U.S. patent application number 09/867815 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for structure for outdoor use.
Invention is credited to Abbinante, Michael.
Application Number | 20020179133 09/867815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25350507 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020179133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abbinante, Michael |
December 5, 2002 |
Structure for outdoor use
Abstract
A multi-sided structure for outdoor use comprising a shell
having a plurality of panels. The shell further having a plurality
of apertures and a means for entering and exiting the shell. The
structure further comprising a plurality of support poles attached
to an inner surface of the shell. Generally, the poles overlap at
an upper portion of the shell to define the overall shape of the
structure. Each support pole extends from a first lower portion of
the shell, through the upper portion of the shell, and to a second
lower portion of the shell. Each aperture is configured to allow a
user to view an object located beyond the structure. The structure
further comprising means for securing the structure to an outdoor
surface to prevent unwanted movement of the structure during
operation and use of the structure.
Inventors: |
Abbinante, Michael;
(Bartlett, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Wallenstein & Wagner, Ltd.
311 S. Wacker Drive, 53rd Floor
Chicago
IL
60606-6630
US
|
Family ID: |
25350507 |
Appl. No.: |
09/867815 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/124 ;
135/115; 135/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/40 20130101;
E04H 15/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/124 ;
135/136; 135/115 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/36 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A multi-sided structure for outdoor use comprising: a shell
having a plurality of panels, the shell having a plurality of
apertures, the shell further having a means for entering and
exiting the shell; a plurality of support poles, the poles attached
to an inner surface of the shell, the poles overlapping at an upper
portion of the shell to define the structure, and; means for
securing the structure to an outdoor surface to prevent unwanted
movement of the structure.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein each pole extends from a first
lower portion of the shell, through the upper portion of the shell,
and to a second lower portion of the shell.
3. The structure of claim 1 wherein the poles overlap to define a
dome-shaped structure.
4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the entering and exiting means
is integrated within a panel.
5. The structure of claim 4 wherein the entering and exiting means
is a zipper.
6. The structure of claim 4 wherein the entering and exiting means
is hook and pile connector system.
7. The structure of claim 4 wherein the entering and exiting means
is a plurality of fasteners.
8. The structure of claim 1 wherein the securing means extend s
from a lower portion of the shell.
9. The structure of claim 1 wherein the apertures are configured to
allow a user to view an object located beyond the structure.
10. A structure for outdoor use comprising: a shell having a
plurality of panels, the shell having a plurality of apertures,
each aperture located in a panel, the shell further having a
plurality of sheathes, each sheath attached to an inner surface of
the shell; a plurality of support poles, the poles extending
through the sheathes and overlapping at an upper portion of the
shell to define the structure; means for entering and exiting the
shell; and, means for securing the structure to an outdoor surface
to prevent unwanted movement of the structure.
11. The structure of claim 10 wherein each pole extends from a
first lower portion of the shell, through the upper portion of the
shell, and to a second lower portion of the shell.
12. The structure of claim 10 wherein the poles overlap to define a
dome-shaped structure.
13. The structure of claim 10 wherein the entering and exiting
means is integrated within a panel.
14. The structure of claim 13 wherein the entering and exiting
means is a zipper.
15. The structure of claim 13 wherein the entering and exiting
means is hook and pile connector system.
16. The structure of claim 13 wherein the entering and exiting
means is a plurality of fasteners.
17. The structure of claim 10 wherein the securing means extends
from a lower portion of the shell.
18. The structure of claim 10 wherein the apertures are configured
to allow a user to aim and fire a weapon at an object located
beyond the structure.
19. A structure for outdoor use comprising: a fabric shell having a
plurality of panels, the shell having a plurality of apertures,
each aperture located in a panel, the shell further having a
plurality of panel intersection areas, the intersection areas
separating adjacent panels; a plurality of sheathes, each sheath
attached to an inner surface of the shell at the intersection area;
a plurality of support poles, the poles extending through the
sheathes and overlapping at an upper portion of the shell to define
the structure; means for entering and exiting the shell; and, means
for securing the structure to an outdoor surface to prevent
unwanted movement of the structure.
20. The structure of claim 19 wherein each pole extends from a
first lower portion of the shell, through the upper portion of the
shell, and to a second lower portion of the shell.
21. The structure of claim 20 wherein the poles overlap to define a
dome-shaped structure.
22. The structure of claim 19 wherein the entering and exiting
means is integrated within a panel.
23. The structure of claim 19 wherein the entering and exiting
means is a zipper.
24. The structure of claim 19 wherein the entering and exiting
means is hook and pile connector system.
25. The structure of claim 19 wherein the securing means extends
from a lower portion of the shell.
26. The structure of claim 19 wherein the apertures are configured
to allow a user to view an object located beyond the structure.
27. A structure for outdoor use comprising: a fabric shell having a
plurality of panels, the shell having a plurality of apertures,
each aperture located in a panel, a first and a second set of
sheathes, the first set of sheathes affixed to an inner surface of
the shell at a lower portion of the shell, the second set of
sheathes affixed to the inner surface at an upper portion of the
shell; a plurality of support poles, the poles extending through
both sets of sheathes and overlapping proximate the second set of
sheathes to define the structure; means for entering and exiting
the shell; and, means for securing the structure to an outdoor
surface to prevent unwanted movement of the structure.
28. The structure of claim 27 wherein the poles overlap to define a
dome-shaped structure.
29. The structure of claim 27 wherein the entering and exiting
means is integrated within a panel.
30. The structure of claim 27 wherein the securing means extends
from a lower portion of the shell.
31. The structure of claim 27 wherein the apertures are configured
to allow a user to view an object located beyond the structure.
32. The structure of claim 27 wherein the apertures are configured
to allow a user to aim and fire a weapon at an object located
beyond the structure.
33. A structure for outdoor use comprising: a fabric shell having a
plurality of panels, the shell having a plurality of apertures,
each aperture located in a panel, a first and a second set of
sheathes, the first set of sheathes affixed to an inner surface of
the shell at a lower portion of the shell, the second set of
sheathes affixed to the inner surface at an upper portion of the
shell; a first, second, and third support pole, each pole extending
through both sets of sheathes, the poles overlapping proximate an
upper portion of the shell to define the structure; means for
entering and exiting the shell; and, means for securing the
structure to an outdoor surface to prevent unwanted movement of the
structure.
34. The structure of claim 33 wherein the three poles overlap to
define a dome-shaped structure with six panels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates to a structure for outdoor use. More
specifically, this invention relates to a multi-sided structure
formed from a novel arrangement of internal supports for use in
outdoor activities and sports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a portable, multi-sided
structure for outdoor activities and sports, where the structure is
formed from the novel arrangement of internal supports. The
resulting structure is lightweight and permits the user to easily
transport the structure to a desired outdoor location for use.
[0005] Conventional structures for outdoor use, for example tents
and hunting blinds, suffer from a number of number of disadvantages
that limit their performance and utility. Some conventional designs
lack structural support and as a result, are not durable and are
unable to withstand harsh weather. More substantial designs having
a greater number of support structures are available, but they
require a greater amount of time to assemble and can be more
difficult to transport and assemble. A number of conventional
hunting blinds feature openings for viewing prey outside of the
blinds; however, these blinds have significant internal structures,
i.e. bulky vertical supports, that hinder the user's activity
within the structure and obstruct the user's field of view. In
addition, tents and blinds having significant internal structures
are heavy and are generally difficult to transport thereby reducing
the utility of the structure.
[0006] Consequently, there is a definite need for a portable,
multi-sided structure for outdoor activities that is lightweight
and easily transported, and which does not obstruct the user's
field of view.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention relates to a multi-sided structure for outdoor
use in connection with activities and sports. The structure
comprises a plurality of sides or panels, a shell, and a plurality
of support poles. The shell is a lightweight, flexible material
that forms the outer surface of the structure.
[0008] The first aspect of the invention, the support poles, are
flexible, lightweight objects that overlap near an upper portion of
the shell. Each support pole is attached to an inner surface of the
shell by a first set of sheathes and a second set of sheathes. Both
sets of sheathes are affixed to the inner surface of the shell. To
prevent undesired movement of the completed structure, the sheathes
are configured such that movement of the support poles is
minimized. The number, size and configuration of the sheathes can
vary with the configuration and size of the support poles and the
structure.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, an
intermediate portion of the support poles overlap at the upper
portion of the structure to define the shape of the structure. The
intermediate portions of the support poles are secured to the inner
surface of the shell by the second set of sheathes. The specific
order or degree of overlap between the intermediate portions can
vary greatly. Once properly inserted and positioned, a single
support pole will be secured by two sheathes from the first set of
sheathes and two sheathes from the second set of sheathes. The
overall shape or configuration of the structure depends upon the
number of overlapping support poles.
[0010] According to a further aspect of the invention, each of the
support poles has a first end, and a second end. Thus, each support
pole has ends that extend through eyelets or openings located in
opposing lower portions of the shell. Once assembled, the structure
rests on the ground with the ends and the lower edge of the shell
in contact with the ground.
[0011] According to an additional aspect of the invention, the
structure includes a plurality of apertures, each of which are
positioned in a panel. The aperture is adapted to permit a user to
view and observe an object positioned beyond the structure. A flap
can be positioned about or in close proximity to an aperture to
cover the aperture. The flap can be used to seal the aperture when
the structure is used in inclement weather.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the
structure comprises means for entering and exiting the structure.
The entering and exiting means is positioned within a panel and
allows a user to enter and exit the structure. The structure could
include a plurality of entering and exiting means.
[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the
structure comprises means for securing the structure to an outdoor
surface. The securing means extends from a portion of the lower
edge of the shell. The securing means can be a portion of flexible
material. In operation, the securing means is positioned within the
structure and a heavy object is placed on the securing means to
anchor the structure and prevent unwanted movement of the
structure.
[0014] Due to its lightweight components, i.e. the support poles
and the fabric shell, the structure is extremely portable. This is
a key aspect of the structure because a user can easily transport
the structure in a backpack to his/her favorite outdoor
location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure according to the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the structure of FIG. 1, showing an
inner surface of the structure;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the structure of FIG. 1,
showing a plurality of internal support poles; and
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the structure of FIG. 1,
showing an alternate embodiment of a plurality of internal support
poles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a multi-sided structure 10 for outdoor use in
connection with activities and sports, such as hunting, fishing, or
bird watching. The structure 10 comprises a plurality of sides or
panels 12, a fabric shell 14, and a plurality of internal support
poles 16. Adjacent panels 12 meet or converge at the panel
intersection area 17. The number of intersection areas 17
corresponds to the number of panels 12. The shell 14 is a
lightweight, flexible material that forms the outer surface 18 of
the structure 10.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, the support poles 16 are flexible,
lightweight objects that overlap near an upper portion 28 of the
shell 14. Each support pole 16 provides structural support for the
structure 10 and each pole 16 is attached to an inner surface 20 of
the shell 14 at multiple locations. The support poles 16 can be a
unitary structure or a multi-part structure. When the support poles
16 are of the latter design, the poles 16 can have a internal
elastic retention member (not shown) that permits them to be
collapsible. The outer diameter of the support poles 16 can vary
from approximately 1/8 to 2 inches, and the thickness of the
support poles 16 can vary accordingly.
[0022] A first set of sheathes 22 and a second set of sheathes 24
are affixed to the inner surface 20 of the shell 14. The first and
second set of sheathes 22, 24 comprise a plurality of individual
sheathes, or channels. The first and second set of sheathes 22, 24
are adapted to receive a portion of the support poles 16 to secure
the support poles 16 to the shell 14. The sets of sheathes 22, 24
can be affixed to the inner surface 20 in a number of locations
along the insertion area 17; however, the first set of sheathes 22
is preferably located near a lower edge 26 of the shell 14 and the
second set of sheathes is preferably located near the upper portion
28 of the shell 14.
[0023] To prevent undesired movement of the completed structure 10,
the sheathes 22, 24 are configured such that movement of the
support poles 16 is minimized. The number, size and configuration
of the sheathes can vary with the configuration and size of the
support poles 16 and the structure 10. Generally, the sheathes 22,
24 are cylindrical or tubular, however, they can have a number of
different shapes. The sheathes 22, 24 can be fabricated from a
number of different materials, including but not limited to canvas
or nylon. Depending upon the overall size of the structure 10, an
additional set of sheathes can be affixed to the inner surface 20
of the shell 14.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, an intermediate portion 30 of
the support poles 16 overlap or imbricate at the upper portion 28
to define the shape of the structure 10. The intermediate portions
30 of the support poles 16 are secured to the inner surface 20 of
the shell 14 by the second set of sheathes 24. The specific order
or degree of overlap between the intermediate portions 30 can vary;
however, the last pole 16 inserted in and secured by the second set
of sheathes 24 will have an intermediate portion 30a positioned
above the other intermediate portions 30 of overlapping poles 16.
Once properly inserted and positioned, a single support pole 16
will be secured by two distinct sheathes from the first set of
sheathes 22 and two distinct sheathes from the second set of
sheathes 24. This means that a single support pole 16 can be
secured by a total of four (4) separate sheathes. Because the first
and second sheathes 22, 24 are preferably located in the panel
intersection area 17, each support pole 16 will provide support to
multiple panels 12.
[0025] The number of panels 12 and the shape or configuration of
the structure 10 depends upon the number of overlapping support
poles 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, three (3) support poles 16
overlap at the upper portion 28 to form a structure 10 with six (6)
panels 12. Similarly, and as shown in FIG. 4, four (4) overlapping
support poles 16 would form a structure 10 with eight panels 12.
Accordingly and unlike conventional designs, the number of panels
12 of the structure 10 equals the number of support poles 16
multiplied by two. For structures 10 formed from either six or
eight support poles 16, the structure 10 is generally dome-shaped.
Although only a six-sided structure 10 is shown, four-, eight-, and
ten-sided structures are consistent with the teachings of this
invention.
[0026] In another embodiment, a reinforcing portion 31 can be
affixed to the inner surface 20 to increase the rigidity of the
upper portion 28. To further increase the rigidity, the second set
of sheathes 24 can be affixed to the reinforcing portion 31.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, each panel 12 has a lower portion
defined by the lower edge 26 of the shell 14, an upper portion
defined by the overlap of two support poles 16 near the upper
portion 28 of the shell 14, and two side portions defined by a
support pole 16 depending from the upper portion 28 of the shell
14. The dimensions of each panel 12 will vary with the number of
support poles 16 and the dimensions of the shell 14.
[0028] Each of the support poles 16 has a first end 32, a second
end 34, and a length, L. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end 32
extends beyond an aperture 36 in a first lower portion 38 of the
shell 14, and the second end 34 of the same pole 16 extends beyond
an aperture 36 in a second lower portion 40 of the shell 14. Thus,
each support pole 16 has ends 32, 34 that extend through apertures
36 located in opposing lower portions 38, 40 of the shell 14. This
means that a single support pole 16 engages two lower portions 38,
40, of the shell 14. This precludes the need for distinct support
structures for each lower portion of the shell.
[0029] To restrict movement of the ends 32, 34 and the poles 16, a
combination of pins (not shown) and circular rings (not shown) can
be employed. Specifically, the ends 32, 34 could include a
generally cylindrical pin that is received by a generally circular
ring fabricated in the apertures 36. Alternatively, the ends 32, 34
can include a securing clip (not shown) that fixedly engages the
circular ring.
[0030] Once assembled, the structure 10 rests on the ground with
the ends 32, 34 and the lower edge 26 of the shell 14 in contact
with the ground. In extremely harsh weather conditions, a spike can
be driven into the ground to engage either the rings or the lower
edges 26 to further secure the structure 10.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the structure 10 includes a plurality
of apertures or openings 42. Each aperture 42 is positioned in a
panel 14, preferably at a middle portion of the panel 14. The
aperture 42 is adapted to permit a user of the structure 10 to view
and observe an object positioned beyond the structure 10. For
example, when the structure 10 is used for hunting, the apertures
42 permit the hunter to view a target located outside of the
structure 10 and fire a weapon at the target. Accordingly, each
aperture 42 is sufficiently configured to permit the discharge of a
weapon through the aperture 42. Although each aperture 42 is shown
having a generally trapezoidal shape, the apertures 42 can have
various configurations including but not limited to square,
circular, or rectangular.
[0032] Each aperture 42 can have a flap 44 which is a segment of
material adapted to cover the aperture 42. Preferably, the flap 44
is located in the interior of the structure 10 and can be employed
by the user while the user is located within the structure.
However, the flap can be located on the exterior of the structure
10. The flap 44 can be used to seal the aperture 42 when the
structure is used in inclement weather. For example, when the
structure 10 is used for ice fishing, the flaps 44 can be used to
seal the apertures 42 to prevent cold air or wind from entering the
structure 10.
[0033] The structure 10 further comprises means 46 for entering and
exiting the structure 10. The entering and exiting means 46 is
positioned within a panel 12 and allows a user to enter and exit
the structure 10. Generally, the entering and exiting means 46
depends from the upper portion 28 of the structure 10 to the lower
edge 26 of the structure 10. The structure 10 could include a
plurality of entering and exiting means 46; however, a single means
46 is preferred because this optimizes the number of apertures 42.
The entering an exiting means 46 can be a zipper, a plurality of
fasteners, such as buttons, or a hook and pile connector
system.
[0034] The structure 10 further comprises means 48 for securing the
structure 10 to an outdoor surface. The securing means 48 extends
from a portion of the lower edge 26 of the shell 14. The securing
means 48 can be a portion of flexible material having a generally
rectangular or square shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the securing means
48 extends from the lower edge 26 proximate a single panel 12.
Alternatively, the securing means 48 can extend from the lower edge
26 of multiple panels 12, or multiple securing means 48 can extend
from the lower edge 26 of different panels 12. In operation, the
securing means 48 is positioned within the structure 10 and a heavy
object can be placed on the securing means 48 to further anchor the
structure 10 and prevent unwanted movement of the structure 10.
[0035] Due to its lightweight components, i e. the support poles 16
and the shell 14, the structure 10 is portable. This is a key
aspect of the structure 10 because a user can easily transport the
structure 10 in a backpack to his/her favorite outdoor location.
Because the support poles 16 are combined with the shell 14 and the
sheathes 22, 24 to form an integral structure 10, the structure 10
is extremely sturdy and can be lifted up and repositioned it
without disassembly.
[0036] Because the structure 10 is intended for outdoor use, the
material used to form the shell 14 should be durable and able to
withstand environmental elements. The shell 14 can be formed from
natural materials, including cotton, canvas, and silk, or formed
from synthetic materials, including nylon, or polyester.
Alternatively, the shell can be formed from a combination of
natural and synthetic materials, such as cotton and polyester.
[0037] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the
scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the
accompanying Claims.
* * * * *