Retractable Enclosure

Abstract

Described herein is a retractable enclosure that includes a sequence of upright arches, such that the arches are substantially parallel and such that the two ends of each upright arch are disposed on a base. The arches are configured to leave a gap between adjacent arches. The retractable enclosure also includes a plurality of extendable covers attached to the arches such that at least one extendable cover is disposed between adjacent arches and such that each extendable cover can assume an extended state and a retracted state. The gap between adjacent arches can be mostly closed when the at least one extendible cover therebetween is in its extended state.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to structures for enclosing spaces and more specifically to retractable enclosures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Enclosures for playing fields, entertainment spectacles and other purposes allow events to occur in inclement weather. For example, enclosing a tennis court permits play during rain or cold temperatures. On the other hand, when weather is not inclement, people often prefer to play in the outdoors. Thus, there is a need for structures that can enclose a playing field or court during inclement weather and that can be opened up during pleasant weather.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the need for a structure that can enclose a field or court during inclement weather and that can be opened up during pleasant weather there is described herein a retractable enclosure that includes a sequence of upright, substantially parallel arches. The two ends of each upright arch are disposed on a base and the arches are configured to leave a gap between adjacent arches. The base may be disposed so that at least a portion is above ground level.

The retractable enclosure further includes a plurality of extendable covers attached to the arches such that at least one extendable cover is disposed between adjacent arches and such that each extendable cover can assume an extended state and a retracted state. The gap between adjacent arches can be mostly closed when the at least one extendible cover therebetween is in its extended state.

In a preferred embodiment each extendible cover is a rolling cover that is wound about an axis to assume the retracted state and unwound about the axis to assume the extended state. In one embodiment, two rolling covers are provided between each pair of adjacent arches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of a retractable enclosure, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a single arch of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C shows a pair of adjacent arches, and one rolling cover therebetween of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D shows a rolling cover of FIG. 1A in its extended state;

FIG. 1E shows the retractable enclosure of FIG. 1A with all the rolling covers in their extended states;

FIG. 2A shows one arch like that employed in FIGS. 1A-1E;

FIG. 2B shows a cross section of the arch of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows arches and a rolling cover, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2D shows a cross sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 2C;

FIG. 3A shows another embodiment of a retractable enclosure with the rolling covers all in their retracted states, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows the retractable enclosure of FIG. 3A with the rolling covers all in their extended states;

FIG. 4A shows a retractable enclosure with a solar panel flush with rolling cover, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows the retractable enclosure of FIG. 4A with solar panel in a different orientation;

FIG. 5 shows a retractable enclosure having blowers, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a retractable enclosure having water nozzles, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a retractable enclosure having water nozzles, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a retractable enclosure containing posts therein, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of a tube containing therein posts of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9B shows two tennis courts and tubes similar to the tube shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 shows a net or mesh system, according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 11A shows a foundation of a house surrounded by a retractable enclosure, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11B shows a base with scaffolding, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A retractable enclosure 10 is shown in FIGS. 1A-E, according to the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, the retractable enclosure 10 includes a sequence 12 of upright arches 14. FIG. 1B shows a single arch 14 of FIG. 1A. Each arch 14 has two ends 16, 18, such that the arches are substantially parallel and such that the two ends 16, 18 of each upright arch are disposed on a base 20. A gap 22 between adjacent arches is present. A beam parallel to each axis can connect the tops of the sequence of arches.

The arches 14 include a pair of C-shaped guide channels 23, except for the first and last arch of the sequence 12, which include just one C-shaped guide channel each. The arches can be manufactured from aluminum using extrusion methods.

The retractable enclosure 10 also includes a plurality of extendible covers 24 attached to the arches 14. In a preferred embodiment, the extendible covers are rolling covers, as described below. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-E, there is exactly one rolling cover 24 disposed between adjacent arches. FIG. 1C shows a pair of adjacent arches 14A and 14B, and one rolling cover 24A therebetween. More generally, there may be more than one rolling cover between adjacent arches; below an embodiment having exactly two rolling arches between adjacent arches is discussed.

Each rolling cover 24 can assume an extended state and a retracted state. Each rolling cover 24, such as rolling cover 24A, has a cover 26 that is wound about an axis 28 to assume the retracted state and unwound about the axis 28 to assume the extended state. The rolling covers can be wound and unwound by a motor 30. FIG. 1C shows the rolling cover 24A in the retracted state. FIG. 1D shows the rolling cover 24A in its extended state. The gap 22 between adjacent arches is closed when the at least one rolling cover therebetween is in its extended state.

In the retracted state, the rolling covers are disposed just above, at or just below ground level. Disposing the retracted rolling cover near ground level makes it accessible for any repairs. Another advantage of disposing the retracted rolling covers near the base is that the arches do not have to bear the load of the wound up covers. Instead, the wound up covers can rest on or in the base or ground.

It should be understood that the rolling cover can assume a state somewhere between the retracted state and the extended state, as some covers in FIG. 1A demonstrate.

The edges 31 of the cover 26 slide along the C-shaped guide channels 23 on the arches while being wound or unwound. Other C-shaped guide channels 33 can wind around in a spiral near the base 20. These are shown in an exploded view of FIG. 1B. These C-shaped guide channels 33 facilitate the winding of the cover about the axis 28 in such a way that the surface of the cover does not come into contact with itself as the cover is wound about the axis 28.

FIG. 1E shows the retractable enclosure 10 with all the rolling covers 24 in their extended states.

The sides 33 and 35 of the retractable enclosures can include walls 37, 39 with one or more doors 41 to allow access to the enclosure 10. If desired, the wall can be capable of closing and opening electrically, much like an electric garage door. In Figure E, an exploded view of one such a wall 39, partly opened, is shown. The walls 37 and 39 can have transparent windows 43.

Advantageously, the retractable enclosure provides a structure that can be closed to the elements on an inclement day, and opened when the weather is pleasant. Such a retractable enclosure might be used to surround athletic fields or courts. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-E illustrates the use of the retractable enclosure for tennis courts 32. It should be understood, however, that the retractable enclosure could also be used for other sports or events.

FIG. 2A shows one arch 40 like that employed in FIGS. 1A-1E. FIG. 2B shows a cross section A-A of the arch 40. The arch 40 has a pair of electromagnet strips 42 and 44 running along the length of the arch from one end of the arch 46 to the other end 48. The electromagnet strips 42 and 44 are disposed on the inner top portion of the C-shaped guide channels 50 and 52 above the base. Each arch of the retractable enclosure has a pair of such electromagnet strips, except for the first and last arch in the sequence of arches, which first and last arch each have exactly one electromagnet strip. Each electromagnet strip can conduct electricity when a voltage difference is applied thereto, and when doing so becomes an electromagnet. The electromagnet strip ceases to act like a magnet when the voltage is turned off.

In FIG. 2C, arches 40A and 40B and a rolling cover 54 are shown. The rolling cover 54 has a pair of metallic strips 56 (shown also in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 2D) and 58 running along the edges thereof that are attracted to magnets. When the rolling cover 54 is being wound or unwound, the voltage is not applied to the electromagnet strips 42 and 44. Once the rolling cover 54 has finished unwinding and is in its extended state, a voltage can be applied to the electromagnetic strips to cause the metallic strips to adhere thereto via magnetic forces exerted by the electromagnet strips. In this manner, the rolling covers and the arches form a watertight seal when a voltage is applied to the electromagnet strips. Conveniently, when the rolling covers need to be extended or retracted, the electromagnet strips can be turned off to facilitate the extension or retraction of the rolling covers.

It should be understood that the location of the electromagnet strip and the metallic strip can be interchanged, such that the electromagnet strip is disposed on the cover and the metallic strip can be disposed on the arch. Alternatively, electromagnetic strips can be provided on both the arches and the covers.

FIGS. 3A-B show another embodiment of the retractable enclosure. A retractable enclosure 100 includes a sequence of upright arches 102. A plurality of rolling covers 104 are attached to the arches 102 such that two rolling covers are disposed between adjacent arches and such that each rolling cover can assume an extended state and a retracted state. Each rolling cover has a cover that is wound about an axis to assume the retracted state and unwound about the axis to assume the extended state. The gap between adjacent arches can be closed when the at least one rolling cover therebetween is in its extended state. A beam 106 parallel to each axis connects the tops of the sequence of arches. The beam provides structural support and can be used to support light fixtures, fans, etc.

FIG. 3A shows the retractable enclosure with the rolling covers all in their retracted states. FIG. 3B shows the retractable enclosure with the rolling covers all in their extended states.

An example of a commercially available rolling cover that can be used is the Spiral® FV High Performance Rigid Rolling Door by Rytec Corporation of Jackson, Wis.

FIGS. 4A-B shows a retractable enclosure 200 with solar panels 202 attached thereto. A solar panel 202 can be set in a manner that would be flush (FIG. 4A) with the rolling cover if the rolling cover were in its extended state, or the solar panel can be rotated into a raised position (FIG. 4B) by the use of a motor 203. In particular, the solar panel can be made to rotate about an axis 204 from the flush position to the raised position and lowered back to the flush position. Raising and lowering can be effected to maximize exposure of the panel to the sun, or to limit wind loads when windy. As is well known, the solar panel can convert some of the sun's radiation and convert it into useable stored energy with the use of solar cells. One or more solar panels can be included, as appropriate.

Referring to FIG. 5, a retractable enclosure 230 is shown, similar to the ones described above. Blowers 232 are disposed on the arches 234. The blowers 232 blow air, which can be warmed air if desired, across the top surface of the covers 236. In so doing, the air can blow snow or debris off of the top surface of the covers.

Referring to FIG. 6, a retractable enclosure 250 can be provided having water nozzles 252 on inner portions of the arches 254 to water the surface 256 enclosed by the enclosure 250. For example, where the surface includes clay tennis courts, the water nozzles 252 can be used to water the clay courts as is usually required of such courts for maintenance.

Referring to FIG. 7, alternatively, or in addition, a U-shaped member 258 can have water nozzles 260. The U-shaped member 258 can include rollers 262 at the bottom thereof to allow the U-shaped member to roll on a track 264. By moving the U-shaped member along the track, water sprayed from the water nozzles 260 can reach various parts of the surface 256.

Referring to FIG. 8, four posts 280, 282, 284 and 286 can be placed at corners of an imaginary rectangle. A net or mesh 288 can be wound around each post when the net or mesh is being stored and not in use. The net can be extended from one post, say post 280, stretched across and fastened to an adjacent post, say post 282. The net can be stretched from post 282 to post 286, from post 286 to post 284 and from post 284 to post 280. In this manner, a net can be made to surround a tennis court or other playing field to keep a ball within the area enclosed by the net.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a hollow tube 300 can hold a first net 300A wound around a first post 301A, and a second net 300B wound around a second post 301B. The tube 300 has a first slit 310 to allow the first net 300A to pass therethrough, and a second slit 312 to allow the second net 300B to pass therethrough. In other embodiments, the tube can have more than two slits. The tube 300 can also hold just one net and post, or no nets or posts, for use as described below.

Referring to FIG. 9B, two tennis courts 320 and 322 are shown, as are also illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 3A. Six tubes 300, 330, 332, 334, 336 and 338, like that shown in FIG. 9A, are disposed at the corners of the two areas associated with the two tennis courts where the tennis balls are to be contained, as shown in FIG. 9B. Tube 300 contains two nets 300A, 300B and two posts 301A, 301B to wind the nets thereabout. Tube 332 contains two nets 332A, 332B and two posts 333A, 333B to wind the nets thereabout. Tube 336 contains two nets 336A, 336B and two posts 337A, 337B to wind the nets thereabout. Tube 338 has one net 338A and one post 339A. And tubes 334 and 330 have no nets.

The net 300A is stretched and fastened to tube 330. The net 300B is stretched and fastened to tube 334. The net 332A is stretched and fastened to tube 330. The net 332B is stretched and fastened to tube 334. The net 332B is stretched and fastened to tube 334. The net 336A is stretched and fastened to tube 334. The net 336B is stretched and fastened to tube 338. Finally, the net 338A is stretched and fastened to tube 332. In this manner, each of the two tennis courts 320 and 322 are enclosed by a rectangular net enclosure to keep balls from straying.

The nets can be manually pulled and unwound from their posts 304 parallel to a side of the tennis court 314. When the nets are no longer needed, they can be wound back around their respective posts. This could be achieved with a small motor that rotates the posts.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a net or mesh system 360 is shown. The system 360 includes curved members 362 and 364 that have similar curvature to the arches of the retractable enclosure. Each curved member is connected to vertical uprights 366 and 368. A net or mesh 370 can be stretched therebetween to enclose an end of a tennis court 372. A similar net or mesh system 374 can be disposed at the other end of the tennis court 372. A side mesh 378 can be stretched from vertical upright 366 to the corresponding upright 376 belonging to the other system 374.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate a different application of a retractable enclosure consistent with the principles of the present invention. In particular, a retractable enclosure 400 is used during the construction of a house 401. The retractable enclosure 400, similar to the enclosure shown in FIG. 3A, encloses the house 401 during different stages of construction or repair. In FIG. 11A, the foundation 402 of the house is surrounded by the enclosure 400. In FIG. 11B, the base 404 of the enclosure 400 includes scaffolding 406 to raise the height of the enclosure 400 to above the roof level of the house 400. It will be appreciated that for such applications, the retractable cover 408 of the retractable enclosure 400, which in FIGS. 11A-B is shown retracted, need not be translucent, but instead could be made of a cheaper, opaque material, such as an appropriate fabric. Advantageously, the retractable enclosure 400 protects the house 401 and workers during construction from the elements and from vandals. The enclosure 400 also provides privacy, if this is needed during repairs, for example. At the same time, by retracting the covers, fresh air can circulate around the house, which could be beneficial to the workers or to a particular project, such as allowing house paint to dry.

The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A retractable enclosure comprising:

a sequence of upright arches, each arch having two ends, such that the arches are substantially parallel and such that the two ends of each upright arch are disposed on a base, the arches configured to leave a gap between adjacent arches; and

a plurality of extendable covers attached to the arches such that at least one extendable cover is disposed between adjacent arches and such that each extendable cover can assume an extended state and a retracted state, wherein the gap between adjacent arches can be mostly closed when the at least one extendible cover therebetween is in its extended state.

2. The retractable enclosure of claim 1, wherein a) each extendible cover has a cover that is wound about an axis to assume the retracted state and unwound about the axis to assume the extended state.

3. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein each cover is translucent.

4. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein each axis is perpendicular to the arches and substantially horizontal.

5. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein the first upright arch of the sequence is capped with a translucent, substantially vertical wall.

6. The retractable enclosure of claim 5, wherein the last upright arch of the sequence is capped with another translucent, substantially vertical wall.

7. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein a beam parallel to each axis connects the tops of the sequence of arches.

8. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein the base is disposed above ground level.

9. The retractable enclosure of claim 4, wherein the at least one rolling cover consists of one rolling cover.

10. The retractable enclosure of claim 4, wherein the at least one rolling cover consists of two rolling covers.

11. The retractable enclosure of claim 10, wherein one of the two rolling covers is disposed on one side of the sequence of arches and the other one of the two rolling covers is disposed on the other side of the sequence of arches.

12. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein at least one of a pair of adjacent arches and a cover therebetween has an electromagnet and the other one of the pair of adjacent arches and the cover therebetween has a strip that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is activated and the cover is in the extended state.

13. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, further comprising at least one solar panel between the arches and disposed on the external portion of the enclosure to gather solar energy.

14. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, wherein the at least one solar panel is coupled to a motor to change the direction the at least one solar panel is facing.

15. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, further comprising at least one blower supported by at least one of the upright arches, the blower capable of blowing air to remove material off the external surface of the enclosure.

16. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, further comprising at least one water nozzle suspended from at least one of the upright arches for watering a field or court enclosed by the retractable enclosure.

17. The retractable enclosure of claim 2, further comprising:

a nozzle support member;

at least one water nozzle supported from the nozzle support member for watering a field or court enclosed by the retractable enclosure; and

a track on which the nozzle support member runs to move the at least one water nozzle for reaching various parts of the field or court for watering.

18. The retractable enclosure of claim 17, wherein the nozzle support member is U-shaped and has rollers for running on the track.

19. The retractable enclosure of claim 11, further comprising at least one solar panel between the arches and disposed on the external portion of the enclosure to gather solar energy.

20. The retractable enclosure of claim 19, further comprising at least one blower supported by at least one of the upright arches, the blower capable of blowing air to remove material off the external surface of the enclosure.