US20070215191A1

US20070215191A1 - Collapsible structure including a coupling system

Info

Publication number: US20070215191A1
Application number: US11/713,984
Authority: US
Inventors: Yunshi Huang; Zhu Peixin; Lee Yul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: North Pole Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-03
Filing date: 2007-03-02
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Also published as: CN2883576Y

Abstract

A coupling system for a structure including a frame assembly and a collapsible roof assembly removably coupled to the frame assembly includes a plurality of coupling units. Each coupling unit includes a bracket defining a channel configured to facilitate coupling each coupling unit to the frame assembly and a receptacle configured to receive a member of the roof assembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. ______ entitled “Gazebo and Coupling Unit” filed on Mar. 3, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to collapsible structures, such as tents and gazebos, and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for coupling components of the collapsible structure.
The demands for simplified and user-friendly camping and/or social activity structures are increasing as camping and social activities become increasingly popular. For example, structures such as tents and gazebos are becoming a favored necessity for camping and/or social activities. Such structures are desirably easy and quick to assemble and disassemble while providing adequate support to function properly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a coupling system for a structure including a frame assembly and a collapsible roof assembly removably coupled to the frame assembly is provided. The coupling system includes a plurality of coupling units. Each coupling unit of the plurality of coupling units includes a bracket defining a channel configured to facilitate coupling each coupling unit to the frame assembly and a receptacle configured to receive a member of the roof assembly.
In another aspect, a collapsible structure is provided. The collapsible structure includes a frame assembly and a collapsible roof assembly movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to at least partially define an interior space. A coupling system is configured to removably couple the collapsible roof assembly in the expanded configuration to the frame assembly.
In another aspect, a method is provided for constructing a collapsible structure. The method includes constructing a frame assembly including a plurality of modular supports and removably coupling a collapsible roof assembly in an expanded configuration to the frame assembly using a coupling system including a plurality of coupling units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary collapsible structure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible roof assembly of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the roof assembly shown in FIG. 4 in a partially collapsed configuration;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the roof assembly shown in FIG. 4 in a fully collapsed configuration;
FIG. 7 is perspective view of a portion of a frame assembly of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a coupling member of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is perspective view of a portion of a frame assembly of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a collapsible structure, such as a tent, a canopy or a gazebo, including a support or frame assembly and a collapsible roof assembly that is removably coupled to the frame assembly by a coupling system. In one embodiment, first or primary coupling units couple a corresponding first member, such as a first pole, of the roof assembly to a first portion, such as a support, of the frame assembly and second or secondary coupling units couple a corresponding second member, such as a second pole, of the roof assembly to a second portion, such as a midsection or truss of the frame assembly. In a particular embodiment, each first member is coupled to at least one panel forming a corresponding support of the frame assembly and each second member is coupled to a corresponding truss removably coupled between supports.
The present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with and operation of a structure, such as a tent, a canopy or a gazebo, including a collapsible support or frame assembly, such as a modular frame assembly, and a collapsible roof assembly removably coupled to the frame assembly with a coupling system. In one embodiment, the coupling system includes a plurality of coupling units to facilitate removably coupling the roof assembly in an extended configuration to the frame assembly quickly and easily. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable to any suitable collapsible, temporary and/or permanent structure for facilitating quick and/or easy assembly and/or disassembly of the structure.
FIGS. 1-13 show an exemplary collapsible structure 10. In one embodiment, collapsible structure 10 is a gazebo 12 that includes a support or frame assembly 14 formed of a suitable material, such as a lightweight yet durable and adequately strong metal, alloy and/or composite material. In one embodiment, frame assembly 14 is collapsible. In a particular embodiment, collapsible frame assembly 14 is a modular frame assembly including a plurality of panels, such as support panels, and trusses, as described in greater detail below. Frame assembly 14 is coupled to a collapsible roof assembly 16 to form collapsible structure 10 generally defining a plurality of walls 18. Collapsible roof assembly 16 is movable between an expanded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 4, and a collapsed configuration, such as shown in FIG. 6. With roof assembly 16 in the expanded configuration, roof assembly 16 is coupled to frame assembly 14 such that collapsible structure 10 defines an interior space 22 large enough to comfortably accommodate one or more people. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that gazebo 12 may include any suitable number of walls 18 having any suitable configuration, size and/or shape. In one embodiment, at least one wall 18 defines an opening 24 that is configured to provide access to interior space 22 through opening 24, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In a further embodiment, frame assembly 14 includes at least one window (not shown) defined in at least one wall 18 and configured to provide ventilation within interior space 22.
Referring further to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment frame assembly 14 includes a plurality of panels, such as a first panel 30 and a second panel 32, coupled together to form a support 34 of frame assembly 14. In a particular embodiment, first panel 30 is movably coupled to second panel 32 using a suitable fastener component, such as at least one hinge, to allow first panel 30 to move with respect to second panel 32. In an alternative embodiment, first panel 30 is removably coupled to second panel 32. In a further alternative embodiment, supports 34 include first panel 30 integrated with or fixedly coupled to second panel 32 using a suitable coupling component, such as a weld. First panel 30 is coupled to second panel 32 at a substantially right angle or an oblique angle with respect to second panel 32. In a particular embodiment, first panel 30 is substantially perpendicular to second panel 32, as shown in FIGS. 1-3.
Frame assembly 14 includes a plurality of supports 34 positioned to define a suitable foot plan for gazebo 12. In this embodiment, four supports 34 are positioned to define a substantially rectangular foot plan for gazebo 12. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that frame assembly 14 may include any suitable number of supports 34 positioned to form a suitable foot plan including, without limitation, any suitable geometrically shaped foot plan such as a generally circular foot plan or a polygonal foot plan.
Frame assembly 14 also includes a plurality of trusses 36. Each truss 36 is removably coupled to adjacent supports 34 to extend between supports 34, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. In one embodiment, truss 36 includes at least one extension member 38 that is configured to frictionally fit within a corresponding opening 40 defined within first panel 30 or second panel 32, as shown in FIG. 7. Extension members 38 are suitably sized and configured to tightly fit within openings 40 to removably secure truss 36 to first panel 30 or second panel 32. In a particular embodiment, truss 36 includes a first or upper cross-member 42 including an extension member 38 coupled to or integrated with upper cross-member 42. Similarly, truss 36 includes a second or lower cross-member 44 including an extension member 38 coupled to or integrated with lower cross-member 44.
Referring further to FIG. 7, with extension members 38 positioned within openings 40, an aperture 46 defined within extension member 38, or cross-member 42 or 44, is aligned with a corresponding aperture 48 defined within first panel 30 or second panel 32 to facilitate coupling truss 36 to first panel 30 or second panel 32. A suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin, is positionable within apertures 46 and 48 to facilitate coupling truss 36 to first panel 30 or second panel 32.
In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a locking device including a spring bracket 50 couples truss 36 to first panel 30 or second panel 32. Spring bracket 50 is positioned within upper cross-member 42 or lower cross-member 44. In one embodiment, spring bracket 50 is coupled to an inner surface of the cross-member using a suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin, and/or a weld to retain spring bracket 50 properly positioned within the cross-member. In alternative embodiments, other suitable mechanisms may be used to retain spring bracket 50 properly positioned within the cross-member.
Referring further to FIG. 13, for example, spring bracket 50 includes a first end 52, a second end 54 generally opposing first end 52 and a bend portion 56 between first end 52 and second end 54. Spring bracket 50 includes at least one projection 58 at first end 52 that is configured to extend through apertures 46 and 48 under application of a suitable force. Bend portion 56 is configured to apply a force that urges first end 52 to diverge from second end 54. This divergent force is sufficient to urge projection 58 into apertures 46 and 48 with extension member 38 positioned within opening 40. Projection 58 is movably positioned within aperture 46 such that projection 58 extends into aperture 48 to lock truss 36 with respect to support 34. To unlock the locking device, a suitable force is applied to projection 58 such that first end 52 of spring bracket 50 is moved inwardly with respect to extension member 38 toward second end 54. As first end 52 moves inwardly, projection 58 is released from aperture 48 to allow extension member 38 to move from within opening 40.
Referring again to FIGS. 4-6, collapsible roof assembly 16 includes a plurality of members, such as at least one first member 60 and/or at least one second member 62, movably coupled to a central hub 64. In one embodiment, collapsible roof assembly 16 includes a unitary or integrated assembly. Each first member 60 and/or each second member 62 extends radially outwardly from central hub 64 and is removably coupled to frame assembly 16 to facilitate supporting a roof cover (not shown), such as a cover made of a suitable fabric material. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, each first member 60 is removably coupled to a corresponding support 34 and each second member 62 is removably coupled to a corresponding truss 36.
Collapsible structure 10 also includes a coupling system 70 configured to removably couple collapsible roof assembly 16 in the expanded configuration to frame assembly 14. Coupling system 70 includes a plurality of coupling units, such as a plurality of first or primary coupling units 72 and/or a plurality of second or secondary coupling units 74, coupled to frame assembly 14. In one embodiment, first coupling units 72 and/or second coupling units 74 are fixedly coupled to or integrated with frame assembly 14. In an alternative embodiment, first coupling units 72 and/or second coupling units 74 are removably coupled to frame assembly 14 using a suitable fastener component. Each coupling unit is configured to removably couple to one first member 60 or one second member 62 of collapsible roof assembly 16. In a particular embodiment, each first coupling unit 72 is configured to receive and/or couple to one first member 60 and each second coupling unit 74 is configured to receive and/or couple to one second member 62.
As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, first coupling unit 72 includes a bracket 80 defining a channel 82 configured to facilitate coupling first coupling unit 72 to frame assembly 14. More specifically, channel 82 is configured to receive first panel 30 and/or second panel 32 of support 34. In one embodiment, bracket 80 includes a first portion 84 that is integrated with or coupled to and transitions into a second portion 86 at an oblique angle or a substantially right angle to define channel 82. In this embodiment, first portion 84 defines a portion of channel 82 configured to receive first panel 30 and second portion 86 defines a portion of channel 82 configured to receive second panel 32. Bracket 80 is configured to define channel 82 having any suitable configuration including, without limitation, a substantially linear configuration, an arcuate configuration and an angled configuration. In one embodiment, first coupling unit 72 includes at least one flange 88 extending from bracket 80 and configured to facilitate coupling first coupling unit 72 to frame assembly 14.
In a particular embodiment, flange 88 defines at least one aperture 90, such as shown in FIGS. 9, that is aligned with a corresponding at least one aperture 92 defined within frame assembly 14, such as within first panel 30 or second panel 32, to facilitate coupling first coupling unit 72 to frame assembly 16 using a suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin. In a further embodiment, a suitable locking device, such as including spring bracket 50, removably couples first coupling unit 72 to first panel 30 or second panel 32. As shown in FIG. 11, spring bracket 50 is positioned within an opening 94 defined within first panel 30, for example. In one embodiment, spring bracket 50 is coupled to an inner surface of first panel 30 using a suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin, and/or a weld to retain spring bracket 50 properly positioned within first panel 30. In alternative embodiments, other suitable mechanisms may be used to retain spring bracket 50 properly positioned within first panel 30.
Projections 58 at first end 52 are configured to extend through apertures 92 and 90 under application of a suitable force. Bend portion 56 is configured to apply a force that urges first end 52 to diverge from second end 54. This divergent force is sufficient to urge projection 58 into apertures 92 and 90 with first coupling unit 72 positioned on support 34. Projection 58 is movably positioned within aperture 92 such that projection 58 extends into aperture 90 to lock first coupling unit 72 with respect to support 34. To unlock the locking device, a suitable force is applied to projection 58 such that first end 52 of spring bracket 50 is moved inwardly with respect to first panel 30 toward second end 54. As first end 52 moves inwardly, projection 58 is released from aperture 90 to allow first coupling unit 72 to move with respect to support 34.
First coupling unit 72 also includes a receptacle 100 configured to receive a member, such as first member 60, of collapsible roof assembly 16. Receptacle 100 defines a passage 102 configured to slidably receive first member 60. Referring further to FIG. 8, with first member 60 slidably positioned within passage 102, at least one aperture 104 defined within receptacle 100 is aligned with a corresponding aperture 106 defined within first member 60 to facilitate removably coupling first member 60 to first coupling unit 72. A suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin, is positionable within apertures 104 and 106 to couple first member 60 to first coupling unit 72.
In a particular embodiment, a suitable locking device, such as including spring bracket 50, removably couples first member 60 to first coupling unit 72. Spring bracket 50 is positioned within first member 60 such that projections 58 at first end 52 extend through apertures 106 and 104 under application of a suitable force. Bend portion 56 is configured to apply a force that urges first end 52 to diverge from second end 54. This divergent force is sufficient to urge projection 58 into apertures 106 and 104 with first member 60 positioned within receptacle 100. Projection 58 is movably positioned within aperture 106 such that projection 58 extends into aperture 104 to lock first member 60 with respect to first coupling unit 72. To unlock the locking device, a suitable force is applied to projection 58 such that first end 52 of spring bracket 50 is moved inwardly with respect to first member 60 toward second end 54. As first end 52 moves inwardly, projection 58 is released from aperture 104 to allow first member 60 to move with respect to first coupling unit 72.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, second coupling unit 74 includes a bracket 110 defining a channel 112 configured to facilitate coupling second coupling unit 74 to frame assembly 14. In one embodiment, channel 112 is configured to receive truss 36. More specifically, channel 112 is configured to receive upper cross-member 42 or lower cross-member 44 of truss 36. Bracket 110 is configured to define channel 112 having any suitable configuration including, without limitation, a substantially linear configuration, an arcuate configuration and an angled configuration. Bracket 110 defines at least one aperture 114 that is aligned with a corresponding at least one aperture defined within truss 36 (not shown) to facilitate coupling second coupling unit 74 to truss 36 using a suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin. In one embodiment, second coupling unit 74 includes at least one flange (not shown) extending from bracket 110 and configured to facilitate coupling second coupling unit 74 to truss 36.
Second coupling unit 74 also includes a receptacle 120 configured to receive a member, such as second member 62, of collapsible roof assembly 16. Receptacle 120 defines a passage 122 configured to slidably receive second member 62. Referring further to FIG. 10, with second member 62 slidably positioned within passage 122, at least one aperture 124 defined within receptacle 120 is aligned with a corresponding aperture 126 defined within second member 62 to facilitate removably coupling second member 62 to second coupling unit 74. A suitable fastener, such as a screw, rivet or pin, is positionable within apertures 124 and 126 to couple second member 62 to second coupling unit 74.
In a particular embodiment, a suitable locking device, such as including spring bracket 50, removably couples second member 62 to second coupling unit 74. Spring bracket 50 is positioned within second member 62 such that projections 58 at first end 52 extend through apertures 126 and 124 under application of a suitable force. Bend portion 56 is configured to apply a force that urges first end 52 to diverge from second end 54. This divergent force is sufficient to urge projection 58 into apertures 126 and 124 with second member 62 positioned within receptacle 120. Projection 58 is movably positioned within aperture 126 such that projection 58 extends into aperture 124 to lock second member 62 with respect to second coupling unit 74. To unlock the locking device, a suitable force is applied to projection 58 such that first end 52 of spring bracket 50 is moved inwardly with respect to second member 62 toward second end 54. As first end 52 moves inwardly, projection 58 is released from aperture 124 to allow second member 62 to move with respect to second coupling unit 74.
In one embodiment, a method for constructing collapsible structure 10 includes constructing frame assembly 14. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of panels, such as a first panel 30 and a second panel 32, are coupled together to form one support 34 of a plurality of modular supports 34. First panel 30 is coupled to second panel 32 at an oblique angle or a substantially right angle to form support 34. A plurality of trusses 36 are coupled between supports 34 to construct frame assembly 14.
Collapsible roof assembly 16 in an expanded configuration is removably coupled to frame assembly 14 using coupling system 70. In one embodiment, coupling system 70 includes a plurality of coupling units configured to facilitate coupling collapsible roof assembly 16 to frame assembly 14 quickly and easily. In a particular embodiment, coupling system 70 includes a plurality of first coupling units 72 each configured to removably couple one first member 60 of collapsible roof assembly 16 to a corresponding support 34 of frame assembly 14. Coupling system 70 also includes a plurality of second coupling units 74 each configured to removably couple one second member 62 of collapsible roof assembly 16 to a corresponding truss 36 of frame assembly 14.
In one embodiment, collapsible roof assembly 16 is removably coupled to frame assembly 14 by coupling a first coupling unit 72 of the plurality of coupling units to a first support 34 of the plurality of supports and removably coupling a first member 60 of roof assembly 16 to first coupling unit 72. Further, a truss 36 is removably coupled between supports 34. A second coupling unit 74 of the plurality of coupling units is coupled to truss 36 and a second member 62 of roof assembly 16 is removably coupled to second coupling unit 74.
The above-described apparatus and methods facilitate assembling and disassembling a collapsible structure, such as a tent, a canopy or a gazebo, quickly and easily. More specifically, a coupling system including a plurality of coupling units removably couple a collapsible roof assembly to a frame assembly suitable for supporting the roof assembly. The frame assembly may also be collapsible, such as including modular panels and/or trusses coupled together to form the frame assembly.
Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods for assembling and disassembling a collapsible structure are described above in detail. The apparatus and/or methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the apparatus and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described apparatus components and/or methods steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and methods as described herein.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A coupling system for a structure including a frame assembly and a collapsible roof assembly removably coupled to the frame assembly, said coupling system comprising a plurality of coupling units, each coupling unit of said plurality of coupling units comprising a bracket defining a channel configured to facilitate coupling each said coupling unit to the frame assembly and a receptacle configured to receive a member of the roof assembly.

2. A coupling system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said coupling unit is removably coupled to the frame assembly.

3. A coupling system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bracket further comprises a first portion transitioning into a second portion at one of an oblique angle and a right angle to define said channel.

4. A coupling system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bracket defines said channel having one of a substantially linear configuration, an arcuate configuration and an angled configuration.

5. A coupling system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least one flange extending from said bracket and configured to facilitate coupling said coupling unit to the frame assembly.

6. A coupling system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said at least one flange defines at least one aperture aligned with a corresponding aperture defined within the frame assembly to facilitate coupling said bracket to the frame assembly.

7. A coupling system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receptacle defines at least one aperture aligned with a corresponding aperture defined within the first member to facilitate coupling the first member to said receptacle.

8. A coupling system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receptacle further defines a passage configured to slidably receive the member.

9. A collapsible structure comprising:

a frame assembly;

a collapsible roof assembly movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to at least partially define an interior space; and

a coupling system configured to removably couple said collapsible roof assembly in the expanded configuration to said frame assembly.

10. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 9 wherein said frame assembly further comprises a first panel coupled to a second panel to form a first support.

11. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 10 wherein said first panel is substantially perpendicular to said second panel.

12. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 10 wherein said first panel is coupled to said second panel at one of a right angle and an oblique angle with respect to said second panel.

13. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 12 further comprising a third panel coupled to a fourth panel to form a second support, and a truss removably coupled to each of said first support and said second support.

14. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 9 wherein said collapsible roof assembly further comprises a unitary assembly.

15. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 9 wherein said coupling system further comprises a plurality of coupling units coupled to said frame assembly, and said collapsible roof assembly further comprises a plurality of members, each member of said plurality of members removably coupled to a corresponding coupling unit of said plurality of coupling units.

16. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 9 wherein said collapsible roof assembly further comprises a central hub, each said member movably coupled to said central hub.

17. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 9 wherein said coupling system further comprises a plurality of first coupling units, each first coupling unit of said plurality of first coupling units comprising a bracket defining a channel configured to facilitate coupling each said first coupling unit to said frame assembly and a receptacle configured to receive a first member of said roof assembly.

18. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 17 wherein said frame assembly further comprises a plurality of supports, each support of said plurality of supports comprising a first panel coupled to a second panel, and each said first coupling unit coupled to a corresponding support of said plurality of supports.

19. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 18 wherein each said first coupling unit defines a channel configured to receive at least one of said first panel and said second panel.

20. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 18 wherein said roof assembly further comprises a plurality of first members, and each said first coupling unit further comprises a receptacle configured to receive a corresponding first member of said plurality of first members.

21. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 17 wherein said frame assembly further comprises a truss removably coupled between a first support and a second support of said plurality of supports.

22. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 21 wherein said coupling system further comprises a plurality of second coupling units, at least one second coupling unit of said plurality of second coupling units coupled to a cross-member of said truss.

23. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 22 wherein said at least one second coupling unit further defines a channel configured to receive said cross-member.

24. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 22 wherein said roof assembly further comprises a plurality of second members, and each said second coupling unit further comprises a receptacle configured to receive a corresponding second member of said plurality of second members.

25. A coupling system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said receptacle further defines a passage configured to slidably receive said first member.

26. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 25 wherein said receptacle further defines at least one first aperture aligned with a corresponding second aperture defined within said first member to facilitate coupling said first member to said receptacle.

27. A collapsible structure in accordance with claim 26 further comprising a spring bracket positioned within said first member, said spring bracket comprising a projection movably positioned within said at least one first aperture.

28. A method for constructing a collapsible structure, said method comprising:

constructing a frame assembly comprising a plurality of modular supports; and

removably coupling a collapsible roof assembly in an expanded configuration to the frame assembly using a coupling system comprising a plurality of coupling units.

29. A method in accordance with claim 28 wherein constructing a frame assembly further comprises forming a first support by coupling a first panel to a second panel at one of an oblique angle and a right angle.

30. A method in accordance with claim 28 wherein constructing a frame assembly further comprises removably coupling a truss between a first support and a second support of the plurality of supports.

31. A method in accordance with claim 28 wherein removably coupling a collapsible roof assembly in an expanded configuration to the frame assembly further comprises:

coupling a first coupling unit of the plurality of coupling units to a first support of the plurality of supports; and

removably coupling a first member of the roof assembly to the first coupling unit.

32. A method in accordance with claim 31 further comprising:

removably coupling a truss between the first support and a second support of the plurality of supports;

coupling a second coupling unit of the plurality of coupling units to the truss; and

removably coupling a second member of the roof assembly to the second coupling unit.