Door arrangement for tensioned membrane structure

Abstract

There is provided an opening assembly for an extended end of a stressed membrane structure having a fixed part, said opening assembly comprising: at least a part of said end separated from said fixed part and moveable relative to said fixed part; a pivot assembly for permitting movement of said at least a part of said extended end between an open and a closed position relative to said structure; a support frame for maintaining the integrity of said part in stressed membrane condition at all times during said movement and when in said open and closed position; rolling transport means for supporting said frame and said assembly during said movement.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An opening assembly for an extended end of a stressed membrane structure having a fixed part, said opening assembly comprising: 
 at least a part of said end separated from said fixed part and moveable relative to said fixed part;    a pivot assembly for permitting movement of said at least a part of said extended end between an open and a closed position relative to said structure;    a support frame for maintaining the integrity of said part in stressed membrane condition at all times during said movement and when in said open and closed position; and    rolling transport means for supporting said frame and said assembly during said movement.    
     
     
         2 . The opening assembly of  claim 1  wherein said extended end is generally of arcuate outer plan.  
     
     
         3 . The opening assembly of  claim 2  wherein said assembly comprises two parts, each of which includes one said pivot assembly.  
     
     
         4 . The opening assembly of  claim 1  wherein said pivot assembly is independent of said fixed part of said structure.  
     
     
         5 . The opening assembly of  claim 4  wherein said pivot assembly comprises a first part anchored beneath the surface upon which the structure rests and a second part fixed to said at least a part of said end.  
     
     
         6 . The opening assembly of  claim 5  wherein said first part comprises a post and said second part comprises at least one collar for engagement around said post.  
     
     
         7 . The opening assembly of  claim 1  wherein said transport means comprises a group of wheels mounted on said frame.  
     
     
         8 . The opening assembly of  claim 1  including alignment means for aligning said at least one part of said end with said fixed part of said structure when said assembly is moved from said open to said closed position.  
     
     
         9 . The opening assembly of  claim 3  including alignment means for aligning said two parts with each other and with said fixed part when said two parts are moved from said open to said closed position.  
     
     
         10 . The opening assembly of  claim 1  wherein said support frame is in part comprised of adjustable cables whereby said frame is adjustable.