WO2014114976A1

WO2014114976A1 - Improvements in or relating to a portable structure

Info

Publication number: WO2014114976A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/002538
Authority: WO
Inventors: Teresa Yu
Original assignee: Prime Honour Development Limited
Priority date: 2013-01-24
Filing date: 2013-11-14
Publication date: 2014-07-31
Also published as: GB2510135A; GB201301282D0

Abstract

A portable structure(l), configurable between stored and erected conditions, comprises a first end wall(4), one or more side walls(5), a first resilient frame(2) and a second resilient frame(3) and one or more spacing members(6). In the erected condition, the portable structure(l) comprises a first end defined by a first end wall(4), a second end opposed to the first end and one or more sides defined by one or more side walls(5). The first end, the second end and one or more sides define an interior of the portable structure. The second end of the portable structure comprises one or more openings for allowing a person or an object to enter or exit the interior. One or more spacing members (6) are suitable for supporting the flexible material of one or more side walls (5) in the erected condition. The resilient frames(2,3) are bendable and one or more spacing members(6) are foldable to allow the portable structure to adopt its stored condition, wherein bending of the resilient frames(2,3) and/or folding of the spacing members(6) provides energy for moving the portable structure from the stored condition to the erected condition thereof.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A PORTABLE STRUCTURE

This disclosure relates to a portable structure. In particular, the portable structure is configurable between stored and erected conditions. Further, the disclosure relates to a method of storing and a method of erecting a portable structure.

Portable structures, for example tents, are well known in the art. As tents have evolved, there has been a move towards tents which require less connection or assembling of components and, therefore, a more easily and quickly erected portable structure. The flexible frame and tent disclosed in US Patent No. 4,569,362 is just one example of prior art which disclose tent arrangements. In particular, US

4,569,362 discloses a frame including a flexible resilient base ring and a flexible resilient top ring having a top covering removably attached. The top ring contains a pair of diametrically opposing ferrule connectors for attaching the top ring around the outside of a flexible resilient arched member. The top ring is spaced from the base ring by two tubular sleeve members which are fastened at respective ends to the base ring and top ring. It will therefore be seen from this particular disclosure, in particular, that the base ring and the top ring must be put together prior to attaching those rings to the respective parts of the tent.

Further, two tubular sleeve members must then be attached to the two rings to provide them in a spaced relationship.

Finally, an arched member must also be added to the top ring to provide the tent in the erected condition.

Accordingly, in order to speed up erection of portable structures, and simplify the erection thereof, there is a need for an improved portable structure which provides for a more time efficient and simplified erection of the portable structure .

The present disclosure describes portable structures without the disadvantages associated with the prior art mentioned above and which provide for easy and speedy- erection.

In a first aspect there is provided a portable

structure, configurable between stored and erected

conditions, comprising a first end wall, one or more side walls, a first and second resilient frame and one or more spacing members;

the first end wall and the one or more side walls comprising a flexible material;

the first resilient frame being located at the

interface of the first end wall and the one or more side walls to provide a shape to the first end wall in the erected condition;

the second resilient frame, located in a spaced- relationship from the first resilient frame, supporting the one or more side walls of the portable structure in the erected condition;

wherein, in the erected condition, the portable structure comprises a first end defined by the first end wall, a second end opposed to the first end and one or more sides defined by the one or more side walls;

the first end, the second end and the one or more sides defining an interior of the portable structure;

wherein the second end of the portable structure comprises one or more openings for allowing a person or object to enter or exit the interior; the one or more spacing members being suitable for supporting the flexible material of the one or more side walls in the erected condition;

wherein the resilient frames are bendable and the one or more spacing members is/are foldable to allow the portable structure to adopt its stored condition, wherein bending of the resilient frame and/or folding of the spacing members provides energy for moving the portable structure from the stored condition to the erected condition thereof.

The portable structure may be used for a variety of functions. For example, the interior of the portable structure in the erected condition may be used for storing inanimate objects. Alternatively, the interior may be used as a shelter or temporary accommodation for one or more persons. In one example, the interior may be used as cot, rest area, or play pen for a young child or baby. Depending on the size of the portable structure the interior may provide accommodation for one or multiple persons.

The one or more side walls may form a base of the portable structure in the erected condition.

The first resilient frame may be connected to the flexible material.

Preferably the second resilient frame is located at a distal end of the one or more side walls with respect to the first resilient frame.

The one or more side walls may form both a base and a roof of the portable structure in the erected condition.

The second end may be fully open. This may be achieved simply by an absence of a panel of flexible material spanning across the second resilient frame. Alternatively, a second end wall may be provided opposed to the first end wall. The second end wall may comprise one or more panels of flexible material spanning across the second resilient frame. The second end wall may comprise the one or more openings for allowing a person to enter or exit the

interior. The one or more openings may be selectively closed by a flap or door. A zip may be provided for closing the flap or door. Alternative resealable closure means may be utilised, for example, hook and loop fastening material, or press studs.

The one or more side walls may comprise a continuous section of flexible material.

The portable structure may further comprise a third resilient frame, located in a spaced-relationship from the first and second resilient frames, supporting the one or more side walls of the portable structure.

The resilient frames may be continuous. Alternatively, the resilient frames may each comprise one or more connected resilient frame members.

The one or more pf the resilient frames may be made from any one or more of spring steel, coiled spring steel, spirall -wound spring steel, fibreglass, flexible plastics material, pre-stressed material, or any other material which when bent, naturally wishes to return to an unbent or straight shape .

The first resilient frame may be provided within one or more pockets or loops provided by the flexible material.

Each resilient frame may be provided within one or more pockets or loops provided by the flexible material .

The respective pockets may be continuous and surround the resilient frames.

The first end wall may have a round-, an oval-, a circular segmented-, a triangular-, a square-, or a multi- faceted-shape in the erected condition. The diameter, effective diameter or longest distance across a cross-section of the portable structure in the erected condition with respect to a horizontal axis may be substantially constant between the first resilient frame and the second resilient frame. Alternatively, the portable structure may vary in diameter, effective diameter, etc. along its length.

The portable structure may comprise at least two spacing members .

The spacing members may be diametric. Four equally- spaced spacing members may be provided.

The one or more spacing members may be operably- connected to the one or more side walls of the portable structure.

The one or more spacing members may be provided within one or more pockets provided by the flexible material.

The one or more spacing members may be made from any one or more of spring steel, coiled spring steel, spirally- wound spring steel, fibreglass, flexible plastics material, pre-stressed material, or any other material which when bent, naturally wishes to return to an unbent or straight shape .

The flexible material may be provided by one or more of fabric, plastics material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , and/or polyethylene (PE) , or other suitable material.

The portable structure may be arranged such that all components of the portable structure are provided in both erected and stored conditions .

The portable structure may be arranged such that it provides a unitary portable structure which is capable of being erected and stored without addition or removal of components . In another aspect there is provided a method of storing a portable structure as described above comprising:

providing the portable structure in an erected

condition;

deforming the one or more side walls, so as to approach the first and second resilient frames towards one another and, in so doing, deforming the one or more spacing members against resistance provided by the one or more spacing members to provide a flattened structure,- coiling or bending the resilient frames against resistance provided by the resilient frames by folding initially and then gathering in small coils or bends the resilient frames until all of the frames are gathered together; and

thereby providing the portable structure in a stored condition.

In another aspect there is provided a method of erecting a portable structure as described above comprising: providing the portable structure in a stored condition; uncoiling the resilient frames by expanding the coils or bends under the influence of a returning force provided by the resilient frames;

unfolding the one or more side walls under the

influence of a returning force provided by the one or more spacing members; and

thereby providing the portable structure is an erected condition.

The resilient frame may be coiled / gathered on itself in at least two turns.

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is perspective view of a first embodiment of portable structure, according to the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of portable structure, according to the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of portable structure, according to the present disclosure;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of portable structure, according to the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the portable

structure of Figure 4 with a door panel thereof partially open;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of portable structure, according to the present disclosure; and Figures 7A to 7F are schematic views showing various states of operation of the portable structure of Figure 1 between erected and stored conditions.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of portable structure in an erected condition, indicated generally by reference 1, according to the present disclosure. In particular, the portable structure 1 has a cross-sec ion in the shape of a segment of a circle in a plane at right angles to a

horizontal axis, the axis being shown by reference A.

The portable structure 1 is provided by a first resilient frame 2, a second resilient frame 3, a first end wall 4, and a side wall 5. The side wall 5 may be formed from one or more side panels. The portable structure 1 in its broadest sense, therefore, defines a container which is closed at one end and open at an opposite end. The side wall 5 is provided with spacing members 6 which ensure that the first resilient frame 2 and the second resilient frame 3 are provided in a spaced-relationship, as shown in Figure 1 when the portable structure is in the erected condition. The first resilient frame 2 is continuous and made from coiled spring steel. It is located within a pocket, provided at the interface of the first end wall 4 and the side wall 5, wherein the pocket is formed by material of the side wall and/or the first end wall 4. Preferably, the pocket fully encloses the spring steel to provide an aesthetic arrangement and also to prevent objects

interfering with the first resilient frame 2.

The second resilient frame 3 is also continuous and made from coiled spring steel and is provided within a pocket provided by material which makes up the side wall 5 and is, preferably again, fully enclosed by material for aesthetic and functional purposes. Both the first resilient frame 2 and the second resilient frame 3 are flexible and coilable / bendable. The first resilient frame 2 and the second resilient frame 3 provide a two-dimensional shape to the ends of the erected portable structure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the two-dimensional shape of the ends is a segment of a circle wherein a flattened portion 5a of the side wall forms a base on which the portable structure stands.

Both first resilient frame 2 and second resilient frame 3 are resilient. Four spacing members 6 are provided in the example shown in Figure 1 and are operable on the side wall 5. The spacing members 6 provide a length to the erected portable structure and, therefore, a volume to an interior of the structure. The spacing members 6 are made from coiled spring steel and extend in a relative longitudinal direction with respect to the first end wall 4 of the portable structure 1. The spacing members 6 are provided to support and maintain the side wall 5, and to prevent collapsing thereof. Further, the spacing members 6 are foldable, typically in half so as to allow gathering of a first edge 8 and a second edge 7 of the side wall 5 together during the storing operation of the portable structure 1. Preferably, the spacing members 6 are equally spaced.

Further, the spacing members 6 are located within a

longitudinal pocket, provided by material of the side wall, and can flex within those pockets to enable folding of the side wall 5.

Advantageously, the first resilient frame 2 and second resilient frame 3 are bendable and the spacing members 6 are foldable from the erected condition of the portable

structure 1, to allow the portable structure to adopt its stored condition wherein bending of the resilient frames and/or folding of the spacing members provides energy for moving the portable structure from the stored condition to the erected condition thereof.

The first end wall 4 and side wall 5 may each be made from a single piece of material or from numerous pieces of material joined together. The material of the first end wall 4 and the side wall (including the pockets) may be one or more of fabric, plastics material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , and/or polyethylene (PE) .

Advantageously, all of the components of the portable structure 1 are provided in both erected and stored

conditions. Therefore, no assembly of the portable

structure is required, merely an operating step to convert the portable structure - by uncoiling and unfolding, or coiling and folding - changes the portable structure between stored and erected conditions.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of portable

structure in an erected condition. Like reference numerals have been used for like components of the first embodiment. Only the differences in embodiments will now be described in detail . The portable structure 1 of this embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment, except that the two-dimensional shape of the ends is a square or rectangle wherein a side 5a of the square or rectangle (and the associated portion of the side wall 5) forms the base on which the portable structure stands .

The side wall 5 defines the length of the container. Naturally, the length of the container may be altered to suit the individual need of the particular use envisaged. In some contexts, it may be desirable to include a third (or subsequent) resilient frame to provide support and strength to a longer container, or structure as shown in the

embodiment of Figure 3. In this embodiment a third resilient frame 3b is provided approximately midway between the first resilient frame 2 and the second resilient frame 3. The diameter of all three frames may be the same resulting in a prismatic shape to the portable structure 1 along its length. Alternatively, the size of each frame may be varied to alter the diameter, or effective diameter, of the portable structure 1 along its length.

The spacer members 6 run from the first resilient frame 2 to the second resilient frame 3. Each spacer member 6 may be formed from one piece of resilient material or may be formed from two pieces of resilient material joined to one another at or about the location of the third frame 3b.

The third embodiment of Figure 3 also illustrates an example wherein the two-dimensional shape of the ends is a circle.

Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of portable

structure in an erected condition. Like reference numerals have been used for like components of the first embodiment. Only the differences in embodiments will now be described in detail. In this embodiment a resealable flap or door 42 is provided for selectively closing the second end of the portable structure 1. The flap or door 42 is formed from a panel of flexible material, which may be the same as that of the first end wall 4, that when closed spans across the second resilient frame 3. The flap or door 42 is permanently joined to the second resilient frame 3 and/or the material of the side wall 5 along a hinge section 43 by, for example ^•stitching. A zipper 44 extends around the remainder of the periphery of the flap or door 42 for connecting the flap or door 42 around the remaining section of the side wall 5. The flap or door may be unzipped as shown in Figure 5 to allow access to the interior of the portable structure 1 though the opening so-formed. I an alternative arrangement (not shown) the zipper 44 may extend around the entire periphery of the flap or door 42 so that the flap or door 42 may be entirely disconnected from the rest of the portable

structure. Alternative resealable fixing means may be used in place of zipper 44, for example, hook and loop fastening, or press studs. In an alternative arrangement (not shown) the first end wall 4 may also be formed by a resealable flap or door operable in the like manner as the flap or door 42 just described.

Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of portable structure in an erected condition. Like reference numerals have been used for like components of the first embodiment. Only the differences in embodiments will now be described in detail. In this embodiment the second end is partially closed by a second end panel 50 which occludes a portion of the second end opening. Preferably the second end panel 50 extends across a portion of the second end that is at a base of the portable structure 1 in the erected condition. The second end panel 50 serves to help retain loose objects within the interior of the portable structure and also to reduce draughts within the interior when the structure is used to accommodate a person, such as a baby. Advantageously easy access to and from the interior is maintained through the opening in the remainder of the second end.

Figures 7A to 7F show schematic views of a method of storing the portable structures of the previous embodiments and is illustrated in particular with reference to the structure of Figure 1. Figure 7A shows the portable structure 1 in an erected condition. Figure 7F shows the portable structure 1 in a stored condition. Various states of operation during the storing/erecting procedure are shown in Figures 7B through to 7E. Like references have been used to identify common features with respect to those features described in Figure 1. Starting from the erected condition shown in Figure 7A, the side wall 5 is folded in half, so as to gather the first edge 8 and the second edge 7 of the side wall 5 together and, in so doing, folding the spacer members 6 against resistance provided by those spacer members 6, to provide a flattened structure 9, as shown in Figure 7B. The flattened structure 9 of 7B is then, initially, folded - as shown in Figure 7C - and then gathered in small coils, against resistance provided by the first resilient frame 2 and second resilient frame 3, until both of the frames 2,3 are coiled together, as shown in Figure 7E. The coiled portable structure of Figure 7E is then again flattened to provide the stored condition of the portable structure - as shown in Figure 7F - and identified by reference 1 ' . In reverse, and starting in the stored condition shown in Figure 7F, the coiled first resilient frame 2 and the second resilient frame 3 must be uncoiled by expanding the coils under the influence of the returning force provided by those frames to return to their position provided in the erected condition. Uncoiling of the portable structure 1' is indicated in Figures 7D and 7E until a flattened

structure 9 shown in Figure 7C is provided. As the spacer members 6 wish to return to their original condition, the side wall 5 is then unfolded by releasing the grip which holds the first edge 8 and second edge 7 of the side wall 5 together and, under the influence of the stored force provided by the spacer members 6, the erected condition of the portable structure 1 is thereby provided once more.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various materials may be used to provide material for the one or more side walls 5, the first end wall 4, the flap or door 42 and the second end panel 50. The material should be durable and strong, to prevent inadvertent tearing during normal use. It will be understood that various materials may be chosen which provide the required strength and durability characteristics, beyond those that are provided as examples.

The shape of the portable structure is defined by its cross-sectional-shape with respect to the axis A, shown in Figure 1. Naturally, in normal use, this axis A is a horizontal axis, as a portion of the side wall 5 of the portable structure is intended to be placed on the floor. The portable structure may have any cross-sectional shape, either regular or irregular, and still work in the same manner. In particular, when the cross- sectional -shape is circular or similar, the portable structure is considered to have one, continuous side wall 5. However, that is not to say that the side wall 5 need be formed from only one piece of material. Naturally, the cross-sectional-shape dictates the number of side wall panels that may be required.

Needless-to-say, the side panels and base panel may be provided by a number of pieces of appropriate material .

Further, the side and/or base panels may be provided by a combination of transparent, transluscent and/or opaque segment of material which may act as windows allowing observation into and out from the interior.

The portable structure of any of the above embodiments may be provided with additional, optional elements depending on its intended use. For example, where the portable structure 1 is intended as a cot for a baby, a portion of the interior of the side wall 5, that will form the base of the structure may be provided with padded and/or a

waterproof lining.

In all embodiments of the invention, the operating procedure to go between stored and erected conditions is simple and quick, and preferably does not require connection or otherwise of external features.

It will be appreciated that the various features of the individual embodiments described above may be combined with one another without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, a third resilient frame may be utilised in a portable structure having a non-circular two- dimensional shape of ends and a resealable flap or door for the second end may be used with any of the embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS ;

1. A portable structure, configurable between stored and erected conditions, comprising a first end wall, one or more side walls, a first and second resilient frame and one or more spacing members;

the first end wall and the one or moire side walls comprising a flexible material;

the first resilient frame being located at the

wherein the second end of the portable structure comprises one or more openings for allowing a person or object to enter or exit the interior;

the one or more spacing members being suitable for supporting the flexible material of the one or more side walls in the erected condition;

2. A portable structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more side walls form a base of the portable structure in the erected condition.

3. A portable structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first resilient frame is connected to the flexible material. . A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second resilient frame is located at a distal end of the one or more side walls with respect to the first resilient frame.

5. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more side walls forms both a base and a roof of the portable structure in the erected condition.

6. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second end is fully open.

7. A portable structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second end wall opposed to the first end wall .

8. A portable structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second end wall comprises one or more openings for allowing a person to enter or exit the interior.

9. A portable structure as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the first end wall comprises one or more openings for allowing a person to enter or exit the interior. 10. A portable structure as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the one or more openings may be selectively closed by a flap or door.

11. A portable structure as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a zip for closing the flap or door.

12. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more side walls comprises a continuous section of flexible material.

13. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a third resilient frame, located in a

spaced-relationship from the first and second resilient frames, supporting the one or more side walls of the

portable structure.

14. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the resilient frames are continuous. 15. A portable structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the resilient frames comprise one or more connected resilient frame members.

16. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the resilient frames are made from any one or more of spring steel, coiled spring steel, spirally-wound spring steel, fibreglass, flexible plastics material, pre-stressed material, or any other material which when bent, naturally wishes to return to an unbent or straight shape . 17. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first resilient frame is provided within one or more pockets or loops provided by the flexible material.

18. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each resilient frame is provided within one or more pockets or loops provided by the flexible material.

19. A portable structure as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the respective pocket are continuous and

surround the resilient frames.

20. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first end wall has a round-, an oval-, a

circular- segmented- , a triangular-, a square-, or a multi- faceted-shape in the erected condition.

21. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the diameter, effective diameter or longest distance across a cross-section of the portable structure in the erected condition with respect to a horizontal axis is substantially constant between the first resilient frame and the second resilient frame.

22. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least two spacing members.

23. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more spacing members are operably- connected to the one or more side walls of the portable structure .

24. A portable structure as claimed in claim 23, wherein the one or more spacing members are provided within one or more pockets provided by the flexible material . 25. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more spacing members are made from any one or more of spring steel, coiled spring steel, spirally- wound spring steel, fibreglass, flexible plastics material, pre-stressed material, or any other material which when bent, naturally wishes to return to an unbent or straight shape .

26. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flexible material is provided by one or more of fabric, plastics material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , and/or polyethylene (PE) , or other suitable material.

27. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portable structure is arranged such that all components of the portable structure are provided in both erected and stored conditions.

28. A portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the portable structure is arranged such that it provides a unitary portable structure which is capable of being erected and stored without addition or removal of components .

29. A portable structure substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference and as shown in the accompanying drawings .

30. A method of storing a portable structure as claimed in any preceding claim comprising:

providing the portable structure in an erected

condition;

deforming the one or more side walls, so as to approach the first and second resilient frames towards one another and, in so doing, deforming the one or more spacing members against resistance provided by the one or more spacing members to provide a flattened structure;

coiling or bending the resilient frames against resistance provided by the resilient frames by folding initially and then gathering in small coils or bends the resilient frames until all of the frames are gathered together; and

thereby providing the portable structure in a stored condition.

31. A method of erecting a portable structure as claimed in claims 1 to 29 comprising:

providing the portable structure in a stored condition; uncoiling the resilient frames by expanding the coils or bends under the influence of a returning force provided by the resilient frames;

unfolding the one or more side walls under the

influence of a returning force provided by the one or more spacing members; and thereby providing the portable structure is an erected condition.

32. A method as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the resilient frame is coiled / gathered on itself in at least two turns.