PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE

Abstract

 A protective structure (10) is described, said protective structure comprising a load-bearing frame (11) including at least two beams (13) and a plurality of support uprights (12) configured to support said at least two beams (13), a canvas covering (14a) configured to cover said load-bearing frame (11) and configured to provide protection against CBRN agents. The canvas covering (14a) comprises a plurality of modules each including at least one main canvas portion (25, 26) arranged between two adjacent beams (13) and a connecting canvas portion (15, 16) configured to cover at least partly a beam (13) and configured for a sealed connection with an adjacent module, and at least one sliding body (27, 28) fixed in an intermediate position between said connecting canvas portion (15, 16) and said main canvas portion (25) and configured for sliding insertion of said main canvas portion (25, 26) and said connecting canvas portion (15, 16) inside a corresponding recess (21, 22) of the beam (13).

Description

Technical sector

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure. Such a protective structure may act as a logistical structure, hangar, or may be a part of a means of transport, or a container, or may be a structure with a similar containment and protective function.

Background

[0002] Nowadays there is an increasing awareness on an international level of the need to ensure the complete safety of logistical structures, such as hangars, shelters, mobile camps, vehicles for transporting merchandise and persons, and the like, in a military or war-time environment, as well as in all those situations or structures where dangerous substances are being transported or managed.

[0003] In this connection, COLPRO (Collective Protection) and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) compliant logistical structures are available for helping ensure protection in critical situations, for example where there is exposure to dangerous substances.

[0004] Said protective structures usually take the form of containment units which are designed to provide protection against the outside environment. In particular, it is envisaged using filtration units and filtration control units for these protective structures.

[0005] In particular, said filtration units and respective control units are configured so that the conditioned air, before being introduced, is filtered using special NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) filtering systems of suitable capacity.

[0006] It is also required that the protective structure should have a capacity for pressure-tightness which ensures the creation inside the protective structure of a kind of dynamic barrier by means of an overpressure or a negative pressure. The overpressure has the function of isolating the internal environment from the external environment so as to prevent (contaminated) external air entering inside. In the case where, instead, the external environment is to be protected from the internal environment, and a contaminated object located inside the protective structure is to be isolated, a dynamic negative pressure is provided so that all the air which is drawn from inside the protective structure is filtered with filters designed to retain CBRN agents, before being introduced into the atmosphere.

[0007] Some protective structures are known, for example, from the following patent documents: US 3,982,361, US 2023/304316 and FR 2951207.

[0008] The present disclosure is based on the recognition by the author that the known protective structures have a limited functionality.

[0009] Moreover, the author of the present invention is not aware of any systems which are not only protective, but also are particularly versatile and may be assembled very quickly.

Summary of the invention

[0010] The technical problem posed and solved by the present invention is therefore that of providing a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure, which has preferably a protective function in dangerous zones or situations. The protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure with a protective function, for example a logistical structure or a hangar, may define an isolated environment in an area exposed to dangerous or polluting agents, or an internal environment or sub-unit of a larger structure when the latter is subject to a chemical or bacteriological or radiological attack internally, or in general is exposed to dangerous or polluting agents.

[0011] In particular, one object of the invention is to provide a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure, which is able to undergo changes in configuration, passing from a configuration under negative pressure into a configuration where there is an overpressure and vice versa during filtering of the air, and which may be assembled rapidly. The terms "negative pressure" and "overpressure" are to be understood in the context of the present disclosure as referring to pressure conditions which are less than or greater than atmospheric pressure, respectively. In other words, "overpressure" refers to a positive pressure condition inside the protective structure and "negative pressure" refers to a negative pressure condition inside said protective structure.

[0012] Said problem is solved by a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure according to claim 1. Preferred characteristic features of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] In particular, according to the present disclosure, a protective structure comprising the following is provided:

• a load-bearing frame comprising at least two beams and a plurality of support uprights configured to support said at least two beams;
• a canvas covering configured to cover said load-bearing frame and configured to provide protection against CBRN agents, wherein

said canvas covering comprises a plurality of modules each of which, namely each module, including at least one main portion arranged between two adjacent beams and a connecting canvas portion configured to cover at least partly one beam and configured for a sealed connection with an adjacent module,
and at least one sliding body fixed in an intermediate position between said connecting canvas portion and said main canvas portion and configured for sliding insertion of said main canvas portion and said connecting canvas portion inside a corresponding recess of the beam. The connecting portion is configured to provide a sealed connection, or sealed joint, with an adjacent module. Said covering consists, as mentioned, of a canvas covering configured for protection against CBRN agents. The term "sealed" is understood as meaning both an airtight seal and a seal against CBRN agents.

[0014] "The sliding body fixed in an intermediate position between said connecting canvas portion and said main canvas portion" is understood as meaning that the sliding body is arranged between said connecting canvas portion and said main canvas portion.

[0015] It may be understood that, owing to the modular structure according to the present disclosure, a connecting portion may be sealingly fixed with an adjacent connecting portion or with a main canvas portion of the adjacent module along the beam.

[0016] At the same time, each module may be fixed to the respective beam by means of the sliding body.

[0017] The modules may be mounted on all the parts of the frame, or only on a roof part. In particular, the canvas covering may have a roof covering portion and lateral covering portions for side parts of the frame. The lateral covering portions may be fixed to the ground by means of weights which have a ballast function or other systems for locking canvas portions, or other types of ballast.

[0018] The lateral covering portions may also be referred to in the context of the present disclosure as side flaps.

[0019] This therefore results in a protective structure which may be easily assembled and is able to maintain the pressure (both overpressure and negative pressure) internally and may be converted from a configuration under compression into a negative pressure configuration.

[0020] In other words, the sealing system enables a dynamic barrier to be created inside the protective structure by means of an overpressure or a negative pressure. The overpressure has the function of isolating the internal environment from the external environment so as to prevent (contaminated) external air entering inside. In the case where, instead, the external environment is to be protected from the internal environment, and a contaminated object located inside the protective structure is to be isolated, a dynamic negative pressure is provided so that all the air which is drawn from inside the protective structure is filtered with filters designed to retain CBRN agents, before being introduced into the atmosphere.

[0021] Consequently, during these air filtration steps, the structure must be kept sealed since it is subject to sudden changes in pressure, when passing from a negative pressure configuration where air to be purified is drawn from the zone inside the protective structure to the zone outside the protective structure, into a pressurized configuration where filtered and purified air is introduced from the zone outside the protective structure into the zone inside the protective structure, and vice versa.

[0022] In particular, owing to the fact that the connecting canvas portion covers at least partly a beam and is fixed to the latter by means of the sliding body, the connecting canvas portion of one module may be sealingly joined together with the connecting canvas portion of an adjacent module, or with the main portion of an adjacent module, so as to create a continuous covering of the frame.

[0023] It is also possible to ensure that the sealed joining zone is provided along the beam so as to stress as little as possible the joining zone and in general the canvas covering during the pressure changes.

[0024] Moreover, a protective structure which may be sealed, but which at the same is very versatile, is obtained. In fact, the covering may be mounted for adjacent modules so as to obtain a continuous covering mode.

[0025] This therefore results in a protective structure able to ensure a sealed condition and isolation for total protection both from the external environment and a sealed condition and isolation for total protection of the external environment (should there be a situation inside the protective structure which is more contaminated than on the outside). It is also a protective structure which may be easily constructed, in particular in critical situations where fast assembly is required owing to the dangerous surrounding circumstances.

[0026] Preferably, in order to favour connection, each module of the canvas covering includes a main canvas portion and two connecting canvas portions, wherein each connecting canvas portion is arranged on one side of said main canvas portion along a transverse direction, and wherein each connecting canvas portion is intended to overlap on and be sealingly connected to a connecting canvas portion of an adjacent module, along the beam. Preferably, the protective structure comprises reversible sealed joining means between one connecting canvas portion and the connecting canvas portion of an adjacent module. The reversible joining means preferably comprise a hook-and-loop type connection, i.e. of the so-called Velcro^® type.

[0027] Preferably, said sliding body is a sliding string.

[0028] Preferably, said main portion comprises a longitudinal flap, said longitudinal flap being positioned so as to surround said corresponding sliding body and an end strip of said flap extends so as to project from the sliding body. The end strip acts as, or corresponds to, said connecting canvas portion.

[0029] Preferably, the canvas covering has a protection layer against CBRN agents both on an outwardly directed side and on an inwardly directed side. In other words, the canvas covering may have a double coating which is resistant to CBRN agents. The coating may be made of any material which is resistant to CBRN agents. Said double coating ensures optimized double protection against CBRN agents both on the inside and on the outside.

[0030] Preferably, the entire canvas covering is such as to sealingly close the support frame. For this purpose, the canvas covering has a plurality of said modules connected together on the roof and lateral protective canvases fixed in position by means of respective ballasts. The lateral protective canvases may be, or correspond to, the aforementioned lateral covering portions for the frame, also called side flaps. Further characteristic features and advantages will emerge more clearly from the description of a preferred, but non-exclusive embodiment of the decontamination unit according to the invention, with the aid of the drawings provided by way of a non-limiting example in the attached illustrations and listed below.

Brief description of the figures

[0031] Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings in which:

▪ Figure 1 shows an axonometric top plan view of a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

▪ Figure 2 shows a front sectioned view of the protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure, shown in Figure 1;

▪ Figure 3 shows a detail III of Figure 2;

▪ Figure 4 shows the step of insertion of a sliding body inside a longitudinal guide;

▪ Figure 5 shows a detail V of Figure 2;

▪ Figure 6 shows a detail on larger scale of Figure 5.

[0032] The thicknesses and curvatures shown in the figures mentioned above must be understood as being purely exemplary and are generally on a larger scale and not necessarily shown in proportion.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0033] Below various embodiments and variants of the invention will be described with reference to the figures mentioned above.

[0034] Similar components are indicated in the various figures by the same reference number.

[0035] In the detailed description which follows, embodiments and variants in addition to those embodiments and variants already considered in the same description will be described only with regard to their differences from that already described. Furthermore, the various embodiments and variants described below may be used in combination, where compatible.

[0036] With reference initially to Figure 1 and Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the invention, a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure, for example for providing recovery facilities in dangerous environments, is denoted overall by the number 10.

[0037] Said protective structure 10 comprises:

• a load-bearing frame 11 comprising at least two beams 13, arranged for example in a top zone of the protective structure 10, and a plurality of support uprights 12 mounted on the ground and configured to support said at least two beams 13;
• a protective canvas covering 14a configured to cover said frame 11.

[0038] The canvas covering 14a covers the roof of the protective structure 10 and also the sides, namely extends from the roof to the sides and down to the ground, so as to cover the frame 11 preferably completely and form a closed protective structure 10. The roof of the load-bearing structure 11 is the aforementioned top zone, or otherwise referred to in the context of the present disclosure as "roof part".

[0039] The sides of the canvas covering 14a are lateral covering portions, or side flaps, apt to cover the side parts of the load-bearing frame 11.

[0040] The beams or stringers extend in the roof zone in a direction, which in the present description and claims is indicated as being a longitudinal direction. Said longitudinal direction is therefore to be understood as a longitudinal direction of the entire protective structure. A transverse direction is therefore a direction substantially orthogonal to, or intersecting, the longitudinal direction between one side and the other of the protective structure down to the ground. The number 38 denotes the ground flaps of the protective canvas covering 14. The protective structure 10 is shown, in the example of embodiment, as having the form of a tent-like structure in which the single beams 13 define segments of the covering.

[0041] The canvas covering 14a is, in the embodiment shown, a first canvas wall directed inwards. A second canvas wall 14b, which is outwardly directed, is also present and defines together with the canvas covering 14a (or first canvas wall) a double-wall canvas structure.

[0042] The outer canvas wall 14b which is connected and arranged between two outer sides of the same stringers may also be like the canvas covering (or first canvas wall) and does not form the subject of the present disclosure. The provision of two canvas structures so as to define a kind of double wall is to be understood as being a known structure.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in the continuation of the present disclosure, reference is made to the canvas covering 14a, or first canvas wall, directed inwards, it being understood that in the case of a single wall it may perform the dual protective function on the inside or on the outside.

[0044] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in order to allow rapid assembly of the protective canvas covering, and at the same time a pressurized and negative pressure seal, the protective canvas covering 14a, namely in the specific case, the first canvas wall directed inwards, is a modular structure, namely it comprises a plurality of modules which are repeated and may be joined together, wherein each module comprises at least one main canvas portion 25, 26 apt to be arranged between two adjacent beams 13 or stringers and a connecting canvas portion 15, 16 which covers at least partially one beam or stringer 13 of the two adjacent beams or stringers 13 and is configured to be sealingly connected to an adjacent module.

[0045] As regards the geometrical configuration of the parts described here, in the context of the present disclosure, each module comprises, or is to be understood as being formed by, a main canvas portion 25, 26 and a connecting canvas portion 15, 16.

[0046] In other words, the canvas portion 14a comprises a plurality of modules each including a main canvas portion 25, 26 arranged between two adjacent beams 13, and at last one connecting portion 15, 16 which is located on a longitudinal side of the main canvas portion 25, 26 of each module of the canvas covering 14a.

[0047] The connecting portion 15, 16 and the main canvas portion 25, 26 of one module are intended to be sealingly connected to a respective connecting portion 15, 16 and the main canvas portion 25, 26 of an adjacent module.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figures, preferably, the connecting canvas portion 15, 16 covers only a beam portion 13, and the main canvas portion 25, 26 is provided with two connecting canvas portions 15, 16, each intended to be sealingly connected to a connecting canvas portion of the adjacent module. Alternatively, also possible is a configuration in which the module includes only one connecting canvas portion 15, 16 which completely cover the beam 13 and a main canvas portion 25, 26 and in which the connecting canvas portion 15, 16 is intended to be sealingly fixed to a main canvas portion 25, 26 of an adjacent module. Preferably, the canvas covering 14a also comprises, for each module, at least one sliding body 27, 28 arranged between the main canvas portion 25, 26 and the connecting canvas portion 15, 16 of the same module, wherein the sliding body 27, 28 is intended to be inserted in a respective longitudinal channel 21, 22 formed in the beam 13.

[0049] In the constructional solution shown in the figures, the beam 13 has shaped longitudinal profiles 20, each of which comprises two opposite longitudinal channels 21, 22 laterally opened via longitudinal through-openings 23, 24.

[0050] It is pointed out furthermore that each beam 13 has a quadrangular cross-section and therefore has shaped longitudinal profiles 20, each of which comprises two opposite longitudinal channels on the outer side as well. These further shaped profiles are intended to receive the sliding string s of the outer canvas wall 14b, mentioned above. In this case, the outer canvas wall has only the main canvas portion and does not have the connecting canvas portion.

[0051] Preferably, in the embodiment shown in the figures, each module of the canvas covering 14a comprises a pair of sliding strings 27, 28, one arranged between the main canvas portion 25 of the module and each connecting canvas portion 15, 16 of the module itself.

[0052] This means therefore that there are two adjacent sliding strings 27, 28 of two different modules which are inserted in corresponding shaped longitudinal profiles 20, each of which comprises two opposite longitudinal channels 21, 22 provided laterally with longitudinal through-openings 23, 24. In other words, for each of the longitudinal channels 21 and 22, a sliding string 27, 28 is positioned inside a respective longitudinal channel 21, 22.

[0053] The connecting canvas portion 15, 16 is in the case in question a longitudinal end flap 30, 31 of a main canvas portion 25, 26 of said canvas covering 14a. Said longitudinal flap 30, 31 surrounds the respective sliding string 27, 28. As a result, the connecting canvas portion 15, 16 covers half the upper beam 13 or stringer 13. Two connecting canvas portions 15, 16 arranged alongside each other cover the entire upper stringer 13.

[0054] In other words, the longitudinal flap 30, 31 is positioned so as to surround a corresponding sliding string 27, 28 inside a longitudinal channel 21, 22.

[0055] Even more precisely, an end strip 32, 33 of said longitudinal flap 30, 31 extends so as to project from the longitudinal channel 21, 22 with dimensions such that it may be sealingly joined to the end strip of the longitudinal flap extending from the other longitudinal channel.

[0056] The two end strips form the connecting canvas portion 15, 16 between one main canvas portion 25 and an adjacent main canvas portion 26.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, preferably reversible sealed joining means 35, for example of the hook-and-loop, such as Velcro^®, are provided, being configured to allow the reversible and sealed fastening together of the end strips 32, 33.

[0058] The sliding strings 27, 28 and the respective longitudinal flap 30, 31 are stably fixed together. Fixing may be obtained in a known manner by means of stitches, heat-welding, other welding systems or similar fixing means.

[0059] The sliding string 35, 36 and its longitudinal flap 30, 31 are therefore free to slide inside the respective longitudinal channel 21, 22.

[0060] As mentioned above, it may be understood that such a canvas structure may be obtained by means of a plurality of modules, wherein each module has a larger connecting canvas portion which covers the entire connection and is fixed by means of similar reversible sealed joining means on an adjacent main portion 35, 36, for example beyond the sliding string. In this case, two sliding strings may be provided for each connecting canvas portion.

[0061] It can be understood that the connecting portion and the main portion may be two separate parts which are joined by means of a similar joining system.

[0062] In the present example of embodiment, the reversible sealed joining means 35 comprise as mentioned, a Velcro-type closing system.

[0063] What is significant is the fact that it is possible to provide a canvas structure which sealingly covers the stringers or beams so as to withstand the continuous changes in pressure between an overpressure condition and a negative pressure condition and which may be easily assembled. In fact, the sliding means, such as the sliding string, is arranged between the main portion and the connecting portion.

[0064] As mentioned, the "sealed condition of the structure" is that which allows the formation inside the structure of a dynamic barrier by means of an overpressure and or a negative pressure. The overpressure has the function of isolating the internal environment from the external environment so as to prevent (contaminated) external air entering inside. In the case where, instead, the external environment is to be protected from the internal environment, and a contaminated object located inside the hangar is to be isolated, a dynamic negative pressure is provided so that all the air which is drawn out is CBRN filtered before being introduced into the atmosphere. Alternatively, other fixing systems of the reversible type which ensure the sealed condition may be provided.

[0065] It is pointed out, moreover, that the ground flaps 38 of each canvas wall 14a, 14b are kept fixed on the ground by means of inflatable water elements 40. The use of so-called water "cushions" is advantageous owing to the speed of assembly and disassembly of the protective structure. Preferably, it is envisaged providing a continuous structure of inflatable ballasts by means of parts which may be easily removed so as to press the canvases onto the ground and create a seal preventing the pressurized air from escaping or prevent the entry thereof in the case of negative pressure. In other words, the canvas covering 14a comprises side flaps 38 configured to provide a lateral protection of said canvas covering 14 down to the ground and said protective structure 10 comprises inflatable ballasts 40 for keeping said side flaps 38 fixed on the ground.

[0066] It can therefore be understood how a protective structure 10, preferably a tent structure, according to the present invention enables the predefined objects and task to be achieved.

[0067] In particular, with the present invention, a protective structure has been developed in particular for providing recovery facilities in a hostile environment, able to protect a closed environment both from contamination occurring inside the environment and contamination which occurs outside the same closed environment.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention provides a protective structure which can rapidly assembled.

[0069] Moreover, the present invention provides a protective structure, preferably a tent-like structure, which may ensure a pneumatic closing system able to allow the environment inside the internal structure to be placed under an overpressure or a negative pressure depending on the emergency in progress.

[0070] The present invention has been described hitherto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments relating to the same inventive idea may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are illustrated hereinbelow.

Claims

1. Protective structure (10) comprising:

- a load-bearing frame (11) including at least two beams (13) and a plurality of support uprights (12) configured to support said at least two beams (13);

- a canvas covering (14a) configured to cover said load-bearing frame (11) and configured to provide protection against CBRN agents, wherein

said canvas covering (14a) comprises a plurality of modules each including at least one main canvas portion (25, 26) arranged between two adjacent beams (13) and a connecting canvas portion (15, 16) configured to cover at least partly one beam (13) and configured for a sealed connection with an adjacent module,

the protective structure (10) being characterized in that it comprises at least one sliding body (27, 28) fixed in an intermediate position between said connecting canvas portion (15, 16) and said main canvas portion (25, 26) and configured for sliding insertion of said main canvas portion (25, 26) and said connecting canvas portion (15, 16) inside a corresponding recess (21, 22) of the beam (13).

2. Protective structure (10) according to claim 1, wherein each module includes a main canvas portion (25, 26) and two connecting canvas portions (15, 16), wherein each connecting canvas portion (15, 16) is arranged on one side of said main canvas portion (25, 26) along a transverse direction, and wherein each connecting canvas portion (15, 16) is intended to be sealingly connected to a connecting canvas portion (15, 16) of an adjacent module.

3. Protective structure (10) according to claim 2, wherein each connecting canvas portion (15, 16) is intended to overlap on and be sealingly connected to a connecting canvas portion (15, 16) of an adjacent module along said beam (13).

4. Protective structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising reversible joining means (35) apt to reversibly and sealingly connect one connecting canvas portion and a connecting canvas portion of an adjacent module.

5. Protective structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main canvas portion (25, 26) comprises a longitudinal flap (30, 31), said longitudinal flap (30, 31) being positioned so as to surround corresponding sliding body (27, 28) and wherein an end strip (32, 33) of said flap extends so as to project from said sliding body (27, 28), wherein the end flap acts as, or corresponds to, the connecting canvas portion (15, 16).

6. Protective structure (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least two modules with respective main portions (25, 26) arranged between respective beams (13) and wherein an end strip of a first main portion is sealingly connected to an end strip of the second main portion so as to form a complete covering portion for said beam.

7. Protective structure (10) according to claim 4 in combination with claim 5 or with claim 6, wherein the reversible joining means are configured to allow the reversible fastening together of said end strips (32, 33).

8. Protective structure (10) according to claim 4 or claim 7, wherein said reversible joining means comprise a hook-and-loop closing system, for example of the Velcro^® type.

9. Protective structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sliding body is a sliding string (27, 28).

10. Protective structure (10) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5, wherein said sliding string (27, 28) and the respective said longitudinal flap (30, 31) are stably fixed together and wherein said sliding string (27, 28) and its respective longitudinal flap (30, 31) are free to slide inside the respective longitudinal channel (21, 22).

11. Protective structure (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said canvas covering (14a) comprises side flaps (38) configured for lateral protection of said canvas covering (14a) down to the ground and said protective structure (10) comprises inflatable ballasts (40) for keeping said side flaps (38) fixed to the ground.

12. Protective structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each beam has corresponding shaped longitudinal profiles (20) each of which comprises two opposite longitudinal channels (21, 22) laterally opened via longitudinal through-openings (23, 24), wherein each of the longitudinal channels (21, 22) receives a sliding body (27, 28).

13. Protective structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canvas covering (14a) is part of a double-wall structure, wherein said canvas covering (14a) represents an inner wall and said double wall structure also includes an outer wall.

14. Protective structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canvas covering (14a) has a protection layer against CBRN agents both on an outwardly directed side and on an inwardly directed side.

Drawing