about which the arched members are pivotally connected to.

3. The dome structure of claim 2, wherein the spring means includes a spring extending about a shaft, the shaft being pivotally connected and substantially perpendicular to the central shaft, the spring being compressible and extensible about the shaft.

4. The dome structure of claim 3, wherein the spring means includes a cross-bar perpendicularly disposed on the shaft at a lower end thereof, the second end of each of the linking arms being pivotally secured to the cross-bar, the cross-bar being slidable up and down the shaft by way of the linking arms such that when the cross-bar slides up the shaft the spring is compressed and when the cross-bar slides down the shaft the spring is extended.

5. The dome structure of claim 1, wherein the spring loaded assemblies are designed to have the spring means remain halfway between the first arched member and the second arched member when the dome structure is in the collapsed position and in the deployed position and anywhere therebetween.

6. The dome structure of claim 3, wherein the spring means further include force adjusting means for controlling a force exerted by the spring.

7. The dome structure of claim 6, wherein the shaft has a threaded upper end, and wherein the force adjusting means include a plate mounted to the upper end of the shaft, and a nut screwed to the upper end above the plate, the nut engaging the plate when tightened such that the plate moves down the shaft thereby applying a pressure to the spring.

8. The dome structure of claim 1, wherein the arched members are bendable for allowing the dome structure to be arranged in a compact configuration.

9. The dome structure of claim 8, wherein the arched members are included in sections, the sections interconnected by hinges for bending thereat.

10. The dome structure of claim 9, wherein the arched members are sectioned at 120 degree angles into three sections, the three sections interconnected by two hinges.

11. The dome structure of claim 1, wherein the flexible interconnecting means includes a first layer of flexible fabric with interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members, and a second layer of flexible fabric with interconnecting means extending below the first layer of flexible fabric between at least two adjacent arched members.

12. A dome structure foldable into a compact configuration comprising:

first and second spaced-apart spring loaded assemblies for providing assistance in moving the dome structure between a collapsed position and a deployed position;

a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the arched members being pivotally connected to the first and second spring loaded assemblies, the arched members fanning out about the spring loaded assemblies when moved from the collapsed position to the deployed position, and each of the arched members being longitudinally bendable for allowing the dome structure to be arranged in the compact configuration; and

flexible interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members.

13. The dome structure of claim 12, wherein the arched members are included in sections interconnected by hinges, the hinges for bending the arched members into the compact configuration.

14. The dome structure of claim 13, wherein the arched members are sectioned at 120 degree angles into three sections, the three sections interconnected by two hinges.

15. The dome structure of claim 14, wherein the hinges are included as two separate parts, each part attached to a respective section of an arched member, the two parts operably pinned together such that the parts pivot one relative to the other.

16. A dome structure comprising:

first and second spaced apart spring loaded assemblies for providing assistance in moving the dome structure between a collapsed position and a deployed position;

a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween, each of the arched members being pivotally connected to the first and second spring loaded assemblies, the arched members fanning out about the spring loaded assemblies when moved from the collapsed position to the deployed position; and

a first layer of flexible fabric with interconnecting means extending between adjacent arched members, and a second layer of flexible fabric with interconnecting means extending below the first layer between at least two arched members.

17. The dome structure of claim 16, wherein the interconnecting means of the first and second layer of flexible fabric include mouldings fixed to opposite ends of both the first and second layer of flexible fabric respectively, and wherein the arched members further include laterally defined grooves for engageably receiving the mouldings therein.

18. The dome structure of claim 16, wherein the first and second layers of flexible fabric are included in pieces, each piece for installation between two adjacent arched members.

19. An apparatus for installing flexible sheet covering to a dome structure having a plurality of arched members with at least a first laterally defined groove on one side and at least a second laterally defined groove on an opposing side thereof, the grooves for receiving the flexible sheet covering, the apparatus comprising:

a pair of interconnected wheels adapted to mate with the first and second laterally defined grooves on opposing sides of an arched member, the pair of wheels being rollable along the arched member for successively inserting the flexible sheet covering into the grooves; and

tightening means for releasably tightening the wheels against the arched member.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising two supporting members, the wheels being mounted about an axis to a top surface of the supporting members respectively.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the top surfaces of the supporting members are cut at angle.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the supporting members includes a pair of blocks.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the pair of wheels are bevelled at an angle the same as the angle of the supporting members.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the tightening means include a rod for insertion through a pair of aligned apertures defined in the supporting members, a first and a second tightening member respectively mounted on the rod flanking the supporting members, the first tightening member fixed to the rod, cranking means for displacing the second tightening member towards the first tightening member thereby bringing the supporting members closer together.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the tightening means further include a grip for holding the apparatus thereby.

26. A dome structure movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position, the dome structure comprising:

a plurality of arched members including first and second arched members and intermediate arched members therebetween; and

a variable force generating device connected to said plurality of arched members for assisting in moving said dome structure between said collapsed position and said deployed position, said variable force generating device generating a variable force having a variation curve selected to substantially correspond to a curve of the force required for moving said dome structure between said collapsed position and said deployed position.