WO2013033819A1

WO2013033819A1 - Collapsible tent frame arch and purlin assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2013033819A1
Application number: PCT/CA2012/000813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian D. Johnson; Ryan Douglas SAVENKOFF
Original assignee: Weatherhaven Resources Ltd.
Priority date: 2011-09-08
Filing date: 2012-09-05
Publication date: 2013-03-14

Abstract

A unitary folding frame element for constructing a tent frame. A plurality of the frame elements are used to construct a collapsible tent frame to which a fabric cover can be attached to form a large scale tent. Each frame element carries the necessary folding arches, purlins and connectors which lock into place when assembled without the need for additional fasteners or pieces.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE TENT FRAME ARCH AND PURLIN ASSEMBLY

Cross Reference To Related Application

[0001] The present application claims the benefits, under 35

U.S.C.§119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

61/532,419 filed September 8, 2011 which is incorporated herein by this reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to the field of collapsible structures, in

particular fabric-covered structures such as tents and collapsible frames for supporting same.

Background

[0003] Numerous designs have been developed for large-scale

collapsible fabric-covered structures which are portable and can be rapidly erected and disassembled. Such structures have use in military applications, for resource exploration, for large public events such as concerts and festivals and the like. Typically the frames for such structures consist of multiple separate pieces which can become misplaced and are complicated to assemble, dis-assemble and pack for shipment. There is therefore a need for more simple and efficient frames for large-scale collapsible structures.

[0004] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

Summary

[0005] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0006] The present invention therefore provides a unitary folding frame element. A plurality of the frame elements are used to construct a collapsible tent frame to which a fabric cover can be attached to form a large scale tent. Each frame element carries the necessary folding arches, purlins and connectors which lock into place when assembled without the need for additional fasteners or pieces.

[0007] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a frame component according to a first embodiment of the invention in folded configuration.

[00010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of frame components unfolded and aligned for assembly.

[00011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of frame components unfolded and aligned for assembly with center brackets raised and connected.

[00012] Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a frame component with arch elements unfolded for assembly and purlins raised.

[00013] Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a frame component unfolded for assembly with purlins partially lowered.

[00014] Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of a central portion of a frame component unfolded for assembly with purlins fully lowered. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a frame component according to Fig. 6 in cross-section along lines 7-7. Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a frame component according to Fig. 6 in cross-section along lines 8-8. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of frame components unfolded and aligned for assembly with center brackets raised and all purlins lowered.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of frame components unfolded and aligned for assembly with center brackets connected and one set of outer brackets raised.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a plurality of frame components unfolded and aligned for assembly with center brackets and one set of outer brackets connected.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembled tent frame. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a plurality of frame components according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 22-26 with fabric covering attached with center brackets and one set of outer brackets connected.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a fully assembled tent frame shown in Fig. 13 with fabric covering in place.

Fig. 15 is a detail front perspective view of a purlin.

Fig. 16 is a detail rear perspective view of a purlin.

Fig. 17 is a detail perspective view of two joined purlins.

Fig. 18 is a detail front perspective view of the telescopic mechanism of an arch element.

Fig. 19 is a detail front perspective view of the outer sleeve of a telescopic mechanism of an arch element.

Fig. 20 is a detail front perspective view of the inner sleeve of a telescopic mechanism of an arch element

Fig. 21 is a detail front cross-sectional view of the telescopic mechanism of an arch element taken along lines 9-9 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the frame component according to a second embodiment the invention in folded configuration. [00031] Fig. 23 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a frame component according to the embodiment in Fig. 22 unfolded for assembly with purlins raised.

[00032] Fig. 24 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a

frame component according to the embodiment in Fig. 22 unfolded for assembly with purlins fully lowered.

[00033] Fig. 25 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a

frame component according to Fig. 24 in cross-section along lines l'-r.

[00034] Fig. 26 is a detail perspective view of the center bracket of a

frame component according to Fig. 6 in cross-section along lines 2'-2'.

Description

[00035] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[00036] With reference to Fig. 1, each tent frame component 10 comprises a center bracket 12 and two outer brackets 14. Pivotally attached to each bracket 12 at pivot axes 13 are upper arch elements 16. Pivotally attached to each bracket 12 at pivot axes 15 are purlin members 18. Pivotally attached to each bracket 14 at pivot axes 17 are lower arch elements 20. Upper arch elements 16 are pivotally attached to outer brackets 14 at pivot axes 19. The lower arch elements 20 have feet 21 at the outer ends thereof. The ends of arch elements 16, 20 are received between opposed flanges of brackets 12, 14. Horizontal angled surfaces 63, 65 on brackets 12, 14 prevent arch elements 16, 20 from rotating downwardly beyond the designed angles to maintain the deisgned roof angle when assembled. To permit arch elements 16, 20 to rotate upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 1 , open gaps 64, 66 are provided at the outer edges of brackets 12, 14. . [00037] Fig. 2 shows six tent frame components 10 unfolded and arranged in place on a flat surface such as the ground, to form a tent frame. The number of frame components 10 used for a given frame will be selected depending on the length of tent structure. Arch elements 16, 20 have been pivoted to form a straight line leaving the purlins extending vertically, perpendicular to brackets 12, 14 and arch elements 16, 20. Fig. 3 shows the brackets 12 raised, arch elements 16 telescopically extended, and purlin members 18 between adjacent bracket members 12 pivoted to a horizontal position and joined to the adjacent purlin member 18. As shown in Fig. 4 - 8, purlin members 18 pivot in a direction A shown in

Fig. 5 perpendicular to arch elements 16 and brackets 12, 14 on pivot axes 15 mounted in brackets 12, 14. Purlins 18 have a curved surface end 24 which permits the purlins to be rotated from the vertical position shown in Fig. 4 to the horizontal position shown in Fig. 8 where the curved surface 24 bears against edge 25 of the bracket 12 to prevent purlins 18 from rotating past the horizontal position. When purlins 18 are lowered to the position shown in Fig. 8, arch elements 16 are locked in position by edge 27 of arch element 16 bearing against the side edges 29 of curved surface 24.

[00038] Fig. 18 - 21 illustrate the preferred mechanism for telescopic extension of arch elements 16, 20, using the lower arch element 20 by way of example, with upper arch element 16 being constructed in the same way. As shown in greater detail in Fig.

18, each arch element 20 is telescopic, comprising an outer sleeve 40, an inner sleeve 42 which slides within outer sleeve 40, and a spring-mounted pin 44 secured to outer sleeve 40 having a T- handle 45 and spring 46. Pin 44 projects through holes 43 in inner sleeve 42 and corresponding holes 41 in outer sleeve 40 to releasably secure the sleeves 40, 42 in an extended configuration. When pin 44 is withdrawn using T-handle 45, it slides against the outer surface of inner sleeve 42 to permit the arch elements 16, 20 to be collapsed for transport. Teflon pads 48 are attached to the inner surface of outer sleeve 40 and the outer surface of inner sleeve 42 to permit sliding while maintaining a tight engagement between sleeves 40, 42.

Fig. 15-17 show the mechanism for joining two adjacent purlins to form a continuous horizontal connection between frame elements 10. Each purlin has at its free end a flange 26 having a hole 28 adjacent the end of the flange and a spring mounted cotter pin assembly 30 secured adjacent hole 28 on one side of flange 26. On the opposite side of flange 26 from the cotter pin assembly 30 and spaced towards end 25 from hole 28 is fixed, by welding or the like, a solid cylindrical peg 32 provided with a hole 34 for receiving the end of pin 31 of the cotter pin assembly 30 of an adjacent purlin 18. Thus when adjacent purlin elements 18 are lowered to secure the associated arch elements 16 in place, they are joined by inserting the ends of the two respective pegs 32 through holes 28 and spring-mounted pins 31 are inserted in holes 34, thereby releasably securing the two adjacent purlins 18 in horizontal alignment as shown in Fig. 17.

Fig. 9-12 show the final assembly of a tent frame from frame elements 10. In Fig. 9, purlins 18 are in the process of being lowered to the horizontal position to secure to the adjacent purlins. In Fig. 10 the purlins 18 between adjacent center brackets 12 have been fastened as described above, thereby formed a continuous ridge beam 50. In Fig. 1 1 the purlins 18 between adjacent outer brackets 14 on one side of the frame have been fastened as described above, thereby forming a continuous side beam 52. In Fig. 1 1 the purlins 18 between adjacent outer brackets 14 on the other side of the frame have been fastened as described above, thereby forming the opposite continuous side beam 52 to thereby form a unitary frame structure. Lower arch elements 20 have also been telescopically extended to raise the height of ridge beam 50. Cables (not shown) may optionally be strung between the outer brackets 14 of each element 10 in the interior of the structure for additional reinforcement of the structure in an upright configuration. [00041] Fig. 13 and 14 illustrate attachment of a fabric tent covering 60 to the arch elements using fasteners such as hooks or hook and loop fasteners. The fabric covering 60 can be attached during the erection process as shown in Fig. 13. To disassemble the structure the foregoing steps are reversed. Fabric covering 60 is removed, adjacent purlins 18 detached and raised to a horizontal position, arch elements 16, 20 are telescopically retracted and folded to the position shown in Figure 1 for transport. While the embodiment shown in Fig. 13 and 14 has the end purlins 65 which are attached to the endmost tent frame components extending horizontally outwardly from the end walls of the structure, this can be avoided by providing end tent frame components which have only one purlin 18 pivotally attached at brackets 12, 14. [00042] Fig. 22 to 26 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention.

Each tent frame component 110 comprises a center bracket 112 and two outer brackets 114. Pivotally attached to each bracket 1 12, 1 14 are arch elements 1 16, male purlin members 118 and female purlin members 120. Each arch element 116 preferably is telescopic, comprising an outer sleeve 115, an inner sleeve 1 17 which slides within outer sleeve 1 15, and a spring-mounted button 1 19 secured to inner sleeve 1 17 and which projects through a hole in outer sleeve 1 15 to releasably secure the sleeves 1 15, 1 17 in a selected length. As shown in Fig. 6-8, arch elements 16 pivot in brackets 12, 14 on bolts 22. Male and female purlin members 118, 120 pivot in the direction perpendicular to arch elements 116 in brackets 112, 114 on pins 124 mounted in flanges 126 secured to brackets 112, 1 14. Purlins 118, 120 have a curved cammed surface 128 whereby when arch elements 1 16 are rotated into the assembled position shown in Figure 19, the ends 136 of arch elements 1 16 slide against the cammed surfaces 128 causing the purlins to be raised and then once the arch elements are in place bearing against the angled surface 130 of brackets 1 12, 114, the ends 132 of cammed surfaces 128 fall in place under the ends 136 to lock the arch elements 116 in place. Spring clips 140 hold pins 124 in place and permit them to be quickly replaced or removed.

By using the structure described above, large tent frames of variable size can be constructed from multiple units of a single collapsible frame component without additional separate parts, fasteners etc. While the embodiment shown comprises upper and lower arch element to form a tent frame with a roof and side wall, the outer brackets 14 and lower arch elements 20 can be dispensed with to form the frame of an A-frame shelter, or additional outer brackets and lower arch elements can be combined in each frame component 10 to form a tent frame with multiple arch elements forming the roof and side walls.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and

sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tent frame component comprising:

(a) a center bracket for pivotally receiving two opposed upper arch elements and two opposed purlins, and configured to permit said upper arch elements and purlins to be rotated upwardly to a substantially vertical position and to secure said purlins from downward rotation past the horizontal and said upper arch elements from downward rotation past a pre-determined angle;

(b) two upper arch elements each pivotally attached to said center bracket at a first end thereof for rotation from a first position extending upwardly to a second lowered position secured by said center bracket at a pre-determined angle;

(c) two opposed purlins each pivotally attached at a first end thereof to said central bracket for rotation in opposed directions from a first position extending upwardly to a second lowered position secured by said center bracket at a substantially horizontal position;

wherein each said purlin comprises at its free end thereof means to be releasably secured to the free end of an adjacent purlin to form a horizontal beam when said adjacent purlins are each rotated to said second lowered position.

2. The tent frame component of claim 1 further comprising:

(a) two outer bracket members each pivotally attached to the second end of said upper arch elements, and each pivotally receiving one of two opposed lower arch elements and two opposed purlins, and configured to permit said upper and lower arch elements and purlins to be rotated relative to said outer brackets to a first folded position and to secure said purlins from downward rotation past the horizontal and said upper and lower arch elements from rotation past a pre-determined angle;

(b) two lower arch elements each pivotally attached to said outer brackets at a first end thereof for rotation from a first folded position to a second lowered position secured by said outer bracket at a predetermined angle; (c) two opposed purlins pivotally attached at a first end thereof to each of said outer brackets for rotation from a first position extending upwardly to a second lowered, substantially horizontal position;

wherein said purlin comprises at its free end thereof means to be releasably secured to an adjacent purlin to form a horizontal beam when said adjacent purlins are each rotated to said second lowered position.

3. The tent frame component of claim 1 wherein said upper arch elements are free to rotate between said first folded and second lowered positions when either or both of said opposed purlins are in said first position, and are prevented from rotating from said lowered position when either or both of said opposed purlins are in said second position.

4. The tent frame component of claim 2 wherein said lower arch elements are free to rotate between said first folded and second lowered positions when either or both of said opposed purlins are in said first position, and are prevented from rotating from said lowered position when either or both of said opposed purlins are in said second position.

5. The tent frame component of claim 1 wherein each of said upper arch elements comprises inner and outer telescopic elements to extend from a first collapsed configuration to a second extended configuration.

6. The tent frame component of claim 2 wherein each of said lower arch elements comprises inner and outer telescopic elements to extend from a first collapsed configuration to a second extended configuration.

7. The tent frame component of claim 2 wherein each of said lower arch elements comprises a foot element secured to the lower end thereof.

8. A tent frame comprising a plurality of the tent frame components of claim 1, releasably joined by aligning the arch elements of each component in parallel, lowering said purlins to a horizontal position and joining adjacent purlins.

9. A tent frame comprising a plurality of the tent frame components of claim 2, releasably joined by aligning the arch elements of each component in parallel, lowering said purlins to a horizontal position and joining adjacent purlins.

10. A tent comprising the tent frame of claim 8 and a removable tent frame cover releasably secured thereto.

11. A tent comprising the tent frame of claim 9 and a removable tent frame cover releasably secured thereto.

12. A method of assembling a tent structure comprising;

(a) providing the tent frame component of claim 1 ;

(b) aligning a plurality of said tent frame components so that the arch elements are parallel;

(c) lowering said purlins to a horizontal position; and

(d) attaching adjacent purlins to form a ridge beam to thereby form a tent frame;

(e) attaching a tent cover to said tent frame.

13. A method of assembling a tent structure comprising;

(a) providing a plurality of the tent frame components of claim 2;

(b) aligning said plurality of said tent frame components so that the arch elements are parallel;

(c) lowering said purlins to a horizontal position;

(d) attaching adjacent purlins to form a ridge beam and two parallel side beams to thereby form a tent frame; and

(e) attaching a tent cover to said tent frame.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of telescopically extending said upper arch elements prior to attaching said tent cover.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of telescopically extending said upper and lower arch elements prior to attaching said tent cover.