U.S. patent application number 09/803991 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-12 for collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Negocios de Estela S.A.. Invention is credited to Rousselle, Gisele B., Surrendi, Dennis C..
Application Number | 20010007260 09/803991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22400711 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010007260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rousselle, Gisele B. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2001 |
Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism
Abstract
A collapsible shelter/tent, such as for example an umbrella
tent, has a collapsible frame with a plurality of legs that are
erected by manually moving two clevises toward one another. The
shelter/tent includes an improved locking mechanism that very
securely maintains the structure in an erected position. The
improved locking mechanism includes a generally vertical pin
extending from one of the clevises that is received inside a socket
supported on the other of said clevises. The socket has an engaging
member therein that can engage a groove in the generally vertical
pin after said generally vertical pin has been inserted into said
socket. Preferably, the engaging member is spring biased into the
groove. The shelter/tent also includes a variety of novel frame
structures. An erection device for erecting a collapsible tent is
also included. The erection device includes an elongated pole and a
slide member that can be used to control relative movement of the
clevises toward and away from one another.
Inventors: |
Rousselle, Gisele B.; (St.
Albert, AB) ; Surrendi, Dennis C.; (St. Albert,
AB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
555 13TH STREET, N.W.
SUITE 701, EAST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Assignee: |
Negocios de Estela S.A.
San Jose
CR
|
Family ID: |
22400711 |
Appl. No.: |
09/803991 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09803991 |
Mar 13, 2001 |
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09122115 |
Jul 24, 1998 |
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6199572 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/98 ; 135/126;
135/128; 135/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/28 20130101;
E04H 15/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/98 ; 135/128;
135/126; 135/135 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/28; E04H
015/60; E04H 015/34; E04H 015/36; E04H 015/44; E04H 015/46 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A collapsible shelter/tent, comprising: a collapsible frame
including: a) three or more legs pivotally connected to a first
clevis; and b) three or more support bars pivotally connected with
respect to said legs at an outer end of said support bars and
pivotally connected to a second clevis at an inner end of said
support bars; a locking mechanism for locking said first and second
clevises together when said shelter/tent is assembled which
includes: a) a generally vertical pin extending from one of said
first and second clevises, said generally vertical pin having a
groove on a side thereof; b) a socket on the other of said clevises
having a receiving bore aligned with said generally vertical pin;
c) an engaging member supported within said socket that can firmly
engage said groove in said generally vertical pin after said
generally vertical pin is inserted into said socket; and a
plurality sheet-material walls supported on said collapsible
frame.
2. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 1, wherein said
sheet-material walls include sides around the perimeter of said
shelter/tent and a ceiling.
3. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 2, wherein said
sheet-material walls are supported on an outside surface of said
frame.
4. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 1, further included
biasing means for biasing said engaging member into said groove
automatically upon engagement of said first and second
clevises.
5. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 4, wherein said biasing
means includes at least one spring.
6. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 4, wherein said biasing
means includes a gravitational force on said engaging member.
7. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 1, wherein said first
clevis is above said second clevis and said generally vertical pin
extends downward from said first clevis towards said second
clevis.
8. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 7, wherein said engaging
member is located proximate said second clevis and is manually
movable at a position proximate said second clevis and spaced
substantially below said first clevis.
9. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 8, wherein said socket is
fixed to said second clevis and includes a central bore and a
widened opening having a funnel-shape receiving surface.
10. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 9, wherein a diameter
across said widened opening having said funnel-shape receiving
surface is more than 2 times greater than a diameter across said
vertical pin.
11. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 10, wherein said diameter
across said widened opening having said funnel-shape receiving
surface is more than 2.5 times greater than said diameter across
said vertical pin.
12. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 11, wherein said diameter
across said widened opening having said funnel-shape receiving
surface is more than 3 times greater than said diameter across said
vertical pin.
13. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 10, wherein said
generally vertical pin is generally cylindrical with a circular
cross-section and said diameter across said vertical pin is a
diameter across said circular cross-section, and wherein said
generally vertical pin has a tapered bottom end.
14. The collapsible shelter/tent of claim 1, wherein one or both of
said socket and said engaging member are color coded to identify
when said engaging member is in a locked position and to identify
when said engaging member is in an unlocked position.
15. The collapsible shelter/tent assembly of claim 1, further
including: an assembly pole having a slide supported thereon; said
assembly pole having a tip with an engagement element; said
generally vertical pin having a lower end with a corresponding
engagement element for engaging said tip of said assembly pole; and
said second clevis and said socket having a through-hole through
which said assembly pole is insertable so that said tip of said
assembly pole can be engaged with said generally vertical pin.
16. A method of erecting a collapsible tent, comprising the steps
of: a) providing a collapsible shelter/tent having: a collapsible
frame that includes: a) three or more legs pivotally connected to a
first clevis; and b) three or more support bars pivotally connected
with respect to said legs at an outer end of said support bars and
pivotally connected to a second clevis at an inner end of said
support bars; a locking mechanism, to lock said first and second
clevises together when said shelter/tent is assembled, including:
a) a generally vertical pin extending from one of said first and
said clevises, said vertical pin having a groove on a side thereof;
b) a socket on the other of said clevises having a receiving bore
aligned with said pin; c) an engaging member supported within said
socket that can firmly engage said groove in said generally
vertical pin after said generally vertical pin is inserted into
said socket; and a plurality sheet-material walls supported on said
collapsible frame; and b) placing said collapsible shelter/tent in
a collapsed condition; c) moving said clevises towards one another
against a biasing force tending to separate said clevises created
by said legs and said sheet-material walls; d) upon reaching a
certain position, having said legs and said sheet-material walls
switch the direction of force on said second clevis so as to force
said clevises toward one another; e) after reaching said certain
position, locking said clevises together with said locking
mechanism.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said step e) of locking said
clevises together includes automatically biasing said engaging
member into said groove upon engagement of said first and second
clevises.
18. The method of claim 16, further including performing said step
of automatically biasing said engaging member by at least one
spring.
19. The method of claim 16, further including the step of providing
said sheet-material walls on an outside surface of said legs, and
further including the step of disassembling said shelter/tent by
reaching from inside of said shelter/tent and manually moving said
engaging member at a position proximate said second clevis member
and spaced substantially below said first clevis member.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein said step c) of moving said
clevises towards one another includes: a) providing an assembly
pole having a slide supported thereon, said assembly pole having a
tip with an engagement element thereon, and said generally vertical
pin having a lower end with a corresponding engagement element for
engaging said tip of said assembly pole, and said second clevis and
said socket having a through-hole through which said assembly pole
is insertable so that said tip of said assembly pole can be engaged
with said generally vertical pin; and b) moving said clevises
toward one another by manipulating said assembly pole and said
slide.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to collapsible shelters and
tents having sheet material walls supported by a collapsible frame.
The present invention provides, among other things, an improved
collapsible shelter or tent having a frame locking mechanism.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Collapsible tents, such as umbrella tents, are well known in
the art. The term "umbrella tent" is commonly used in the trade
because the frames for such tents can be erected and collapsed in
much the same manner as an umbrella. Some exemplary collapsible
tents are shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,358 (Forell);
U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,936 (D. Surrendi); U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,363
(Watts et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,146 (Maiken); and U.S. Pat. No.
2,771,087 (Simonson).
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,358 shows a foldable tent and frame
therefor that includes a number of complex drive mechanisms to move
upper and lower spiders 14 and 16, respectively, toward and away
from one another to erect and collapse the tent frame. The drive
mechanisms also include a locking mechanism for securing the spider
assembly in an erected condition.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,936 shows a collapsible tent having a
frame with an upper clevis member 10 and a lower clevis member 11
that are manually moved towards and away from one another, without
a complex drive mechanism, to erect and collapse the tent. The '936
tent does not contain, however, a separate locking mechanism to
lock the upper and lower clevis members together. In order to
assemble the tent, the tent is initially in a position like that
shown in FIG. 2. The lower clevis member 11 is then forced up
towards the upper clevis member 10. The structure of the tent
creates a force resisting upward movement of the lower clevis
member 11 towards the upper clevis member 10 until the radial brace
members 28 become generally horizontal. Thereafter, the force on
the lower clevis member 11 actually causes the lower clevis member
11 to move towards the upper clevis member 10. As a result, in an
assembled state as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, wherein the stop member
26 is seated within the recess 15, the tent is self-sustaining and
an additional locking mechanism is not included. The '963 patent
can collapse, however, upon the application of a modest downward
pressure to the top of the upper clevis member when the frame is
assembled.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,363 shows an umbrella type collapsible
shelter having an upper hub 12 and a lower hub 14 that are moved
toward one another to erect the shelter. Similar to the '936
device, when the rib members 15 move past the position
perpendicular to the vertical center line of the shelter, the
resultant upward force on the hub 14 due to the stress in the bowed
support members 11 tends to hold the hub 14 proximate to the
central hub 12 to maintain the shelter in the erected position.
(See col. 4, lines 45, et seq., of the '363 patent.) In addition,
the '363 device includes means for preventing inadvertent collapse
of the shelter. In particular, the upper hub 12 includes a bore 23
and the lower hub 14 includes a bore 24 aligned with but eccentric
to the bore 23. An erecting means 13 (e.g., an elongated rope or
rod) extends through the bores 23 and 24. After the structure is
assembled, as stated on col. 6, lines 17 et seq., "[t]he second hub
14 is then rotated by about one-quarter to about three-eighths of a
turn about the axis of the erecting means" which creates a binding
action due to the eccentric relationship. The '363 device, however,
has a number of drawbacks--for example: a) the means for preventing
inadvertent collapse of the hubs 12 and 14 involves hubs which
rotate with respect to one another (and with respect to legs or the
like attached thereto); b) the means for preventing inadvertent
collapse is complex, unreliable, and can create undue stress on
parts; c) the '363 involves mounting the shelter fabric within the
frame, creating undue exposure and potential damage of the frame
structure and creating other deficiencies.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,087 shows a portable screen having a
locking mechanism that locks together an upper ridge piece 12 and a
lower latching block 24. The locking mechanism of the '087 device
also contains a number of drawbacks. In the '087 device, the
latching block 24 has an upper cap member 30 with a coil spring 40
that biases loop portions 40 outwardly. The ridge piece 12 includes
a central bore 20 that receives the cap member 30. A flexible
element 44 is used to pull the cap member 30 vertically through the
bore 20 of a ridge piece 12 to lock the latching block 24 to the
ridge piece 12 once the loop portions 36 are seated above the
screen 54 to lock the device. The drawbacks of the '087 device
include, for example, that the locking mechanism can be: a)
disadvantageously exposed to the environment; b) inconvenient since
disassembly should be initiated from outside of the shelter; and c)
undesirable because it involves mounting the frame outside of the
screen 54 which reduces the design options of the device.
[0009] There remains a need in the art for the continued
improvement of collapsible shelters and tents and, for example, for
a collapsible shelter or tent having an improved means for locking
a frame thereof in an assembled state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a variety of features that
overcome the above-noted problems and many other problems existing
in the art.
[0011] A first aspect of the invention involves the provision of a
collapsible shelter/tent that has an improved means for locking a
frame thereof in an assembled state. In this regard, a collapsible
shelter/tent can be provided that includes: a collapsible frame
including: a) three or more legs pivotally connected to a first
clevis; and b) three or more support bars pivotally connected with
respect to the legs at an outer end of the support bars and
pivotally connected to a second clevis at an inner end of the
support bars; a locking mechanism for locking the first and second
clevises together when the shelter/tent is assembled which
includes: a) a generally vertical pin extending from one of the
first and second clevises, the generally vertical pin having a
groove on a side thereof; b) a socket on the other of the clevises
having a receiving bore aligned with the generally vertical pin; c)
an engaging member supported within the socket that can firmly
engage the groove in the generally vertical pin after the generally
vertical pin is inserted into the socket; and a plurality
sheet-material walls supported on the collapsible frame.
[0012] Preferably, the collapsible shelter/tent includes biasing
means for biasing the engaging member into the groove automatically
upon engagement of the first and second clevises.
[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the first clevis is above the
second clevis and the generally vertical pin extends downward from
the first clevis towards the second clevis. Preferably, the socket
is fixed to the second clevis and includes a central bore and a
widened opening having a funnel-shape receiving surface. The
diameter across the widened opening having the funnel-shape
receiving surface is preferably substantially greater than a
diameter across the vertical pin to ensure engagement and can be,
for example, more than 2 times, or even more than 2.5 times, or
even more than 3 times as great.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, an erection
device is provided that includes: an assembly pole having a slide
supported thereon; the assembly pole having a tip with an
engagement element; the generally vertical pin having a lower end
with a corresponding engagement element for engaging the tip of the
assembly pole; and the second clevis and the socket having a
through-hole through which the assembly pole is insertable so that
the tip of the assembly pole can be engaged with the generally
vertical pin.
[0015] The present invention has a number of advantages not found
in the references. A number of these advantages are discussed
below. The following advantages are found in the more preferred
embodiments, but are not absolutely required in every embodiment of
the invention.
[0016] The present locking mechanism can be embodied substantially
within a lower clevis assembly which can, for example, receive a
downward protruding pin from the upper clevis member.
[0017] The present locking mechanism allows the frame to be located
either inside or outside of the shelter/tent sheet-material (e.g.,
fabric, etc.) walls.
[0018] The present locking mechanism does not need to be exposed to
the environment since, for example, the locking mechanism can be
internalized within the clevis assembly, and notably substantially
within the lower clevis member. The frame and locking mechanism is
thus less likely to become corroded, to accumulate dirt or dust,
etc., which could negatively effect the device or its
operation.
[0019] The present device is also more convenient for the user
because the user can unlock the device from a position within the
shelter/tent.
[0020] The present invention also does not require an external
element such as a chord or the like so that the present design can
be mounted either inside or outside of the shelter/tent
sheet-material walls.
[0021] The above and many other aspects, features and advantages of
the present invention are further presented in the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1(A) is a schematic perspective view according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention having a rectangular
base;
[0023] FIG. 1(B) is a schematic perspective view according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention having a square base;
[0024] FIG. 1(C) is a schematic perspective view according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention having a square base
and a dome-shaped top;
[0025] FIG. 1(D) is a schematic side view of a frame structure
according to one embodiment of the invention in a collapsed
state;
[0026] FIGS. 2(A)-2(C) show elements of a first preferred locking
mechanism according to certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 2(A) illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the
locking mechanism;
[0028] FIG. 2(B) shows a side view of a pin-holding element that
can be used in this first preferred locking mechanism;
[0029] FIG. 2(C) shows a side view of a pin that can be used in
this first preferred locking mechanism;
[0030] FIGS. 3(A)-3(D) show elements of a second preferred locking
mechanism according to certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 3(A) shows a side view of a vertical locking pin usable
in this second locking mechanism;
[0032] FIG. 3(B) shows a cross-sectional top view taken along the
axis 3B-3B shown in FIG. 3(D);
[0033] FIG. 3(C) shows a side view of a clevis structure usable for
the upper and lower clevises;
[0034] FIG. 3(D) illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the
locking mechanism taken along the axis 3-3 shown in FIG. 3(B);
[0035] FIGS. 4(A)-4(C) show elements of a third preferred locking
mechanism according to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 4(A) shows a cross-sectional bottom view taken along
the axis 4A-4A in FIG. 4(B);
[0037] FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional side view taken along the
axis 4-4 in FIG. 4(A);
[0038] FIG. 4(C) is a schematic side view showing a portion of the
locking mechanism;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a clevis for constructing a
rectangular shelter/tent according to one exemplary embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 6(A) is a plan view of a band bar that is used to
construct an upper portion of a leg for a shelter/tent according to
one exemplary embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view of the band bar taken
along the line 6-6 shown in FIG. 6(A);
[0042] FIG. 7(A) is a plan view of a leg tube that is used to
construct a lower portion of a leg for a shelter/tent according to
one exemplary embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view of the leg tube taken
along the line 7-7 shown in FIG. 7(A);
[0044] FIG. 8(A) is a side view of a connecting member according to
one aspect of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 8(B) is a side view of the connecting members shown in
FIGS. 8(A), 8(C) and 8(D) from the direction of the arrows 8B;
[0046] FIG. 8(C) is a side view of a connecting member similar to
that shown in FIG. 8(A) with a rounded end configuration;
[0047] FIG. 8(D) is a side view of a connecting member similar to
that shown in FIG. 8(A) with a modified flat-end configuration;
[0048] FIG. 9(A) is an end view of a hinge element according to one
aspect of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 9(B) is a side view of the hinge element shown in FIG.
9(A);
[0050] FIG. 9(C) is a side view of the hinge element from the
direction of the arrow 9C shown in FIG. 9(B);
[0051] FIG. 10(A) is a top view of another hinge element according
to another aspect of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 10(B) is a side view of the hinge element shown in FIG.
10(A);
[0053] FIG. 10(C) is an end view of the hinge element shown in FIG.
10(A);
[0054] FIGS. 11(A)-11(E) illustrate connecting members according to
other aspects of the invention;
[0055] FIG. 11(A) illustrates the end views such connecting
members;
[0056] FIG. 11(B) is a side view of one connecting member having an
angled end;
[0057] FIG. 11(C) illustrates the side views of the connecting
member from the direction of the arrow 11C shown in FIGS. 11(B),
11(D) and 11(E);
[0058] FIG. 11(D) is a side view similar to that shown in FIG.
11(B) of a connecting member having a modified end;
[0059] FIG. 11(E) is a side view similar to that shown in FIG.
11(B) of another connecting member having a modified end;
[0060] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a support bar or center tube
according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0061] FIG. 13(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to one
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 13(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the
line 13-13 shown in FIG. 13(A);
[0063] FIG. 14(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 14(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the
line 14-14 shown in FIG. 14(A);
[0065] FIG. 15(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0066] FIG. 15(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the
line 15-15 shown in FIG. 15(A);
[0067] FIG. 16(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 16(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the
line 16-16 shown in FIG. 16(A);
[0069] FIG. 17 is a broken away side view of a tent foot fixed at a
corner of a shelter/tent;
[0070] FIG. 18(A) is an elevational view of a shelter/tent frame in
an assembled state according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0071] FIG. 18(B) is a side view of the shelter/tent shown in FIG.
18(A) in a collapsed state;
[0072] FIG. 18(C) is a cross-section of a band bar that useable in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 18(A);
[0073] FIG. 18(D) is a perspective view of a section of the band
bar shown in FIG. 18(C);
[0074] FIG. 19(A) is a schematic side view of a section of a
shelter/tent frame in an assembled state according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0075] FIG. 19(B) is a schematic side view of a section of a
shelter/tent frame in a collapsed state according to yet another
embodiment of the invention;
[0076] FIG. 19(C) is a schematic side view of a section of a
shelter/tent frame in a partially-collapsed state according to yet
another embodiment of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 20 is a partly cross-sectional side view of an erection
device and an assembled locking mechanism of a shelter/tent that is
erected and/or disassembled via the erection device;
[0078] FIG. 21 is a partly cross-sectional side view of the
erection device shown in FIG. 20 engaged with the locking mechanism
of the shelter/tent shown in FIG. 20;
[0079] FIG. 22 is a partly cross-sectional side view of the
erection device shown in FIG. 20 engaged with the locking mechanism
of the shelter/tent shown in FIG. 20 and having separated the upper
and lower clevises a limited distance;
[0080] FIGS. 23(A)-23(G) are schematic illustrations of one method
for erecting a shelter/tent with the erection device shown in FIGS.
20-22;
[0081] FIGS. 23(A)-23(E) show a gradual progression as the slide is
moved upward along the assembly pole of the erection device;
[0082] FIG. 23(F) shows the erection device removed from an erected
shelter/tent; and
[0083] FIG. 23(G) shows the erection device being stored along a
side of the shelter/tent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0084] In addition to reference numerals identifying specific parts
as discussed herein, FIGS. 2-17 also include reference numerals
referring to sizes, in inches, as well as angles, in degrees,
according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. These FIGS.
are also illustrated in proportional size ratios according to
exemplary embodiments. These exemplary sizes, angles and ratios are
provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit
the wide range of the invention, which can vary greatly between
various embodiments.
[0085] FIGS. 1(A)-1(C) show shelters/tents 10, according to
exemplary embodiments of the invention, each having a collapsible
frame 100 that supports a sheet-material cover 200 (shown in dashed
lines in FIG. 1(A)). In the preferred embodiments, the
sheet-material cover 200 is supported outside of the frame, but the
sheet-material cover 200 can also be mounted inside of the frame
(not shown), or covers could be provided both inside and outside of
the frame (appropriate access there-through should be
provided).
[0086] The sheet-material cover 200 can be made with any known
sheet-materials, including any known sheet-materials commonly used
for constructing shelters and tents. These materials can include,
as some examples, synthetic fabrics, nylon fabrics, polyester
fabrics, plastic sheets, natural fiber sheets, cloth sheets, canvas
sheets, etc. As shown in FIG. 1(A), the sheet material cover
preferably includes a plurality of sides 210 and a ceiling 230. As
shown in dashed lines, one or more of the sides can include a door
D, a window or the like access means. In addition, the cover 200
can also include a floor 220. The floor 220 can be omitted or can
be optional in certain embodiments. In addition, as long as the
cover 200 imparts the necessary forces (discussed below), portions
of the sides 210 and the ceiling 230 can be omitted as desired.
[0087] The collapsible frame 100 preferably includes four
supporting legs 300 that are pivotally attached to an upper clevis
400. Although four legs are preferred, the frame can have only
three legs or can have five or more legs. In the embodiments shown
in FIGS. 1(A)-1(C), each of the legs 300 includes a leg tube 310
extending from a tent foot 311 to a hinge 312 and a band bar 320
extending from the hinge 312 to the upper clevis 400. Each of the
legs 300 also includes a hinge 450 that pivotally supports an outer
end of a center tube 500, while an inner end of the center tube 500
is pivotally connected to a lower clevis 600.
[0088] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
upper and lower clevises 400 and 600 are locked together via a
novel locking mechanism 700.
[0089] FIGS. 2(A)-2(C) show a first embodiment of the locking
mechanism 700. In this first embodiment, the locking mechanism 700
includes a pin 710, FIG. 2(C), fixed to the upper clevis 400 and a
lock housing or socket 720 fixed to the lower clevis 600, FIG.
2(A). As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the upper clevis 400 can
include a hole 420 and pin-holding element 710A, FIG. 2(B), can be
pressed, screwed, welded or otherwise fixed within the hole 420,
while the pin-holding element 710A can include a receiving bore
711A into which the pin 710 is pressed, screwed, welded or
otherwise fixed. Preferably, the pin-holding element 710A includes
threads T that are screwed into corresponding threads in the upper
clevis 400. The outer surface of the pin-holding element 710A can
be hexagonal, gnarled, or otherwise configured to facilitate
screwing it to the upper clevis 400. It is contemplated, however,
that the pin 710 can also be fixed directly to the upper clevis
400, such as being pressed, threaded or welded directly thereto, or
can be fixed thereto in any other known manner.
[0090] The socket 720 preferably includes a receiving opening 721
having an funnel-shape guide surface 722 and a central bore 723
that is sized to receive the pin as shown in FIG. 2(A). The socket
720 also includes an annular recess 724 and a ring 730 that is
retained in, yet laterally displaceable along, the annular recess
724. A spring SP (such as a compressed coil spring as shown or any
other known spring or biasing means) preferably biases the ring 730
so that the pin 731 extends through a lateral hole in the socket
member 720 into a groove 712 in the center pin 710 to lock the
upper and lower clevises 400 and 600 together (i.e., the spring SP
biases the pin 731 rightward in FIG. 2(A)).
[0091] In order to disengage the clevises, the ring 730 can be
moved laterally, e.g., moved manually leftward in FIG. 2(A),
against the force of the spring SP to disengage the pin 731 from
the groove 712 in the center pin 710.
[0092] A second embodiment of the locking mechanism 700 is shown in
FIGS. 3(A)-3(D). In this second embodiment, the upper clevis 400
has a depending vertical center pin 710' with an annular groove
712' and the lower clevis 600 has an upstanding socket 720' for
receiving the pin 710'. As with the preceding embodiment, the pin
710' can be fixed to the upper clevis 400 in a variety of ways. The
socket 720' includes a vertical bore 723' that receives the pin
710' and also includes a lateral bore 724', FIG. 3(B), that
slidingly receives a sliding pin 730'. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the
sliding pin 730' has a narrow section that allows the vertical
center pin 710' to pass and a wide section that restricts movement
of the vertical center pin 710' when located within the annular
groove 712' in the vertical center pin 710'.
[0093] The vertical center pin 710' has a tapered end portion 713'
that can move the sliding pin 730' laterally within the bore 724'
during engagement. In order to engage the wide section of the
sliding pin 730' with the groove 712', a user can manually move the
pin 730' to a locked position. Alternatively, a spring (not shown)
could be used to bias the pin 730' into the locked position. The
sliding pin 730' can then be manually moved to an unlocked position
disengage the device.
[0094] The sliding pin 730', or a portion of the socket or housing
720' proximate thereto, can also be color coded for visual
identification of the unlocked and locked positions of the sliding
pin--as one example, the end region A can be colored green so that
one can easily discern that the assembly is unlocked when the side
A protrudes as shown in FIG. 3(B), while, for example, the opposite
end of the pin can be colored red so that one can easily discern
that the assembly is locked when that opposite side protrudes. The
other embodiments of the locking mechanism 700 discussed herein can
also include similar color coding to facilitate observance of the
locked positions and the unlocked positions of the locking
mechanism 700.
[0095] A third embodiment of the locking mechanism 700 is shown in
FIGS. 4(A)-4(C). In this third embodiment, the lower clevis 600 has
a vertical center pin 710" with a tapered top end 713" which enters
a bore 723" in a vertical shaft 720" connected to the upper clevis
400. Upon insertion, the tapered top end 713" moves a horizontal
pin 730" laterally within an inclined slot 740" in the shaft 720".
The outer ends of the pin 730" can include widened portions 731",
or the like, to prevent the pin 730" from falling from the slot
740". In contrast to the second embodiment, the locking pin 730"
moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the pin
730". When engaged, the pin 730" returns via gravity (falls within
the inclined slot 740") into the groove 712" of the pin 710" to
lock the clevises together. Once again, in alternative
constructions, a biasing means (not shown) could also be used to
bias the pin 730" into its locked position. The locking pin 730"
can be manually moved (e.g., rightward in FIG. 4(C) from a position
A to a position B) to disengage the pin 730" from the groove 712"
in the center pin.
[0096] Other embodiments of the locking mechanisms 700 can be made
by combining or modifying the above exemplary embodiments of the
locking mechanism. As some exemplary although less preferred
modifications, the locking pins 710, 710' and/or 710" can be
modified to extend from the other of the upper or lower clevises
and the parts can be, thus, reversed.
[0097] Preferably, the locking mechanisms include: a) a pin member
extending from one of the clevis members; b) a socket member on the
other of the clevis members; c) the socket member preferably has an
engaging member that can firmly engage a groove or hole in the pin
upon insertion of the pin member into the socket member
(preferably, the engagement is automatically imparted via a spring
and/or via another biasing means such as gravity or the like); d)
the engaging member is preferably manually releasable. In addition,
the manual release is preferably performed proximate the lower
clevis member to facilitate access thereto.
[0098] Among other things, the present locking mechanisms 700 can
be beneficially located inside the shelter/tent structure (e.g.,
within sheet-material walls of a shelter/tent). The structure of
the locking mechanisms can advantageously limit the accumulation
and/or effect of debris (e.g., dust or dirt) that could otherwise
interfere with the operation of the device. The locking mechanisms
can also be highly accurate, consistent and fail-safe.
[0099] The pin 710, the upper and lower clevises 400 and 600, the
socket 720, and the pins 730, 730' and 730" are preferably made
with strong materials, such as with metals (such as aluminum,
stainless steel, or other metals), composite materials and the
like. Most preferably, the materials are rust-proof,
rust-protected, and/or non-corrosive.
[0100] The present invention has significant advantages, for
example, in military applications wherein substantial
shelters/tents need to be erected quickly and without difficulty or
trouble. Similarly, the present invention also has significant
advantages in disaster-relief applications, wherein shelters/tents
are used to accommodate and/or care for individuals or the like in
disaster situations, such as during floods, earthquakes, warfare,
etc. The present invention also has substantial advantages for
recreational uses (e.g., camping, mountaineering, hunting, etc.)
and in other common uses of shelters and/or tents. The present
invention thus has broad applicability to various shelters, tents,
hunting blinds, covers, screens and the like. The terminology
"shelter/tent" is defined herein to encompass any such
structures.
[0101] The above-described locking mechanisms 700 can be
incorporated into a variety of shelter/tent structures having upper
and lower clevises. The various shelters can range in sizes from
single person tents, or smaller, that are only a few feet high to
large tents having ceiling heights of eight to ten feet or even
substantially greater. A number of exemplary shelter/tent
structures into which such a locking mechanism can be incorporated
are discussed hereinbelow.
[0102] In one type of preferred embodiment, the shelter/tent
structure has four sides and, hence, four legs 300. In that regard,
the upper and lower clevises can be modified appropriately to
pivotally support a desired number of legs 300. In another type of
preferred embodiment, the shelter/tent structure has six sides and,
hence, six legs 300. The number of legs, however, can be selected
as desired and can be any number that is three or more. The
embodiments shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 4(A), discussed below, show
clevises that operate with four legs, and, more preferably, four
legs of equal length to create a shelter/tent covering a generally
square ground area. On the other hand, the embodiment shown in FIG.
5 shows a clevis that operates with four legs of equal length to
create a shelter/tent covering a generally rectangular ground area,
such as shown for example in FIG. 1.
[0103] The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 5 has two pairs of
band-bar mounts 410 for attaching the legs 300. The band-bar mounts
410 are preferably situated along a common circle (such that forces
from the legs 300 are directed to a common center C). In the
illustrated exemplary construction, each pair of mounts is about
53.degree. from one another and about 127.degree. from the mounts
of the other pair. The clevis shown in FIG. 5 can be used for
example to construct a tent having a base of about 4 feet by 8
feet, like that shown in FIG. 1 for example. As noted above, the
sizes, angles and ratios illustrated in the FIGS. are with respect
to exemplary embodiments, and these exemplary sizes, angles and
ratios can be varied greatly between various embodiments to yield a
wide range of shelter/tent sizes and shapes.
[0104] The upper and lower clevises are preferably constructed to
have generally like shapes in each of the embodiments. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4(A), for example, the upper and lower
clevises can be constructed with a similar "snow-flake" shape. The
shapes and/or sizes of the upper and lower clevises, however, can
of course be made to be different from one another under various
circumstances.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the clevis 400 includes four
symmetrical bar mounts 410 of equal size situated 90 degrees apart
from one another. The bar mounts 410 are made up of a pair of
protrusions 410A and 410B. Each protrusion 410A and 410B includes a
through-hole 411 for pivotally mounting the legs 300 as discussed
below.
[0106] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6(A) and 6(B), the legs 300 preferably
have upper band bars 320 that are pivotally connected to the bar
mounts 410 of the upper clevis 400. The legs 300 preferably also
include holes 321 that are used to attach a connecting member 330
like that shown in FIG. 8(C). The connecting member 330 includes a
through-hole 331 that is aligned with the through-holes 411 and
also includes through-holes 332 that are aligned with the
through-holes 321 of the band bar 320. The inside surface 412 of
each bar mount 410 of the clevis 400 is preferably spaced
sufficiently away from the end 333 of the member 330 so as not to
contact the same during the rotation of the member 330 about the
axes of the aligned holes 411 and 331. In this regard, the end 333
is preferably modified to be rounded at both sides as shown in FIG.
8(C).
[0107] Preferably, when connected to the upper clevis (e.g., via
pins, bolts, or the like) a notched region 334 for receiving the
band bar 320 faces upward to provide a smooth upper surface, which
is preferable in embodiments wherein a cover 200 is supported
thereon.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 1, a connector hinge 450 is located at an
intermediate location along the length of each band bar 320 for
pivotally supporting an outer end of a support bar or center tube
500. As shown in FIGS. 10(A)-10(C), each connector hinge 450
preferably includes a bracket member having a generally U-shape
cross-section, FIG. 10(C), and having hinge-holes 451 and
mounting-holes 452. The mounting-holes 452 are aligned with
through-holes 322 at an intermediate location along the band bar
320, FIG. 6(A), and screws, bolts or the like (not shown) are used
to secure the hinge 450 thereto.
[0109] The lower end of the band bars 320 have a second connector
member 330 fixed thereto like that shown in FIGS. 8(A) or 8(D). In
contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8(C), the end 333 of the
second connector member preferably has a rounded side 333A and a
flat side 333B like that shown in FIGS. 8(A) or 8(D). The
embodiments shown in FIGS. 8(A), 8(C) and 8(D) each have similar
views in a direction of the arrows 8B, as seen in FIG. 8(B). FIG.
8(D) illustrates an embodiment wherein the flat side is at an angle
of about 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis LA of the member 330.
FIG. 8(A) shows an embodiment wherein the flat side 333B is at an
angle of about 70 degrees to the longitudinal axis LA. This angle
can be selected as desired depending on circumstances, and a
variety of other angles can be used. As discussed further
hereinbelow, the angle selected can be used to set the opening
angle OA, FIG. 1, of the hinge 312. The flat side 333B is used as a
stop to prevent further rotation of the connecting member about the
connecting piece 313 discussed in the next paragraph. The flat side
333B preferably faces the interior of the shelter/tent while the
rounded side 333A preferably faces the exterior of the
shelter/tent.
[0110] As noted, and as shown in FIGS. 9(A)-9(B), the preferred
hinge 312 includes a connecting piece 313 having a generally
H-shaped cross-section, FIG. 9(B), formed by two opposing bar
mounts 314 with left and right sides 314A and 314B and mounting
holes 315. The second connecting member 330 at the lower end of the
band bar 320 is supported in a first of these bar mounts 314. In
this regard, the flat side 333B is arranged to abut one of the
surfaces 316 when a predetermined angle is achieved between the
axis LA of the member 330 and the axis CA, FIG. 9(C), of the member
313. This enables the hinge to lock open at the predetermined
opening angle OA, FIG. 1, when the shelter/tent is erected.
[0111] At the second bar mount 314 of the member 313, a connecting
member 340 like that shown in FIG. 11(B) or 11(D), having a top end
343 similar to the top end 333 of the connecting member 330 shown
in FIG. 8(A) or 8(D) and having a generally cylindrical lower end
342 is connected to the connecting piece 313 in a similar manner to
the connecting member 330.
[0112] The lower end 342 is adapted to fit inside a hollow end of a
generally cylindrical leg tube 312, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 7(A)
and 7(B). The lower end 342 preferably includes annular grooves 344
for receiving an o-ring to enhance the tightness of the connection
and to provide an enhanced seal between the member 340 and the leg
tube 310.
[0113] In this manner, an angle can be formed between the band bar
320 and the leg tube 310 through the hinge 312. This angle (formed
between the axes of the two connecting members 330 and 340) can be
in a broad range between about 180 degrees (180 degrees can be
provided for instance using elements like that shown in FIGS. 8(D)
and 11(D)) and 90 degrees (90 degrees can be provided for instance
using elements like that shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 11(B), but with
the flat sides 343B angled to create a 90 degree angle, such as
both being at 45 degrees). Previously, angles approaching 90
degrees were not workable. The present invention allows angles far
closer to 90 degrees than previously possible, and notably angles
of less than 155 degrees, and even less than 140 degrees, and even
less than 125 degrees, and even less than 110 degrees. As noted,
these angles can be selected as desired.
[0114] Among other things, the locking mechanism 700 of the present
invention allows for an angle much closer to 90 degrees than
previously possible. In particular, (a) the ceiling area can be at
a lower position without the risk that the weight of the ceiling
will cause the structure to collapse and (b) the frame can be
locked at a position closer to the location of maximum force
against the cover 200 (e.g., closer to the horizontal position of
the center tubes 500).
[0115] Thus, the present invention enables a shelter/tent to have a
corner between a ceiling and a side that is at or near a "right
angle", which allows for a substantial increase in useable space
inside the structure than with conventional "dome" shape
designs.
[0116] It is noted that FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) illustrate exemplary
embodiments of rectangular base and square base shelter/tents
having an angle approaching 90 degrees, while FIG. 1(C) illustrates
an exemplary embodiment having a square base and an angle of about
180 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(C), the flexure of
the band bars 320 provides most of the curvature at the juncture
between the sides and the ceiling.
[0117] The structure of the hinge 312 is an improvement over, for
example, the hinge 36 shown in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,358,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Although a preferred hinge structure is described, it is
contemplated that any appropriate hinge structure could be used in
other embodiments.
[0118] The lower end of the leg tube 310 preferably has a tent foot
311 secured thereto. FIGS. 13(A)-13(B) illustrate a first
embodiment of the tent foot 311. FIGS. 14(A)-14(B) illustrate a
second embodiment of the tent foot 311. FIGS. 15(A)-15(B)
illustrate a third embodiment of the tent foot 311. And, FIGS.
16(A)-16(B) illustrate a fourth embodiment of the tent foot 311.
These embodiments are designed, for example, to accommodate
different leg tubes 310. In each of the illustrated preferred
embodiments, the tent foot 311 includes an upper socket 311-1, a
narrow mid-region 311-2, and a wide bottom-region 311-3. The leg
tubes 310 can be received within the socket 311-1, such as being
press-fit, threaded, glued, welded, etc., thereto. Alternatively,
the tent feet 311 can have a cylindrical top that fits within a
hollow end of a leg tube 310, such as shown in FIG. 17.
Alternatively, the tent feet could be attached in any other known
manner.
[0119] The tent feet 311 preferably do not penetrate the cover 200
so as to extend to the ground surface, but are preferably retained
within the cover 200. The rounded bottom surface of the tent feet
311 helps prevent damage to any floor 220 material that the feet
311 may contact. In addition, a reinforcement member can be
provided between the tent feet 311 and the floor 220 to prevent the
tent feet 311 from damaging the floor surface. The reinforcement
member can include, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 a metal ring
311R that is received in the region 311-2 and that is supported on
a sheet or fabric material 311S sewn or otherwise fixed at a corner
of the floor 220. In the preferred embodiment, as shown, the sheet
material 311S is a heavy webbing and turns under the foot so that
the foot can sit on both the webbing and the shelter/tent floor.
The diameter of the inside opening of the ring 311R is preferably
slightly larger than the diameter of the portion 311-3 so that the
ring fits thereover when the plane thereof is perpendicular to the
axis A of the tent foot 311, but which locks in the section 311-2
by tension forces within the cover 200 that causes the ring 311 R
to tilt and thus become locked within the section 311-2 as shown in
FIG. 17. In contrast to common tents, no additional clips or other
locking elements are required to engage the tent feet below the
ring 311R.
[0120] Among other things, the present invention thus provides
substantial benefits including ease in use and assembly. The
preferred design of the tent feet in combination with the
reinforcement members also allows sheet material walls and floors
of the shelter/tent to be locked onto the frame quickly and to be
easily removed therefrom. Among other things, this allows the user
to (a) assemble the shelter/tent without having to deal with loose
parts or separate implements and to (b) have multiple or different
covers that can be attached and removed to provide for a wide range
of needs. For example, a single frame design can accommodate one or
more of a recreational tent cover, an ice fishing tent cover, a
cabana cover, and/or any other desired cover. Notably, the covers
can have different materials (such as with different weights,
strengths, waterproof qualities, visibility, heat retention and
other properties, etc.), different wall and floor arrangements
(such as with or without a floor and/or with or without one or more
side, etc.), etc. In addition, the manner in which the tent feet
can lock into the corners (e.g., with a ring 311R or other
receiving member and the tent foot 311) of the shelter/tent as the
frame imparts an outward force against the cover 200 can create a
more rigid "unibody" type of structure.
[0121] Although less preferred, the tent feet 311 can also be made
to penetrate the floor 220 and contact the ground. In other
embodiments, the tent feet 311 can also be mounted on or fixed to
floor surfaces of boats, trucks, buildings, pre-fabricated floors,
etc. Although the FIGS. illustrate preferred tent feet 311, it is
contemplated that any known tent feet could be used or any known
tube end could be used. Alternately, such tent feet or tube ends
can be omitted entirely if desired.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 1(A)-1(C) and 12, the hinge 450 supported
on the band bar 320 pivotally supports an outer end of a center
tube 500. Another connecting member 340 like that shown in FIGS.
11(A)-11(E) is supported at the hinge 450 via the mounting holes
451 upon a pin, bolt or the like (not shown) fitted through the
holes 451 and 345 such that the member 343 freely pivots
therearound. The end 343 preferably does not contact the surface
453 so that the member 340 pivots freely through an angle of about
180 degrees or more. Most preferably, the end 343 of the connecting
member 340 supported at the hinge 450 is completely rounded, such
as shown in FIG. 11(E).
[0123] The inner ends of the center tubes 500 preferably include
like connecting members 340 to connect the center tubes to the bar
mounts of the lower clevis 600 in a similar manner to the
connection of the members 330 to the bar mounts of the upper clevis
400.
[0124] Operation:
[0125] In order to erect the shelter/tent, from an initially
collapsed state shown schematically in FIG. 1(D), a user can begin
by moving the leg tubes 310 downward in the direction of the arrow
1. Then, the user can raise the band bars 320 in the direction of
the arrow 2. This action of raising the band bars causes the center
tubes 500 to elevate in the direction of the arrow 3. As the center
tubes 500 approach a horizontal position, the outer ends of the
center tubes 500 push against the cover 200 that is supported on
the legs 300. This pressure against the cover 200 causes the legs
300 to flex and to thus store potential energy (the cover 200 can
also be made to store energy if desired). Since the leg tube 310
has already been turned downward, the outward force of the center
tubes 500 also creates pressure that further forces the leg tube
310 in the direction of the arrow 1 and forces the hinge 312 to its
fully opened state, such as shown for example in FIG. 1.
[0126] Once the lower clevis 600 has been moved upward a certain
distance, the user can place one hand under the lower clevis 600
and the other hand above the upper clevis 400 and can push the
clevises together to a point whereat the locking mechanism 700 can
lock the clevises together. As noted, after the center tubes 500
are lifted past approximately the horizontal axis, the lower clevis
600 is forced upward towards the upper clevis 400.
[0127] Because the upper and lower clevises are securely locked
together via the locking mechanism 700, the center tubes 500 do not
necessarily need to be raised substantially above the horizontal
axis. Nevertheless, it is preferred that the center tubes 500 are
raised above the horizontal axis at least a distance to ensure that
an upward force is imparted to the lower clevis that further holds
the clevis members together.
[0128] In use, because the frame is securely locked via the locking
mechanism 700, a user can also freely utilize the center tubes of
the shelter/tent to hang items, such as clothes, bags, lights,
lanterns, partitions, hanging implements, etc.
[0129] Erection Facilitating Assembly:
[0130] Another method for erecting such a shelter/tent is shown in
FIGS. 20-23. In particular, a novel device is provided for erecting
a shelter/tent of the present invention. The device is particularly
beneficial in facilitating erection of larger shelters/tents, but
it can also be utilized with other shelter/tent sizes.
[0131] One of the challenges associated with the assembly of
shelters/tents relates to the difficulties one encounters in
erecting larger models. For example, a structure could be made that
may be too tall for a user to easily manipulate the upper and lower
clevises. In addition, larger structures could possess greater
strengths in their component parts that would make assembly of
larger models more difficult and problematic when energy inherent
in the component parts cannot be easily controlled throughout the
assembly and/or take down processes.
[0132] The erection device shown in FIGS. 20-23, however,
facilitates assembly of such shelters/tents. In fact, the
illustrated erection device can enable a single individual, even a
small individual, to easily assemble a relatively large structure.
For example, the device enables even a single individual to
assemble large shelters/tents that could otherwise require more
than one individual, and even a ladder, to be assembled. These
benefits appreciably expand the uses and applications of
shelters/tents according to the present invention.
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the erection device 800 includes an
assembly pole 810 having an externally threaded tip 811. The tip
811 is configured to threadingly engage an internally threaded bore
713 at the lower end of the pin 710. To provide access to the pin
710, the bore 723 in the socket 720 extends through the bottom of
the socket and the lower clevis 600. The pole 810 also includes a
slide tube 830 supported there-around that is adapted to move up
and down along the pole 810. The slide tube 830 also has a lock
lever 840 that locks the slide tube 830 at a particular position
along the pole 810. The slide tube 830 and the lock lever 840 can
be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, the lock lever
840 can include a spring mechanism (not shown) that biases a
friction element (not shown) into contact with the pole 810 to lock
the slide tube 830 in position when no external force is applied,
and the lock lever 840 can be used to move the friction element
away from the pole 810 against the force of the spring mechanism to
allow the slide 830 to move along the pole 810. Preferably, when
the lock lever 840 is moved inward to a position shown in dashed
lines in FIG. 20 (e.g., with one's hand H), the slide tube 830 is
released to allow the slide tube 830 to move freely up or down the
assembly pole 810, and when the lock lever is moved to the outward
position shown in solid lines in FIG. 21 the position of the slide
tube 830 is locked.
[0134] In operation, the pole 810 and the slide tube 830 can be
used both to erect and to disassemble the shelter/tent
structure.
[0135] The use of the pole and slide to disassemble (i.e., collapse
or take down) the structure will be described first. As shown in
FIG. 20, to disassemble the frame when the upper and lower clevises
are connected, the threaded tip 811 of the assembly pole 810 can be
inserted vertically into the hole in the lower clevis 600. Then, as
shown in FIG. 21, the tip 811 can be screwed into the internal
threads 713 of the locking pin 710 to connect the pole 810 to the
pin 710. Although a threaded engagement is preferred, it is
contemplated that other known engagements can be used between the
pole 810 and the pin 710. Most preferably, however, the engagement
is imparted and released by merely rotating the pole 810 with
respect to the pin 710. After the pole 810 is engaged with the pin
710, the slide tube 830 can be moved vertically up the pole 810
until it touches the bottom of the lower clevis 600 as shown in
FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 22, the ring 730 can then be moved
laterally to release the pin 731 from the groove 712 to unlock the
vertical pin 710 from the socket 720 mounted on the lower clevis
600. When the pin 731 is released, the upward force caused by
pressure of the legs 300 against the sheet material walls of the
tent/shelter alone holds the upper clevis 400 and the lower clevis
600 together.
[0136] Then, with one hand the user can grasp the lock lever 840
while holding the slide tube 830 against the bottom of the lower
clevis 600. Simultaneously, the user can also use his or her other
hand to grasp the assembly pole 810 below the slide tube and gently
push the assembly pole 810 upward through the slide tube 830 and
through the lower clevis 600. Because of the union of the assembly
pole 810 and the locking pin 710, this action can thus move the
upper clevis 400 away from the lower clevis 600.
[0137] When the upper clevis 400 moves away a certain distance from
the lower clevis 600, the structure of the frame system will cause
the upper clevis 400 to seek to accelerate away from the lower
clevis 600 for a considerable distance until the energy of the
frame system dissipates when the legs 300 of the frame are relaxed
and free from tension against the cover 200. The user can control
the release of stored energy within the frame which seeks to
accelerate the separation of the upper clevis 400 from the lower
clevis 600 by braking downward motion of the lower clevis 600 via
the lock lever 840 and by braking upward motion of the upper clevis
400 by manipulating the assembly pole 810 and by controlling the
speed that the assembly pole 810 passes up through the lower clevis
600.
[0138] Once the upper clevis 400 and lower clevis 600 no longer
accelerate away from each other, the user can move the slide
assembly tube 830 down to a low point on the assembly pole 810 and
can release the lock lever 840 to lock the slide assembly tube 830
at that low point. The remainder of the shelter/tent frame assembly
can then be collapsed around the assembly pole 810, such as shown
in FIG. 23(A). The assembly pole 810 and the slide tube 830 can
thus conveniently remain attached to the frame during storage.
Among other things, this reduces the likelihood of loss of such
parts and also facilitates expeditious assembly of the
structure.
[0139] In order to assemble the shelter/tent, the process is simply
reversed. FIGS. 23(A)-23(G) schematically illustrate stages during
the erection of the shelter/tent. As shown in FIG. 23(A), the
shelter/tent is initially fully collapsed. Then, as shown in FIG.
23(B), the leg tubes 310 are lowered. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(C),
the user begins to raise the slide assembly tube 830 which, in
turn, causes the lower clevis 600 to elevate and to lift the band
bars 320 as shown in FIG. 23(D). Once the upper and lower clevises
are engaged via the locking mechanism 700, such as shown in FIG.
23(E), the pole 810 and tube 830 assembly is unscrewed, FIG. 23(F),
and removed for storage. The pole 810 and tube 830 can be easily
stored until it is needed again for disassembly. In one exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 23(G), supports S, such as straps or the
like, can be attached along a side wall, or preferably at a corner
between two side walls of the tent or along the floor proximate the
juncture between the floor and the wall to retain the pole 810 and
the tube 830 out of the way during use. When straps are used, the
straps can be opened and closed via hook and loop fastening fabric,
buttons or the like to retain the pole 810.
[0140] Although the erection device 800 has been described in
conjunction with a shelter/tent having a locking mechanism 700
similar to that shown in FIG. 2(A), it should be understood that
the erection device 800 can be used in conjunction with a
shelter/tent having a locking mechanism 700 like that of any of the
embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should
recognize how to modify such embodiments to accommodate such an
erection device. Alternatively, the present erection device 800
could also be used in conjunction with a shelter/tent that does not
include such a locking mechanism, such as for example with a
shelter/tent similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,936, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although
the assembly pole 810 has been described as a single elongated
pole, the pole 810 can also be constructed from two or more pole
segments (not shown) that are connected end-to-end (such as via
male and female threads) to create a single pole 810. In this
manner, the pole 810 can be broken down (i.e., disassembled) for
placement within a back-pack, for storage or the like.
[0141] Additional Frame Structures:
[0142] As noted herein-above, various aspects of the present
invention are not limited to frame structures exactly as described.
As some examples, the locking mechanisms 700 and the erection
device 800 can be used with a variety of other frame structures
having upper and lower clevises.
[0143] Other frame structures are illustrated, for example, in
FIGS. 18-19.
[0144] FIGS. 18(A)-18(C) show an embodiment having four modified
legs (as noted, the number of legs can be selected as desired). In
the illustrated embodiment, each leg includes three leg segments
310, 320A and 320B, and there are two intermediate folding hinges
312A and 312B. If desired a locking mechanism can be added to the
hinges to securely hold the frame in the erected position once
assembled. As shown, the band bars 320A and 320B are preferably
formed with a plurality of longitudinal ribs 320 R extending along
the length of the band bars as shown in FIGS. 18(C) and 18(E).
Preferably, two ribs are provided. Among other things, this allows
the band bars 320A and 320B to impart a greater flex-action and
thus allows for a wider range of designs. In one exemplary
embodiment, the band bars 320A and 320B can be extruded into this
form, such as being made of extruded aluminum. It is contemplated
that any of the embodiments discussed herein can include this type
of band bar structure and/or such extruded materials. It again
noted that the various leg segments, shapes, etc., can be varied
extensively between embodiments, and that the illustrated and
described embodiments are merely exemplary designs.
[0145] The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(A) is similar to that shown
in FIG. 18(A) and includes a frame having legs 300' (only one leg
shown) with three leg segments 310', 320'-A and 320'-B and with two
intermediate hinges 312'-B and 312'-A. This embodiment enables, for
example, the frame to be collapsed into a smaller size. As a
result, the device can be used, for example, to create
shelters/tents that can be easily carried within a common back-pack
carried by a user. As shown in the exemplary dimensions in inches
in FIG. 19(A), a substantial shelter/tent size can be created that
folds into a small structure (the largest leg segment length of the
exemplary embodiment shown being about 23 inches). Once again, the
exemplary dimensions are for illustrative purposes only.
[0146] The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(B) is similar to that shown
in FIG. 19(A), except that FIG. 19(B) includes four leg segments
310', 320'-A, 320'-B and 320'-C. As shown, the device preferably
collapses to a state wherein the maximum height H is determined
approximately by the relative positions of the upper and lower
clevises in the fully collapsed state. The embodiment shown in FIG.
19(B) also shows a modified locking mechanism wherein a socket 720
extends from the upper clevis and a pin 710 extends from the lower
clevis 600.
[0147] The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(C) is similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 19(A), except that the middle segment M1
of the hinge 312'-A is longer than the middle segment M2 of the
hinge 312'-B to facilitate compact folding of the structure.
[0148] Additional Modifications and Embodiments:
[0149] The features of the present invention described herein-above
enable the creation of easily operated, quickly erectable, highly
secure and/or large shelter/tent structures. Accordingly, the
present invention has greater applicability and benefits in a
variety of circumstances. For example, as discussed above, the
present invention is also highly beneficial in military and
disaster relief applications.
[0150] The present invention could also be used to create even
larger structures by incorporating multiple shelter/tent structures
in side-by-side relationship and connecting adjacent sides of
adjacent shelters/tents, such as via common door openings D.
Because the present invention enables the formation of larger
shelters/tents, the combination of multiple shelters/tents in
side-by-side relationships enables the creation of large facilities
for many applications. For example, persons at camping sites can
attach a plurality of private tents to a single common tent area.
As another example, in disaster relief situations large elongated
structures can be created by connecting a plurality of such
structures in a row. Other multiple shelter/tent arrangements can
be beneficial in the creation of temporary health care centers. It
is notable that the present invention, including the locking
mechanism 700 also enables the sides 210, FIG. 1, to be formed at a
steeper angle (i.e., closer to vertical) which greatly facilitates
and enables the connection of multiple shelters/tents and
advantageously provides a larger useable space per unit floor area
than other shelters/tents.
[0151] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described herein-above, it should be understood that various
modifications to the preferred embodiments can be made based on
this disclosure and the knowledge of those in the art. All such
modifications are also encompassed within the scope of the present
invention. As some examples, various aspects of embodiments
described above can be incorporated into other embodiments
described above, and various other modifications can be made as
would be understood by those in the art based on this
disclosure.
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