GB2455757A

GB2455757A - Portable shelter

Info

Publication number: GB2455757A
Application number: GB0724845A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher David Manifold
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-20
Filing date: 2007-12-20
Publication date: 2009-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-20
Also published as: GB2455757B; GB0724845D0

Abstract

A portable shelter is configured to provide temporary protection for at least one person from environmental conditions. The portable shelter comprises a sheet, and a frame configured to support the sheet in an erected condition of the portable structure. The frame comprises a transverse rib 301 configured to be held in tension to space apart first and second side walls of the sheet, and first 304 and second 305 longitudinal ribs configured to be held in tension to space apart front and rear walls of the sheet. A third longitudinal rib 306 is disposed between the first and second longitudinal ribs, and is also configured to be held in tension to space apart the front and rear walls of the sheet. The first, second and third longitudinal ribs 304, 305, 306 are configured to extend over the transverse rib.

Description

Portable Structure

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application represents the first application for a patent directed toward the invention and the subject matter.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a portable structure for providing temporary protection for at least one person from environmental conditions. A typical example of such an application would be for anglers in situations where they are required to maintain a position at a river bank or similar for a considerable period of time.

Background of the Invention

Portable structures for anglers are known, and in many situations conflicting constraints exists in terms of portability, easy erection, strength and affordability. S. * * * *.* 55' * * S...

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable *SSSSS * 15 structure for providing temporary protection for at least one person from environmental ** :: conditions, comprising: a sheet, and a frame configured to support said sheet in an erected condition of said portable structure; said frame comprises: a transverse rib configured to be held in tension to space apart a first side wall of said sheet from a second side wall of said sheet, and first and second longitudinal ribs configured to be held in tension to space apart a front wall of said sheet from a rear wall of said sheet; wherein said frame further comprises a third longitudinal rib disposed between said first and second longitudinal ribs, said third longitudinal rib configured to be held in tension to space apart said front wall of said sheet from said rear wall of said sheet, and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs are configured to extend over said transverse rib when said portable structure is in said erected condition.

According to a fUrther aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of erecting a portable structure, said method comprising the steps of: assembling a transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a first side wall from a second side wall of said portable structure, and assembling first, second and third longitudinal ribs over said transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a front wall from a rear wall of said portable structure.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a portable structure being unpacked from a bag; Figure 2 shows a front view of a portable structure in an erected condition; Figure 3 shows a side view of the portable structure 101 in the erected condition; Figure 4 shows a rear view of portable structure 101 in the erected condition; Figure 5 shows regions of Figure 4 in further detail; S. S Figure 6 shows features of a portable structure in further detail; Figure 7 illustrates further features of a portable structure; Figure 8 shows a portable structure in use; Figure 9 illustrates steps performed in an assembly procedure of a portable structure; and Figure 10 illustrates steps performed in a disassembly procedure of a portable structure.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 A portable structure 101 is illustrated in Figure 1. The structure has been carried to a position on a river bank in a suitably designed bag 102 by an angler 103.

It is desirable for the portable structure to provide a shelter that is resilient to wind and rain, and, considering that the structure may be assembled in less than ideal conditions, for the assembly and disassembly procedures to be relatively straightforward.

Figure 2 Figure 2 shows a front view of portable structure 101 in an erected condition. * ***

* :* 15 The portable structure comprises a sheet 201, a frame 202 and a strap 203.

* : In the erected condition, the portable structure defines a dome shape. The frame is configured to support the sheet, which extends inside the frame. The strap is **** *:* configured to assist the holding of the frame in tension. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is a waterproof fabric sheet. In an embodiment, the sheet is fabricated from polyester, such as aquatex (registered trademark).

The portable structure defines an entrance 204. The portable structure is provided with a flap panel 205, and a zip 206 about edges of the flap panel 205 to enable the entrance to be opened and closed. However, an alternative type of manually operable releasable securing means may be used, for example a hook and loop mechanism such as velcro (registered trademark) or press studs.

In a preferred embodiment, the entrance panel is completely removable from the remainder of the portable structure. Optionally, a panel or panels to one or both sides of the entrance panel may be configured as flaps and may further be configured to again be completely separable from the remainder of the portable structure. The portable structure may be provided with tiebacks or other means to enable a flap panel of the portable structure to be held open as desired. The entrance may be provided with a window panel. The entrance panel may be provided with a mesh screen to prevent access by insects.

In one embodiment, a second manually operable releasable securing means is provided, to allow a second panel to be connected to the portable structure partially or :... 15 wholly in front or behind of a first connected panel. * * I...

*:*. Figure3 A side view of the portable structure 101 in the erected condition is shown in Figure 3. The frame comprises a transverse rib 301 configured to be held in tension to *:*. space apart a first side wall 302 of sheet 201 from a second side wall 303 of the sheet 201. The frame further comprises first, second and third longitudinal ribs 304, 305 and 306, each configured to be held in tension to space apart a front waIl 307 of sheet 201 from a rear wall 308 of the sheet 201.

The first, second and third longitudinal ribs 304, 305 and 306 are configured to extend over the transverse rib 301 when the portable structure 101 is in the erected condition. In other words, when the portable structure is in the erect condition, one rib extends from side to side and three ribs extend from front to back, over the rib that extends from side to side.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows a rear view of portable structure 101 in the erected condition.

The first longitudinal rib 304 extends over the transverse rib 301 at a crossover region 401 and the second longitudinal rib 305 extends over the transverse rib 301 at a crossover region 402. The third longitudinal rib 306 is disposed between disposed between the first and second longitudinal ribs 304, 305, and extends over the transverse rib 301 at a crossover region 403.

It can be seen in the illustrated embodiment that the third longitudinal rib 306 is * .. 15 disposed substantially centrally of the portable structure 101. The first and second **..

longitudinal ribs 304, 305 are disposed to the left and right sides of the third *** longitudinal rib 306 respectively, at a substantially equal distance to each side. In this **I *.

* embodiment, therefore, the frame of portable structure has a substantially symmetrical a...

:: arrangement about the third longitudinal rib 306.

At each of the crossover regions 401, 402 and 403, the respective longitudinal rib passing over the transverse rib is not connected to the transverse rib. Thus, although each of the transverse rib and the longitudinal ribs are attached to the sheet, the transverse rib is not attached to the longitudinal ribs.

FigureS Regions 401, 402 and 403 are shown in further detail in Figure 5. It can be seen that the longitudinal ribs 304, 305 and 306 each overlay the transverse rib 301 and are unattached to the transverse.

It can be seen in Figure 5 that the sheet 201 is provided with sleeves, such as sleeve 501, through which the transverse rib and longitudinal ribs extend and by means of which the sheet is attached to the frame.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows the sleeves of portable structure 101 in further detail. In the illustration, third longitudinal rib 306 is shown having exited from sleeve 601 and second longitudinal rib 305 is shown having exited from sleeve 602. Further, transverse rib 301 is shown having exited from sleeve 603 and having passed into sleeve 604.

Thus along, the length of the ribs, sections may be covered by sleeves whilst other sections are exposed. Hence, one or more sleeves may be provided for each rib.

* 15 It can be seen from Figure 6, at least, that the remainder of the sheet is *:*. suspended from the sleeves. In an embodiment, the sleeves are fabricated from the : same material as the remainder of the sheet.

According to the arrangement shown in Figure 6, a degree of movement is * allowed between each rib and the remainder of the sheet when the portable structure is in the erected condition. Consequently, a degree of movement is allowed between each longitudinal rib and the transverse rib. In other words, the ribs within a crossover region can be displaced from one another, to create a gap between them, by manual manipulation of those components of the frame.

Figure 7 Figure 7 illustrates further features of portable structure 101. Each of the ribs is connected at each end to the sheet.

By way of example, region 701 illustrates a means of connection of one end of longitudinal rib 306 to the front wall of sheet 201. The sheet 201 defines an aperture, having a reinforced perimeter provided by a washer. The aperture allows a mechanical fixing, in this example a screw 702, to be passed through from the front side of the aperture in order to connect to the end of the rib on the other side of the aperture. This type of fixing may be provided at both ends of the rib. Alternative securing mechanisms may be utilised to attach the sheet to the ends of the ribs of the frame of the portable structure.

In an embodiment, the securing means permits full separation of the ribs from the remainder of the apparatus to allow for component cleaning, repair or replacement.

In the arrangement of Figure 7, region 701 also represents the peak of the portable * structure, discussed further below.

*::::* Region 703 illustrates a means of connection of a support arm (not shown) as *: * desired. A connector 704 provides for connection of a support arm to the portable structure. The connector may be arranged to pivot, as in this shown example, to allow * 20 the support arm to be adjustably angled relative to the front wall of the sheet of the *** * . portable structure. The connector may pivot in more than one direction.

In an embodiment, a support arm connector is provided at each side of a substantially central entrance. Support arms may be used to provide further rigidity to the portable structure and may be used to maintain the roof at a desired height, particularly in windy conditions.

Figure 8 Portable structure 101 is shown in Figure 8, being used by a user 801. As shown, the structure provides sufficient height and width to allow the user 801 to adopt a sitting position upon a chair or stool. In an embodiment, the structure provides sufficient internal space for the user to lie down, for example upon a sleeping mat.

In this embodiment, the flap panel 205 is configured to be flipped over onto the top of the structure, as shown, so as not to obstruct access into the portable structure.

However, an alternative arrangement of entrance panel may be used, for example allowing the flap to be folded to one side.

The shape of the top of the portable structure advantageously encourages water, typically rain, to run-off. In particular, water is directed to fall away down the outer surface of the portable structure. It can be seen that when in the erect condition, the third longitudinal rib provides and maintains the peak of the portable structure. This, in turn, functions to retain the shape of the top of the portable shelter, for example when * the portable shelter is being buffeted by wind. An upturned edge 802, extending over : the entrance 204, is provided to direct water away from the entrance. A skirt, in this *:* 20 example provided by flaps, such as flap 803, around the bottom of the structure further * * encourage water to run away from the interior of the structure. As in this embodiment, the longitudinal ribs may connect to the upturned edge 803.

As previously stated, the portable structure is provided with a strap 203. The strap extends internally between the lower ends of side walls 302 and 303. The strap is preferably adjustable in length such that the curvature of the dome shape of the portable structure may be increased by decreasing the length of the strap and decreased by increasing the length of the strap. At least one end of the strap is releasably connectable to the remainder of the portable structure. In an embodiment, one end of the strap is provided with an attachment means, such as a clip or toggle, and the portable structure is provided with a ring or loop or other suitable means to which the attachment means can be coupled.

In an application, the portable structure is placed upon penetrable ground. A plurality of securing rings, such as ring 804, are provided to enable the portable structure to be pegged down. The securing rings may, as shown, extend from the external surface of the sheet 201.

In a preferred embodiment, the ribs each consist of two component pieces that are configured to be coupled together but to fully separated from one another. Each of the two component pieces is normally connected at the most distal end to the sheet of the portable structure, leaving the inner ends free for releasable connection during assembly of the rib. In a preferred embodiment, the component pieces are formed from * tubing configured to releasably connect by a friction fit. *

* 20 In an embodiment, a component piece consists of sections, with adjacent ::: : sections having an elastic member extending therebetween, to allow the pieces to be separated and then one piece to be folded over onto the another. This allows the component piece to be shortened in length, to facilitate handling during erection and disassembly of the portable structure, and also storage.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one component piece of a rib is pre-formed to facilitate the provision of the dome shape of the portable structure. Alternatively, the ribs may flex during the erection process to provide the curvature. The fabrication of the ribs may include metal, plastic, carbon fibre, fibreglass or a combination, for

example.

It is to be appreciated that the component pieces of each rib connect together to form a member that acts as a single, unitary piece. In other words, no intermediate connectors, for example to provide a junction from which other elements may be connected, are used.

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows a flow chart outlining steps in the erection procedure of the portable structure. At step 901, the transverse rib is assembled. At steps 902, 903 and 904, each of the first, second and third longitudinal ribs are assembled to extend over the assembled transverse rib. At step 905, the adjustable length strap is connected between the side walls of the portable structure. At step 906, the erected portable structure may then be secured at a desired location.

Thereafter, the portable structure may be further configured by the addition of a ground sheet, or a second skin over the frame of the portable structure for example. The : 20 arrangement of the front of the portable structure may be adjusted as desired, for * * example by the connection of support arms as previously described and configuration of the entrance as selected.

A method of erecting a portable structure is provided that comprises the step of assembling a transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a first side wall from a second side wall of the portable structure. The method further comprises the step of assembling first, second and third longitudinal ribs over the transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a front wall from a rear wall of the portable structure.

A portable structure is thus provided that comprises a sheet and a frame that is configured to support the sheet in an erected condition of the portable structure. The frame comprises a transverse rib configured to be held in tension to space apart a first side wall of the sheet from a second side wall of the sheet. The frame further comprises first and second longitudinal ribs configured to be held in tension to space apart a front wall of the sheet from a rear wall of the sheet. Additionally, the frame comprises a third longitudinal rib disposed between the first and second longitudinal ribs, the third longitudinal rib also configured to be held in tension to space apart the front wall of the sheet from the rear wall of the sheet. The first, second and third longitudinal ribs are configured to extend over the transverse rib when the portable structure is in the erected condition. This latter feature provides the portable structure with rigidity. * r.. * * **.*

*:*. Figure 10 Figure 10 illustrates steps performed in a disassembly procedure of a portable structure. At step 1001, peripheral components are removed, to leave the frame, sheet S...

* * * and strap of the portable structure as described with reference to Figure 2. At step 1002, one end of the strap is uncoupled from the remainder of the portable structure. The first, second and third longitudinal ribs are then disassembled at step 1003. Then, at step 1004, the transverse rib is also disassembled. The collapsed portable structure may then be folded into a bag, at step 1005, for convenient storage and manual transportation.

It is to be appreciated that by performance of the procedures described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, that the portable structure can be put up and taken down without the need for use of tools. The simplicity of the design of the portable structure as described above functions to reduce the complexity of assembly and purchase price.

The portable structure described herein provides a secure shelter that is particularly attractive for use by anglers. S. * * * *** *5** * * S. * * . a * a. ***S. * S a... a a... S. S a a.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable structure for providing temporary protection for at least one person from environmental conditions, comprising: a sheet, and a frame configured to support said sheet in an erected condition of said portable structure; said frame comprises: a transverse rib configured to be held in tension to space apart a first side wall of said sheet from a second side wall of said sheet, and first and second longitudinal ribs configured to be held in tension to space apart a front wall of said sheet from a rear wall of said sheet; wherein said frame further comprises a third longitudinal rib disposed between said first and second longitudinal ribs, said third longitudinal rib configured to be held in tension to space apart said front wall of said sheet from said rear wall of said sheet, arid said first, second and third longitudinal ribs are configured to extend over said transverse rib when said portable structure is in said erected condition. * * S.. * . . *

..CLME: *:*** 20 2. A method of erecting a portable structure, said method comprising the steps of: S...

*. . assembling a transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a first side wall from a second side wall of said portable structure, and assembling first, second and third longitudinal ribs over said transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a front wall from a rear wall of said

portable structure.

3. A portable structure, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.

4. A method of erecting a portable structure, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. S. * S * **. *... * * *..

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Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A portable structure for providing temporary protection for at least one person from environmental conditions, comprising: a sheet, and a frame configured to support said sheet in an erected condition of said portable structure, said portable structure configured to provide a dome shape when said frame is in said erected condition; said frame comprises: a transverse rib configured to be held in tension to space apart a first side wall of said sheet from a second side wall of said sheet, and first and second longitudinal ribs configured to be held in tension to space apart a front wall of said sheet from a rear wall of said sheet; wherein said frame further comprises a third longitudinal rib disposed between said first and second longitudinal ribs, said third longitudinal rib configured to be held in tension to space apart said front wall of said sheet from said rear wall of said sheet, and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs are configured to extend over said transverse rIb when said portable structure is in said erected condition, wherein said portable structure comprises a single transverse rib only. S. 55 * S S
2. A portable structure according to claim 1, wherein said portable structure comprises first, second and third transverse ribs only.
3. A portable structure according to claim I or claim 2, wherein said dome shape is substantially symmetrical arrangement about said third longitudinal rib.
4. A portable structure according to any of claims I to 3, wherein said portable structure configured to define an entrance provided by an entrance panel and manually operable releasable securing means provided about the edges of the entrance panel configured to allow said entrance to be opened and closed.
5. A portable structure according to claim 4, wherein said entrance panel is configured to be completely separable from the remainder of the portable structure.
6. A portable structure according to any of claims I to 5, wherein said sheet is provided with sleeves to allow said transverse rib and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs to extend therethrough and by means of which said sheet is attachable to said frame. * I * ** I
7. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising * securing mechanisms configured to enable attachment of the sheet to the ends of said ***.

* transverse rib and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs. I. II * I I * I
8. A portable structure according to claim 7, wherein said securing mechanisms is configured to allow said transverse rib and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs to be completely separable from the remainder of the portable t) structure, for facilitating component cleaning, repair or replacement.
9. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one support arm and at least one support arm connector by means of which said support arm is connectable to the remainder of the portable structure, for providing further rigidity to the portable structure.
10. A portable structure according to any of claims I to 9, wherein said third longitudinal rib is configured to provide the peak of the portable structure.
11. A portable structure according to any of claims 4 to 10, wherein said sheet is configured to provide an upturned edge over said entrance, for directing water away from said entrance.
12. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said sheet is configured to provide a skirt around the bottom of the structure, for encouraging * water to run away from the interior of the structure. * 0I*I

*
13. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a strap configured to extend internally between the lower ends of said first side wall and said second side wall, and said strap is adjustable in length such that the curvature of said dome shape of the portable structure is adjustable by adjusting the length of said strap.
14. A portable structure according to claim 13, wherein at least one end of said strap is releasably connectable to the remainder of the portable structure.
15. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein said transverse rib and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs each consist of two component pieces that are configured to be coupled together but to be fully separable from one another.
16. A portable structure according to claim 14, wherein said component pieces are formed from tubing configured to releasably connect by a friction fit.
17. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the fabrication of said transverse rib and said first, second and third longitudinal ribs includes at least one of: metal, plastic, carbon fibre, fibreglass. * S S S. *

*::::
18. A portable structure according to any of claims Ito 17, wherein said sheet is a waterproof fabric sheet. S... * S..

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19. A portable structure according to any of claims 1 to 18, further comprising . a bag, for facilitating manual transportation of remainder of the portable structure.
20. A method of erecting a portable structure, said method comprising the steps of: assembling a transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a first side wall from a second side wall of said portable structure, and assembling first, second and third longitudinal ribs over said transverse rib into a tensioned condition configured to space apart a front wall from a rear wall of said portable structure, wherein said portable structure comprises a single transverse rib only.
21. A portable structure, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
22. A method of erecting a portable structure, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. * S * S. S S... * . I... *S15 * *.SS

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