CA2348045A1 - Portable shelter - Google Patents
Portable shelter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2348045A1 CA2348045A1 CA 2348045 CA2348045A CA2348045A1 CA 2348045 A1 CA2348045 A1 CA 2348045A1 CA 2348045 CA2348045 CA 2348045 CA 2348045 A CA2348045 A CA 2348045A CA 2348045 A1 CA2348045 A1 CA 2348045A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- leg
- link
- hub
- portable 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
Abstract
A shelter includes a set of arms extending radially from a central hub and having legs extending downward from the arms.
The legs may be unfolded outward for set-up and folded inward for storage. Each arm comprises four sections, each section joined at one end to either the central hub or a leg, and joined at another end to a hinge arrangement at the center of the arm.
Two arm sections of each arm include beams which, when the arm is extended, extend in a substantially straight line or link from the hub to a leg. The other two sections of each arm each include two substantially parallel beams horizontally separated to provided lateral stability. Since the arms use beams lying in more than one plane, strength and lateral. stability are increased. Since the legs are not linked to each other, the arms may be extended from the hub individually, and only one person is required for set-up. The shelter has extra strength, since the arms are connected to fixed pivots on the legs and central hub, with preferably no leg being mounted on a movable collar. The structure gains increased strength and stability, as when each arm is extended one portion of the arm is a substantially straight portion with only one joint, rather than a zigzag having multiple joints. Ease of set-up may be furthered by a mechanism slightly spreading the arms when the collapsed shelter is first unpacked, allowing the shelter to stand upright.
The legs may be unfolded outward for set-up and folded inward for storage. Each arm comprises four sections, each section joined at one end to either the central hub or a leg, and joined at another end to a hinge arrangement at the center of the arm.
Two arm sections of each arm include beams which, when the arm is extended, extend in a substantially straight line or link from the hub to a leg. The other two sections of each arm each include two substantially parallel beams horizontally separated to provided lateral stability. Since the arms use beams lying in more than one plane, strength and lateral. stability are increased. Since the legs are not linked to each other, the arms may be extended from the hub individually, and only one person is required for set-up. The shelter has extra strength, since the arms are connected to fixed pivots on the legs and central hub, with preferably no leg being mounted on a movable collar. The structure gains increased strength and stability, as when each arm is extended one portion of the arm is a substantially straight portion with only one joint, rather than a zigzag having multiple joints. Ease of set-up may be furthered by a mechanism slightly spreading the arms when the collapsed shelter is first unpacked, allowing the shelter to stand upright.
Description
United States Patent Application For:
PORTABLE SHELTER
S
FIELD Or THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable shelters; more specifically to a strong portable shelter which is easily transported and which may be easily assembled by one person.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Conventional portable shelters may include a frame formed from a set of legs which connect to each other and to a center portion via arms. The frame supports a flexible sheet or top.
15 The frame collapses to render the shelter pc>rtable. The arms in such frames may have a scissor structure, formed from one or more X shaped structures, each X shaped structure formed from two hinged bars. Several such X shaped structures may be hingedly linked to form an extendible and collapsible arm. Each 20 scissor structure typically is pivotably connected to collars or mounts mounted on a leg, where one of the collars or mounts slides along the leg to allow the scissor structure to extend.
Since such structures typically link each leg to its adjacent legs, such structures may require two people for set-up, as legs must be extended by being leveraged against each other, and the arms supporting the legs may not be extended one at a time. Furthermore, the links between adjacent legs add bulk when such shelters are folded and also add weight.
The collars on such structures which must be slid along a length of tubing during user set-up may make set-up difficult, as while the legs are being extended a user must ensure that the collars smoothly slide over the legs. Mounting the arms of such structures on multiple sliding collars reduces the overall strength and stability of the shelter. Strength and stability are also reduced in such structures, as the arms may include multiple joints, and the shape of the arms when extended is effectively a zigzag.
The arms of such structures typically include beams existing in only one plane. For example, a series of X
structures hingedly connected typically moves and extends in only two axes. The arms of such structures thus typically have most of their strength in those two axes, and lack strength in other directions.
Alternately, a portable shelter may use frames similar to conventional umbrellas, with ribs supported by and pivoting away from a central post, raised by supports sliding along the central post. Such a shelter lacks stability, as only one post, rather than multiple legs, supports the shelter.
It would be desirable to have a portable shelter which may be easily and smoothly assembled by one person. It would be desirable to have such a shelter with increased strength and reduced weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The portable shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a set of arms extending radially from a central hub and has legs extending downward from the arms. No peripheral assembly links adjacent legs. The legs may unfold outward for set-up and fold inward for storage. Each arm includes four sections, each section joined at one end to either the central hub or a leg, and joined at another end to a hinge arrangement at the center of the arm. Two arm sections of each arm include beams which, when the arm is extended, extend in a substantially straight line or link from the hub to a leg. The other two sections of each arm each include two horizontally separated beams to provide lateral stability. Since the arms use beams lying in more than one plane, strength is increased.
Since the legs are not linked to each other, the arms with attached legs may be extended from the hub individually and thus only one person is required for set-up.
Since the shelter includes no peripheral or perimeter assembly linking the legs, no eaves are needed to cover such a structure, providing for a more attractive roof profile. The shelter also has extra strength since the arms are connected to fixed pivots on the legs, rather than on movable collars sliding on the legs. The structure gains increased strength and stability as when each arm is extended, one portion of the arm is a substantially straight portion with only one joint, rather than a zigzag having multiple joints. The improved strength of the design may allow for less material to be used, allowing for a lighter shelter.
Ease of set-up may be furthered by a mechanism slightly spreading the arms when the collapsed shelter is first unpacked, allowing the shelter to stand upright.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention with the shelter fully assembled.
Fig. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the cover removed, the arms extended and the legs retracted.
PORTABLE SHELTER
S
FIELD Or THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable shelters; more specifically to a strong portable shelter which is easily transported and which may be easily assembled by one person.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Conventional portable shelters may include a frame formed from a set of legs which connect to each other and to a center portion via arms. The frame supports a flexible sheet or top.
15 The frame collapses to render the shelter pc>rtable. The arms in such frames may have a scissor structure, formed from one or more X shaped structures, each X shaped structure formed from two hinged bars. Several such X shaped structures may be hingedly linked to form an extendible and collapsible arm. Each 20 scissor structure typically is pivotably connected to collars or mounts mounted on a leg, where one of the collars or mounts slides along the leg to allow the scissor structure to extend.
Since such structures typically link each leg to its adjacent legs, such structures may require two people for set-up, as legs must be extended by being leveraged against each other, and the arms supporting the legs may not be extended one at a time. Furthermore, the links between adjacent legs add bulk when such shelters are folded and also add weight.
The collars on such structures which must be slid along a length of tubing during user set-up may make set-up difficult, as while the legs are being extended a user must ensure that the collars smoothly slide over the legs. Mounting the arms of such structures on multiple sliding collars reduces the overall strength and stability of the shelter. Strength and stability are also reduced in such structures, as the arms may include multiple joints, and the shape of the arms when extended is effectively a zigzag.
The arms of such structures typically include beams existing in only one plane. For example, a series of X
structures hingedly connected typically moves and extends in only two axes. The arms of such structures thus typically have most of their strength in those two axes, and lack strength in other directions.
Alternately, a portable shelter may use frames similar to conventional umbrellas, with ribs supported by and pivoting away from a central post, raised by supports sliding along the central post. Such a shelter lacks stability, as only one post, rather than multiple legs, supports the shelter.
It would be desirable to have a portable shelter which may be easily and smoothly assembled by one person. It would be desirable to have such a shelter with increased strength and reduced weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The portable shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a set of arms extending radially from a central hub and has legs extending downward from the arms. No peripheral assembly links adjacent legs. The legs may unfold outward for set-up and fold inward for storage. Each arm includes four sections, each section joined at one end to either the central hub or a leg, and joined at another end to a hinge arrangement at the center of the arm. Two arm sections of each arm include beams which, when the arm is extended, extend in a substantially straight line or link from the hub to a leg. The other two sections of each arm each include two horizontally separated beams to provide lateral stability. Since the arms use beams lying in more than one plane, strength is increased.
Since the legs are not linked to each other, the arms with attached legs may be extended from the hub individually and thus only one person is required for set-up.
Since the shelter includes no peripheral or perimeter assembly linking the legs, no eaves are needed to cover such a structure, providing for a more attractive roof profile. The shelter also has extra strength since the arms are connected to fixed pivots on the legs, rather than on movable collars sliding on the legs. The structure gains increased strength and stability as when each arm is extended, one portion of the arm is a substantially straight portion with only one joint, rather than a zigzag having multiple joints. The improved strength of the design may allow for less material to be used, allowing for a lighter shelter.
Ease of set-up may be furthered by a mechanism slightly spreading the arms when the collapsed shelter is first unpacked, allowing the shelter to stand upright.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention with the shelter fully assembled.
Fig. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the cover removed, the arms extended and the legs retracted.
Fig. 3a depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm extended and the leg is retracted.
Fig. 3b depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm partially extended and the leg retracted.
Fig. 4 depicts a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5a is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5b is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, where the latch is open.
Fig. 5c depicts a latch of the hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5d is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of a shelter according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the latch is open.
Fig. 6a depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 6b depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, when the upper hinge assembly is pressed downward.
Fig. 7a depicts a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the leg extended.
Fig. 7b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment. of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8a depicts a leg of a an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8c is a cutaway view of a portion of a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.
Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention with the shelter fully assembled. The shelter 1 includes, for example, four radially configured arms 10, 12, 14 and 16 extending diagonally from a central hub 500. Preferably each leg is connected to only one arm, and is not connected to any peripheral assembly; thus each arm is extendable independently of each other arm. In alternate embodiments other numbers of arms may be used. The arms 10-16 are supported by a set of telescoping legs 20, 22, 24 and 26.
~i:.i ~~01~173n.3 The arms 10-16 are extendible to assemble the shelter 1 and are retractable to compress and collapse the shelter 1 for storage.
Each arm 10-16 includes, for example, an inner end pivotably connected to the hub 500 and an outer end pivotably connected to a leg. Preferably the arms 10-I6 are connected to fixed pivots on the legs 20-26 and central hub 500, with preferably no leg being mounted on a movable collar. Such a structure provides improved strength and stability.
In a preferred embodiment, each arm 10-16 includes a set of arm sections connected by a hinge arrangement allowing the arm to fold preferably into two portions. Each hinge arrangement is preferably located near the center of the arm section as defined when the arm section is fully extended. The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130, connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm 12 includes arm sections 200, 210, 220 and 230, connected by the hinge arrangement 240. The arm 14 includes arm sections 300, 310, 320 and 330, connected by the hinge arrangement 340. The arm 16 includes arm sections 400, 410, 420 and 430, connected by the hinge arrangement 440.
When the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 are fully extended, as depicted in Fig. 1, the arms 10-16 tilt downward from the hub 500 at an angle, and legs 20-26 tilt outward as they extend down from the arms. Preferably, the legs 20-26 meet the ground or _ g _ r_.-.,z:~.~:o , supporting surface at an angle that is smaller than 90 degrees (e.g. 84 degrees). The tilt of the legs 20-26 provides a unique appearance and provides additional stability. In alternate embodiments, the arms 10-16 or the legs 20-26 may have other angles, or may not be angled. Preferably, the hub 500 is in the center of the structure 1 when viewed from above and the arms 10-16 are of equal size. However, in alternate embodiments, the hub need not be in the center, and arms of unequal size may be used. Furthermore, the shelter may have alternate shapes; for example, the arms may be arranged to form a rectangular or triangular roof.
In a preferred embodiment, the hub 500 and the legs 20-26 support a flexible cover 4, preferably constructed from =
polyester or polyurethane fabric and having a W protective coating. Alternate materials may be used for the cover 4. The cover 4 is integrally pitched; as the shelter 1 is set up the hub 500 forces the middle section of the cover 4 upwards and tensions the cover 4, providing a pitch. The user does not need to take any additional steps to tension or pitch the cover 4, such as adjusting the hub 500. The cover 4 forms a pitched roof and is slanted to allow water to drain from the roof. While in one embodiment the cover 4 is permanently fixed to the shelter 1, the cover 4 may alternately be removable. In one embodiment, . ., : 20I~... , _ the bias of the cover 4 runs along the diagonal (e. g., the line between the hub 500 and the legs 20-26). Applying force to the fabric along the bias rather than on the grain provides the roof with an attractive shape and effective water shedding surfaces.
When fully compressed and folded, the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 nest next to one another to form a compact structure.
The cover 4 then folds on top of, in between, or around the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26. The folded shelter l may be placed in a bag or tied to keep the components neatly collapsed.
The shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention does not require a frame extending from leg to leg; this removes the need to extend the roof line below such a frame, allowing for a more attractive roof line. For example, the roof line of each side in the shelter 1 depicted in Fig. 1 rises upward near the center of each side, rather than being flat or extending downward to cover a perimeter structure.
Fig. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the cover removed, the arms extended and the legs retracted. 'The shelter 1 is supported by the set of telescoping legs 20-26 connected to the hub 500 by the set of radially configured arms 10-16. Each leg 20-26 includes three telescoping sections. The leg 20 includes, for example, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower leg section 164. The leg 22 includes an upper leg section 260, a middle leg section 262, and a lower leg section 264. The leg 24 includes an upper leg section 360, a middle leg section 362, and a lower leg section 364. The leg 26 includes S an upper leg section 460, a middle leg section 462, and a lower leg section 464. In Fig. 2 the legs 20-26 are shown retracted.
In alternate embodiments, the legs may be of different structures. For example, the legs may include different numbers of telescoping sections, may fold rather than telescope, or need not telescope or extend.
The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 1.10, 120 and 130, connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm 12 includes arm sections 200, 210, 220 and 230, connected by the hinge arrangement 240. The arm 14 includes arm sections 300, 310, 320 and 330, connected by the hinge arrangement 340. The arm 16 includes arm sections 400, 410, 420 and 430,. connected by the hinge arrangement 440.
In a preferred embodiment, certain arm sections, preferably the lower arm sections, include one beam each, and certain arm sections, preferably the upper arm sections, include two substantially horizontally spaced beams. The two beams of each upper arm section are in a plane which extends substantially laterally outward from the axis of the upper arm section;
preferably each beam lies to the side of the axis. Each of the lower arm sections includes one bar which is outside of the plane defined by the bars of the corresponding upper arm section. With such an arrangement the bars of the upper arm sections provide lateral support. The three bars of each arm section form a triangle when viewed along the axis of the arm section.
The arm sections 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 420 and 430 include one beam each. The arm sections 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 420 and 430 include beams 126, 136, 226, 236, 326, 336, 426, and 436, respectively. The arm section 100 includes beams 102 and 104, the arm section 110 includes beams 112 and 114, the arm section 200 includes beams 202 and 204, the arm section 210 comprises beams 212 and 214, the arm section 300 1S includes beams 302 and 304, the arm section 310 includes beams 312 and 314, the arm section 400 includes beams 402 and 404 and the arm section 410 includes beams 412 and 414.
Preferably the bars of the lower arm sections are thicker and stronger than those of the upper arm sections. Therefore, the lower arm sections provide primary load bearing support.
The lower arm sections include two members lying substantially in a straight line; this provides more strength than a design having arm members not lying in such a straight line or comprised of more than two members, such as scissor type legs.
The bars of the upper arm sections, while contributing to load bearing support, provide lateral stability and also provide stability in the attachment of the arms 10-16 to the hub 500 and the legs 20-26.
In a preferred embodiment, certain arm section bars are hollow or tubular and certain arm section bars are elongated bent sheets. The bars of the lower arm sections are tubes having a circular cross section and the bars of the upper arm section are elongated sheets bent at a right angle. In alternate embodiments the arm members may have different shapes;
for example, the upper bars may be tubes or may be bent at another angle. The arm arrangement of the shelter 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention avoids the use of multiple sliding collars to mount the arms, providing for more structural strength and also providing for .a smoother set-up.
The additional strength of the arm sections removes the requirement for a supporting outer frame joining the legs 20-26.
Thus the shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be lighter.
In alternate embodiments, the orientation of the arms may be different; for example, the arms may fold and unfold horizontally rather than vertically. In further embodiments, different numbers or arrangements of arm sections may be used, and different numbers or arrangements of beams may be used for each arm section. For example, the arm sections lying in a substantially straight line may include more than one beam, and arm sections providing lateral support may include other numbers of beams.
In a preferred embodiment, when an arm of one of arms 10-16 is fully extended, it is locked into place by a releasable latch (an example of which is shown in Fig. Sa) preferably located in or on the hinge arrangement. Each latch locks its respective arm section into place and may be released by a handle. That each latch is preferably located in the middle of each arm 10-16 optimizes the latching force. Each respective handle is preferably mounted on a leg, and connects to a flexible steel strip (Fig. 5a) which extends through the upper section of the associated leg and through the associated bottom outer arm section to the latch. The leg 20 includes, for example, a handle 146, the leg 22 includes a handle 246, the leg 24 includes a handle 346, and the leg 26 includes a handle 446 (Fig. 2).
Fig. 3a depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm extended and the leg is retracted. Referring to Fig.
3a, the arm 10 is connected to the leg 20. The ieg 20, includes, for example, three telescoping leg sections 160, 162 and 164; in Fig. 3a the leg sections 160-164 are shown in a collapsed state. The arm 10 includes four arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connected at the center by a hinge arrangement 140. Through the hinge arrangement 140, the arm sections 120 and 130 are pivotably connected, the arm sections 110 and 100 are pivotably connected, and arm section 11U pivotably connects to arm section 120.
The upper outer arm section 110 is connected fixedly to two connecting members 116, and the upper inner arm section 100 is pivotally connected to the same connecting members 116 and thus to the upper outer arm section 110. Preferably, since each upper arm section 110 and 100 comprises two beams, and since when the various arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connect, the double upper arm sections 100 and 110 are located to the outside of the single beam lower arm sections 120 and 130, the connecting members 116 comprise two units. Alternately, the lower arm sections 120 and 130 need not nest: inside the upper arm sections and the connecting members 116 may comprise one unit.
The bottom inner arm section 120 is connected fixedly to a connecting member 122, and the bottom outer arm section 130 is connected fixedly to a connecting member 132. The connecting members 116 are hingedly connected to connecting member 122, and thus the outer upper arm section 110 is hingedly connected to the inner lower arm section 120. The connecting member 122 and S the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at their inner upper portions at a pivot 123, and thus the two bottom arm sections 120 and 130 are pivotally connected. In alternate embodiments, other systems for connecting arm sections may be used. For example, the connecting members may be hinged in a different manner, or connecting members need not be used and arm sections may be connected directly.
The connecting member 122 and the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at their upper portions; this, in combination with the size and shape of the members 122 and 132 and the location of the hinge, prevents the two bottom arm sections 120 and 130 from moving past a 180 degree angle when extended. In alternate embodiments, the connecting members 122 and 132 or other aspects of the arm 10 may be arranged to alter the angle at which the arm sections 100-130 lie when extended. When the arm 10 is fully extended and the arm sections 120 and 130 meet at a 180 degree angle, a releasable latch (not shown) operated by the handle 146 prevents the arm sections 120 and 130 from articulating.
Each arm of arms 10-16 pivotally connects to both the central hub 500 and one of the legs 20-26. For example, the arm sections 110 and 130 include hinge connectors 118 and 138, respectively, for connecting with the leg 20. The upper leg section 160 of leg 20 includes two hinge connectors 166 and 168, each fixedly connected to the upper leg section 160. The hinge connectors 118 and 138 are pivotally connected to the hinge connectors 166 and 168 by pins. Thus the outer arm sections 110 and 130 pivotally connect to the upper leg section 160. The arm sections 100 and 120 include hinge connectors 104 and 124, respectively. The hub 500 (partially shown in Fig. 3a) includes hinge connectors including hinge connectors 510 and 520, each connected to the hub 500. The hub 500 includes other hinge connectors connecting to the other legs 22-26. The hinge connectors 104 and 124 are pivotally connected to the hinge connectors 520 and 510, respectively, by pins. Thus the inner arm sections 100 and 120 pivotally connect to the hub 500. Arms 12, 14 and 16 include arrangements of beams, joints and connecting members similar to that of arm 10, and connect to the hub 500 and their respective legs 22-26 in similar manners.
That each leg of a shelter of an embodiment of the present invention may be pulled out and extended independently allows for one person set-up. This may be contrasted with designs having a perimeter attaching each leg, which may require that all legs, or pairs of legs, be extended simultaneously.
Fig. 3b depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with S the arm partially extended and the leg retracted. Referring to Fig. 3b, the leg 20 includes leg sections 160, 162 and 164. The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm sections 120 and 130 are pivotably connected, the arm sections 110 and 100 are pivotably connected, and arm section 110 pivotably connects to arm section 120. The arm section 110 is fixed to the connecting members 116, and the upper inner arm section 100 is pivotally connected to the same connecting members 116. The arm section 120 is fixed to the connecting member 122, and the arm section 130 is fixed to the connecting member 132. The connecting members 116 are hingedly connected to connecting member 122. The connecting member 122 and the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at the pivot 123.
Fig. 4 depicts a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 4, the hinge arrangement 140 includes the connecting members 116, connected to the arm section 110, the connecting member 122, connected to the arm section 120, and connecting member 132, connected to the arm section 130. The arm section 100 is pivotably connected to connecting members 116. The connecting member 132 and the connecting member 122 are pivotably connected by the pivot 123. The two beams comprising arm section 100 may be connected by a brace 101. The two beams comprising arm section 110 may be connected by a brace 111.
Preferably the two beams of each of the upper arm sections 100 and 110 are located to the outside of the single beam lower arm sections 120 and 130, and there is a connecting member 116 attached to each of the two beams of the upper arm section 110.
Thus, preferably two connecting members 116 are used for each arm. Alternately, the lower arm sections 120 and 130 need not nest inside the upper arm sections 100 and 110, and/or the connecting members 116 may comprise one unit.
Fig. 5a is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Figs. 5b and 5d are cutaway views of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, where the latch is open. Referring to Figs. 3a, 5a, 5b and 5d, the arm 10 includes a latch 150 located in the hinge arrangement 140 and pivotably attached to the connecting member 132 by a latch pivot 152. The latch 150 hooks to a pin 156, which is mounted to the connecting member 122, to lock the connecting member 122 to the connecting member 132 and thus to lock the arm section 120 to the arm section 130.
The arm pivot 123 aids in locking the arm sections 120 and 130.
S A preferably flat metal spring 154 biases the latch 150 downward to close over the pin 156. The latch 150 is shaped so that when the arm sections 120 and 130 move from an angled position to an extended position the latch 150 slides over the pin 156, and, biased by the spring 154, closes on the pin 156. A slanted or cutaway portion 158 of the latch 150 aids this sliding. In alternate embodiments, the latch may be of a different structure. For example, a coil spring may be used.
To open the latch 150 the user presses on the handle 146 (Fig. 3a), mounted on the leg 20. The handle 146 is connected 1S to a flexible steel strip 148 (Figs. Sa and 5b) which extends through a portion of the upper section 160 of the leg 20 and through the bottom outer arm section 130 to the latch 150. In an alternate embodiment, the strip 148 may be completely or partially replaced by a wire, rope, belt or length of webbing, for example, a rubber belt or polypropylene webbing. The strip may be of another material, such as aluminum. When a user operates the handle 146, the strip 148 is pulled outward along the arm 10 to lift the latch 150 against the pressure of the spring 154. When the latch 150 no longer fats over the pin 156, the arm 10 may bend and may be folded. The arms 12-16 include substantially similar or identical arm latch and handle mechanisms. In alternate embodiments, other latching systems may be used. For example, a latch may be operated by a handle located near the center of a leg, or by inserting and removing a pin.
Fig. 5c depicts a latch of the hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. The latch 150 is a preferably metal piece which pivots to fit over the pin 156 (Fig. 5a). The latch 150 includes the slanted or cutaway portion 158, which aids sliding over the pin 156.
Preferably, when the shelter 1 is collapsed for storage, it is placed in a bag or possibly wrapped or tied to ensure all components stay together and remain collapsed.
In one embodiment of the present invention, after the shelter 1 is taken from a bag or untied, the arms 10-16 automatically spread slightly to provide stability. With the arms 10-16 slightly spread, the shelter 1 is better able to stand upright and the user may easily assemble the shelter 1.
In such an embodiment, the upper inner arm section of each arm connects to a set of pivots which are mounted on a moveable collar (Figs. 6a and 6b) mounted on the hub 500; this moveable collar is biased upward by a biasing member such as a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism applies pressure forcing apart the two pivot points for each arm 10-16 at the arm's connection to the hub 500. As a result of the configuration of the arms 10-16 and of the hinge arrangements 140, 240, 340 and 440, the movement of the pivot points causes the arms 10-16 to extend slightly. The near ends of the arms 10-16, attached to the hub 500, allow the arms 10-16 to pivot at the hub 500, and the far ends of the arms 10-16, connecting to the legs 20-26, are pushed away from the hub 500.
After the arms 10-16 have spread apart a certain distance, the bias is no longer applied, although the arms 10-16 may be manually extended further. In such an embodiment the spring mechanism causes the legs 20-26 to move outward from the compact, collapsed configuration (which may have a cross sectional area of, e.g., ten inches by ten inches) to an intermediate configuration (e.g., two feet by two feet). The user may then conveniently extend the arms 10-16 further. While in such an embodiment, a collar slides a short length along the hub, this sliding occurs with only one collar, occurs only along a short length of the hub, is spring aided and occurs as the compressed shelter is unwrapped, and before the user extends the legs.
Fig. 6a depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 6b depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, when the upper hinge assembly is pressed downward. Referring to Figs. 6a and 6b, the hub 500 includes a hub body 502, a set of lower arm section hinge connectors 510, 512 and 516 (only three of the four hinge connectors can be seen), and an upper hinge assembly 504 having a set of upper arm section hinge connectors 520, 522, 524 and 526. Preferably the upper hinge assembly 504 is fixed to the hub 500 and the lower arm section hinge connectors 510-516 form a fixed pivot assembly.
In an embodiment where the arms automatically extend slightly, the upper hinge assembly 504 is a pivot assembly which is moveable on the hub body 502, is biased upwards by a set of springs 530, 532, 534 (depicted in Fig. 6b only) and 536 and is held on the hub body 502 by a hub cap 538. The springs 530-536 may each include one or more leaf springs. The upper hinge assembly 504 may travel up and down on the hub body 502 preferably approximately one quarter inch. This relatively small range of movement provides greater structural stability than shelters with collars having a greater range of movement.
In an embodiment where the arms do not automatically extend, springs 530-536 may be omitted and the hinge assembly 504 may be fixed to the hub 500.
To fully collapse the shelter 1, a user releases the leg latches for the legs 20-26 and moves the legs 20-26 close to the hub 500, thus fully folding the arms 10-16. In such a configuration the shelter 1 may be placed in a bag or tied.
In one embodiment, when the tie or bag is removed, the pressure from the bag or tie is released, and the springs 530-536 force the upper hinge assembly 504 upwards against the hub cap 538. This forces the upper arm section hinge connectors 510-516 and lower arm section hinge connectors 530-536 apart, thus forcing the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 to spread slightly. In such an embodiment, the legs 20-26 occupy an approximately ten inch by ten inch square when the shelter 1 is fully collapsed, and spread to an approximately two feet by two feet square when freed from a bag or ties. In the latter configuration the shelter 1 may stand on its own and a user may fully extend the arms 10-16. As the arms 10-16 are extended outward, beyond the distance which the springs 530-536 extend the arms 10-16, the upper hinge assembly 504 remains against the hub cap 538, and only moves downward from the hub cap 538 if the legs 20-26 are forced closer than a certain distance from the hub 500.
In such an embodiment, the lower arm section hinge connectors may be forced downward by a spring. The springs 530-536 may be consolidated into a smaller number of springs, or may be of a different structure. For example, a single coiled spring arranged on the inside or the outside of the hub 500 may be used.
In alternate embodiments, other methods may be used to connect arms to the hub 500 or to the legs 20-26; for example, a ball and socket joint or a flexible pivot.
Fig. 7a depicts a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the leg extended. Referring to Fig. 7a, the leg 20 includes three leg sections, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower leg section 164. The three leg sections 160-164 telescope, with the lower leg section 164 nesting inside the middle leg section 162, and the middle leg section 162 nesting within the upper leg section 160. Preferably each leg section 160-164 is a tube with a square cross section which prevents the leg sections 160-164 from twisting; in alternate embodiments, other stabilizing arrangements may be used. For example, a slot arrangement may be used, or the legs may be of another shape such as oval.
when the leg 20 is fully collapsed or compressed inward, or is fully extended, the leg sections 160-164 are held in place by two leg latches 170 and 180. Each leg latch 170 and 180 has a pin 172 and 182, respectively, which fits through holes in the nested leg sections 160-164 to keep the leg sections 160-164 in position when the leg sections 160-164 are nested or fully extended. Leg section 160 includes a hole 190, leg section 162 includes holes 192, 193 and 194, and leg section 164 includes holes 195 and 196. The leg latch 170 includes a pin 172 which fits through the holes 190 and 192 when the middle leg section 162 is substantially extended out of the upper leg section 160, keeping the middle leg section 162 fixed in an extended position. The pin 172 fits through the holes 190 and 193 when the middle leg section 162 is substantially fully within the upper leg section 160, keeping the middle leg section 162 fixed within the upper leg section 160. The leg latch 180 includes a pin 182 which fits through the holes 194 and 195 when the lower leg section 164 is substantially extended out of the middle leg section 162, keeping the lower leg section 164 fixed in an extended position. The pin 182 fits through the holes 194 and 196 when the lower leg section 164 is substantially fully within the middle leg section 162, keeping the lower leg section 164 fixed within the middle leg section 162.
Fig. 7b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7b, the leg latch 170 includes a pin 172, a flat spring 174 for biasing the pin 172 into the leg 20, a frame 176, and a button 178. The user presses the button 178 to move the pin 172 out of the leg holes 190, 192 and/or 193. Pressing the button 178 moves the frame 176 against the force of the spring 174, moving the pin 172 outward from the leg and out of the leg holes 190, 192 and/or 193. The leg latch 170 may be manufactured from metal. Alternately, the leg latch 170 may be plastic, or certain parts may be plastic and other parts, such as the spring 174 and the pin 172, may be metal. The legs 22-26 include a similar arrangement of leg sections and leg latches, and telescope in a similar manner.
Other leg latching mechanisms may be used; for example, a leg latching mechanism which is internal to each leg. Fig. 8a depicts a leg of a an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8a, the leg 20 includes three leg sections, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower :Leg section 164. The three leg sections 160-164 telescope, with r_he lower leg section 164 nesting inside the middle leg section 162, and the middle leg section 162 nesting within the upper leg section 160.
Preferably each leg section 160-164 is a tube with a square cross section When the leg 20 is fully collapsed or compressed inward, or is fully extended, the leg sections 160-164 are held in place by two leg latches 470 and 480. Each leg latch 470 and 480 has a pin 472 and 482, respectively, which fits through holes in the nested leg sections 160-164 to keep the leg sections 160-164 in position when the leg sections 160-164 are nested or fully extended. The pins 472 and 482 fit through holes in the leg sections 160-164 in a manner similar to the pins 172 and 182 (Fig. 7a). However, the latches 470 and 480 are internal to the leg sections 160-164, rather than external, as with latches 170 and 180 (Fig. 7a).
Fig. 8b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8b, the leg latch 470 includes a pin 4'72 and a spring section 474, biasing the pin 472 into holes in the leg 20.
Pressing the pin 472 moves the pin 472 out of holes in the leg 20, allowing the leg sections 160 and 162 to move. The leg latch 470 may be manufactured from metal, and may include plastic parts.
Fig. 8c is a cutaway view of a portion of a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8c, the leg latch 470 holds leg portion 160 and leg portion 162 fixed with respect to each other by projecting pin 472 through corresponding holes in leg portions 160 and 162. To release leg portions 160 and 162, a user presses on the pin 472, causing it to travel inward towards the center of the leg 20 and no longer project through the corresponding holes in the leg portions 160 and 162.
The structural components of the shelter 1 may be manufactured from strong, lightweight material such as aluminum.
Other materials may be used, such as powder coated steel, or plastic such as acetyl or polyacytal.
To assemble the folded shelter 1, the user unpacks the shelter 1 from a holding bag or unties ties holding the shelter 1. The arms 10-16 may automatically spread slightly, and the user fully extends each arm 10-16, one at a time. Preferably, the horizontal level of each leg 20-26 is substantially the same when the leg is close to the hub 500 (when the shelter 1 is completely folded or when the arms 10-16 are slightly extended by the springs 530-536 in the hub 500) as when the leg is far from the hub 500. As each leg 20-26 is travelling from the hub 500 to its extended position its horizontal level may change.
The legs 20-26 remain at substantially the same horizontal level in this manner; this allows for a stable configuration during set-up. If less than alI of the legs 20-26 are extended, the shelter 1 stands unaided, and will not fall over.
As each arm 10-16 extends, the associated center hinge arrangement 140, 240, 340 or 440 rises from being level with the bottom of the associated leg 20-26 (when the leg is folded inward) to a position near or above the top of the leg 20-26.
When an arm of arms 10-16 is fully extended, a respective latch acts to keep the arm 10-16 extended until the corresponding handle is released. At extension, each arm 10-16 is tilted downward at an angle; the arrangement of the center hinge arrangement of the arm and the connections with the hub 500 and the legs 20-26 may be manufactured to alter this angle.
For each leg 20-26, the user presses in the various leg latch buttons to release the leg segments of the leg and telescopes the leg segments outward. When each leg section has fully telescoped, the respective leg latch pins fit within holes in the leg sections to hold the extended leg sections, and to keep them from collapsing inward. In a preferred embodiment, when the shelter 1 is fully erected, the cover 4 measures approximately ten feet by ten feet, and the shelter 1 is approximately seven feet high at the tops of the legs 20-26, with its hub 500 approximately eight inches higher than the tops of the legs 20-26. The downward angle of the arms 10-16 contributes to the height of the hub~500.
While the shelter of the present-invention is described with respect to specific embodiments, it should be noted that the present invention may be implemented in different manners and used with different applications.
Fig. 3b depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm partially extended and the leg retracted.
Fig. 4 depicts a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5a is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5b is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, where the latch is open.
Fig. 5c depicts a latch of the hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5d is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of a shelter according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the latch is open.
Fig. 6a depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 6b depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, when the upper hinge assembly is pressed downward.
Fig. 7a depicts a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the leg extended.
Fig. 7b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment. of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8a depicts a leg of a an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8c is a cutaway view of a portion of a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.
Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention with the shelter fully assembled. The shelter 1 includes, for example, four radially configured arms 10, 12, 14 and 16 extending diagonally from a central hub 500. Preferably each leg is connected to only one arm, and is not connected to any peripheral assembly; thus each arm is extendable independently of each other arm. In alternate embodiments other numbers of arms may be used. The arms 10-16 are supported by a set of telescoping legs 20, 22, 24 and 26.
~i:.i ~~01~173n.3 The arms 10-16 are extendible to assemble the shelter 1 and are retractable to compress and collapse the shelter 1 for storage.
Each arm 10-16 includes, for example, an inner end pivotably connected to the hub 500 and an outer end pivotably connected to a leg. Preferably the arms 10-I6 are connected to fixed pivots on the legs 20-26 and central hub 500, with preferably no leg being mounted on a movable collar. Such a structure provides improved strength and stability.
In a preferred embodiment, each arm 10-16 includes a set of arm sections connected by a hinge arrangement allowing the arm to fold preferably into two portions. Each hinge arrangement is preferably located near the center of the arm section as defined when the arm section is fully extended. The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130, connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm 12 includes arm sections 200, 210, 220 and 230, connected by the hinge arrangement 240. The arm 14 includes arm sections 300, 310, 320 and 330, connected by the hinge arrangement 340. The arm 16 includes arm sections 400, 410, 420 and 430, connected by the hinge arrangement 440.
When the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 are fully extended, as depicted in Fig. 1, the arms 10-16 tilt downward from the hub 500 at an angle, and legs 20-26 tilt outward as they extend down from the arms. Preferably, the legs 20-26 meet the ground or _ g _ r_.-.,z:~.~:o , supporting surface at an angle that is smaller than 90 degrees (e.g. 84 degrees). The tilt of the legs 20-26 provides a unique appearance and provides additional stability. In alternate embodiments, the arms 10-16 or the legs 20-26 may have other angles, or may not be angled. Preferably, the hub 500 is in the center of the structure 1 when viewed from above and the arms 10-16 are of equal size. However, in alternate embodiments, the hub need not be in the center, and arms of unequal size may be used. Furthermore, the shelter may have alternate shapes; for example, the arms may be arranged to form a rectangular or triangular roof.
In a preferred embodiment, the hub 500 and the legs 20-26 support a flexible cover 4, preferably constructed from =
polyester or polyurethane fabric and having a W protective coating. Alternate materials may be used for the cover 4. The cover 4 is integrally pitched; as the shelter 1 is set up the hub 500 forces the middle section of the cover 4 upwards and tensions the cover 4, providing a pitch. The user does not need to take any additional steps to tension or pitch the cover 4, such as adjusting the hub 500. The cover 4 forms a pitched roof and is slanted to allow water to drain from the roof. While in one embodiment the cover 4 is permanently fixed to the shelter 1, the cover 4 may alternately be removable. In one embodiment, . ., : 20I~... , _ the bias of the cover 4 runs along the diagonal (e. g., the line between the hub 500 and the legs 20-26). Applying force to the fabric along the bias rather than on the grain provides the roof with an attractive shape and effective water shedding surfaces.
When fully compressed and folded, the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 nest next to one another to form a compact structure.
The cover 4 then folds on top of, in between, or around the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26. The folded shelter l may be placed in a bag or tied to keep the components neatly collapsed.
The shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention does not require a frame extending from leg to leg; this removes the need to extend the roof line below such a frame, allowing for a more attractive roof line. For example, the roof line of each side in the shelter 1 depicted in Fig. 1 rises upward near the center of each side, rather than being flat or extending downward to cover a perimeter structure.
Fig. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the cover removed, the arms extended and the legs retracted. 'The shelter 1 is supported by the set of telescoping legs 20-26 connected to the hub 500 by the set of radially configured arms 10-16. Each leg 20-26 includes three telescoping sections. The leg 20 includes, for example, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower leg section 164. The leg 22 includes an upper leg section 260, a middle leg section 262, and a lower leg section 264. The leg 24 includes an upper leg section 360, a middle leg section 362, and a lower leg section 364. The leg 26 includes S an upper leg section 460, a middle leg section 462, and a lower leg section 464. In Fig. 2 the legs 20-26 are shown retracted.
In alternate embodiments, the legs may be of different structures. For example, the legs may include different numbers of telescoping sections, may fold rather than telescope, or need not telescope or extend.
The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 1.10, 120 and 130, connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm 12 includes arm sections 200, 210, 220 and 230, connected by the hinge arrangement 240. The arm 14 includes arm sections 300, 310, 320 and 330, connected by the hinge arrangement 340. The arm 16 includes arm sections 400, 410, 420 and 430,. connected by the hinge arrangement 440.
In a preferred embodiment, certain arm sections, preferably the lower arm sections, include one beam each, and certain arm sections, preferably the upper arm sections, include two substantially horizontally spaced beams. The two beams of each upper arm section are in a plane which extends substantially laterally outward from the axis of the upper arm section;
preferably each beam lies to the side of the axis. Each of the lower arm sections includes one bar which is outside of the plane defined by the bars of the corresponding upper arm section. With such an arrangement the bars of the upper arm sections provide lateral support. The three bars of each arm section form a triangle when viewed along the axis of the arm section.
The arm sections 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 420 and 430 include one beam each. The arm sections 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 420 and 430 include beams 126, 136, 226, 236, 326, 336, 426, and 436, respectively. The arm section 100 includes beams 102 and 104, the arm section 110 includes beams 112 and 114, the arm section 200 includes beams 202 and 204, the arm section 210 comprises beams 212 and 214, the arm section 300 1S includes beams 302 and 304, the arm section 310 includes beams 312 and 314, the arm section 400 includes beams 402 and 404 and the arm section 410 includes beams 412 and 414.
Preferably the bars of the lower arm sections are thicker and stronger than those of the upper arm sections. Therefore, the lower arm sections provide primary load bearing support.
The lower arm sections include two members lying substantially in a straight line; this provides more strength than a design having arm members not lying in such a straight line or comprised of more than two members, such as scissor type legs.
The bars of the upper arm sections, while contributing to load bearing support, provide lateral stability and also provide stability in the attachment of the arms 10-16 to the hub 500 and the legs 20-26.
In a preferred embodiment, certain arm section bars are hollow or tubular and certain arm section bars are elongated bent sheets. The bars of the lower arm sections are tubes having a circular cross section and the bars of the upper arm section are elongated sheets bent at a right angle. In alternate embodiments the arm members may have different shapes;
for example, the upper bars may be tubes or may be bent at another angle. The arm arrangement of the shelter 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention avoids the use of multiple sliding collars to mount the arms, providing for more structural strength and also providing for .a smoother set-up.
The additional strength of the arm sections removes the requirement for a supporting outer frame joining the legs 20-26.
Thus the shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be lighter.
In alternate embodiments, the orientation of the arms may be different; for example, the arms may fold and unfold horizontally rather than vertically. In further embodiments, different numbers or arrangements of arm sections may be used, and different numbers or arrangements of beams may be used for each arm section. For example, the arm sections lying in a substantially straight line may include more than one beam, and arm sections providing lateral support may include other numbers of beams.
In a preferred embodiment, when an arm of one of arms 10-16 is fully extended, it is locked into place by a releasable latch (an example of which is shown in Fig. Sa) preferably located in or on the hinge arrangement. Each latch locks its respective arm section into place and may be released by a handle. That each latch is preferably located in the middle of each arm 10-16 optimizes the latching force. Each respective handle is preferably mounted on a leg, and connects to a flexible steel strip (Fig. 5a) which extends through the upper section of the associated leg and through the associated bottom outer arm section to the latch. The leg 20 includes, for example, a handle 146, the leg 22 includes a handle 246, the leg 24 includes a handle 346, and the leg 26 includes a handle 446 (Fig. 2).
Fig. 3a depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm extended and the leg is retracted. Referring to Fig.
3a, the arm 10 is connected to the leg 20. The ieg 20, includes, for example, three telescoping leg sections 160, 162 and 164; in Fig. 3a the leg sections 160-164 are shown in a collapsed state. The arm 10 includes four arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connected at the center by a hinge arrangement 140. Through the hinge arrangement 140, the arm sections 120 and 130 are pivotably connected, the arm sections 110 and 100 are pivotably connected, and arm section 11U pivotably connects to arm section 120.
The upper outer arm section 110 is connected fixedly to two connecting members 116, and the upper inner arm section 100 is pivotally connected to the same connecting members 116 and thus to the upper outer arm section 110. Preferably, since each upper arm section 110 and 100 comprises two beams, and since when the various arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connect, the double upper arm sections 100 and 110 are located to the outside of the single beam lower arm sections 120 and 130, the connecting members 116 comprise two units. Alternately, the lower arm sections 120 and 130 need not nest: inside the upper arm sections and the connecting members 116 may comprise one unit.
The bottom inner arm section 120 is connected fixedly to a connecting member 122, and the bottom outer arm section 130 is connected fixedly to a connecting member 132. The connecting members 116 are hingedly connected to connecting member 122, and thus the outer upper arm section 110 is hingedly connected to the inner lower arm section 120. The connecting member 122 and S the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at their inner upper portions at a pivot 123, and thus the two bottom arm sections 120 and 130 are pivotally connected. In alternate embodiments, other systems for connecting arm sections may be used. For example, the connecting members may be hinged in a different manner, or connecting members need not be used and arm sections may be connected directly.
The connecting member 122 and the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at their upper portions; this, in combination with the size and shape of the members 122 and 132 and the location of the hinge, prevents the two bottom arm sections 120 and 130 from moving past a 180 degree angle when extended. In alternate embodiments, the connecting members 122 and 132 or other aspects of the arm 10 may be arranged to alter the angle at which the arm sections 100-130 lie when extended. When the arm 10 is fully extended and the arm sections 120 and 130 meet at a 180 degree angle, a releasable latch (not shown) operated by the handle 146 prevents the arm sections 120 and 130 from articulating.
Each arm of arms 10-16 pivotally connects to both the central hub 500 and one of the legs 20-26. For example, the arm sections 110 and 130 include hinge connectors 118 and 138, respectively, for connecting with the leg 20. The upper leg section 160 of leg 20 includes two hinge connectors 166 and 168, each fixedly connected to the upper leg section 160. The hinge connectors 118 and 138 are pivotally connected to the hinge connectors 166 and 168 by pins. Thus the outer arm sections 110 and 130 pivotally connect to the upper leg section 160. The arm sections 100 and 120 include hinge connectors 104 and 124, respectively. The hub 500 (partially shown in Fig. 3a) includes hinge connectors including hinge connectors 510 and 520, each connected to the hub 500. The hub 500 includes other hinge connectors connecting to the other legs 22-26. The hinge connectors 104 and 124 are pivotally connected to the hinge connectors 520 and 510, respectively, by pins. Thus the inner arm sections 100 and 120 pivotally connect to the hub 500. Arms 12, 14 and 16 include arrangements of beams, joints and connecting members similar to that of arm 10, and connect to the hub 500 and their respective legs 22-26 in similar manners.
That each leg of a shelter of an embodiment of the present invention may be pulled out and extended independently allows for one person set-up. This may be contrasted with designs having a perimeter attaching each leg, which may require that all legs, or pairs of legs, be extended simultaneously.
Fig. 3b depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with S the arm partially extended and the leg retracted. Referring to Fig. 3b, the leg 20 includes leg sections 160, 162 and 164. The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm sections 120 and 130 are pivotably connected, the arm sections 110 and 100 are pivotably connected, and arm section 110 pivotably connects to arm section 120. The arm section 110 is fixed to the connecting members 116, and the upper inner arm section 100 is pivotally connected to the same connecting members 116. The arm section 120 is fixed to the connecting member 122, and the arm section 130 is fixed to the connecting member 132. The connecting members 116 are hingedly connected to connecting member 122. The connecting member 122 and the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at the pivot 123.
Fig. 4 depicts a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 4, the hinge arrangement 140 includes the connecting members 116, connected to the arm section 110, the connecting member 122, connected to the arm section 120, and connecting member 132, connected to the arm section 130. The arm section 100 is pivotably connected to connecting members 116. The connecting member 132 and the connecting member 122 are pivotably connected by the pivot 123. The two beams comprising arm section 100 may be connected by a brace 101. The two beams comprising arm section 110 may be connected by a brace 111.
Preferably the two beams of each of the upper arm sections 100 and 110 are located to the outside of the single beam lower arm sections 120 and 130, and there is a connecting member 116 attached to each of the two beams of the upper arm section 110.
Thus, preferably two connecting members 116 are used for each arm. Alternately, the lower arm sections 120 and 130 need not nest inside the upper arm sections 100 and 110, and/or the connecting members 116 may comprise one unit.
Fig. 5a is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Figs. 5b and 5d are cutaway views of a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, where the latch is open. Referring to Figs. 3a, 5a, 5b and 5d, the arm 10 includes a latch 150 located in the hinge arrangement 140 and pivotably attached to the connecting member 132 by a latch pivot 152. The latch 150 hooks to a pin 156, which is mounted to the connecting member 122, to lock the connecting member 122 to the connecting member 132 and thus to lock the arm section 120 to the arm section 130.
The arm pivot 123 aids in locking the arm sections 120 and 130.
S A preferably flat metal spring 154 biases the latch 150 downward to close over the pin 156. The latch 150 is shaped so that when the arm sections 120 and 130 move from an angled position to an extended position the latch 150 slides over the pin 156, and, biased by the spring 154, closes on the pin 156. A slanted or cutaway portion 158 of the latch 150 aids this sliding. In alternate embodiments, the latch may be of a different structure. For example, a coil spring may be used.
To open the latch 150 the user presses on the handle 146 (Fig. 3a), mounted on the leg 20. The handle 146 is connected 1S to a flexible steel strip 148 (Figs. Sa and 5b) which extends through a portion of the upper section 160 of the leg 20 and through the bottom outer arm section 130 to the latch 150. In an alternate embodiment, the strip 148 may be completely or partially replaced by a wire, rope, belt or length of webbing, for example, a rubber belt or polypropylene webbing. The strip may be of another material, such as aluminum. When a user operates the handle 146, the strip 148 is pulled outward along the arm 10 to lift the latch 150 against the pressure of the spring 154. When the latch 150 no longer fats over the pin 156, the arm 10 may bend and may be folded. The arms 12-16 include substantially similar or identical arm latch and handle mechanisms. In alternate embodiments, other latching systems may be used. For example, a latch may be operated by a handle located near the center of a leg, or by inserting and removing a pin.
Fig. 5c depicts a latch of the hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. The latch 150 is a preferably metal piece which pivots to fit over the pin 156 (Fig. 5a). The latch 150 includes the slanted or cutaway portion 158, which aids sliding over the pin 156.
Preferably, when the shelter 1 is collapsed for storage, it is placed in a bag or possibly wrapped or tied to ensure all components stay together and remain collapsed.
In one embodiment of the present invention, after the shelter 1 is taken from a bag or untied, the arms 10-16 automatically spread slightly to provide stability. With the arms 10-16 slightly spread, the shelter 1 is better able to stand upright and the user may easily assemble the shelter 1.
In such an embodiment, the upper inner arm section of each arm connects to a set of pivots which are mounted on a moveable collar (Figs. 6a and 6b) mounted on the hub 500; this moveable collar is biased upward by a biasing member such as a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism applies pressure forcing apart the two pivot points for each arm 10-16 at the arm's connection to the hub 500. As a result of the configuration of the arms 10-16 and of the hinge arrangements 140, 240, 340 and 440, the movement of the pivot points causes the arms 10-16 to extend slightly. The near ends of the arms 10-16, attached to the hub 500, allow the arms 10-16 to pivot at the hub 500, and the far ends of the arms 10-16, connecting to the legs 20-26, are pushed away from the hub 500.
After the arms 10-16 have spread apart a certain distance, the bias is no longer applied, although the arms 10-16 may be manually extended further. In such an embodiment the spring mechanism causes the legs 20-26 to move outward from the compact, collapsed configuration (which may have a cross sectional area of, e.g., ten inches by ten inches) to an intermediate configuration (e.g., two feet by two feet). The user may then conveniently extend the arms 10-16 further. While in such an embodiment, a collar slides a short length along the hub, this sliding occurs with only one collar, occurs only along a short length of the hub, is spring aided and occurs as the compressed shelter is unwrapped, and before the user extends the legs.
Fig. 6a depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 6b depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, when the upper hinge assembly is pressed downward. Referring to Figs. 6a and 6b, the hub 500 includes a hub body 502, a set of lower arm section hinge connectors 510, 512 and 516 (only three of the four hinge connectors can be seen), and an upper hinge assembly 504 having a set of upper arm section hinge connectors 520, 522, 524 and 526. Preferably the upper hinge assembly 504 is fixed to the hub 500 and the lower arm section hinge connectors 510-516 form a fixed pivot assembly.
In an embodiment where the arms automatically extend slightly, the upper hinge assembly 504 is a pivot assembly which is moveable on the hub body 502, is biased upwards by a set of springs 530, 532, 534 (depicted in Fig. 6b only) and 536 and is held on the hub body 502 by a hub cap 538. The springs 530-536 may each include one or more leaf springs. The upper hinge assembly 504 may travel up and down on the hub body 502 preferably approximately one quarter inch. This relatively small range of movement provides greater structural stability than shelters with collars having a greater range of movement.
In an embodiment where the arms do not automatically extend, springs 530-536 may be omitted and the hinge assembly 504 may be fixed to the hub 500.
To fully collapse the shelter 1, a user releases the leg latches for the legs 20-26 and moves the legs 20-26 close to the hub 500, thus fully folding the arms 10-16. In such a configuration the shelter 1 may be placed in a bag or tied.
In one embodiment, when the tie or bag is removed, the pressure from the bag or tie is released, and the springs 530-536 force the upper hinge assembly 504 upwards against the hub cap 538. This forces the upper arm section hinge connectors 510-516 and lower arm section hinge connectors 530-536 apart, thus forcing the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 to spread slightly. In such an embodiment, the legs 20-26 occupy an approximately ten inch by ten inch square when the shelter 1 is fully collapsed, and spread to an approximately two feet by two feet square when freed from a bag or ties. In the latter configuration the shelter 1 may stand on its own and a user may fully extend the arms 10-16. As the arms 10-16 are extended outward, beyond the distance which the springs 530-536 extend the arms 10-16, the upper hinge assembly 504 remains against the hub cap 538, and only moves downward from the hub cap 538 if the legs 20-26 are forced closer than a certain distance from the hub 500.
In such an embodiment, the lower arm section hinge connectors may be forced downward by a spring. The springs 530-536 may be consolidated into a smaller number of springs, or may be of a different structure. For example, a single coiled spring arranged on the inside or the outside of the hub 500 may be used.
In alternate embodiments, other methods may be used to connect arms to the hub 500 or to the legs 20-26; for example, a ball and socket joint or a flexible pivot.
Fig. 7a depicts a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the leg extended. Referring to Fig. 7a, the leg 20 includes three leg sections, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower leg section 164. The three leg sections 160-164 telescope, with the lower leg section 164 nesting inside the middle leg section 162, and the middle leg section 162 nesting within the upper leg section 160. Preferably each leg section 160-164 is a tube with a square cross section which prevents the leg sections 160-164 from twisting; in alternate embodiments, other stabilizing arrangements may be used. For example, a slot arrangement may be used, or the legs may be of another shape such as oval.
when the leg 20 is fully collapsed or compressed inward, or is fully extended, the leg sections 160-164 are held in place by two leg latches 170 and 180. Each leg latch 170 and 180 has a pin 172 and 182, respectively, which fits through holes in the nested leg sections 160-164 to keep the leg sections 160-164 in position when the leg sections 160-164 are nested or fully extended. Leg section 160 includes a hole 190, leg section 162 includes holes 192, 193 and 194, and leg section 164 includes holes 195 and 196. The leg latch 170 includes a pin 172 which fits through the holes 190 and 192 when the middle leg section 162 is substantially extended out of the upper leg section 160, keeping the middle leg section 162 fixed in an extended position. The pin 172 fits through the holes 190 and 193 when the middle leg section 162 is substantially fully within the upper leg section 160, keeping the middle leg section 162 fixed within the upper leg section 160. The leg latch 180 includes a pin 182 which fits through the holes 194 and 195 when the lower leg section 164 is substantially extended out of the middle leg section 162, keeping the lower leg section 164 fixed in an extended position. The pin 182 fits through the holes 194 and 196 when the lower leg section 164 is substantially fully within the middle leg section 162, keeping the lower leg section 164 fixed within the middle leg section 162.
Fig. 7b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7b, the leg latch 170 includes a pin 172, a flat spring 174 for biasing the pin 172 into the leg 20, a frame 176, and a button 178. The user presses the button 178 to move the pin 172 out of the leg holes 190, 192 and/or 193. Pressing the button 178 moves the frame 176 against the force of the spring 174, moving the pin 172 outward from the leg and out of the leg holes 190, 192 and/or 193. The leg latch 170 may be manufactured from metal. Alternately, the leg latch 170 may be plastic, or certain parts may be plastic and other parts, such as the spring 174 and the pin 172, may be metal. The legs 22-26 include a similar arrangement of leg sections and leg latches, and telescope in a similar manner.
Other leg latching mechanisms may be used; for example, a leg latching mechanism which is internal to each leg. Fig. 8a depicts a leg of a an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8a, the leg 20 includes three leg sections, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower :Leg section 164. The three leg sections 160-164 telescope, with r_he lower leg section 164 nesting inside the middle leg section 162, and the middle leg section 162 nesting within the upper leg section 160.
Preferably each leg section 160-164 is a tube with a square cross section When the leg 20 is fully collapsed or compressed inward, or is fully extended, the leg sections 160-164 are held in place by two leg latches 470 and 480. Each leg latch 470 and 480 has a pin 472 and 482, respectively, which fits through holes in the nested leg sections 160-164 to keep the leg sections 160-164 in position when the leg sections 160-164 are nested or fully extended. The pins 472 and 482 fit through holes in the leg sections 160-164 in a manner similar to the pins 172 and 182 (Fig. 7a). However, the latches 470 and 480 are internal to the leg sections 160-164, rather than external, as with latches 170 and 180 (Fig. 7a).
Fig. 8b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8b, the leg latch 470 includes a pin 4'72 and a spring section 474, biasing the pin 472 into holes in the leg 20.
Pressing the pin 472 moves the pin 472 out of holes in the leg 20, allowing the leg sections 160 and 162 to move. The leg latch 470 may be manufactured from metal, and may include plastic parts.
Fig. 8c is a cutaway view of a portion of a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8c, the leg latch 470 holds leg portion 160 and leg portion 162 fixed with respect to each other by projecting pin 472 through corresponding holes in leg portions 160 and 162. To release leg portions 160 and 162, a user presses on the pin 472, causing it to travel inward towards the center of the leg 20 and no longer project through the corresponding holes in the leg portions 160 and 162.
The structural components of the shelter 1 may be manufactured from strong, lightweight material such as aluminum.
Other materials may be used, such as powder coated steel, or plastic such as acetyl or polyacytal.
To assemble the folded shelter 1, the user unpacks the shelter 1 from a holding bag or unties ties holding the shelter 1. The arms 10-16 may automatically spread slightly, and the user fully extends each arm 10-16, one at a time. Preferably, the horizontal level of each leg 20-26 is substantially the same when the leg is close to the hub 500 (when the shelter 1 is completely folded or when the arms 10-16 are slightly extended by the springs 530-536 in the hub 500) as when the leg is far from the hub 500. As each leg 20-26 is travelling from the hub 500 to its extended position its horizontal level may change.
The legs 20-26 remain at substantially the same horizontal level in this manner; this allows for a stable configuration during set-up. If less than alI of the legs 20-26 are extended, the shelter 1 stands unaided, and will not fall over.
As each arm 10-16 extends, the associated center hinge arrangement 140, 240, 340 or 440 rises from being level with the bottom of the associated leg 20-26 (when the leg is folded inward) to a position near or above the top of the leg 20-26.
When an arm of arms 10-16 is fully extended, a respective latch acts to keep the arm 10-16 extended until the corresponding handle is released. At extension, each arm 10-16 is tilted downward at an angle; the arrangement of the center hinge arrangement of the arm and the connections with the hub 500 and the legs 20-26 may be manufactured to alter this angle.
For each leg 20-26, the user presses in the various leg latch buttons to release the leg segments of the leg and telescopes the leg segments outward. When each leg section has fully telescoped, the respective leg latch pins fit within holes in the leg sections to hold the extended leg sections, and to keep them from collapsing inward. In a preferred embodiment, when the shelter 1 is fully erected, the cover 4 measures approximately ten feet by ten feet, and the shelter 1 is approximately seven feet high at the tops of the legs 20-26, with its hub 500 approximately eight inches higher than the tops of the legs 20-26. The downward angle of the arms 10-16 contributes to the height of the hub~500.
While the shelter of the present-invention is described with respect to specific embodiments, it should be noted that the present invention may be implemented in different manners and used with different applications.
Claims (25)
1. A portable shelter comprising:
a central hub;
a plurality of foldable arms radially and pivotably connected to the central hub; and a plurality of legs, each leg pivotably connected to an arm at a set of hinge connectors, and wherein each arm is extendable independently of each other arm.
a central hub;
a plurality of foldable arms radially and pivotably connected to the central hub; and a plurality of legs, each leg pivotably connected to an arm at a set of hinge connectors, and wherein each arm is extendable independently of each other arm.
2. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein:
each arm comprises an inner end pivotably connected to the central hub and an outer end pivotably connected to a leg;
each arm comprises a set of beams pivotably connected to each other so that the set of beams forms a substantially straight link from the inner end to the outer end when the arm is fully extended.
each arm comprises an inner end pivotably connected to the central hub and an outer end pivotably connected to a leg;
each arm comprises a set of beams pivotably connected to each other so that the set of beams forms a substantially straight link from the inner end to the outer end when the arm is fully extended.
3. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein:
each arm includes at least a first inner link, a second inner link, a first outer link and a second outer link;
each inner link is pivotably connected to the hub;
each outer link is pivotably connected to a leg;
the first inner link is pivotably connected to the first outer link;
the first outer link is pivotably connected to the second inner link; and the second inner link is pivotably connected to the second outer link.
each arm includes at least a first inner link, a second inner link, a first outer link and a second outer link;
each inner link is pivotably connected to the hub;
each outer link is pivotably connected to a leg;
the first inner link is pivotably connected to the first outer link;
the first outer link is pivotably connected to the second inner link; and the second inner link is pivotably connected to the second outer link.
4. The portable shelter of claim 3 wherein:
when an arm is fully extended, the second inner link of the arm and the second outer link of the arm form a substantially straight link from the hub to a leg.
when an arm is fully extended, the second inner link of the arm and the second outer link of the arm form a substantially straight link from the hub to a leg.
5. The portable shelter of claim 4 wherein:
each second inner link comprises one beam; and each second outer link comprises one beam.
each second inner link comprises one beam; and each second outer link comprises one beam.
6. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein the second inner link and the second outer link are located below the first inner link and the first outer link.
7. The portable shelter of claim 6 wherein:
each first inner link comprises two beams;
each first outer link comprises two beams;
each second inner link comprises one beam; and each second outer link comprises one beam.
each first inner link comprises two beams;
each first outer link comprises two beams;
each second inner link comprises one beam; and each second outer link comprises one beam.
8. The portable shelter of claim 7 wherein:
the two beams of each first inner link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the first inner link; and the two beams of each first outer link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the outer link.
the two beams of each first inner link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the first inner link; and the two beams of each first outer link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the outer link.
9. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein each arm includes at least a set of arm sections, wherein each arm section includes at least:
two substantially parallel beams lying in a plane; and a third beam which is outside the plane.
two substantially parallel beams lying in a plane; and a third beam which is outside the plane.
10. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein each leg extends downward from an arm at an outward angle.
11. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein each arm includes at least a near end and a far end, and a first arm section and a second arm section, and wherein the central hub includes at least:
a fixed pivot assembly connected to the plurality of first arm sections at the near end of each arm;
a movable pivot assembly connected to the plurality of second arm sections;
a spring biasing the movable pivot assembly to bias the far end of the arms outward from the hub.
a fixed pivot assembly connected to the plurality of first arm sections at the near end of each arm;
a movable pivot assembly connected to the plurality of second arm sections;
a spring biasing the movable pivot assembly to bias the far end of the arms outward from the hub.
12. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein:
each arm includes at least a first inner link, a second inner link, a first outer link and a second outer link;
each first inner link comprises two beams; and each first outer link comprises two beams.
each arm includes at least a first inner link, a second inner link, a first outer link and a second outer link;
each first inner link comprises two beams; and each first outer link comprises two beams.
13. The portable shelter of claim 1 comprising a cover.
14. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein each hinge connector is fixedly mounted to a leg.
15. A portable shelter comprising:
a hub;
a plurality of extendible arms radially connected to the hub, each arm including at least a first inner link, a second inner link, a first outer link and a second outer link; and a plurality of legs, each leg connected to an arm, wherein each inner link is connected to the hub, each outer link is connected to a leg, the first inner link is pivotably connected to the first outer link, the first outer link is pivotably connected to the second inner link, and the second inner link is pivotably connected to the second outer link.
a hub;
a plurality of extendible arms radially connected to the hub, each arm including at least a first inner link, a second inner link, a first outer link and a second outer link; and a plurality of legs, each leg connected to an arm, wherein each inner link is connected to the hub, each outer link is connected to a leg, the first inner link is pivotably connected to the first outer link, the first outer link is pivotably connected to the second inner link, and the second inner link is pivotably connected to the second outer link.
16. The portable shelter of claim 15 wherein:
when an arm is fully extended the respective second inner link of the arm and respective second outer link of the arm form an angle of approximately 180 degrees.
when an arm is fully extended the respective second inner link of the arm and respective second outer link of the arm form an angle of approximately 180 degrees.
17. The portable shelter of claim 15 wherein:
each first inner link comprises two beams; and each first outer link comprises two beams, wherein the two beams of each first inner link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the first inner link and the two beams of each first outer link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the outer link.
each first inner link comprises two beams; and each first outer link comprises two beams, wherein the two beams of each first inner link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the first inner link and the two beams of each first outer link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the outer link.
18. The portable shelter of claim 15 wherein each leg meets the ground at an angle of less than 90 degrees.
19. The portable shelter of claim 15 wherein the central hub includes at least:
a fixed pivot assembly connected to the plurality of first arm sections;
a movable pivot assembly connected to the plurality of second arm sections;
a biasing member applying pressure to bias the movable pivot assembly to in turn bias the arms to extend outward from the hub.
a fixed pivot assembly connected to the plurality of first arm sections;
a movable pivot assembly connected to the plurality of second arm sections;
a biasing member applying pressure to bias the movable pivot assembly to in turn bias the arms to extend outward from the hub.
20. The portable shelter of claim 16, wherein each arm may be extended individually without causing other arms to extend.
21. The portable shelter of claim 15 comprising:
a set of hub pivots fixedly attached to the hub; and a plurality of sets of leg pivots, each set of leg pivots fixedly attached to one of the legs, wherein each inner link is attached to a hub pivot and each outer link is attached to a leg pivot.
a set of hub pivots fixedly attached to the hub; and a plurality of sets of leg pivots, each set of leg pivots fixedly attached to one of the legs, wherein each inner link is attached to a hub pivot and each outer link is attached to a leg pivot.
22. A portable shelter comprising:
a hub;
a set of extendible arms radially connected to the hub, each arm including a set of links; and a plurality of legs, each leg connected to an arm;
wherein, for each arm in the set of arms, at least one link comprises two beams, wherein the two beams of the link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the link.
a hub;
a set of extendible arms radially connected to the hub, each arm including a set of links; and a plurality of legs, each leg connected to an arm;
wherein, for each arm in the set of arms, at least one link comprises two beams, wherein the two beams of the link are in a plane which extends substantially laterally from the axis of the link.
23. The portable shelter of claim 22 wherein:
for each arm in the set of arms, when the arm is fully extended, at least two links connect to form an angle of approximately degrees.
for each arm in the set of arms, when the arm is fully extended, at least two links connect to form an angle of approximately degrees.
24. The portable shelter of claim 22, wherein each arm may be extended individually.
25. The portable shelter of claim 22 comprising a cover.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US57183000A | 2000-05-16 | 2000-05-16 | |
| US09/571,830 | 2000-05-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2348045A1 true CA2348045A1 (en) | 2001-11-16 |
Family
ID=24285244
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2348045 Abandoned CA2348045A1 (en) | 2000-05-16 | 2001-05-15 | Portable shelter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2348045A1 (en) |
-
2001
- 2001-05-15 CA CA 2348045 patent/CA2348045A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP3566727B2 (en) | Collapsible shelter with collapsible flexible canopy | |
| US9593508B2 (en) | Craft dome | |
| US7703469B2 (en) | Portable adjustable shade structure | |
| US6470902B1 (en) | Erectable canopy with reinforced roof structure | |
| JP2625255B2 (en) | Scissor end captured collapsible canopy framework with incompressible pivot | |
| US6718995B2 (en) | Awning for collapsible shelter | |
| US6206020B1 (en) | Collapsible canopy framework and structure with articulating scissor assemblies | |
| US20050205124A1 (en) | Collapsible shelter having a reinforced truss and telescoping leg | |
| CA2348045A1 (en) | Portable shelter | |
| WO2004015228A1 (en) | Erectable canopy with reinforced roof structure | |
| WO2002011578A2 (en) | Sun shade | |
| WO2000079076A2 (en) | Collapsible shelter |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |