US20080289673A1 - Foldable expandable shelter - Google Patents
Foldable expandable shelter Download PDFInfo
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- US20080289673A1 US20080289673A1 US12/106,129 US10612908A US2008289673A1 US 20080289673 A1 US20080289673 A1 US 20080289673A1 US 10612908 A US10612908 A US 10612908A US 2008289673 A1 US2008289673 A1 US 2008289673A1
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- Prior art keywords
- shelter
- foldable
- roof
- wall
- wall sections
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
- E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
- E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means
- E04H15/50—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means lazy-tongs type
Abstract
A foldable shelter can have several wall sections joined to form a cylindrical lattice, and a roof section coupled to the wall sections. The wall sections each have a first member pivotally joined to a second member at near their respective midpoints. The shelter is foldable from an expanded state by inverting the roof segment into the interior of the shelter and pivoting the first and second members of the wall sections towards a parallel orientation. The shelter can have fixed length or extendable vertical and horizontal supports to enhance overall rigidity. The shelter can withstand wind loads without external bracing or cable support.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/913,167, entitled “FOLDABLE EXPANDABLE SHELTER”, filed Apr. 20, 2007.
- Also, this application hereby incorporates by reference the above-identified provisional application, in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This application relates to foldable structures such as foldable shelters.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Various shelters have been proposed to provide temporary or semi-permanent shelter from the elements. For example, yurt-type shelters have been used for many years by nomadic peoples. A typical yurt-type shelter includes a planar lattice wall bowed into a generally cylindrical orientation and a solid roof permanently attached to the wall. While yurt shelters have proven durable and useful, they can require long assembly and disassembly times. Once disassembled, yurt shelters are not easily portable.
- A more modern temporary-use shelter is a foldable sun pavilion. A typical sun pavilion includes relatively tall columnar legs to which a scissor lattice is mounted. Roof spars are mounted to the scissor lattice, and a sun shade is typically provided over the roof supports. While these sun pavilions provide shelter from the sun, they lack substantial wall structure, and, as a result, can be difficult to stabilize during wind events. Stabilizing these shelters for wind gusts often requires running guy wires to secure the pavilion, a time consuming task. Furthermore, once in place, the guy wires can be difficult for passers-by to see, thus creating the risk of injury.
- In various embodiments, a foldable shelter is described herein that overcomes the problems discussed above with respect to the prior art. In various embodiments, a shelter is provided that is easily and rapidly expanded. In other embodiments, a shelter is provided that is highly wind resistant. In other embodiments, a shelter is disclosed that does not require external guy wires. In other embodiments, a shelter is provided that includes a modular assembly.
- In several embodiments, a foldable shelter comprises a plurality of wall sections and a roof section. Each wall section comprises a first member and a second member pivotally connected to the first member at an approximate midpoint of the first member. The roof section comprises a plurality of roof beams. Each roof beam has a first end pivotally connected to at least one wall section and a second end pivotally coupled to at least one other roof beam. The shelter is foldable between a stowed configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are pivoted towards a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other and an expanded configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are transverse to each other.
- In various embodiments, a foldable enclosure comprises a plurality of wall sections. Each wall section comprises a first member and a second member pivotally connected to the first member at an approximate midpoint of the first member. The enclosure is foldable between a stowed configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are pivoted towards a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other and an expanded configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are transverse to each other.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of foldable expandable shelter in an expanded configuration; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shelter ofFIG. 1 in a folded configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shelter ofFIG. 1 in a partially expanded configuration with a roof section inverted; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shelter ofFIG. 1 in a partially expanded configuration with a roof section everted; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apex of the shelter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an apex of an embodiment of foldable expandable shelter having a telescoping vertical support; -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the apex ofFIG. 5A with the shelter in a folded position; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a roof joint of the shelter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper joint member of the shelter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower joint member of the shelter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of foldable expandable shelter with a roof covering and wall coverings with wall coverings in a stowed position; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the shelter ofFIG. 9 with wall coverings in an unfurled position; -
FIG. 11A is a top view of an embodiment of foldable expandable shelter having four sides; -
FIG. 11B is a top view of the foldable expandable shelter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11C is a top view of an embodiment of foldable expandable shelter having eight sides; -
FIG. 12A is a side view of one embodiment of wall section of a foldable expandable shelter in an expanded configuration; -
FIG. 12B is a side view of the wall section ofFIG. 12A in a partially expanded configuration; -
FIG. 12C is a side view of the wall section ofFIG. 12A in a folded configuration; -
FIG. 13A is a side view of one embodiment of wall section of a foldable expandable shelter in an expanded configuration; -
FIG. 13B is a side view of the wall section ofFIG. 13A in a partially expanded configuration; -
FIG. 13C is a side view of the wall section of 13A in a folded configuration -
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of several embodiments offoldable shelter 2 in an expanded configuration. As further discussed below, in various embodiments, theshelter 2 can be relatively low cost, easy to assemble, easy to stow or expand, and rapid to fold or expand. As illustrated, the shelter comprises a plurality ofwall sections 10 defining a circumference of the shelter and a space within the shelter and aroof section 27. In some embodiments, theroof section 27 can be covered with a roof cover 50 (shown in phantom lines for clarity of the structure beneath) to provide shelter from the elements. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , eachwall section 10 comprises afirst member 12 and asecond member 14. In the illustrated embodiments, the first andsecond members second members second members second members second members second members second members - In the illustrated embodiments, the first and
second members second members second members - In the illustrated embodiments, each of the
wall sections 10 is joined to twoadjacent wall sections 10 to form a generally polygonal prism. As discussed in further detail below, an intersection of awall section 10 with an adjacent wall section can comprise an upper joint 20 and a lower joint 30, thejoints joints second members adjacent wall sections 10 to pivot with respect to each other, thus allowing theshelter 2 to be stowed and expanded in a sequence described below and illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, the plurality ofwall sections 10 are coupled with a plurality of upper andlower joints shelter 2 illustrated inFIG. 1 include sixwall sections 10 to define a generally hexagonal prismatic shape when in an expanded configuration. As discussed below, in other embodiments, a shelter can include more or fewer than sixwall sections 10. - In some embodiments, the first and
second members wall sections 10 can be approximately ten feet long each. Thus, if the first andsecond members shelter 2 is in an expanded configuration, awall section 10 of theshelter 2 can be approximately 7 feet tall and 7 feet wide. However, it is contemplated that in different embodiments, sizing ofmembers shelter 2 can be scaled to form shelters of different sizes. Furthermore, while theshelter 2, in exemplary form, is described herein primarily as a shelter to shield people from the elements, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the shelter could be sized and configured for different uses. For example, the shelter could be scaled to provide automobile storage, equipment storage, an enclosure for an outdoor shower, or various other uses. Where a shelter as described herein is used as an enclosure for an outdoor shower, the relatively rigid roof section can provide sufficient strength and rigidity to provide a storage surface for a water reservoir such as a tank or bladder for the shower. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the shelter can comprise avertical support 40 and ahorizontal support 42. The vertical support can extend generally vertically from a lower joint 30 to a corresponding upper joint 20 defining an edge of theshelter 2. Thehorizontal support 42 can extend generally horizontally from one upper joint 20 to an adjacent upper joint 20. In other embodiments, horizontal supports can extend between adjacentlower joints 30 in addition to, or in place of the illustratedhorizontal support 42. While a singlevertical support 40 andhorizontal support 42 are illustrated in the embodiments ofFIG. 1 , it is contemplated that in some embodiments all edges of the shelter would be connected byvertical supports 40 and all adjacentupper joints 20 would be connected byhorizontal supports 42. In other embodiments, some of the edges and some of theupper joints 20 would be connected byvertical supports 40 andhorizontal supports 42 respectively. Further, some embodiments of shelter can have one or morehorizontal supports 42, but novertical supports 40, or one or morevertical support 40, but nohorizontal support 42. - In the illustrated embodiments, the
supports lower joints shelter 2 is in the expanded configuration. As further discussed below, in other embodiments, thesupports shelter 2 folds and expands. In still other embodiments, one or more of the horizontal supports 42 can comprise ropes, cables, or other tension members. These tension members can remain attached to thewall sections 10 during folding and unfolding of the shelter. - Advantageously, the vertical and
horizontal supports wall sections 10 can enhance the rigidity of theshelter 2. In some embodiments, where at least one of thelower joints 30 has been secured to the ground such as with a stake or large weight, theshelter 2 can be resistant to relatively high wind loads without support cables. This can be particularly advantageous where theshelter 2 is used in a relatively well trafficked area such as a beach or outdoor festival. Support cables can present significant risk of injury to people walking nearby as they can be very difficult to see. In some embodiments, once sufficient numbers of vertical and horizontal supports have been engaged, the first andsecond members wall section 10 can be removed to create a large opening that can be used as a door to the shelter. In these embodiments, even with onewall section 10 removed, the structure can be sufficiently rigid to withstand wind loading. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , theroof section 27 is pivotally coupled to the plurality ofwall sections 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the roof section is coupled at the upper joints 20. The roof section comprises a plurality ofroof members 28, each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of theroof members 28 can be pivotally coupled to an upper joint 20 at amount location 26 on the upper joint 20. The second ends of theroof members 28 can be pivotally coupled to each other by a roof joint 60. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
roof members 28 each comprise a generally hollow tubular member. In some embodiments, theroof members 28 can each comprise a segment of PVC pipe. As indicated above with the respect to the first andsecond members wall sections 10, in other embodiments, theroof members 28 can comprise other materials and/or geometries. While in the illustrated embodiments, theroof members 28 and the first andsecond members wall sections 10 comprise substantially similar tubular members, in some embodiments, theroof members 28 can comprise different materials and/or geometries than the first andsecond members shelter 2. In the illustrated embodiments, theroof members 28 comprise fixed-length members. As discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, theroof members 28 can comprise foldable members such as hinged foldable members. - In the illustrated six-sided shelter, the
roof section 27 includes sixroof members 28. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that a shelter can have more or fewer than sixroof members 28. It can be desirable that the number ofroof members 28 corresponds to the number ofwall sections 10 of theshelter 2. However, in some embodiments, a shelter can include more orfewer roof members 28 thanwall sections 10. - The roof cover 50 (illustrated in phantom lines to provide detail of the roof section 27) can span substantially the
entire roof section 27. Thus, theroof cover 50 can provide protection within theshelter 2 from the sun and precipitation. In some embodiments, thecover 50 can comprise a natural or synthetic fabric material such as a canvas, cotton, or nylon material. In other embodiments, thecover 50 can comprise a plastic material. The material of thecover 50 can be chosen based on various material properties including an ability to provide solar protection and a water resistance of the material. - In some embodiments, the
cover 50 can be removable, and can be attached for example by removable straps joined to theshelter 2, such as joined to theroof members 28,horizontal supports 42, orupper joints 20. The straps can include fastening devices such as mating hook and loop fasteners, mating snaps, buckles, or other removable connection devices to allow thecover 50 to be quickly and easily removed from the roof section. In other embodiments, theroof cover 50 can be more permanently attached to theroof section 27. For example, theroof cover 50 can include at least one sleeve through which a corresponding at least oneroof member 28 passes. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-4 an expansion sequence of theshelter 2 is illustrated.FIG. 2 illustrates theshelter 2 ofFIG. 1 in a folded or stowed configuration. In the folded configuration, the first andsecond members wall sections 10 have been pivoted with respect to each other about the pivot joint 16 such that the first andsecond members roof section 27, including theroof cover 50, are inverted inside the space defined by thecollapsed wall sections 10. In the illustrated embodiment, no horizontal orvertical supports 42, 40 (FIG. 1 ) are engaged with theshelter 2 as distances between adjacentupper joints 20 and between corresponding upper andlower joints shelter 2 in the stowed configuration than the corresponding distances on theshelter 2 in the expanded configuration (FIG. 1 ). Thus, theshelter 2 in the folded configuration occupies a significantly smaller volume, allowing it to be easily transported between sites, or stored during periods of non-use. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , the foldedshelter 2 defines a generally cylindrical package having a height and a diameter. In the illustrated embodiment of shelter, the height of the folded shelter approaches a length of one of the first andsecond members shelter 2 in the folder configuration can be further reduced in embodiments of foldable shelter where the first andsecond members -
FIG. 3 illustrates theshelter 2 ofFIG. 1 in a partially-expanded configuration. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , the first andsecond members wall sections 10 have been pivoted with respect to each other such that they are transverse to each other. In some embodiments, the first andsecond members second members first members 12 with respect to thesecond members 14. For example, in some embodiments, the stop could restrict further motion once the first andsecond members FIG. 3 , theroof section 27 is in an inverted configuration within the space defined by thewall sections 10. -
FIG. 4 illustrates theshelter 2 ofFIG. 1 in an expanded configuration without horizontal orvertical supports roof section 27 has been pivoted from the inverted configuration illustrated inFIG. 3 to the everted configuration illustrated inFIG. 4 . In some embodiments, theroof section 27 can exhibit a snap or pop as it transitions between the inverted position and the everted position, thus providing a tactile and audible cue that theroof section 27 has been expanded. Depending on the height of the shelter, in some embodiments one person can manually advance theroof section 27 into the everted configuration without assistance. In some embodiments, additional assistance can be necessary to evert theroof section 27. While theroof members 28 are illustrated herein as solid members, in some embodiments, they can each comprise a single hinged joint, which would not necessarily have well defined inverted and everted positions with a “pop” between the inverted configuration and the everted configuration. In still other embodiments, the roof section can be removably attached to the wall sections such that during an expansion sequence, the wall sections are expanded, then the roof section can be placed atop. In these embodiments, the roof section can comprise a single piece. In these embodiments, the expanded wall sections can also serve as a roof-less enclosure with the roof removed. - Once the
shelter 2 is expanded to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 4 , horizontal andvertical supports shelter 2, the weight of themembers - With reference to
FIG. 5 , an edge of the shelter including an upper joint 20, a lower joint 30, and avertical support 40 are illustrated. As will be discussed in further detail below, the mounting of thevarious members lower joints members joints vertical supports supports - In some embodiments, the shelter can have extendable
vertical supports 40′.FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate an edge of an embodiment of shelter having extendablevertical supports 40′. As illustrated, thevertical support 40′ comprises aninner tubular member 46 nested within anouter tubular member 44. Theinner tubular member 46 is slidable with respect to the outertubular member 44 such that the extendablevertical support 40′ can be lengthened to accommodate an increased separation of the upper joint 20 from the lower joint 30. In some embodiments, the extendablevertical support 40′ can further comprise one or more bushings to promote alignment of theinner tubular member 46 with respect to the outer tubular member. In some embodiments, the extendablevertical support 40′ can comprise a biasing member coupling theinner tubular member 46 to the outertubular member 44. The biasing member can be configured to bias theinner tubular member 46 and outertubular member 44 into a retracted position. The biasing member can be, for example, and elasticized shock cord, a coil spring, a spring and quarter or cable assembly, or another by saying device or assembly. - In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tubular member is coupled to the upper joint 20, and the outer tubular member is coupled to the lower joint 30. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the outer tubular member could be coupled to the upper joint 20, and the inner tubular member could be coupled to the lower joint 30.
- In the illustrated embodiment, and the
inner tubular member 46 and the outertubular member 44 are sized such that in an extended configuration (FIG. 5 a), theinner tubular member 46 is partially nested within the outertubular member 44. In some embodiments, theinner tubular member 46 and outertubular member 44 can be sized such that an expanded configuration theinner tubular member 46 is substantially entirely outside the outertubular member 44. In these embodiments, the extendable support can include a biasing member as described above to connect the outertubular member 44 to the inner tubes andmember 46. Advantageously, an extendable number whose members do not nest in an extended configuration can be lighter and less expensive to produce than one with nesting members in an extended configuration. - Furthermore, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, an extendable support can comprise an assembly other than nested tubes, such as planar spars that slide with respect to one another, or another suitable extendable assembly. In some embodiments, one or more extendable support can comprise a driven extendable assembly, such as a worm gear driven extendable or telescoping beam, such that the foldable shelter can be automatically expanded or retracted.
- In
FIG. 5 a, the shelter is in an expanded configuration, and theinner tubular member 46 is almost entirely nested within the outertubular member 44. Thus, when the shelter is in an expanded configuration, the extendablevertical support 40′ is in a retracted configuration. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , when the shelter is in a folded configuration, a distance between the upper joint 20 and the lower joint 30 is increased as compared with the corresponding distance in the expanded configuration. Thus, during a folding sequence, theinner tubular member 46 is advanced out of the outertubular member 44 as the upper joint 20 separates from the lower joint 30.FIG. 5 b illustrates the extendablevertical support 40′ when the shelter is in a folded configuration. Thus, when the shelter is in a stowed configuration, the extendablevertical support 40′ is in an extended configuration. In some embodiments, the extendablevertical support 40′ can also comprise a latch mechanism to retain thevertical support 40′ in either the extended configuration, the retracted configuration, or both. - Advantageously, in embodiments of shelter having extendable
vertical supports 40′, a user does not need to individually connect each vertical support once the shelter is in an expanded configuration. Rather, the extendablevertical supports 40′ can retract to the desired length during an expansion sequence. Thus, the expansion of the shelter can be made easier and more rapid in embodiments of shelter including extendablevertical supports 40′. However, in some instances it can be desirable for a shelter to have fixed-length vertical supports 40 (FIG. 1 ). For example, a shelter with fixed-length supports can be simpler and less expensive to manufacture. -
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate thejoints shelter 2 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 6 illustrates the roof joint 60. Ends of each of theroof members 28 can be pivotally joined to the roof joint 60 such that the roof section 27 (FIG. 1 ) can be inverted and everted during folding or expansion of the shelter 2 (FIGS. 1-4 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the roof joint 60 comprises a generally ring-shaped member formed of a plurality of roofjoint brackets 62. Each of the roofjoint brackets 62 is coupled to two adjacent roofjoint brackets 62 to form the ring shaped member. In the illustrated embodiments, adjacent roofjoint brackets 62 are bolted together. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the roofjoint brackets 62 can be joined using other fastening hardware such as clips, or other techniques such as adhesive or welding. In the illustrated embodiments, eachroof member 28 is pivotally joined to a corresponding one of the roofjoint brackets 62. Thus, as illustrated, sixroof members 28 have been pivotally joined to sixroof brackets 62. Advantageously, this modular construction of the roof joint 60 allows for ease of assembly and disassembly should one of the roofjoint brackets upper joints 20, the roofjoint brackets 62 can be of substantially similar construction to theupper joints 20, thus allowing for manufacturing economies. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the roof joint can be unitarily formed such as by casting or molding processes and need not comprise a ring shaped member. - While the roof joint 60 has heretofore been discussed as a substantially rigid ring, in some embodiments, the roof joint can be an expandable member having a retracted configuration for storage of the shelter and an expanded configuration when the shelter is erected. Advantageously, an expandable roof joint 60 can be stored in a relatively small space when the shelter is collapsed.
- For example, in some embodiments an expandable roof joint can comprise a scissor lattice formed by a plurality of lattice faces each having a pair of lattice arms pivotably coupled to one another near their midpoints, similar to the wall sections of the shelter. A bracket to receiving a roof member can be coupled to one or both lattice arms near the pivotal coupling of the lattice arms. The lattice arms can be pivotably coupled to lattice arms of adjacent lattice faces at their respective endpoints. In some embodiments, brackets having bends can be pivotably coupled to ends of adjacent lattice arms to form corners between adjacent lattice faces. In other embodiments, the lattice arms can have bends near there ends that can define corners of the lattice faces. The configuration and operation of a scissor lattice expandable roof joint can thus be similar to the assembly of
wall sections 10 described above and illustrated inFIGS. 2-4 . Accordingly, a scissor lattice ring structure can have a contracted configuration in which a diameter of the lattice ring is relatively small (corresponding toFIG. 2 for thewall section 10 assembly) and an expanded configuration in which the diameter of the lattice ring is relatively large (corresponding toFIG. 4 of thewall section 10 assembly). - As discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 11A-11C , in various embodiments of shelter, different numbers of wall section can be used. Accordingly, a roof joint or expandable roof joint can have a number of faces corresponding to the number of wall sections of the shelter. - In some embodiments, it can be desirable to reinforce or otherwise brace the roof joint 60 when the shelter is in a folded configuration. When the folded shelter is stored in certain orientations, such as lying on a side such that
wall sections 10 are generally parallel to the ground, the roof joint 60 can be subjected to loads such that it tends to distort. In some embodiments, a relatively rigid solid cap can be provided to maintain the shape of the roof joint 60. In other embodiments, an open cap can be provided to maintain the shape of the roof joint 60. In some embodiments, tensile wires or compressive rods can maintain the shape of the roof joint. In still other embodiments, the roof joint 60 can be removable when the shelter is in a folded configuration to reduce any risk of distortion during storage or transportation. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an upper joint 20 in a planar configuration. As illustrated, the upper joint comprises afirst mount surface 22, asecond mount surface 24, and athird mount surface 26. The upper joint can include bend regions (indicated by dashed lines) on the first and second mount surfaces 22, 24, which can be bent to an appropriate angle based on the number of wall sections 10 (FIG. 1 ) in a desired embodiment of shelter. For example, in a six-sided shelter embodiment (FIGS. 1-4 ), the bend regions can be bent such that thefirst mount surface 22 is offset at an angle of approximately 60 degrees from thesecond mount surface 24. Thus, by selecting the appropriate bend angle, the illustrated upper joint 20 can be scalable to be used in shelters having various numbers ofwall sections 10. The upper joint 20 can further comprise bend regions on thethird mount surface 26, which can be bent such that the upper joint 20 can pivotally connect to aroof member 28 as illustrated inFIG. 1 . - The upper joint 20 can have various mounting
holes FIG. 5 , a first a pair of member mounts 56 is positioned on the first and second mount surfaces 22, 24. Likewise, a pair of horizontal support mounts 52 is positioned on the first and second mount surfaces 22, 24. A pair of roof member mounts is positioned on thethird mount surface 26. In the illustrated embodiment, avertical support mount 55 is generally centrally located on the upper joint 20. Additional auxiliary mounts 53, 58 can be used to secure items (such as a cover 50) to the shelter, or can be used in a roof joint member 62 (FIG. 6 ) in a modular joint that is used as both an upper joint 20 and a roofjoint bracket 62. - As noted above, in some embodiments the upper joint 20 can be modular such that the same manufacturing template can be used to form an upper joint 20 and a roof
joint bracket 62 for the shelter. Advantageously, this modular construction can reduce manufacturing costs by providing parts commonality. Where the same manufacturing template illustrated inFIG. 7 is used for multiple joints, the third mountingsurface 26 is bent in the opposite direction to form a roof joint bracket 62 (FIG. 6 ) than it is to form an upper joint 20 (FIG. 1 ). -
FIG. 8 illustrates the lower joint 30 of the shelter ofFIG. 1 . The lower joint 30 includes afirst mount surface 32, asecond mount surface 34, and mounts 82, 84. The lower joint 30 also comprises bend regions (illustrated by dashed lines). As with the upper joint 20 described above, the lower can be bent near the bend regions to accommodate embodiments of shelter having different numbers ofwall segments 10. (FIG. 1 ). - As illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 8 , the lower joint 30 includes a pair of member mounts 82 and avertical support mount 84. In other embodiments, other numbers and configurations of mounts can be included on the lower joint 30. For example, in some embodiments, to prevent the shelter from being displaced by a gust of wind, it can be desirable to weigh down or stake at least one lower joint 30 with respect to the ground when the shelter is expanded. Thus, in some embodiments, it can be desirable that the lower joint 30 include a stake mount or a protrusion such as a flange configured to receive a weighted object such as a sandbag or a cinder block. - The
joints joints joints joints -
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment of shelter having aroof cover 50 and wall covers 92. In some embodiments, thewall cover segments 92 can be rolled and secured (such as with a strap) in an uncovered configuration with respect to thewall sections 10, as illustrated inFIG. 9 . Advantageously, rollable wall covers 92 as illustrated inFIG. 9 can be folded into the shelter as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 . Additionally, one or more of the wall covers 92 can be quickly and easily rolled into the uncovered configuration to allow for ventilation of the shelter. As shown inFIG. 10 , when deployed into a covered configuration, each wall cover 92 covers substantially an entire wall section. -
FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate schematic top views of shelters incorporating features described herein, each having a different number of wall sections.FIG. 11A illustrates a shelter with four wall sections.FIG. 11B illustrates a shelter with six wall sections.FIG. 11C illustrates a shelter having eight wall sections. As illustrated inFIG. 11A , the roof beams 28 extend from relatively linear segments of the roof joint 60 (seeFIG. 6 ), inFIGS. 11B and 11C the roof beams 28 extend from vertices of the roof joint 60. It is contemplated that in various embodiments having different numbers of sides, either of these roof joint configurations can be used. Advantageously, the shelter assembly described herein is easily scalable to shelters of different sizes and different configurations. It is noted that the relationship of the length of themembers wall sections 10 to theroof members 28 can likewise be scaled to achieve desired packaging or deployment considerations dependent on the number ofwall sections 10 in a shelter. For example, with an eight sided shelter, it can be desirable that theroof members 28 are approximately the same length as the first andsecond members wall sections 10. With a sixteen-sided shelter, it can be desirable that theroof members 28 are approximately two times as long as the first andsecond members roof members 28 can be hinged and foldable to achieve reduced folded shelter dimensions. - As noted above, in some embodiments, it can be desirable that the size of the shelter in the folded configuration be reduced.
FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate a schematic view of an alternate embodiment ofwall section 10′ having a foldablefirst member 12′ and a foldablesecond member 14′. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , the foldablefirst member 12′ and the foldablesecond member 12′ are pivotally coupled at a pivot joint 16′. Each of the foldablefirst member 12′ and the foldablesecond member 14′ includes two hinges 90 substantially equally spaced along a length of the correspondingfoldable member 12′, 14′. In some embodiments, thehinges 90 are desirably oriented such that a weight load on the shelter maintains thehinges 90 in an unfolded configuration. In some embodiments, thehinges 90 can further include latching mechanisms to retain the firstfoldable member 12′ and the secondfoldable member 14′ in an unfolded configuration. - As illustrated in the folding sequence depicted in
FIGS. 12A (illustrating the expanded configuration) to 12C (illustrating the folding configuration), thewall section 10′ can be folded along thehinges 90 to achieve a relatively small folded configuration. Endpoints A, B, C, D are marked onFIGS. 12A-12C to illustrate the positions of the endpoints during the folding sequence. -
FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate another embodiment ofwall segment 10″ that has been configured to have a relatively small size when the shelter is in a folded configuration. The illustratedwall segment 10″ comprises a collapsiblefirst member 12″ pivotally coupled to a collapsiblesecond member 14″ at a pivot joint 16″. In some embodiments, thecollapsible members 12″, 14″ can comprise nested coaxial tubes, similar to that described above with respect to the extendable vertical support. As illustrated, the pivot joint 16″ can be a removable pin that is insertable to lock thecollapsible members 12″, 14″ in an extended configuration when the shelter is in the expanded configuration.FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a folding sequence. InFIG. 13B , the pivot joint 16″ has been removed such that thecollapsible members 12″, 14″ can be collapsed. InFIG. 13C , once collapsed, thecollapsible members 12″, 14″ can be pivoted into a substantially parallel orientation with respect to one another. - Although the shelters described herein have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while the number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
Claims (29)
1. A foldable shelter comprising:
a plurality of wall sections, each wall section comprising:
a first member;
a second member pivotally connected to the first member at an approximate midpoint of the first member; and
a roof section comprising:
a plurality of roof beams, each roof beam having a first end pivotally connected to at least one wall section and a second end pivotally coupled to at least one other roof beam;
wherein the shelter is foldable between a stowed configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are pivoted towards a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other and an expanded configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are transverse to each other.
2. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member of each wall panel has a first end and a second end and the second member of each wall panel has a first end and a second end, and wherein the shelter further comprises a support member coupled to at least one wall section and extending generally vertically from the first end of the first member to the first end of the second member of the wall section.
3. The foldable shelter of claim 2 , wherein the support member is extendable between a stowed length when the shelter is in the stowed configuration and a deployed length when the shelter is in the expanded configuration.
4. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member of each wall panel has a first end and a second end and the second member of each wall panel has a first end and a second end, and wherein the shelter further comprises a support member coupled to at least one wall section and extending generally horizontally from the first end of the first member to the second end of the second member of the wall section.
5. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wall sections define a circumference of the shelter and an enclosed space, and wherein the roof section is pivotable with respect to the plurality of wall sections such that the roof section has an everted position extending generally upwards from the wall sections when the shelter is in the expanded configuration and an inverted position within the enclosed space defined by the wall sections when the shelter is in the stowed configuration.
6. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , further comprising a roof cover.
7. The foldable shelter of claim 6 , wherein the roof cover is removable.
8. The foldable shelter of claim 6 , wherein the roof cover further comprises at least one wall cover.
9. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein in the expanded configuration of the shelter, the first member and the second member defining a wall section are substantially perpendicular to one another.
10. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wall sections are arranged to form a generally polygonal prism shape and the shelter further comprises:
an upper joint coupling one of the plurality of wall sections to an adjacent one of the plurality of wall sections; and
a lower joint coupling one of the plurality of wall sections to the adjacent one of the plurality of wall sections; and
wherein the upper and lower joints define an edge of the polygonal shape.
11. The foldable shelter of claim 10 , wherein the upper joint comprises a first mounting surface pivotally coupled to the first member of one of the plurality of wall sections, a second mounting surface pivotally coupled to the second member of the adjacent one of the plurality of wall sections, and a third mounting surface pivotally coupled to a roof beam.
12. The foldable shelter of claim 10 , wherein the lower joint comprises a first mounting surface pivotally coupled to the second member of one of the plurality of wall sections and a second mounting surface pivotally coupled to the first member of the adjacent one of the plurality of mounting sections.
13. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the roof section comprises a ring joint pivotally coupling the second ends of all of the roof beams of the plurality of roof beams.
14. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wall sections comprises six wall sections.
15. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wall sections comprises four wall sections.
16. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wall sections comprises eight wall sections.
17. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member of at least one wall section of the plurality of wall sections are tubular members.
18. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member of each wall section of the plurality of wall sections are foldable members each having a folded configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein when the shelter is in the stowed configuration, the first members and second members are in the folded configuration.
19. The foldable shelter of claim 16 , wherein the first member and the second member of each wall section each comprise two pivotable joints.
20. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member of each wall section are extendable having a retracted configuration when the shelter is in the stowed configuration and an extended configuration when the shelter is in the expanded configuration.
21. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member of each wall section are lockable in the extended configuration by a pin pivotally coupling the first member to the second member.
22. The foldable shelter of claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member of defining each wall section each has a length of approximately ten feet.
23. A foldable enclosure comprising:
a plurality of wall sections, each wall section comprising:
a first member;
a second member pivotally connected to the first member at an approximate midpoint of the first member; and
wherein the enclosure is foldable between a stowed configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are pivoted towards a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other and an expanded configuration in which the first member and the second member defining each wall section are transverse to each other.
24. The foldable enclosure of claim 23 , further comprising a roof section coupled to at least one of the wall sections.
25. The foldable enclosure of claim 24 , wherein the roof section is removably coupled to the wall section.
26. The foldable enclosure of claim 24 , wherein the roof section is pivotally coupled to the wall section.
27. The foldable enclosure of claim 24 , wherein the roof section comprises a plurality of roof beams, each roof beam having a first end pivotally connected to at least one wall section and a second end pivotally coupled to at least one other roof beam.
28. The foldable enclosure of claim 27 , further comprising a ring joint pivotably coupling the second ends of the each of the plurality of roof beams.
29. The foldable enclosure of claim 28 , wherein the ring joint is expandable.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/106,129 US20080289673A1 (en) | 2007-04-20 | 2008-04-18 | Foldable expandable shelter |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US91316707P | 2007-04-20 | 2007-04-20 | |
US12/106,129 US20080289673A1 (en) | 2007-04-20 | 2008-04-18 | Foldable expandable shelter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080289673A1 true US20080289673A1 (en) | 2008-11-27 |
Family
ID=40071263
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/106,129 Abandoned US20080289673A1 (en) | 2007-04-20 | 2008-04-18 | Foldable expandable shelter |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20080289673A1 (en) |
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CN104746940A (en) * | 2015-03-25 | 2015-07-01 | 东南大学 | Assembling-free foldable tent locked through cables |
CN104847163A (en) * | 2015-03-25 | 2015-08-19 | 东南大学 | Assembly-free hinge-locked foldable tent |
US20180155952A1 (en) * | 2016-12-02 | 2018-06-07 | Plano Molding Company | Enclosure and expansion structure therefor |
ES2757908A1 (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-04-30 | Univ Valladolid | Portable and multifunctional improved sun shelter as sunshade-dressing room and storage of belongings (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US11559146B2 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2023-01-24 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Foldable playard having X-frame assemblies and canopy cover |
US20230056407A1 (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2023-02-23 | Bayarjargal Tsevegdorj Sereenen | Portable foldable yurt |
US11696652B2 (en) | 2019-08-07 | 2023-07-11 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Foldable playard |
WO2023164299A3 (en) * | 2022-02-28 | 2023-10-05 | University Of Maine System Board Of Trustees | Foldable physical structures |
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