CA2283111A1 - Portable folding shelter - Google Patents
Portable folding shelter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2283111A1 CA2283111A1 CA 2283111 CA2283111A CA2283111A1 CA 2283111 A1 CA2283111 A1 CA 2283111A1 CA 2283111 CA2283111 CA 2283111 CA 2283111 A CA2283111 A CA 2283111A CA 2283111 A1 CA2283111 A1 CA 2283111A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wing
- frame
- primary
- portable shelter
- shelter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/32—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects comprising living accommodation for people, e.g. caravans, camping, or like vehicles
- B60P3/34—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects comprising living accommodation for people, e.g. caravans, camping, or like vehicles the living accommodation being expansible, collapsible or capable of rearrangement
- B60P3/341—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects comprising living accommodation for people, e.g. caravans, camping, or like vehicles the living accommodation being expansible, collapsible or capable of rearrangement comprising flexible elements
- B60P3/343—Hoods for caravans
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
- E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
A portable folding shelter has a fixed central frame plus two outboard wing frames which are parallel to and pivotable relative to the central frame. A flexible, weatherproof membrane extends across the central frame and the wing frames when the latter have been folder outward, thereby sheltering the area beneath the frames and membrane.
Outrigger arms support the frames on the ground surface, and have wheels allowing the shelter to moved across the ground. Jacking mechanisms are provided to assist in assembling and disassembling the shelter, as well as in loading and unloading the shelter from a flatbed trailer. When assembled, the shelter sits high enough to permit a flatbed trailer to pass underneath its framework.
Accordingly, the shelter may be transported on a trailer to a desired location and there assembled, whereupon the trailer may be withdrawn. When dissassembly and transport of the shelter are desired, a trailer may be backed under the framework of the shelter, whereupon the shelter may be disassembled and loaded onto the trailer.
Outrigger arms support the frames on the ground surface, and have wheels allowing the shelter to moved across the ground. Jacking mechanisms are provided to assist in assembling and disassembling the shelter, as well as in loading and unloading the shelter from a flatbed trailer. When assembled, the shelter sits high enough to permit a flatbed trailer to pass underneath its framework.
Accordingly, the shelter may be transported on a trailer to a desired location and there assembled, whereupon the trailer may be withdrawn. When dissassembly and transport of the shelter are desired, a trailer may be backed under the framework of the shelter, whereupon the shelter may be disassembled and loaded onto the trailer.
Description
PORTABLE FOLDING SHELTER
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to portable shelters, and particularly relates to portable shelters which may be compactly folded for transport on flatbed trailers.
Background of the Invention Temporary shelters have a number of uses, including industrial applications such as for sheltering construction materials or work operations, such as welding operations, from wind and weather. For these and other purposes, it is commonly desired to have a reasonably large temporary shelter which may be conveniently transported to the site where it is needed.
Portable shelters are desirably collapsible or foldable to facilitate transport and as light as practically possible while still providing adequate structural strength. It is further desirable that such a shelter be relatively quick and easy to erect, without needing special tools and equipment, and without needing a large number of workers. In particular, it is desirable that the shelter may be erected without need for tools or power equipment, as it may be commonly desired to erect the shelter in relatively remote locations. Similarly, it is desirable that the shelter be easy to load or unload from a trailer or other transporting means, without requiring extensive or special equipment or manpower.
The prior art discloses a number of attempts to provide a portable temporary shelter having the foregoing desirable features. For example, U.S. Patent No.
5,649,559 issued to Scott, Jr. on July 22, 1997 discloses a roof frame supported by four extensible leg members and having a number of foldable transverse ribs for supporting a roof covering. The legs may be retracted and folded against the underside of the roof frame and the ribs folded against the top of the rib frame, whereupon the roof frame may be folded upon itself so that the entire assembly occupies a relatively compact volume for shipping purposes.
Although it has some attractive characteristics, the Scott shelter also has a number of drawbacks. One drawback is that it has a large number of sliding or pivoting components, as well as numerous secondary struts, braces, and gussets; consequently, the shelter is somewhat complicated and expensive to fabricate. The large number of sliding and pivoting components also increases the probability that one or more of the sliding mechanisms or pivot joints will seize up and become inoperable due to corrosion or contamination with dirt. It may be possible to minimize the likelihood of this particular problem by ensuring that the shelter is inspected, cleaned, and serviced at regular intervals, but this entails an expense which would be a further drawback to the invention. Yet another drawback is that erecting and dismantling the shelter, as well as loading and unloading it from transportation means such as a flatbed trailer, will typically require the use of hoisting equipment such as a mobile crane, or numerous workers, or both.
Other pertinent examples of prior art include the following:
U.S. Patent No. 4,630,627 (Windows et al., 1986) - U.S. Patent No. 5,485,863 (Carter, 1996) - U.S. Patent No. 5,490,533 (Carter, 1996) - U.S. Patent No. 5,632,292 (Carter, 1997) - U.S. Patent No. 5,632,293 (Carter, 1997) - U.S. Patent No. 5,813,425 (Carter, 1998) - Japanese Patent No. 7,166,715 (Oni shi, 1995) All of the inventions disclosed in these patents, however, share to a greater or lesser degree the same drawbacks as the Scott patent.
Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable or collapsible temporary shelter which:
(a) may be conveniently transported, such as on a flatbed road trailer;
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to portable shelters, and particularly relates to portable shelters which may be compactly folded for transport on flatbed trailers.
Background of the Invention Temporary shelters have a number of uses, including industrial applications such as for sheltering construction materials or work operations, such as welding operations, from wind and weather. For these and other purposes, it is commonly desired to have a reasonably large temporary shelter which may be conveniently transported to the site where it is needed.
Portable shelters are desirably collapsible or foldable to facilitate transport and as light as practically possible while still providing adequate structural strength. It is further desirable that such a shelter be relatively quick and easy to erect, without needing special tools and equipment, and without needing a large number of workers. In particular, it is desirable that the shelter may be erected without need for tools or power equipment, as it may be commonly desired to erect the shelter in relatively remote locations. Similarly, it is desirable that the shelter be easy to load or unload from a trailer or other transporting means, without requiring extensive or special equipment or manpower.
The prior art discloses a number of attempts to provide a portable temporary shelter having the foregoing desirable features. For example, U.S. Patent No.
5,649,559 issued to Scott, Jr. on July 22, 1997 discloses a roof frame supported by four extensible leg members and having a number of foldable transverse ribs for supporting a roof covering. The legs may be retracted and folded against the underside of the roof frame and the ribs folded against the top of the rib frame, whereupon the roof frame may be folded upon itself so that the entire assembly occupies a relatively compact volume for shipping purposes.
Although it has some attractive characteristics, the Scott shelter also has a number of drawbacks. One drawback is that it has a large number of sliding or pivoting components, as well as numerous secondary struts, braces, and gussets; consequently, the shelter is somewhat complicated and expensive to fabricate. The large number of sliding and pivoting components also increases the probability that one or more of the sliding mechanisms or pivot joints will seize up and become inoperable due to corrosion or contamination with dirt. It may be possible to minimize the likelihood of this particular problem by ensuring that the shelter is inspected, cleaned, and serviced at regular intervals, but this entails an expense which would be a further drawback to the invention. Yet another drawback is that erecting and dismantling the shelter, as well as loading and unloading it from transportation means such as a flatbed trailer, will typically require the use of hoisting equipment such as a mobile crane, or numerous workers, or both.
Other pertinent examples of prior art include the following:
U.S. Patent No. 4,630,627 (Windows et al., 1986) - U.S. Patent No. 5,485,863 (Carter, 1996) - U.S. Patent No. 5,490,533 (Carter, 1996) - U.S. Patent No. 5,632,292 (Carter, 1997) - U.S. Patent No. 5,632,293 (Carter, 1997) - U.S. Patent No. 5,813,425 (Carter, 1998) - Japanese Patent No. 7,166,715 (Oni shi, 1995) All of the inventions disclosed in these patents, however, share to a greater or lesser degree the same drawbacks as the Scott patent.
Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable or collapsible temporary shelter which:
(a) may be conveniently transported, such as on a flatbed road trailer;
(b) is as light as practically possible while still providing adequate structural strength;
(c) has a minimal number of components, especially moving components, and therefore is comparatively simple and economical to fabricate;
(d) is relatively quick and easy to load and unload from a transporting means, and to erect and dismantle, without need for special tools, equipment, or power sources, and without need for numerous workers; and (e) does not require extensive or frequent inspection and maintenance to ensure reliable operability.
Summary of the Invention The invention comprises a portable shelter apparatus which has a stable base, a central ridge support and folding wing supports which together with a flexible membrane create a portable canopy which may be conveniently transported and erected at a work site.
In one aspect, the present invention is a portable shelter apparatus comprising:
(a) a primary frame comprising:
(i) a substantially horizontal ridge girder having a first end and a second end;
(ii) two substantially vertical primary masts, each having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of the ridge girder, and each primary mast having near its lower end a pair of leg-engaging brackets;
(c) has a minimal number of components, especially moving components, and therefore is comparatively simple and economical to fabricate;
(d) is relatively quick and easy to load and unload from a transporting means, and to erect and dismantle, without need for special tools, equipment, or power sources, and without need for numerous workers; and (e) does not require extensive or frequent inspection and maintenance to ensure reliable operability.
Summary of the Invention The invention comprises a portable shelter apparatus which has a stable base, a central ridge support and folding wing supports which together with a flexible membrane create a portable canopy which may be conveniently transported and erected at a work site.
In one aspect, the present invention is a portable shelter apparatus comprising:
(a) a primary frame comprising:
(i) a substantially horizontal ridge girder having a first end and a second end;
(ii) two substantially vertical primary masts, each having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of the ridge girder, and each primary mast having near its lower end a pair of leg-engaging brackets;
(iii) two substantially horizontal base rails each having a first end and a second end, each said base rail being rigidly connected at a point along its length to one of the primary masts such that the axis of each base rail is substantially transverse to the axis of the ridge girder; and (iv) four leg brackets each being rigidly connected to and projecting substantially vertically from one of said ends of the base rails, each leg bracket having a leg restraint member;
(b) two wing frames each comprising a substantially horizontal spandrel girder having a first end and a second end, each wing frame further comprising two wing frame masts, each wing frame mast having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of said spandrel girders, and each said lower end being hingedly mounted to the primary frame such that each wing frame may pivot toward or away from the primary frame;
(c) four detachable outrigger legs each having an outboard, lower end, for resting on the ground, and an inboard, upper end for engaging one of said leg-engaging brackets of the primary masts after the outrigger leg has been directed inboard and slopingly upward toward the primary mast, positioned under and bearing against one of said leg restraint members; and (d) a flexible membrane extending between the primary frame and the wing frames so as to substantially enclose the space defined by said primary frame and wing frames.
In the preferred embodiment, a jacking mechanism is provided in association with each base rail to controllably lift and lower each base rail.
(b) two wing frames each comprising a substantially horizontal spandrel girder having a first end and a second end, each wing frame further comprising two wing frame masts, each wing frame mast having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of said spandrel girders, and each said lower end being hingedly mounted to the primary frame such that each wing frame may pivot toward or away from the primary frame;
(c) four detachable outrigger legs each having an outboard, lower end, for resting on the ground, and an inboard, upper end for engaging one of said leg-engaging brackets of the primary masts after the outrigger leg has been directed inboard and slopingly upward toward the primary mast, positioned under and bearing against one of said leg restraint members; and (d) a flexible membrane extending between the primary frame and the wing frames so as to substantially enclose the space defined by said primary frame and wing frames.
In the preferred embodiment, a jacking mechanism is provided in association with each base rail to controllably lift and lower each base rail.
In the preferred embodiment, each outrigger leg has a wheel rotatably mounted to its lower, outboard end, thereby allowing the assembled shelter to be easily moved over the ground .
Also in the preferred embodiment, the invention includes one or more wing frame braces, for fixing a desired angle of outboard rotation of the wing frames relative to the primary frame. Each wing frame brace could take the form of an elongate strut, removably connected to one of the wing frame masts, and removably connected at the other end to the corresponding outrigger leg. Alternatively, the wing frame brace could take the form of a length of flexible chain or cable extending between the primary frame and one of the wing frames.
The preferred embodiment also comprises one or more wing frame stops, for limiting the maximum extent of inboard rotation of the wing frames relative to the primary frame. In a particular embodiment of the invention, each wing frame stop is a saddle attached to one of the primary masts.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the wing frames further comprises an eave beam outboard of and substantially parallel to the spandrel girder of the wing frame, said eave beam being structurally supported by a plurality of eave braces rigidly connected to said spandrel girder. In this particular embodiment, the membrane extends outboard beyond said spandrel girder so as to pass over the eave beam.
The portable shelter apparatus of the present invention may also preferably comprise a mechanical actuator for pivoting the wing frames inward or outward relative to the primary frame. In one particular variation, the mechanical actuator is a manual winch-and-cable assembly, mounted in association with the primary mast with cables connected to the wing frame masts .
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a portable shelter apparatus comprising:
Also in the preferred embodiment, the invention includes one or more wing frame braces, for fixing a desired angle of outboard rotation of the wing frames relative to the primary frame. Each wing frame brace could take the form of an elongate strut, removably connected to one of the wing frame masts, and removably connected at the other end to the corresponding outrigger leg. Alternatively, the wing frame brace could take the form of a length of flexible chain or cable extending between the primary frame and one of the wing frames.
The preferred embodiment also comprises one or more wing frame stops, for limiting the maximum extent of inboard rotation of the wing frames relative to the primary frame. In a particular embodiment of the invention, each wing frame stop is a saddle attached to one of the primary masts.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the wing frames further comprises an eave beam outboard of and substantially parallel to the spandrel girder of the wing frame, said eave beam being structurally supported by a plurality of eave braces rigidly connected to said spandrel girder. In this particular embodiment, the membrane extends outboard beyond said spandrel girder so as to pass over the eave beam.
The portable shelter apparatus of the present invention may also preferably comprise a mechanical actuator for pivoting the wing frames inward or outward relative to the primary frame. In one particular variation, the mechanical actuator is a manual winch-and-cable assembly, mounted in association with the primary mast with cables connected to the wing frame masts .
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a portable shelter apparatus comprising:
(a) two generally horizontal, substantially parallel and spaced apart beams;
(b) a central ridge support extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams;
(c) two wing supports, each extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams, each wing support pivotably attached to the horizontal beams on opposite sides of the central ridge support;
(d) extendible support means associated with each horizontal beam, for supporting the apparatus with each horizontal beam raised above the ground; and (e) a cover which extends over the central ridge support and the two wing supports.
Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which numerical references denote like parts, and in which:
FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention after assembly of same, with the wing frames folded outward.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the invention after assembly.
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention with the wing frames folded inward.
(b) a central ridge support extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams;
(c) two wing supports, each extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams, each wing support pivotably attached to the horizontal beams on opposite sides of the central ridge support;
(d) extendible support means associated with each horizontal beam, for supporting the apparatus with each horizontal beam raised above the ground; and (e) a cover which extends over the central ridge support and the two wing supports.
Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which numerical references denote like parts, and in which:
FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention after assembly of same, with the wing frames folded outward.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the invention after assembly.
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention with the wing frames folded inward.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the present invention, generally denoted by reference number (~, is a portable folding shelter having a primary frame (~
comprising a substantially horizontal ridge girder (~ spanning between, and being rigidly connected to, the upper ends of two vertical primary masts (2~ . Each primary mast (22) is rigidly connected to a substantially horizontal base rail (~ at a point along the length of the base rail (40), which point is preferably mid-length of the base rail (40). The axis of each base rail (40), when viewed in plan, will be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the ridge girder (24).
At each end of each base rail (40) there is a leg bracket (~ rigidly connected to and projecting upward from the base rail (40). Each leg bracket (50) defines a leg restraint member (~, which bears against the outrigger legs (~.
The invention (10) also comprises two wing frames (3~, each having a substantially horizontal spandrel girder (~ spanning between, and being rigidly connected to, the upper ends of two wing frame masts (~. The lower end of each wing frame mast (32) is pivotably mounted to the upper end of a corresponding one of the leg brackets (50), at pivot point (~. Therefore, and as will be readily seen from the foregoing description and the Figures, each wing frame (30) may be pivoted inward toward or outward away from the primary frame (20), with spandrel beams (34) of the wing frames (30) being at all times substantially parallel to the ridge girder (24) of the primary frame (20).
The primary frame (20) and the wing frames (30) may preferably be fabricated using hollow tubing such as pipe, as indicated in the Figures. However, it is readily possible to fabricate these components from different types of structural material without departing from the scope of the invention.
In the preferred embodiment, the invention ( 10) further comprises four outrigger legs (70). As illustrated in Figure 1, the outrigger legs (70) may be positioned so each of them engages the leg restraint member (52) of one of the leg brackets (50) and then is removably connected at its inboard, upper end to the corresponding primary mast (22) at connection point (~. In the preferred embodiment, each outrigger leg (70) also has a wheel (~
rotatably mounted to the lower, outboard end of the outrigger leg (70).
The present invention (10) also incorporates a jacking mechanism (~ mountable in association with each base rail (40), and most conveniently in the vicinity of the corresponding primary mast (22). Each jacking mechanism (80) is mounted and configured such that, upon actuation, it can raise the associated base frame (40), as well as the components connected to that base frame (40) .
The operation of the preferred embodiment is best explained with reference to Figures 1 and 3. With the invention (10) in the folded position illustrated in Figure 3, the invention (10) may be loaded and transported on a flatbed trailer (T), with the outrigger legs (70) disengaged from the primary masts (22) and the leg restraint members (52), to a desired location for erection of the portable shelter. By actuation of jacking mechanism (80) at one of the base rails (40), that base rail (40) and the corresponding end of the primary frame (20) and wing frame (30) assembly can be raised above the bed of the trailer (T) so that two of the outrigger legs (70) may be mounted so as to engage the primary mast (20) and leg restraint members (52) associated with the raised end of the assembly.
In the preferred embodiment, the various components of the portable shelter (10) are sized and configured such that when two of the outrigger legs (70) have been installed at one end of the assembly as just described, the base rail (40) at that end will be elevated above the bed of the trailer (T) after jacking mechanism (80) has been disengaged at that end. It will be readily seen, therefore, that upon repeating the jacking operation and installing the remaining outrigger legs (70) at the other end of the assembly, the entire assembly will be elevated above trailer (T), which may then be conveniently withdrawn without disturbing the portable shelter _g_ (10). It will also be readily seen that the portable shelter (10) may be easily loaded onto trailer (T) for transport to another location, simply by backing trailer (T) under the portable shelter (10) and then disassembling the portable shelter (10) by reversing the steps for assembling it.
Alternatively, the shelter (10) may simply be lifted off of the trailer (T) and then raised up off the ground working the jacking mechanism (80) in order to install the outrigger legs (70).
The outrigger legs (70) may be replaced by a jacking mechanism (not shown) at each end of each base rail. This alternative embodiment however does not have the stability of the outrigger legs (70) which is very stable because of the width of the stance taken by the legs (70) .
As illustrated in Figure 1, the portable shelter ( 10) has a flexible membrane (~
which may be draped across the spandrel girders (34) and the ridge girder (24), thereby forming an enclosure for protection against the elements such as rain and snow. In a preferred embodiment, the invention also has an eave beam (~ running parallel to and outboard of each spandrel girder (34), with a plurality of eave braces (~ rigidly connecting each eave beam (60) to its corresponding spandrel girder (34). The flexible membrane (90) may be extended outboard over the spandrel girders (34) thus increasing the size of the area sheltered thereby.
Also in the preferred embodiment, the present invention (10) includes brace means for limiting the maximum degree of outboard rotation of the wing frames (30) relative to the primary frame (20). In one particular embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the wing frame brace is an elongated strut (~ removably mounted between convenient points along the length of a given wing mast (32) and its corresponding outrigger leg (70). This strut (38) serves the additional beneficial function of adding structural bracing and rigidity to the overall assembly.
Alternatively the brace means may comprise flexible strapping or chains (not shown) connecting the wing frames (30) to the primary frame (20).
Because it is also desirable to limit the maximum degree of inboard rotation of the wing frames (30) relative to the primary frame (20), the preferred embodiment also comprises one or more wing frame stops. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, each wing frame stop is a saddle (2~ fixedly mounted to one of the primary masts (20). As is readily observable from Figure 3, saddles (26) will engage the corresponding wing masts (32) as the wing frames (30) are folded inward toward the primary frame (20). Gravity will assist in preventing the wing frames (30) from being unintentionally pivoted outboard away from saddles (26), however additional restraint is preferred, such as by lashing the wing frames (30) together or to the primary frame (20) after the wing frames (30) have been positioned against the saddles (26).
The wing frames (30) of the present invention may be manually pivoted, but it is highly desirable to be able to carry out all pivoting of the wing frames (30) using some form of mechanical assist. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment also includes a mechanical actuator (not shown), such as a winch-and-cable assembly, for this purpose.
The mechanical actuator may be manually operated, which is desirable when the portable shelter (10) is being erected at a remote location where sources of power such as electricity are not available. Of course, the mechanical actuator could also be of a power-operated type if an appropriate external power source is available.
It will be readily seen by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present invention may be devised without departing from the essential concept of the invention, and all such modifications and adaptations are expressly intended to be included in the scope of the claims appended hereto.
comprising a substantially horizontal ridge girder (~ spanning between, and being rigidly connected to, the upper ends of two vertical primary masts (2~ . Each primary mast (22) is rigidly connected to a substantially horizontal base rail (~ at a point along the length of the base rail (40), which point is preferably mid-length of the base rail (40). The axis of each base rail (40), when viewed in plan, will be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the ridge girder (24).
At each end of each base rail (40) there is a leg bracket (~ rigidly connected to and projecting upward from the base rail (40). Each leg bracket (50) defines a leg restraint member (~, which bears against the outrigger legs (~.
The invention (10) also comprises two wing frames (3~, each having a substantially horizontal spandrel girder (~ spanning between, and being rigidly connected to, the upper ends of two wing frame masts (~. The lower end of each wing frame mast (32) is pivotably mounted to the upper end of a corresponding one of the leg brackets (50), at pivot point (~. Therefore, and as will be readily seen from the foregoing description and the Figures, each wing frame (30) may be pivoted inward toward or outward away from the primary frame (20), with spandrel beams (34) of the wing frames (30) being at all times substantially parallel to the ridge girder (24) of the primary frame (20).
The primary frame (20) and the wing frames (30) may preferably be fabricated using hollow tubing such as pipe, as indicated in the Figures. However, it is readily possible to fabricate these components from different types of structural material without departing from the scope of the invention.
In the preferred embodiment, the invention ( 10) further comprises four outrigger legs (70). As illustrated in Figure 1, the outrigger legs (70) may be positioned so each of them engages the leg restraint member (52) of one of the leg brackets (50) and then is removably connected at its inboard, upper end to the corresponding primary mast (22) at connection point (~. In the preferred embodiment, each outrigger leg (70) also has a wheel (~
rotatably mounted to the lower, outboard end of the outrigger leg (70).
The present invention (10) also incorporates a jacking mechanism (~ mountable in association with each base rail (40), and most conveniently in the vicinity of the corresponding primary mast (22). Each jacking mechanism (80) is mounted and configured such that, upon actuation, it can raise the associated base frame (40), as well as the components connected to that base frame (40) .
The operation of the preferred embodiment is best explained with reference to Figures 1 and 3. With the invention (10) in the folded position illustrated in Figure 3, the invention (10) may be loaded and transported on a flatbed trailer (T), with the outrigger legs (70) disengaged from the primary masts (22) and the leg restraint members (52), to a desired location for erection of the portable shelter. By actuation of jacking mechanism (80) at one of the base rails (40), that base rail (40) and the corresponding end of the primary frame (20) and wing frame (30) assembly can be raised above the bed of the trailer (T) so that two of the outrigger legs (70) may be mounted so as to engage the primary mast (20) and leg restraint members (52) associated with the raised end of the assembly.
In the preferred embodiment, the various components of the portable shelter (10) are sized and configured such that when two of the outrigger legs (70) have been installed at one end of the assembly as just described, the base rail (40) at that end will be elevated above the bed of the trailer (T) after jacking mechanism (80) has been disengaged at that end. It will be readily seen, therefore, that upon repeating the jacking operation and installing the remaining outrigger legs (70) at the other end of the assembly, the entire assembly will be elevated above trailer (T), which may then be conveniently withdrawn without disturbing the portable shelter _g_ (10). It will also be readily seen that the portable shelter (10) may be easily loaded onto trailer (T) for transport to another location, simply by backing trailer (T) under the portable shelter (10) and then disassembling the portable shelter (10) by reversing the steps for assembling it.
Alternatively, the shelter (10) may simply be lifted off of the trailer (T) and then raised up off the ground working the jacking mechanism (80) in order to install the outrigger legs (70).
The outrigger legs (70) may be replaced by a jacking mechanism (not shown) at each end of each base rail. This alternative embodiment however does not have the stability of the outrigger legs (70) which is very stable because of the width of the stance taken by the legs (70) .
As illustrated in Figure 1, the portable shelter ( 10) has a flexible membrane (~
which may be draped across the spandrel girders (34) and the ridge girder (24), thereby forming an enclosure for protection against the elements such as rain and snow. In a preferred embodiment, the invention also has an eave beam (~ running parallel to and outboard of each spandrel girder (34), with a plurality of eave braces (~ rigidly connecting each eave beam (60) to its corresponding spandrel girder (34). The flexible membrane (90) may be extended outboard over the spandrel girders (34) thus increasing the size of the area sheltered thereby.
Also in the preferred embodiment, the present invention (10) includes brace means for limiting the maximum degree of outboard rotation of the wing frames (30) relative to the primary frame (20). In one particular embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the wing frame brace is an elongated strut (~ removably mounted between convenient points along the length of a given wing mast (32) and its corresponding outrigger leg (70). This strut (38) serves the additional beneficial function of adding structural bracing and rigidity to the overall assembly.
Alternatively the brace means may comprise flexible strapping or chains (not shown) connecting the wing frames (30) to the primary frame (20).
Because it is also desirable to limit the maximum degree of inboard rotation of the wing frames (30) relative to the primary frame (20), the preferred embodiment also comprises one or more wing frame stops. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, each wing frame stop is a saddle (2~ fixedly mounted to one of the primary masts (20). As is readily observable from Figure 3, saddles (26) will engage the corresponding wing masts (32) as the wing frames (30) are folded inward toward the primary frame (20). Gravity will assist in preventing the wing frames (30) from being unintentionally pivoted outboard away from saddles (26), however additional restraint is preferred, such as by lashing the wing frames (30) together or to the primary frame (20) after the wing frames (30) have been positioned against the saddles (26).
The wing frames (30) of the present invention may be manually pivoted, but it is highly desirable to be able to carry out all pivoting of the wing frames (30) using some form of mechanical assist. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment also includes a mechanical actuator (not shown), such as a winch-and-cable assembly, for this purpose.
The mechanical actuator may be manually operated, which is desirable when the portable shelter (10) is being erected at a remote location where sources of power such as electricity are not available. Of course, the mechanical actuator could also be of a power-operated type if an appropriate external power source is available.
It will be readily seen by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present invention may be devised without departing from the essential concept of the invention, and all such modifications and adaptations are expressly intended to be included in the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (17)
1. A portable shelter apparatus comprising:
(a) a primary frame comprising:
(i) a substantially horizontal ridge girder having a first end and a second end;
(ii) two substantially vertical primary masts, each having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of the ridge girder, and each primary mast having near its lower end a pair of leg-engaging brackets;
(iii) two substantially horizontal base rails each having a first end and a second end, each said base rail being rigidly connected at a point along its length to one of the primary masts such that the axis of each base rail is substantially transverse to the axis of the ridge girder; and (iv) four leg brackets each being rigidly connected to and projecting substantially vertically from one of said ends of the base rails, each leg bracket having a leg restraint member;
(b) two wing frames each comprising a substantially horizontal spandrel girder having a first end and a second end, each wing frame further comprising two wing frame masts, each wing frame mast having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of said spandrel girders, and each said lower end being hingedly mounted to the primary frame such that each wing frame may pivot toward or away from the primary frame;
(c) four detachable outrigger legs each having an outboard, lower end, for resting on the ground, and an inboard, upper end for engaging one of said leg-engaging brackets of the primary masts after the outrigger leg has been directed inboard and slopingly upward toward the primary mast, positioned under and bearing against one of said leg restraint members; and (d) a flexible membrane extending between the primary frame and the wing frames so as to substantially enclose the space defined by said primary frame and wing frames.
(a) a primary frame comprising:
(i) a substantially horizontal ridge girder having a first end and a second end;
(ii) two substantially vertical primary masts, each having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of the ridge girder, and each primary mast having near its lower end a pair of leg-engaging brackets;
(iii) two substantially horizontal base rails each having a first end and a second end, each said base rail being rigidly connected at a point along its length to one of the primary masts such that the axis of each base rail is substantially transverse to the axis of the ridge girder; and (iv) four leg brackets each being rigidly connected to and projecting substantially vertically from one of said ends of the base rails, each leg bracket having a leg restraint member;
(b) two wing frames each comprising a substantially horizontal spandrel girder having a first end and a second end, each wing frame further comprising two wing frame masts, each wing frame mast having an upper end and a lower end, each said upper end being rigidly connected to one of the ends of said spandrel girders, and each said lower end being hingedly mounted to the primary frame such that each wing frame may pivot toward or away from the primary frame;
(c) four detachable outrigger legs each having an outboard, lower end, for resting on the ground, and an inboard, upper end for engaging one of said leg-engaging brackets of the primary masts after the outrigger leg has been directed inboard and slopingly upward toward the primary mast, positioned under and bearing against one of said leg restraint members; and (d) a flexible membrane extending between the primary frame and the wing frames so as to substantially enclose the space defined by said primary frame and wing frames.
2. The portable shelter apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a jacking mechanism associated with one or both base rails for raising the base rail.
3. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 1 wherein each outrigger leg has a wheel rotatably mounted to its lower, outboard end.
4. The portable shelter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wing frames are hingedly mounted to the leg brackets.
5. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 4 further comprising one or more wing frame braces, for fixing a desired angle of outboard rotation of the wing frames relative to the primary frame.
6. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 5 wherein each wing frame brace is an elongate strut, removably connected to one of the wing frame masts, and removably connected at the other end to the corresponding outrigger leg.
7. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 5 wherein each wing frame brace is a length of flexible chain or cable extending between the primary frame and one of the wing frames.
8. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising one or more wing frame stops, for limiting the maximum extent of inboard rotation of the wing frames relative to the primary frame.
9. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 8 wherein each wing frame stop is a saddle attached to one of the primary masts.
10. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 1 wherein each jacking mechanism is a crank-actuated screw jack.
11. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 1 wherein each jacking mechanism is a lever-actuated hydraulic jack.
12. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 1 wherein:
(a) one of the wing frames further comprises an eave beam outboard of and substantially parallel to the spandrel girder of the wing frame, said eave beam being structurally supported by a plurality of eave braces rigidly connected to said spandrel girder; and wherein (b) the membrane extends outboard beyond said spandrel girder so as to pass over the eave beam.
(a) one of the wing frames further comprises an eave beam outboard of and substantially parallel to the spandrel girder of the wing frame, said eave beam being structurally supported by a plurality of eave braces rigidly connected to said spandrel girder; and wherein (b) the membrane extends outboard beyond said spandrel girder so as to pass over the eave beam.
13. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising a mechanical actuator for pivoting the wing frames inward or outward relative to the primary frame.
14. The portable shelter apparatus of Claim 13 wherein the mechanical actuator is a manual winch-and-cable assembly, mounted in association with the primary mast with cables connected to the wing frame masts.
15. A portable shelter apparatus comprising:
(a) two generally horizontal, substantially parallel and spaced apart beams;
(b) a central ridge support extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams;
(c) two wing supports, each extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams, each wing support pivotably attached to the horizontal beams on opposite sides of the central ridge support;
(d) extendible support means associated with each horizontal beam, for supporting the apparatus with each horizontal beam raised above the ground; and (e) a cover which extends over the central ridge support and the two wing supports.
(a) two generally horizontal, substantially parallel and spaced apart beams;
(b) a central ridge support extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams;
(c) two wing supports, each extending upwardly from and spanning between the two horizontal beams, each wing support pivotably attached to the horizontal beams on opposite sides of the central ridge support;
(d) extendible support means associated with each horizontal beam, for supporting the apparatus with each horizontal beam raised above the ground; and (e) a cover which extends over the central ridge support and the two wing supports.
16. The portable shelter apparatus of claim 15 wherein the extendible support means comprises four outrigger legs, each removably associated with the base frame.
17. The portable shelter apparatus of claim 15 wherein the extendible support means comprises a jacking mechanism at each corner of the apparatus.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283111 CA2283111A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 | 1999-09-23 | Portable folding shelter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283111 CA2283111A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 | 1999-09-23 | Portable folding shelter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2283111A1 true CA2283111A1 (en) | 2001-03-23 |
Family
ID=4164196
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283111 Abandoned CA2283111A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 | 1999-09-23 | Portable folding shelter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2283111A1 (en) |
-
1999
- 1999-09-23 CA CA 2283111 patent/CA2283111A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4630627A (en) | Collapsible frame structure | |
| US4068446A (en) | Moving work station for use in constructing a building roof | |
| US4000750A (en) | Large shelter umbrella | |
| CN107013045B (en) | Loading platform | |
| US6763633B2 (en) | Portable enclosure | |
| EP0711374B1 (en) | A collapsible building | |
| GB2422141A (en) | Elevating working platform for clamping to the framework of a building as the building is constructed | |
| US20070113488A1 (en) | Mobile building | |
| US4926591A (en) | Roofing method and apparatus | |
| EP1873115B1 (en) | Material storage rackfor an aerial lift with a work platform | |
| GB2439074A (en) | Portable collapsible building | |
| EP2044275B1 (en) | Corner brace | |
| EP0759879B1 (en) | Method and assembly for transferring modules | |
| US6996941B1 (en) | Portable foldable tent and method for erecting same | |
| CA2283111A1 (en) | Portable folding shelter | |
| US4718564A (en) | Portable construction hoist | |
| US11807150B2 (en) | Mobile performance stage | |
| GB2085941A (en) | Collapsible portable shelter | |
| EP2277739A1 (en) | Stage trailer | |
| US3289364A (en) | Composite tower structure and methods of tower erection and storage | |
| WO2010003515A2 (en) | Portable enclosure | |
| JPH0348247Y2 (en) | ||
| WO2013014620A1 (en) | A crane | |
| KR20200063391A (en) | Boarding box of high place works car | |
| JP3887479B2 (en) | Temporary nourishment and building construction method using the same |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |