US20130180559A1 - Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter - Google Patents
Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130180559A1 US20130180559A1 US13/789,596 US201313789596A US2013180559A1 US 20130180559 A1 US20130180559 A1 US 20130180559A1 US 201313789596 A US201313789596 A US 201313789596A US 2013180559 A1 US2013180559 A1 US 2013180559A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pole
- central hub
- shelter structure
- framework
- support assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- E04H15/001—Hunting, fishing huts or the like
-
- 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
- E04H15/28—Umbrella type tents
-
- 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
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to temporary shelter structures, such as tents and hunting blinds.
- the present invention relates to methods and devices for supporting collapsible shelter structures.
- collapsible shelter structures used for hunting blinds, fishing huts, and the like, are known in the prior art.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,482 issued to Beavers and U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,338 issued to Stumbo disclose examples of such collapsible shelter structures.
- These collapsible shelter structures typically include a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top, and a collapsible framework for supporting the flexible fabric cover.
- the collapsible framework includes, among other things, a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover to provide a free span roof for the shelter structure.
- the collapsible shelter structures of the type generally shown in the Beavers and Stumbo patents have become popular because, among other things, they are lightweight, portable, and easy to erect, making them useful and desirable for hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- the collapsible framework used to support the roof in these structures provides a relatively roomy interior free of obstructions.
- the collapsible framework often lacks the strength necessary to withstand the range of external loads imparted to the shelter structure during inclement weather, such as high winds and heavy rain or snow. As a result, these shelter structures often collapse, particularly if they are left in the field for extended periods and/or during inclement weather.
- FIG. 1 Further objects of the present invention are to provide a support assembly that is lightweight, portable, adjustable, easy to couple with and uncouple from a primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure, reliable in operation, inexpensive to manufacture, and capable of a long operating life.
- a supplemental support assembly for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting or a portable shelter for ice fishing.
- the support assembly includes a pole having one end coupled with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end.
- the pole is coupled with the framework by a coupler attached to the end of the pole that fits over a central hub of the framework.
- the pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded end of the pole.
- the threaded member can be formed integral with the central hub during manufacture of the shelter structure, or the threaded member can be affixed to the central hub as a separate component.
- the support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads, such as high winds, rain or heavy snow.
- a collapsible shelter structure comprising: a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top; a framework comprising a central hub and a plurality of spokes connected to the central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, the framework providing a primary support for a free span roof of the shelter structure; and a supplemental support assembly for supporting the framework.
- the supplemental support assembly includes a pole having a first end coupled with the framework and a second end with a structure for engaging the ground.
- the supplemental support assembly provides a removable support for a center portion of the framework to prevent the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.
- a method of providing supplemental support for a collapsible shelter structure comprising: providing a collapsible shelter structure having a flexible fabric cover with a plurality of side walls and a top, a framework having a central hub and a plurality of spokes connected to the central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover to provide a primary support for a free span roof of the shelter structure; providing a supplemental support assembly having a pole with first and second ends, a threaded portion at the first end, and a ground engaging structure at the second end; coupling the first end of the pole with the central hub; and placing the ground engaging structure into engagement with the ground surface under the central hub.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupler for a supplemental support assembly according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the coupler shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a supplemental support assembly according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of the coupler shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross section elevation view of the coupler shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the support assembly of the present invention after being pushed over a central hub with spokes of a collapsible shelter structure.
- FIG. 7 is another plan view of the support assembly of the present invention after being rotated into locking engagement with the central hub and spokes.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support assembly of the present invention coupled with the central hub and spokes of a collapsible shelter structure.
- FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the support assembly of the present invention coupled with the central hub and spokes of a collapsible shelter structure.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a supplemental support assembly for a collapsible shelter structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the support assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a conventional central hub assembly for a collapsible shelter structure in which a large washer covers the bottom side of the hub assembly.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hub assembly shown in FIG. 12 with the supplemental support assembly of the present invention attached to the large washer covering the bottom side of the hub assembly.
- a supplemental support assembly for supporting a collapsible shelter structure will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.
- FIGS. 1 to 9 A supplemental support assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 .
- the support assembly 10 is used in combination with a collapsible shelter structure 11 .
- the collapsible shelter structure 11 can be, for example, a collapsible blind similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,338 and 7,565,909, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the collapsible shelter structure 11 includes a flexible fabric cover 12 having a plurality of side walls 13 and a top 14 , and a collapsible framework 15 for supporting the flexible fabric cover 12 in a taut condition.
- the collapsible framework 15 includes, among other things, a central hub 16 and a plurality of resilient spokes 17 for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover 12 in a taut condition to provide a clear span roof for the shelter structure 11 .
- the spokes 17 are hingedly connected to the central hub 16 and radiate outwardly therefrom.
- the spokes 17 are resilient and flexible and are secured to the hub 16 by pins or by ball-and-socket couplings that allow the spokes 17 to pivot through an angle of 90 degrees from a folded position to an unfolded position parallel to the plane of the hub 16 . In the unfolded position, the hub 16 prevents the spokes 17 from pivoting past the plane of the hub 16 .
- the tautness of the cover 12 tends to maintain the spokes 17 in an over-center condition to support the blind in an upright position with the spokes 17 bowed upwardly to provide a clear span roof without any ground-engaging supports at the center of the structure.
- spokes 17 there are four spokes 17 that radiate outwardly from the central hub 16 .
- the four spokes 17 are supported at their outer ends by an additional framework that defines the side walls 13 of the shelter structure 11 .
- the collapsible framework 15 provides a primary support for the roof of the shelter structure 11 , which allows the roof to clear span the width of the shelter structure 11 (i.e., without any center supports) during normal use.
- the supplemental support assembly 10 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of the shelter structure 11 .
- the supplemental support assembly 10 is designed to be easily coupled with and uncoupled from a center portion of the framework 15 supporting the roof.
- the support assembly 10 includes a pole 19 having a coupler 20 at a first top end and a ground engaging structure 21 at a second bottom end.
- FIGS. 1 to 5 The structural details of the coupler 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 .
- the coupler 20 is removably connected to the pole 19 by a threaded connection.
- the coupler 20 has a first portion 22 with female threads 23 at its lower end for connecting to corresponding male threads 24 at the top of the pole 19 .
- the coupler 20 has a second portion 25 at its upper end for connecting to the framework 15 of the collapsible shelter structure 11 .
- the second portion 25 of the coupler 20 has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots 26 formed in a sidewall 27 thereof.
- the slots 26 are generally L-shaped to allow locking engagement with the framework 15 of the collapsible shelter structure 11 by a combination of axial movement and rotational movement of the coupler 20 relative to the framework 15 .
- Each of the slots 26 are arranged to receive a respective one of the spokes 17 of the framework 15 .
- Each of the slots 26 have an axial portion 28 open at the top of the coupler 20 and a circumferential portion 29 extending circumferentially from the axial portion 28 .
- the axial portions 28 of the slots 26 are arranged to allow the coupler 20 to be pushed over the central hub 16 of the framework 15 of the shelter structure 11 with the coupler 20 surrounding the central hub 16 and the spokes 17 of the framework 15 extending radially outwardly through the slots 26 .
- the circumferential portions 29 of the slots 26 are arranged to allow the coupler 20 to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the pole 19 into locking engagement with the spokes 17 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- a lip 30 extends into at least one, and preferably all, of the slots 26 to resist rotational movement of the coupler 20 in a direction that would tend to uncouple the coupler 20 from the framework 15 .
- the lips 30 extend only partway into the circumferential portion 29 of each of the slots 26 so that the spokes 17 can still pass between the lip 30 and the bottom of the slots 26 when the coupler 20 is slightly raised relative to the framework 15 .
- This construction of the slots 26 provides a quick and reliable connection between the coupler 20 and the framework 15 , while also allowing a quick and easy uncoupling from the framework 15 .
- An opening is provided in the bottom center of the second portion 25 to accommodate the head of a bolt or other protrusion commonly found on the bottom center of the hub 16 .
- the pole 19 is a telescoping pole assembly that can be adjusted in length between a compact storage position and an extended support position.
- the telescoping pole assembly can be of the type having two pole sections 31 , 32 that are nested one within the other, and a locking structure for locking the pole sections 31 , 32 together in a known manner.
- the ground engaging structure 21 at the bottom end of the pole 19 comprises a spike 21 with a pointed end 33 for penetrating the ground G, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9 .
- the spike 21 can be pressed into the ground G to help secure the supplemental support assembly 10 in place.
- the spike 21 will prevent side-to-side movement of the lower end of the pole 19 and will resist raising from the ground G (e.g., when a gust of wind blows through the shelter structure 11 that raises the roof).
- a corkscrew or threaded structure can be attached to the lower end of the pole 19 for anchoring the pole 19 to the ground G or to a frozen surface (e.g., for an ice fishing shelter).
- the support assembly 10 can be used to supplement the primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure 11 to prevent the shelter structure 11 from collapsing under heavy external loads. While the primary support assembly is sufficient to support the shelter structure during normal use with a clear span roof to minimize obstructions within the shelter, the supplemental support assembly 10 of the present invention can be coupled with a center portion of the framework 15 to prevent the roof from collapsing under heavy external loads during periods of nonuse.
- the coupler 20 of the support assembly 10 is coupled with the center portion of the framework 15 by a combination of axial movement and rotational movement of the coupler 20 relative to the framework 15 to engage the spokes 17 into the L-shaped slots 26 .
- the length of the pole 19 can then be adjusted to allow the pointed lower end 21 to penetrate the ground to secure the support assembly 10 in place and to adapt the pole 19 to the height of the shelter structure 11 .
- FIGS. 10 and 11 A supplemental support assembly 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 .
- the support assembly 40 is used in combination with a collapsible shelter structure 41 with a modified central hub 42 .
- the construction of the shelter structure 41 other than the central hub 42 , is the same as the shelter structure 11 described above and therefore will not be further described in detail herein.
- the supplemental support assembly 40 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of the shelter structure 41 , in a manner similar to the supplemental support assembly 10 described above.
- the modified central hub 42 includes a threaded tubular member 43 that extends downwardly from a center of the central hub 42 .
- the tubular member 43 has female threads 44 .
- the tubular member 43 is formed integral with the central hub 42 during manufacture of the collapsible shelter structure 41 .
- the central hub 42 and tubular member 43 can be molded as a unitary plastic structure.
- the tubular member 43 is affixed to the central hub 42 as a separate component.
- the tubular member 43 can be affixed to the central hub 42 by using a suitable adhesive that bonds the tubular member 43 to the lower surface of the central hub 42 .
- the tubular member 43 can be affixed to the central hub 42 by using a threaded bolt or the like that extends through a bore in the end of the tubular member 43 and a corresponding bore through the central hub 42 .
- the supplemental support assembly 40 includes a pole 45 having a threaded portion 46 at a first top end and a ground engaging structure at a second bottom end.
- the pole 45 can be a telescoping pole assembly having the same structure as the pole 19 shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 , including a ground engaging structure at the bottom end of the pole 45 .
- the pole 44 can be easily coupled with and uncoupled from the central hub 42 by threading the threaded portion 46 of the pole 45 into the female threads 44 of the tubular member 43 .
- the support assembly 40 can be used to supplement the primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure 41 to prevent the shelter structure 41 from collapsing under heavy external loads. While the primary support assembly is sufficient to support the roof of the shelter structure 41 with a clear span during normal use, the supplemental support assembly 40 can be temporarily coupled with the central hub during periods of nonuse to ensure that the shelter structure 41 does not collapse.
- the pole 44 is coupled with the tubular member 43 by mating the male threads 46 of the pole 45 with the female threads 44 of the tubular member 43 .
- the length of the pole 44 can then be adjusted to allow the pointed lower end to penetrate the ground to secure the support assembly 40 in place and to adapt the pole 44 to the height of the shelter structure 41 .
- the supplemental support assembly 40 provides an effective, low cost solution to the problem of shelter structures collapsing under heavy external loads during periods of nonuse.
- a modified central hub 42 i.e., with a tubular member 43 for mating with the threaded end 46 of the pole 45
- the cost of the supplemental support assembly 40 can be substantially reduced.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a conventional hub 51 for a collapsible shelter structure in which the resilient spokes 52 are connected to the hub 51 by ball-and-socket type couplings.
- a large flat plate or washer 53 is secured to the bottom side of the conventional hub 51 by a threaded fastener 54 or other coupling device that extends through the center of the washer 53 .
- the supplemental support assembly 50 includes a threaded tubular member 55 that extends downwardly from the center of the washer 53 .
- the tubular member 55 can be attached to the washer 53 using the same threaded fastener 54 that normally attaches the washer 53 to the hub 51 .
- the tubular member 55 can be formed integral with or permanently attached to a replacement washer that can be interchanged with the OEM washer 53 of the hub 51 .
- the tubular member 55 and the washer 53 can be molded as a unitary plastic structure, or the tubular member 55 can be permanently attached to the washer by welding or by use of a suitable adhesive.
- the tubular member 55 has female threads 56 and is open on the bottom end 57 to receive the upper end 58 of a support pole 59 .
- the support pole 55 has a male threaded portion 60 at its upper end 58 that can be threaded into the female threads 56 of the tubular member 55 to couple the support pole 59 to the hub 51 .
- the supplemental support assembly 50 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of the shelter structure 51 , in a manner similar to the supplemental support assembles 10 and 40 described above.
Abstract
A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having one end coupled with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. In one embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a coupler attached to the end of the pole that fits over a central hub of the framework. In another embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded end of the pole. The threaded member can be formed integral with the central hub or affixed to the central hub as a separate component. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/015,294 filed on Jan. 27, 2011. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/607,887 filed on Mar. 7, 2012. The contents of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to temporary shelter structures, such as tents and hunting blinds. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and devices for supporting collapsible shelter structures.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Collapsible shelter structures used for hunting blinds, fishing huts, and the like, are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,482 issued to Beavers and U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,338 issued to Stumbo disclose examples of such collapsible shelter structures. These collapsible shelter structures typically include a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top, and a collapsible framework for supporting the flexible fabric cover. The collapsible framework includes, among other things, a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover to provide a free span roof for the shelter structure. There are typically four spokes that are hingedly connected to and radiate outwardly from the central hub to support the roof of the collapsible shelter structure.
- The collapsible shelter structures of the type generally shown in the Beavers and Stumbo patents have become popular because, among other things, they are lightweight, portable, and easy to erect, making them useful and desirable for hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The collapsible framework used to support the roof in these structures provides a relatively roomy interior free of obstructions. However, the collapsible framework often lacks the strength necessary to withstand the range of external loads imparted to the shelter structure during inclement weather, such as high winds and heavy rain or snow. As a result, these shelter structures often collapse, particularly if they are left in the field for extended periods and/or during inclement weather.
- There is a need in the industry for an improved method and device to prevent collapsible shelter structures, such as ground blinds for hunting, from collapsing when they are left in the field.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a supplemental support assembly that can be used to prevent a collapsible shelter structure from collapsing during inclement weather and to increase the ability of a shelter structure to withstand other external forces without collapsing.
- Further objects of the present invention are to provide a support assembly that is lightweight, portable, adjustable, easy to couple with and uncouple from a primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure, reliable in operation, inexpensive to manufacture, and capable of a long operating life.
- To accomplish these and other objects of the present invention, a supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting or a portable shelter for ice fishing. The support assembly includes a pole having one end coupled with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. In one embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a coupler attached to the end of the pole that fits over a central hub of the framework. In another embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded end of the pole. The threaded member can be formed integral with the central hub during manufacture of the shelter structure, or the threaded member can be affixed to the central hub as a separate component. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads, such as high winds, rain or heavy snow.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a collapsible shelter structure is provided, comprising: a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top; a framework comprising a central hub and a plurality of spokes connected to the central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, the framework providing a primary support for a free span roof of the shelter structure; and a supplemental support assembly for supporting the framework. The supplemental support assembly includes a pole having a first end coupled with the framework and a second end with a structure for engaging the ground. The supplemental support assembly provides a removable support for a center portion of the framework to prevent the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing supplemental support for a collapsible shelter structure is provided, comprising: providing a collapsible shelter structure having a flexible fabric cover with a plurality of side walls and a top, a framework having a central hub and a plurality of spokes connected to the central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover to provide a primary support for a free span roof of the shelter structure; providing a supplemental support assembly having a pole with first and second ends, a threaded portion at the first end, and a ground engaging structure at the second end; coupling the first end of the pole with the central hub; and placing the ground engaging structure into engagement with the ground surface under the central hub.
- Numerous other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described embodiments of the present invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
- The present invention will become more clearly appreciated as the disclosure of the present invention is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupler for a supplemental support assembly according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the coupler shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a supplemental support assembly according to the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the coupler shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross section elevation view of the coupler shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the support assembly of the present invention after being pushed over a central hub with spokes of a collapsible shelter structure. -
FIG. 7 is another plan view of the support assembly of the present invention after being rotated into locking engagement with the central hub and spokes. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support assembly of the present invention coupled with the central hub and spokes of a collapsible shelter structure. -
FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the support assembly of the present invention coupled with the central hub and spokes of a collapsible shelter structure. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a supplemental support assembly for a collapsible shelter structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the support assembly shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a conventional central hub assembly for a collapsible shelter structure in which a large washer covers the bottom side of the hub assembly. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hub assembly shown inFIG. 12 with the supplemental support assembly of the present invention attached to the large washer covering the bottom side of the hub assembly. - A supplemental support assembly for supporting a collapsible shelter structure according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 13 of the accompanying drawings. - A
supplemental support assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9 . Thesupport assembly 10 is used in combination with acollapsible shelter structure 11. Thecollapsible shelter structure 11 can be, for example, a collapsible blind similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,338 and 7,565,909, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. - As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 , thecollapsible shelter structure 11 includes aflexible fabric cover 12 having a plurality ofside walls 13 and atop 14, and acollapsible framework 15 for supporting theflexible fabric cover 12 in a taut condition. Thecollapsible framework 15 includes, among other things, acentral hub 16 and a plurality ofresilient spokes 17 for engaging and supporting the top of thefabric cover 12 in a taut condition to provide a clear span roof for theshelter structure 11. Thespokes 17 are hingedly connected to thecentral hub 16 and radiate outwardly therefrom. Thespokes 17 are resilient and flexible and are secured to thehub 16 by pins or by ball-and-socket couplings that allow thespokes 17 to pivot through an angle of 90 degrees from a folded position to an unfolded position parallel to the plane of thehub 16. In the unfolded position, thehub 16 prevents thespokes 17 from pivoting past the plane of thehub 16. When thespokes 17 are urged to an outwardly bowed condition, the tautness of thecover 12 tends to maintain thespokes 17 in an over-center condition to support the blind in an upright position with thespokes 17 bowed upwardly to provide a clear span roof without any ground-engaging supports at the center of the structure. - In the illustrated embodiment, there are four
spokes 17 that radiate outwardly from thecentral hub 16. The fourspokes 17 are supported at their outer ends by an additional framework that defines theside walls 13 of theshelter structure 11. Thecollapsible framework 15 provides a primary support for the roof of theshelter structure 11, which allows the roof to clear span the width of the shelter structure 11 (i.e., without any center supports) during normal use. - The
supplemental support assembly 10 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of theshelter structure 11. Thesupplemental support assembly 10 is designed to be easily coupled with and uncoupled from a center portion of theframework 15 supporting the roof. Thesupport assembly 10 includes apole 19 having acoupler 20 at a first top end and aground engaging structure 21 at a second bottom end. - The structural details of the
coupler 20 are illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 . As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thecoupler 20 is removably connected to thepole 19 by a threaded connection. Specifically, thecoupler 20 has afirst portion 22 withfemale threads 23 at its lower end for connecting to correspondingmale threads 24 at the top of thepole 19. - The
coupler 20 has asecond portion 25 at its upper end for connecting to theframework 15 of thecollapsible shelter structure 11. Thesecond portion 25 of thecoupler 20 has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality ofslots 26 formed in asidewall 27 thereof. Theslots 26 are generally L-shaped to allow locking engagement with theframework 15 of thecollapsible shelter structure 11 by a combination of axial movement and rotational movement of thecoupler 20 relative to theframework 15. Each of theslots 26 are arranged to receive a respective one of thespokes 17 of theframework 15. - Each of the
slots 26 have anaxial portion 28 open at the top of thecoupler 20 and acircumferential portion 29 extending circumferentially from theaxial portion 28. As illustrated inFIG. 6 , theaxial portions 28 of theslots 26 are arranged to allow thecoupler 20 to be pushed over thecentral hub 16 of theframework 15 of theshelter structure 11 with thecoupler 20 surrounding thecentral hub 16 and thespokes 17 of theframework 15 extending radially outwardly through theslots 26. Thecircumferential portions 29 of theslots 26 are arranged to allow thecoupler 20 to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of thepole 19 into locking engagement with thespokes 17, as illustrated inFIG. 7 . - A
lip 30 extends into at least one, and preferably all, of theslots 26 to resist rotational movement of thecoupler 20 in a direction that would tend to uncouple thecoupler 20 from theframework 15. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3 , thelips 30 extend only partway into thecircumferential portion 29 of each of theslots 26 so that thespokes 17 can still pass between thelip 30 and the bottom of theslots 26 when thecoupler 20 is slightly raised relative to theframework 15. This construction of theslots 26 provides a quick and reliable connection between thecoupler 20 and theframework 15, while also allowing a quick and easy uncoupling from theframework 15. - An opening is provided in the bottom center of the
second portion 25 to accommodate the head of a bolt or other protrusion commonly found on the bottom center of thehub 16. - The
pole 19 is a telescoping pole assembly that can be adjusted in length between a compact storage position and an extended support position. For example, the telescoping pole assembly can be of the type having twopole sections pole sections - The
ground engaging structure 21 at the bottom end of thepole 19 comprises aspike 21 with apointed end 33 for penetrating the ground G, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 9 . Thespike 21 can be pressed into the ground G to help secure thesupplemental support assembly 10 in place. For example, thespike 21 will prevent side-to-side movement of the lower end of thepole 19 and will resist raising from the ground G (e.g., when a gust of wind blows through theshelter structure 11 that raises the roof). A corkscrew or threaded structure can be attached to the lower end of thepole 19 for anchoring thepole 19 to the ground G or to a frozen surface (e.g., for an ice fishing shelter). - The structural details of the
supplemental support assembly 10 of the present invention are described above. A method of using thesupplemental support assembly 10 will now be described. - The
support assembly 10 can be used to supplement the primary support assembly of acollapsible shelter structure 11 to prevent theshelter structure 11 from collapsing under heavy external loads. While the primary support assembly is sufficient to support the shelter structure during normal use with a clear span roof to minimize obstructions within the shelter, thesupplemental support assembly 10 of the present invention can be coupled with a center portion of theframework 15 to prevent the roof from collapsing under heavy external loads during periods of nonuse. - The
coupler 20 of thesupport assembly 10 is coupled with the center portion of theframework 15 by a combination of axial movement and rotational movement of thecoupler 20 relative to theframework 15 to engage thespokes 17 into the L-shapedslots 26. The length of thepole 19 can then be adjusted to allow the pointedlower end 21 to penetrate the ground to secure thesupport assembly 10 in place and to adapt thepole 19 to the height of theshelter structure 11. - A
supplemental support assembly 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 . Thesupport assembly 40 is used in combination with acollapsible shelter structure 41 with a modifiedcentral hub 42. The construction of theshelter structure 41, other than thecentral hub 42, is the same as theshelter structure 11 described above and therefore will not be further described in detail herein. Thesupplemental support assembly 40 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of theshelter structure 41, in a manner similar to thesupplemental support assembly 10 described above. - The modified
central hub 42 includes a threadedtubular member 43 that extends downwardly from a center of thecentral hub 42. Thetubular member 43 hasfemale threads 44. - In one embodiment, the
tubular member 43 is formed integral with thecentral hub 42 during manufacture of thecollapsible shelter structure 41. For example, thecentral hub 42 andtubular member 43 can be molded as a unitary plastic structure. - In another embodiment, the
tubular member 43 is affixed to thecentral hub 42 as a separate component. For example, thetubular member 43 can be affixed to thecentral hub 42 by using a suitable adhesive that bonds thetubular member 43 to the lower surface of thecentral hub 42. For another example, thetubular member 43 can be affixed to thecentral hub 42 by using a threaded bolt or the like that extends through a bore in the end of thetubular member 43 and a corresponding bore through thecentral hub 42. - The
supplemental support assembly 40 includes apole 45 having a threadedportion 46 at a first top end and a ground engaging structure at a second bottom end. Thepole 45 can be a telescoping pole assembly having the same structure as thepole 19 shown inFIGS. 3 and 9 , including a ground engaging structure at the bottom end of thepole 45. Thepole 44 can be easily coupled with and uncoupled from thecentral hub 42 by threading the threadedportion 46 of thepole 45 into thefemale threads 44 of thetubular member 43. - The structural details of the
supplemental support assembly 40 of the present invention are described above. A method of using thesupplemental support assembly 40 will now be described. - The
support assembly 40 can be used to supplement the primary support assembly of acollapsible shelter structure 41 to prevent theshelter structure 41 from collapsing under heavy external loads. While the primary support assembly is sufficient to support the roof of theshelter structure 41 with a clear span during normal use, thesupplemental support assembly 40 can be temporarily coupled with the central hub during periods of nonuse to ensure that theshelter structure 41 does not collapse. - The
pole 44 is coupled with thetubular member 43 by mating themale threads 46 of thepole 45 with thefemale threads 44 of thetubular member 43. The length of thepole 44 can then be adjusted to allow the pointed lower end to penetrate the ground to secure thesupport assembly 40 in place and to adapt thepole 44 to the height of theshelter structure 41. - The
supplemental support assembly 40 provides an effective, low cost solution to the problem of shelter structures collapsing under heavy external loads during periods of nonuse. By providing a modified central hub 42 (i.e., with atubular member 43 for mating with the threadedend 46 of the pole 45) at the time of manufacturing theshelter structure 41, the cost of thesupplemental support assembly 40 can be substantially reduced. - A
supplemental support assembly 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13 .FIG. 12 illustrates aconventional hub 51 for a collapsible shelter structure in which theresilient spokes 52 are connected to thehub 51 by ball-and-socket type couplings. A large flat plate orwasher 53 is secured to the bottom side of theconventional hub 51 by a threadedfastener 54 or other coupling device that extends through the center of thewasher 53. - The
supplemental support assembly 50 includes a threadedtubular member 55 that extends downwardly from the center of thewasher 53. Thetubular member 55 can be attached to thewasher 53 using the same threadedfastener 54 that normally attaches thewasher 53 to thehub 51. Alternatively, thetubular member 55 can be formed integral with or permanently attached to a replacement washer that can be interchanged with theOEM washer 53 of thehub 51. For example, thetubular member 55 and thewasher 53 can be molded as a unitary plastic structure, or thetubular member 55 can be permanently attached to the washer by welding or by use of a suitable adhesive. - The
tubular member 55 hasfemale threads 56 and is open on thebottom end 57 to receive theupper end 58 of asupport pole 59. Thesupport pole 55 has a male threadedportion 60 at itsupper end 58 that can be threaded into thefemale threads 56 of thetubular member 55 to couple thesupport pole 59 to thehub 51. Thesupplemental support assembly 50 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of theshelter structure 51, in a manner similar to the supplemental support assembles 10 and 40 described above. - While the invention has been specifically described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the application should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
Claims (14)
1. A collapsible shelter structure, comprising:
a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top;
a framework comprising a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes pivotally connected to said central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, said framework providing a primary support for a clear span roof of the shelter structure; and
a supplemental support assembly for supporting said framework, said supplemental support assembly comprising a pole having a first end removably coupled with said framework and a second end with a structure for engaging the ground, whereby said supplemental support assembly provides a removable support for a center portion of said framework to prevent the clear span roof of the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.
2. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1 , wherein said resilient spokes and said central hub are constructed and arranged to engage and support the top of the fabric cover with the spokes bowed upwardly in an over-center condition relative to a plane of the hub to provide the clear span roof of the shelter structure.
3. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1 , wherein said first end of the pole has a threaded portion, and wherein said pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded portion of the pole.
4. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 3 , wherein said threaded member comprises a tubular member that extends downwardly from the central hub and has female threads for mating with corresponding male threads on the threaded portion of the pole.
5. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 4 , wherein said threaded member is integral with said central hub.
6. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 4 , wherein said threaded member is affixed to said central hub as a separate component.
7. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 4 , wherein said central hub has a flat washer covering a bottom side thereof, and wherein said threaded member is affixed to or integral with said flat washer.
8. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1 , wherein said pole comprises a telescoping pole assembly that can be adjusted in length between a compact storage position and an extended support position.
9. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1 , wherein said ground engaging structure at the second end of said pole comprises a spike with a pointed end for penetrating the ground.
10. A method of providing supplemental support for a collapsible shelter structure, comprising:
providing a collapsible shelter structure having a flexible fabric cover with a plurality of side walls and a top, a framework having a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes pivotally connected to said central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, said framework providing a primary support for a clear span roof of the shelter structure;
providing a supplemental support assembly having a pole with first and second ends, a threaded portion at said first end, and a ground engaging structure at said second end;
coupling said first end of the pole with said central hub; and
placing said ground engaging structure into engagement with the ground surface under said central hub.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein said resilient spokes and said central hub are constructed and arranged to engage and support the top of the fabric cover with the spokes bowed upwardly in an over-center condition relative to a plane of the hub to provide the clear span roof of the shelter structure.
12. The method according to claim 10 , wherein said central hub has a threaded member extending downwardly therefrom, and said first end of the pole is coupled to the central hub by mating a threaded portion of the pole with the threaded member.
13. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising adjusting a length of said pole using a telescoping assembly to adapt said pole to a height of said collapsible shelter structure.
14. The method according to claim 10 , wherein said ground engaging structure comprises a pointed end, and further comprising penetrating the ground surface with said pointed end to help secure the supplemental support assembly in place.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/789,596 US20130180559A1 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2013-03-07 | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/015,294 US8578956B2 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2011-01-27 | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter |
US201261607887P | 2012-03-07 | 2012-03-07 | |
US13/789,596 US20130180559A1 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2013-03-07 | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/015,294 Continuation-In-Part US8578956B2 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2011-01-27 | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130180559A1 true US20130180559A1 (en) | 2013-07-18 |
Family
ID=48779128
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/789,596 Abandoned US20130180559A1 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2013-03-07 | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130180559A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11044903B1 (en) * | 2017-02-27 | 2021-06-29 | Christopher Foate | Hunting blind |
CN114439308A (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2022-05-06 | 江都恒力设备制造有限公司 | Frame structure for quickly building temporary disaster relief house in earthquake |
WO2023229157A1 (en) * | 2022-05-26 | 2023-11-30 | 주식회사 아이두젠 | Hexagonal tent support and hexagonal tent |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1565977A (en) * | 1925-01-08 | 1925-12-15 | Ames Fletcher | Tent support |
US1691411A (en) * | 1924-01-19 | 1928-11-13 | Denver Tent & Awning Company | Tent |
US1858960A (en) * | 1930-07-18 | 1932-05-17 | Kruger Paul | Parasol or umbrella |
US2059463A (en) * | 1935-05-18 | 1936-11-03 | Kemp David | Tent |
US2864389A (en) * | 1956-04-09 | 1958-12-16 | Hettrick Mfg Co | Umbrella tent |
US4033366A (en) * | 1975-05-20 | 1977-07-05 | Leonel Forget | Umbrella tent |
US4111408A (en) * | 1977-08-26 | 1978-09-05 | Francis Lee Love | Knock-down workpiece-supporting standard and overspray shield |
US4971090A (en) * | 1989-09-21 | 1990-11-20 | Michael Uhl | Support means for foldable structure |
US5036874A (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1991-08-06 | Lynch James P | Tensioned tent structure and erection method therefor |
JPH08105243A (en) * | 1994-10-05 | 1996-04-23 | San Eretetsuku Kk | Tent |
US6286530B1 (en) * | 1999-06-20 | 2001-09-11 | Richard Hussey | Reconfigurable sun shade and shelter apparatus |
US6345639B2 (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 2002-02-12 | Negocios De Estella S.A. | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
US6581617B2 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2003-06-24 | Ham Se-Ii | Canopy tent with automatic umbrella-type collapsible frame |
US8069870B2 (en) * | 2008-03-10 | 2011-12-06 | William Gridley | Ventilator for venting covers |
-
2013
- 2013-03-07 US US13/789,596 patent/US20130180559A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1691411A (en) * | 1924-01-19 | 1928-11-13 | Denver Tent & Awning Company | Tent |
US1565977A (en) * | 1925-01-08 | 1925-12-15 | Ames Fletcher | Tent support |
US1858960A (en) * | 1930-07-18 | 1932-05-17 | Kruger Paul | Parasol or umbrella |
US2059463A (en) * | 1935-05-18 | 1936-11-03 | Kemp David | Tent |
US2864389A (en) * | 1956-04-09 | 1958-12-16 | Hettrick Mfg Co | Umbrella tent |
US4033366A (en) * | 1975-05-20 | 1977-07-05 | Leonel Forget | Umbrella tent |
US4111408A (en) * | 1977-08-26 | 1978-09-05 | Francis Lee Love | Knock-down workpiece-supporting standard and overspray shield |
US5036874A (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1991-08-06 | Lynch James P | Tensioned tent structure and erection method therefor |
US4971090A (en) * | 1989-09-21 | 1990-11-20 | Michael Uhl | Support means for foldable structure |
JPH08105243A (en) * | 1994-10-05 | 1996-04-23 | San Eretetsuku Kk | Tent |
US6345639B2 (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 2002-02-12 | Negocios De Estella S.A. | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
US6286530B1 (en) * | 1999-06-20 | 2001-09-11 | Richard Hussey | Reconfigurable sun shade and shelter apparatus |
US6581617B2 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2003-06-24 | Ham Se-Ii | Canopy tent with automatic umbrella-type collapsible frame |
US8069870B2 (en) * | 2008-03-10 | 2011-12-06 | William Gridley | Ventilator for venting covers |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11044903B1 (en) * | 2017-02-27 | 2021-06-29 | Christopher Foate | Hunting blind |
CN114439308A (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2022-05-06 | 江都恒力设备制造有限公司 | Frame structure for quickly building temporary disaster relief house in earthquake |
WO2023229157A1 (en) * | 2022-05-26 | 2023-11-30 | 주식회사 아이두젠 | Hexagonal tent support and hexagonal tent |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6431193B2 (en) | Collapsible shelter with flexible, collapsible canopy | |
US6021795A (en) | Quick-erecting tent | |
US10494832B2 (en) | Removably mountable roof frame for use with an expandable canopy | |
US7984726B2 (en) | Portable shelter having frame with pivotally coupled foot members | |
US10426236B1 (en) | Multi-function double-canopy umbrella | |
US9260881B2 (en) | Quick camp frame system | |
GB2071727A (en) | Umbrella-type shelters, especially umbrella-type tents | |
US10426234B1 (en) | Multi-angle multi-function umbrella | |
US8578956B2 (en) | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter | |
US20130180559A1 (en) | Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter | |
US4256129A (en) | Tent roof structure | |
US20030000563A1 (en) | Construction frame | |
US20160258179A1 (en) | Sled-attached ice shelter with flexible and rigid pole structure | |
AU2021107681A4 (en) | A portable shelter | |
AU2015100823A4 (en) | A post attachment for a camper trailer awning frame and awning frame elements | |
EP3158149A1 (en) | A foldable tent |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |