JP7344306B2 - Leg elements, folding tent frame, shelter system and method of deploying the shelter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of foldable structures, particularly fabric-covered structures such as tents and foldable frames for supporting the same.

A number of designs have been developed for large scale collapsible fabric-covered structures that are portable and can be quickly assembled and disassembled. Such structures are used in military applications, for resource exploration, and for large public events such as concerts and festivals. Typically, frames for such structures are comprised of multiple separate parts that can be misplaced and are complex to assemble, disassemble, and package for shipping. Therefore, there is a need for simpler and more efficient frames for large scale collapsible structures.

The foregoing examples of related art and their associated limitations are intended to be illustrative, not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the specification and examining the drawings.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools, and methods that are intended to be exemplary and illustrative, without limiting the scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the problems described above are reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

The present invention therefore provides a leg element for use in a folding tent frame system, the folding tent frame system having a roof frame including an arch bracket configured to receive a plurality of leg elements. and each leg element includes: a) a first inner leg including a) a base and a rigid vertical element mounted on the base, the rigid vertical element having a plurality of vertically spaced latch receiving slots; b) a second outer sliding leg element vertically slidably movable on the first inner leg element, and a horizontally extending lifting bar fixed thereto; , and a spring biased latch element for securing the outer sliding leg element in a selected vertical position on the inner leg element.

According to a further aspect, a folding tent frame is provided that includes a folding roof frame and a plurality of leg elements engageable with the folding roof frame, the folding roof frame releasably receiving the plurality of leg elements. Includes multiple arch brackets installed around it for fixation. Each arch bracket includes a vertical passageway open to the outside thereof for receiving one of the outer sliding leg elements and an opposing tapered inner surface for bearing against the outer surface of the outer sliding leg element. . The outer sliding leg element may include a tapered outer surface configured to engage a tapered inner surface of the plurality of arch brackets. A shelter system is further provided that includes a folding tent frame as described above and a flexible tent body that is removably suspended from the folding tent frame when the folding tent frame is in a deployed and locked configuration.

According to a further aspect, a method of deploying a shelter is provided, the shelter comprising a collapsible tent frame as described above and a flexible tent body, the method comprising: a) deploying a roof frame; b) reversibly locking the roof frame in the deployed configuration and positioning the deployed roof frame on a substantially horizontal surface such as the ground; and b) attaching the flexible tent body to the deployed roof frame at multiple points. c) removably securing the plurality of leg elements to the arch brackets of the deployed roof frame, the leg elements being in a first lowered configuration, whereby the deployed d) vertically sliding each outer sliding leg element of the plurality of leg elements over each first inner leg element; , thereby raising the roof frame further above the substantially horizontal plane by securing each leg element in a further extended configuration; and e) the deployed roof frame is raised to a selected extended height. f) fixing each base of the plurality of leg elements in a substantially horizontal plane before or during any one of steps c), d), or e); g) further securing the flexible tent body to the roof frame, to the elongated leg elements, and to a generally horizontal surface. If the base of the leg element includes an opening, each base of the plurality of leg elements may be secured in the generally horizontal plane using stakes that extend through the opening and into the generally horizontal plane. The outer sliding leg elements may be slid vertically on each first inner leg element by lifting a horizontally extending lifting bar.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by consideration of the detailed description below.

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated with reference to the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an expanded and assembled frame for a one-bay structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 2 is a perspective view of the top folding assembly for the frame of FIG. 1 expanded with unfolded frame components; FIG. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the top folding assembly for the frame as shown in Figure 2, folded for packaging; 3 is a perspective view of the top folding assembly for the frame as shown in FIG. 2, partially unfolded; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top folding assembly for the frame as shown in FIG. 2 further expanded; FIG. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in Figure 2, further unfolded and upright; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in Figure 2, further unfolded and upright; 3 is a perspective view of the top folding assembly for the frame as shown in FIG. 2, fully unfolded and upright; FIG. It is a perspective view of a peak bracket. 10 is a perspective view of the peak bracket shown in FIG. 9, partially in section, showing a sliding locking mechanism having a chord connection, a peak hinge, and a lockout mechanism; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a detail of a sliding lock mechanism with a lockout mechanism; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cord knee bracket. 13 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the cord knee bracket of FIG. 12 illustrating a sliding locking mechanism with a lockout mechanism; FIG. It is a perspective view of a purlin knee bracket. FIG. 15 is a partially sectioned detailed front perspective view of the purlin knee bracket of FIG. 14 having a sliding locking mechanism without a lockout mechanism; FIG. 3 is a detailed rear perspective view of the eave bracket. 17 is a detailed perspective view, partially in section, of the eaves bracket of FIG. 16; FIG. Figure 17 is a detailed front perspective view of the eave bracket of Figure 16 with the legs inserted; 19 is a detailed front perspective view, partially in section, of the eaves bracket of FIG. 18 with the legs inserted, shown in place on the upper leg bosses; FIG. FIG. 3 is a detailed front perspective view of the leg assembly. FIG. 20B is a detailed front perspective view of the upper portion of the leg assembly of FIG. 20A showing pinned bosses and close haul wire hooks for cover connections; FIG. 3 is a detailed front view of the leg knee joint. 21A is a detailed front view of the leg knee joint of FIG. 21A partially in section showing the locking slider; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of the quick release foot assembly. FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of the quick release foot assembly. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mid-span cord. FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a mid-span cord knee joint. 1 is a detailed perspective view, partially in section, showing a mid-span cord knee joint with a locking slider; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially folded mid-span cord. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fully folded mid-span cord. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a telescoping window kit strut. FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the wind kit strut connection. FIG. 3 is an isolated detailed perspective view of the connection bracket of the wind kit strut; FIG. 6 is an isolated detailed perspective view of the connecting fasteners on the cord to the wind kit strut; FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the wind kit foot; 2 is a perspective view of an expanded and assembled frame for a two-bay structure according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an expanded and assembled frame for a four-bay structure according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a completed cover for a one-bay structure. 37 is a detailed perspective view of one end wall for the cover shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 37 is a detailed perspective view of the barrel section relative to the cover shown in FIG. 36; FIG. Figure 37 is a detailed perspective view of the second end wall for the cover shown in Figure 36; 37 is a detailed perspective view of the exterior of the soft door assembly relative to the cover shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 37 is a detailed perspective view of the interior of the soft door assembly for the cover shown in FIG. 36; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a completed cover for a two-bay structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a completed cover for a four-bay structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable isolation package for a single bay structure. 45 is a perspective view of an end wall for the removable insulation package shown in FIG. 44, both end walls being the same; FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the barrel for the removable insulation package shown in FIG. 44; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable insulation package for a two-bay structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable insulation package for a four-bay structure. 37 is a perspective view of a sunshade for use in the shelter shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a winter fly for use in the shelter shown in FIG. 36; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a tent-based shelter system designed for rapid assembly and mobility for implementation under adverse environmental conditions; 52 is a perspective view of a two-module frame used in a tent-based shelter system such as that shown in FIG. 51; FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a tent body for a two-module frame used in a tent-based shelter system such as that shown in FIG. 51 with separate sections; FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an assembled tent body for a two-module frame used in a tent-based shelter system such as that shown in FIG. 51; FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a shelter fly for a two-module shelter such as that shown in FIG. 51; FIG. FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the peak bracket. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the leg element 350 in the lowered position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the leg element 350 in a half-raised position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of leg element 350 in a fully raised position. Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the frame leg socket at the end of the arch; 61 is a detailed perspective view of the frame leg socket shown in FIG. 60 with the leg elements in place; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the initial steps of the assembly process for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the initial steps of the assembly process for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the initial steps of the assembly process for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the initial steps of the assembly process for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the initial steps of the assembly process for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the initial steps of the assembly process for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG. 2 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of lifting a tent frame for a two-module shelter; FIG.

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding by those skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may not be shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Referring to FIG. 1, a deployed frame assembly 10 for a one-bay structure is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Deployed frame assemblies 100 and 200 for two-bay and four-bay structures according to embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. Each frame assembly 10 includes an upper section assembly 12 (FIG. 2) that includes a fully attached folding purlin 14. Frame assembly 10 also includes a peak bracket 16, an eave bracket 17, a cord 18, a leg 20, a wind kit strut 22, a midspan cord 24, a cord knee joint 26, a purlin knee joint 28, and a leg knee joint 30. Such joints include self-resetting locking mechanisms as described below. During setup, they lock the joints in place without the need for touching. Once unlocked, they are reset to automatically lock the joint in place on the next setup.

Peak bracket and cord joint locks include a secondary mechanism that allows the joint to be set in the unlocked position until the joint is bent, at which time the lock is reset and the joint is placed in place on the next setup. Provisions are made to lock it in position. This facilitates the packaging procedure as multiple joint locks do not have to be left manually unlocked at the same time.

FIG. 3 shows the top folding assembly 12 for a frame such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 folded for packaging. In FIG. 4, two sets of folded cords 18 and one folded purlin 14 are shown at a hinged peak for separation from the two sets of folded cords 18 and the two folded purlins 14. It can be rotated around the bracket 16. In FIG. 5, cord 18 is deployed by rotating at cord knee joint 26. In FIG. In FIG. 6, the partially deployed upper frame assembly is placed in an upright position, and as shown in FIG. 7, the purlins 14 are deployed around the hinged purlin knee joints 28, and as shown in FIG. Getting to the configuration.

Peak bracket 16 is hinged to cord 18 about axis 30. When in the deployed position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cord 18 is held in place by a pin 32 mounted on an internal sliding locking frame 34 and extending through a slot 36 in the side of the cord 18 and into the slot 38. locked in position. Pin 32 is biased by spring 40 to the locked position shown in FIG. Pulling on cable 42 causes subframe 34 to slide away from peak bracket 16, releasing pin 32 from slot 38 and allowing cord 18 to rotate.

Accordingly, peak bracket joints, cord knee joints, purlin knee joints, and leg knee joints all include self-resetting locking mechanisms. During setup, they lock the joint in place without the need for touching. Once unlocked, they are reset to automatically lock the joint in place on the next setup.

As previously mentioned, the peak bracket 16 and cord knee joint 26 include a secondary lockout mechanism that allows the joint to be set in the unlocked position until the joint flexes, at which time the lock is reset. and ready to lock the joint in place for the next setup. This aids the packaging procedure as multiple joint locks do not have to be manually held unlocked at the same time. Lockout bar 44 allows cord 18 to be maintained in the extended, deployed position without being locked. Referring to FIG. 11, lockout bar 44 is hinged onto pin 32 on sliding locking frame 34. Referring to FIG. It is biased in the upward position by spring 48. Head 46 is dimensioned to move upwardly into slot 50 of chord knee joint 26 or slot 52 of peak bracket 16 . By pulling on the cable 42, the operator locks the joint by allowing the head 46 to extend into the slot 50/52 to prevent the joint from relocking while leaving the joint deployed. can be unlocked. Once the joint is bent, the head 46 exits the slot 50/52, at which time the lock is reset and ready to lock the joint in place on the next setup.

The cord knee bracket shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 operates in the same manner as the peak bracket 16 using a sliding locking frame 34.

Purlin knee joint 28 and leg knee joint 30 operate in the same manner as cord knee bracket 26 and peak bracket 16 without a secondary lockout mechanism. The purlin knee bracket 28 is shown in FIG. Purlin sections 60 , 62 are hinged about an axis 64 . When in the deployed position shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the purlin sections 60, 62 are locked in place by pins 66, which are mounted on an internal sliding locking frame 68 and attached to the sides of the purlin. It extends through a slot 70 and into a slot 72 . Pin 66 is biased by spring 67 to the locked position shown in FIG. When cable 69 is pulled, locking frame 68 slides, releasing pin 66 from slot 72 and allowing purlin sections 60, 62 to rotate.

Eaves bracket 17 receives upper end 21 of leg 20 through opening 23 . The lower surface 25 of the bracket 17 rests on the upper leg boss 27 when the leg is in place. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20B, the leg 20 may be provided with a single-sided wire J-hook 29 for cover connection. As mentioned above, leg knee joint 30 operates in the same manner as cord knee bracket 26 and peak bracket 16 without a secondary lockout mechanism. The leg knee joint 30 is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. The leg sections 31, 33 are hinged about an axis 35. When in the deployed position shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, leg sections 31, 33 are mounted on an internal sliding locking frame 39 and extend through slots 41 in the sides of legs 20 and into slots 43. It is locked in place by a pin 37. Pin 37 is biased by spring 45 to the locked position shown in FIG. 21A. Pulling on boss 47 slides locking frame 39, releasing pin 37 from slot 43 and allowing leg sections 31, 33 to rotate. This locking mechanism allows a two-handed grip when lowering the shelter.

22 and 23 show quick release foot assembly 80 for attachment to leg 20. FIG. Such a quick release foot allows for high wind setup and disassembly procedures, and prior to setup the foot 80 is removed from the legs 20, attached to the floor of the shelter, and firmly anchored to the ground through the opening 84. When the frame is assembled, horizontal cylindrical extensions (not shown) on the legs 20 are attached to the pre-fixed foot so that they are held in place by spring-biased hinged arms 83. 80 into slot 86, greatly reducing the risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment. Lowering in high winds is the opposite of setting up, and the feet of the shelter can be released from the leg assembly by using the foot to force open the arms 83, which ensures that the legs are always stable with both hands. allows you to grasp. The foot pad 80 also has a ground pressure that is low enough to support a snow-covered shelter so that any ground that can support a pedestrian or a vehicle operating on regular tires is sufficient to support the shelter. dimensioned to allow for.

The mid-span cord 24 is shown in FIGS. 24-28. Each cord 24 includes a single folding element that, when deployed as shown in FIG. Its end rests on the lower purlin bracket 28. Mid-span cord knee joint 27 folds and locks/unlocks cord sections 91, 93, 95, 97 in the same manner as purlin knee joint 28, using cable 129 to unlock the joint.

A telescoping wind kit strut 110 is shown in FIGS. 29-33. Such struts may be attached to cords 18 at either end of frame 10 to help secure the cover to the structure, as described below. Each strut 110 has a telescoping vertical strut 112 with an internal telescoping section secured at its lower end to a wind kit strut foot 116. The post 112 includes a bracket 113 at its upper end that has a keyhole slot 118 that engages a bolt 120 on the cord 18.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the size of the modular structure is proportional to the increase in the number of legs 20 and midspan cords 24, the cords 18, purlins 14, and peak brackets 16 in the upper frame assembly 12. can be increased by increasing the number of . The resulting structure may thereby accommodate two or four bays for equipment storage.

FIG. 36 illustrates a completed fabric cover 220 for the one-bay structure in which frame 10 is shown in FIG. It includes an end wall 222 shown in FIG. 37, a barrel section 224 shown in FIG. 38, and a second end wall 226 shown in FIG. A soft door assembly 227 may be used for door 228, the exterior of which is shown in FIG. 40 and the interior of which is shown in FIG. 41. For the two-bay structure shown in FIG. 42, two barrel sections 224 are used, and for the four-bay structure shown in FIG. 43, four are used.

Insulation 240 may be added to a structure such as that shown in FIG. 44 for a single bay structure. It includes two insulating end walls 242 for the removable insulating package shown in Figure 45, both end walls being the same. The barrel 244 for the removable insulation package is shown in FIG. Again, two barrel sections 244 are used for a two-bay structure as shown in FIG. 47, and four are used for a four-bay structure as shown in FIG.

FIG. 49 illustrates the awning 250 for use in the one-bay shelter shown in FIG. 36, and FIG. 50 illustrates the winter fly 252 for use in the one-bay shelter. Both assemblies are tensioned at the gable ends only using parabolically curved wire ropes anchored to the feet on the corner legs. This wire rope acts similarly to the main support cable in the tension bridge, only inverted. This makes installation and proper tension adjustment easier.

After the frame is assembled, fabric cover 220 may be attached. The fabric cover 220 may be suspended from the frame elements using fasteners such as hook or hook-and-loop fasteners 221 and single-sided J-hooks 29, particularly at the eaves as described above. A cloth dry bag style port closure is recommended. PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System)/Modular Light Load Bearing Equipment, ie PALS/MOLLE webbing attachment patch as a universal hardware mount, may be incorporated. Universal webbing strips/patches can be sewn to the ceiling to attach accessories such as air distribution ducts, lighting, room dividers, etc. Glow-in-the-dark, reversible fabric guide lights may be used. The double layer window allows visibility without losing the insulation air gap between the cover and the insulation layer.

51-63 illustrate further variations of tent-based shelter systems using rapidly deployable frame elements. In this embodiment, the leg elements are modified to facilitate setting up the shelter, especially in high winds. The leg elements include sliding elements rather than folding elements. The main body of the leg is always full length, and the part of the leg to which the roof frame is attached can slide up and down the main body of the leg. In this way, the roof section and the attached tent fabric can be assembled at ground level, with the main leg sections fixed to the ground at their base and the slidable leg sections in the lowered position. Can be attached. The roof and tent assembly may then be raised by sliding the slidable leg section over the main leg section. This makes it easier to set up the tent, especially in strong winds. Also in this variation, the midspan cord is replaced within the roof frame by a removable purlin running in the opposite direction to the previously disclosed midspan cord.

Referring to FIG. 51, similar to previous embodiments, a tent-based shelter system designed for quick assembly and mobility for performance under adverse environmental conditions is disclosed. The system may be configured, for example, as a deployable command post, accommodation, medical facility, or as an operations and command center for disaster relief. For handling and storage, the shelter system disassembles into various packaging bags that are small and light enough for the user to carry and pack.

Although the different shelter modules provided in the system are shown in FIG. 51 in a standard configuration using common components, the specific arrangement may be modified to suit the particular requirements of a deployment. The system includes the following shelter modules: a 4-module shelter 300, a 2-module shelter 302, a 1-module shelter 304, a 4-door hub 306 for shelter interconnection, a vehicle interface shelter 308, and an entry vestibule 310. As in the previous embodiment, the shelter system is a freestanding external frame all-weather tent system. The tent frame is the structural component of the shelter and is external to the tent, with the tent body suspended below the frame. This external frame design offers significant advantages in deployment and disassembly timing. The frames for the various modules are designed with a minimum number of unique parts. Although a two-module frame 301 is shown in FIG. 52 as an example, the assembly concept is the same for all frames. The main difference between the various frames is the number of arch sections and legs used to accommodate the length of the shelter. The described two-module shelter frame 301 shows a three-arch folding frame 301 supported by six telescoping legs 350 and four end posts 326. The folding frame includes an arch 316, a ridge beam 312, and an eave beam 314. Each arch and beam section is hinged so that it can be folded for storage. Frame 301 is preferably constructed of powder coated aluminum to reduce weight and prevent corrosion.

The basic frame assembly 301 in this embodiment consists of a folding beam (the horizontal element forming the ridge beam 312 and the eave beam 314) and a folding arch 316 (the inclined beam joining the ridge beam and the eaves beam 312, 314). . Each beam and arch has a latch hinge 318, 320 at its midpoint to allow the entire assembly to be folded to minimize its size for transportation and storage, as shown in FIG. 62A. Arch 316 is hinged to ridge beam 312 at peak bracket 328. Once the main frame is deployed during deployment, separate removable purlins 322 are secured between the arches 316 to provide additional rigidity to the frame and support points for the roof fabric. The beam and arch latch hinges 318, 320 include self-spring latches that automatically lock into place during assembly. These are constructed as disclosed in previous embodiments. The arch latch has a "free" position during disassembly and resets itself to the prime position for subsequent deployment when the frame is fully folded. See FIGS. 9-13. The beam latch must be left open during initial folding. See FIGS. 25 and 26.

Frame 310 is supported on legs 350 that attach by insertion into brackets 368 (FIG. 60) at the junction of each arch and eaves beam 316, 314. Separate end wall posts 326 are attached to each end of the shelter to provide additional support to the end walls. Modular purlin 322 is a beam element installed between arches 316 parallel to eave and ridge beams 312, 314. Purlins 322 provide frame rigidity and support for the tent fabric. End wall posts 326 at the end walls provide additional support for the tent fabric and hard door when installed.

The tent body 330, as shown for the two module shelter in FIG. 53, is preferably made of military grade fabric and integrates wall and roof sections. One module, two module, and four module shelters use multi-part fabric bodies, as shown in FIG. 53. The multi-part body is comprised of an end wall section 332 and a barrel section 334 if additional length is needed. A one module shelter uses two end wall sections 332 that are directly connected to each other. A two module shelter uses one barrel section 334 between the end wall sections 332 to provide the required length (as described) and a four module shelter uses three barrel sections 334. . A sturdy zipper 336 starting at roof peak 338 is used to join the end wall section and barrel section. The edges of the section roof panels are sloped to facilitate a modular design with identical end wall sections and barrel sections 332, 334. The connecting edges of each end wall and barrel are identical so that they can be joined in any order and have no front or back orientation. This design simplifies deployment compared to other systems that have directional connections and must be oriented in a specific direction for assembly.

FIG. 54 illustrates an assembled two-module shelter 330 using one barrel section 334 between end wall sections 332. The end wall section 332 preferably has two soft doors 331, one on the end face and one on the side wall section, each with a window panel and window opening on either side of the door. Soft doors can be replaced with hard doors as needed. End wall section 332 may incorporate two large sleeves 333 to accommodate external heating or air conditioning ducts. Two small sleeves 335 may also be incorporated for transporting power and communication cables into and out of the shelter. Each barrel section 334 preferably also has two soft doors 331 that can remain sealed and used as windows or connections to other modules within the complex. An example of a shelter fly for a two module shelter is shown at 340 in FIG.

A detailed perspective view of peak bracket 328 is shown in FIG. It receives the ends of the ridge beams 312 of an extension frame for a two-module shelter frame as shown, or potentially for a four-module shelter frame, for receiving the ridge beams 312 and securing them by hitch pins 344. An opening 342 is provided. 57, 58, and 59 are perspective views of leg element 350 in lowered, half-raised, and fully raised positions, respectively. Leg element 350 includes an outer sliding leg element 352 having a lifting handle 354 and a spring-loaded lift handle latch 356, and an inner leg element 358 having a latch slot 360 mounted on a base 362 having a base opening 364. It consists of Upper support horizontal leg latch bar 351 forms the upper end of a T-shaped spring-loaded lever 355 that rotates about axis 353 to facilitate removal of leg 350 from frame leg socket 368. As the outer sliding leg element 352 slides over the inner leg element 358, the lift handle latch 356 slides out of the previous latch slot 360 and is subsequently biased into the next higher latch slot 360; There it fixes the leg element 352 until it moves upwards again. FIG. 60 is a detailed perspective view of frame leg socket 368 on arch 316. As shown in FIG. 61, the bar latch 351 engages the socket latch flange 372 so that it opens the front face 370 to receive the leg 350. The outer surface of the sliding leg element 352 engages the tapered inner surface 374 of the frame leg socket 368 such that the arch bracket 368 and attached frame 310 are securely supported on the sliding leg element 352. do. In FIG. 61, sliding leg element 352 has been slid upwardly to a fully raised position on inner leg element 358. Eye bolts 366 may be bolted to the upper edge of inner leg element 358 with attached ratchet straps 367 to secure the corners of the frame to the stakes.

The assembly process for a two-module shelter is described below. The assembly process is essentially the same for all shelters, except that the vestibule, 4-door hub, and vehicle interface shelters use specific one-piece covers, and the 1-module, 2-module, and 4-module shelters uses two end wall sections 332 and zero, one, or two barrel sections 334. First, the shelter fabric sections are laid on the ground at their intended location, aligned with the mid-zip start point at the roof peak, and joined by closing the zipper a short distance. The folded roof frame (Fig. 62A) is then unfolded before proceeding to joining the remaining portions of fabric. The frame is unfolded on the ground adjacent to one end of the laid shelter fabric to allow it to be extended across the fabric (FIG. 62B). With the frame on one side, the arches are unfolded at the roof peak hinges to their full length at the center hinge so that the arch hinges are securely locked (FIG. 62C). As shown in Figure 62D, the unfolded frame is erected on the end of the eaves beam. Deploy the beam sections so that the arches are pulled apart as in Figure 62E and the beam hinges are securely locked as shown in Figure 62F. The arch cables are secured between the lower ends of the arches and the roof fabric separates the individual arches from the tent roof by engaging cable hooks in slots on the underside of the arches that join the eave beams 14 (not shown). is partially fixed to the roof beam by connecting the cable to the end of the roof beam. The tent fabric is secured to the roof beam D-ring (not shown) by roof attachment straps.

Referring to FIGS. 52 and 62F, eight modular purlins 322 are then installed between the arches 316. The end of each purlin may have a T-shaped head for sliding into a securing slot in the side of arch 316. The roof fabric is then further secured to the frame arch 316 and the purlin 322, with the fly 340 centered above the frame 310. Lifting of frame 301 is illustrated in FIGS. 63A-63G. The frame with attached fabric is positioned on the ground as shown in Figure 63A. The folded leg 350 is inserted into the frame arch bracket 368 so that the first side of the frame is lifted and the top latch 351 is positioned on the socket latch flange 372 (FIG. 63B). The second side of the frame is lifted and the folded legs 350 are similarly inserted into the frame arch brackets 368 on the second side of the frame (FIG. 63C). Here, the frame 301 is supported off the ground with the shelter fabric suspended below, as shown in FIG. 63D. The bases 362 of the legs 350 may be secured to the ground at each stage of setup, if desired, using stakes passing through openings 364 in each base. Using handles 354 on legs 350, the frame is raised further to ensure that latches 356 fully engage leg tube slots 360 (FIG. 63E). The shelter can be raised in stages to the position shown in Figures 63F and 63G, either one side at a time, or completely on both sides at once, depending on the number of people that can be lifted. Insulation and shade are installed as described in previous embodiments.

Although several exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions, and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications, permutations, additions, and subcombinations as fall within their true spirit and scope.

Claims (8)

A folding tent frame system for use in a folding tent frame system having a roof frame including an arch bracket configured to receive a plurality of leg elements, wherein each leg The parts are
a) a first inner leg element comprising a base and a rigid vertical element mounted on the base, the rigid vertical element having a plurality of vertically spaced latch receiving slots;
b) a second outer sliding leg element vertically slidably movable on the first inner leg element, a horizontally extending lifting bar fixed thereto; a spring-biased latch element for securing said second outer sliding leg element in a selected vertical position on said first inner leg element; and adjacent an upper end of said second outer sliding leg element; an upper portion of the "T" of the spring-biased T-shaped lever for releasably engaging the arch bracket of the roof frame by a spring bias of the spring-biased T-shaped lever; and said second outer sliding leg element comprising said spring biased T-shaped lever forming a horizontal latch bar defining a horizontal latch bar. said roof frame and a plurality of leg elements according to claim 1 engageable with said roof frame, said roof frame for releasably receiving and securing said plurality of leg elements. A folding tent frame that includes multiple arch brackets installed around its perimeter. Each said arch bracket includes a vertical passageway open to the outside thereof for receiving one of said second outer sliding leg elements and an opposing tapered inner surface, 3. The collapsible tent frame of claim 2, wherein the leg elements include tapered outer surfaces configured to engage the opposing tapered inner surfaces of the plurality of arch brackets. 3. The folding tent frame of claim 2, wherein each said arch bracket includes a flange for removably receiving said horizontal latch bar of said spring biased T- shaped lever. A shelter system comprising a folding tent frame according to claim 2 and a flexible tent body removably suspended from said folding tent frame when said folding tent frame is in a deployed and locked configuration. . A method of deploying a shelter, the shelter comprising a folding tent frame according to claim 2 and a flexible tent body,
a) deploying the roof frame, reversibly locking the roof frame in the deployed configuration, and positioning the deployed roof frame in a substantially horizontal plane;
b) removably securing the flexible tent body to the deployed roof frame at a plurality of points;
c) securing the plurality of leg elements to the arch bracket of the deployed roof frame, wherein the leg elements are in a first lowered configuration, thereby securing the plurality of leg elements to the arch bracket of the deployed roof frame; Lifting one or both sides above the substantially horizontal plane ;
d) sliding each said second outer sliding leg element of said plurality of leg elements vertically over each said first inner leg element, thereby causing each said leg element to be further stretched; lifting the roof frame further above the substantially horizontal plane by fixing the roof frame in a fixed configuration;
e) repeating step d) until said deployed roof frame is raised to a selected extended height;
f) fixing each base of the plurality of leg elements to the substantially horizontal surface before or during any one of steps c), d), or e);
g) further securing the flexible tent body to the roof frame, to the extended leg elements, and to the generally horizontal surface. The base of the leg element includes an aperture, and in step f), the base of each of the plurality of leg elements includes a peg that extends through the aperture and into the generally horizontal plane . 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method is fixed in a substantially horizontal plane . In step d), said second outer sliding leg element is slid vertically on each said first inner leg element by lifting said horizontally extending lifting bar. The method described in Section 6.