U.S. patent application number 11/037435 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for adaptive enclosure with rapid stow, deploy and locking machanisms.
Invention is credited to Alspaugh, Mark H..
Application Number | 20050155299 11/037435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34752555 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155299 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alspaugh, Mark H. |
July 21, 2005 |
Adaptive enclosure with rapid stow, deploy and locking
machanisms
Abstract
An enclosure with a soft cover, typically of various fabric-like
materials which can be operated to enclose a space and volume of
variable dimensions from a maximum amount to near zero, and to
positions between these limits, by manipulation of its novel frame
structure and connecting devices.. The enclosure has a frame
assembly which is covered. The frame assembly is formed of members
pivotally connected to a central subassembly such that each member
may be disposed at a selected position and may be locked in the
selected position.
Inventors: |
Alspaugh, Mark H.; (Hot
Springs Village, AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARMSTRONG, KRATZ, QUINTOS
HANSON & BROOKS,
Intellectual Property Law Offices
502 Washington Avenue, Suite 220
Towson
MD
21204
US
|
Family ID: |
34752555 |
Appl. No.: |
11/037435 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60537852 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/079.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; E04H
003/00; E04H 005/00; E04H 006/00; E04H 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A habitable enclosure, comprising: a frame assembly which will
overlie the space and volume occupied by the enclosure and support
a cover assembly when said enclosure is erected; at least two
devices which have the means of being attached to the surface over
which the enclosure is to be erected; which devices provide a means
of and general locus for attachment of other selected members of
the frame assembly; which devices provide at least two axes about
which attached structural members of the frame assembly may be
rotated; which devices provide a means of being locked in a fixed
orientation to provide full enclosure of the space and volume
occupied by the enclosure, from a maximum amount to a minimum
amount near or at zero; at least three structural members of the
frame assembly that are of arbitrary arc-shape; the structural
members having a means of adjusting the height of their arbitrary
arc-shape; the structural members having a means of adjusting the
span of their arbitrary arc-shape; the structural members having a
means of being rotated about an axis collinear with the chord of
their respective arc lengths; at least four structural members of
the frame assembly which provide a means of being folded
approximately in half when desired; having a means of being
arranged in a generally linear configuration when desired; having a
means of locking the member in the generally linear configuration
when desired; having a means of varying the overall length of the
structural member when desired; a cover assembly overlying and
attached to the frame assembly when said enclosure is erected; said
cover assembly being secured to the frame assembly; said cover
assembly being formed of any material which can be secured to the
frame assembly; and when all of the above in the aggregate are
combined, can be operated to either fully enclose an objective
space, to partially enclose an objective space, or to fully uncover
or un-enclose an objective space.
2. A device which provides a means for being attached to an
attachment of selected members of a composite structure: which
device has the means of being attached or anchored to a surface to
which it is to be mounted; which device provides a means and a
general locus for the attachment of at least three members of the
composite structure; which device has at least one common axis of
rotation about which selected members of the composite structure
may be rotated; which device has at least two axes about which
attached structural members of the frame assembly may be
independently rotated; which devices provide a means of being
locked in a fixed orientation when desired; which device provides a
means of being unlocked to provide a variable degree of rotation
for each of the at least three (3) members of the composite
structure, from a near zero degrees to approximately one-hundred
eighty degrees (180.degree.).
3. A device: which provides a means of being attached to other
members of a composite structure; which provides a means of being
folded approximately in half when desired; which provides a means
of being arranged in a generally linear configuration when desired;
which provides a means of locking the member in the generally
linear configuration when desired; which provides a means of
varying the overall length of the member both independently and
when it is used as a member of a composite structure.
4. An enclosure comprising: a frame assembly having a first member,
a second member and at least one intermediate member, each member
having opposite sides formed of struts, each strut having an upper
end and a lower end, each lower end being pivotally connected to a
respective subassembly, each upper end being connected to a bow
section; means to anchor each subassembly to a surface in which the
enclosure is assembled; a rotating member having a first end
pivotally connected to the subassembly, each rotating member having
a plurality of secondary pivot axes formed therein; the lower ends
of the respective struts being received in a respective secondary
pivot axes; at least four (4) brace arms, each brace arm having a
first end connected to a selected frame assembly member and an
opposite second end connected to another selected assembly member;
a flexible cover secured to the frame assembly; wherein, the frame
assembly overlies the space and volume occupied by the enclosure,
with at least one intermediate member being rotatable with respect
to the first member such that the enclosure may be partially or
completely covered.
5. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the bow section is formed from
two half bow sections joined to one another.
6. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the connection between the
upper end of the strut and the bow section is adjustable such that
tolerances and tensioning variances may be compensated.
7. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the brace arms may be locked
to secure the members of the frame assembly in a desired position
with respect to one another.
8. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the brace arm has a lower arm
pivotally connected to an upper arm, by a coupler, a movable
locking sleeve disposed on the upper arm, wherein the locking
sleeve may be moved over the coupler between the upper arm and the
lower arm to lock the brace arms in a linear position.
9. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the locking sleeve may be
moved over the upper arm and the brace arm may be folded in
two.
10. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the lower arm has an end stub
rotatably connected to the lower arm such that the length of the
length of the brace arm may be increased or decreased.
11. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the enclosure may be fully
expanded to overlie a desired space and may be fully collapsed for
storage.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application is related to U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office provisional application No. 60/537,852 filed Jan. 21,
2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Consider a three dimensional, inhabitable space that one
would wish to enclose at one time yet, at another time, one would
wish to uncover the space to gain virtually unimpeded access to the
interior. Moreover, one would wish to do this and be able to move
between these states quickly and easily.
[0003] This invention relates to various canopies, sun-shelters,
pavilions, tents and tent-like covers and enclosures that
accomplish this end, specifically to inhabitable covers and
enclosures having means that allow users to quickly and simply
change the configuration from fully deployed, where the maximum
attainable space is covered or enclosed, to fully stowed, where no
space is covered or enclosed, and to intermediate configurations
between these limits.
[0004] For purposes of this patent application, unless otherwise
noted, the word "enclosure" shall be interpreted to mean, in
general, all such canopies, sun-shelters, pavilions, tents and
tent-like covers and enclosures that accomplish the end as
described above.
[0005] There are many kinds of such enclosures. In general, their
use involves setting them up so that once deployed, the space or
volume covered or enclosed is relatively fixed and invariable. Such
enclosures, if tent-like, typically provide door-like openings that
limit access to the interior to people and to objects that will fit
through the openings as they move back and forth from into and out
of the enclosure. If enclosure of objects larger than those that
will fit through the door openings is desired, and if its design
permits, such enclosures must be erected over the objects and then
taken down or disassembled when removal or exposure of the enclosed
object or objects is desired.
[0006] Canopies, sun-shelters and pavilions are other kinds of
structures and covers that once erected are relatively fixed in
configuration. For example, the "Bimini" covers on many pleasure
boats are assembled in the fully erect configuration. The cover
cannot be stowed in a configuration yielding full overhead
clearance when under way or for transport or dry dock activities
without significant disassembly.
[0007] There are many situations where such enclosures are wholly
inadequate and where variable configuration enclosures constructed
in accordance with this invention would be far more suitable.
Without suggesting any limitation as to possible uses of an
enclosure constructed in accordance with the invention, consider a
few specific examples:
[0008] a. An enclosure for spas and hot tubs where users may wish
to gain privacy and weather protection at one time yet gain a fully
open and unenclosed configuration at another time;
[0009] b. An enclosure for motor cars, motorcycles, garden tractors
and other such objects where users may wish to store objects in a
fully enclosed configuration until needed, then be able to gain
access to the full interior in a fully open and unenclosed
configuration at another time;
[0010] c. A greenhouse enclosure, where full enclosure is desired
in certain seasons and weather conditions, and a partial or fully
unenclosed configuration is needed at other times;
[0011] d. As a temporary enclosure for office, construction,
maintenance and repair projects in the field as for example, over a
manhole to protect workers and the site from weather yet that can
be briefly opened to permit large objects to be quickly moved into
and out of the enclosed space;
[0012] e. As a sun shelter or as a "Bimini" cover for small
pleasure boat marine applications that can be quickly and fully
erected or stowed as desired; and
[0013] f. As a deck-mounted privacy and weather enclosure for small
"party-boat" applications, pontoon boats for example that can be
quickly and fully erected or stowed as desired.
[0014] So, the marketplace has long needed a cover or enclosure
with a means of effectively varying the space covered or enclosed
from fully erected, to partially erected, to fully stowed, without
disassembly of the cover or enclosure. The cover and enclosure
constructed in accordance with the invention herein has such means.
Insofar as I am aware, no canopy, sun-shelter, tent or tent-like
cover or enclosure provides this kind of adjustability and
variability to a user without the disadvantage of requiring full or
partial disassembly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
enclosure which may be easily erected and stored.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an enclosure which may be erected into a selected one of a multiple
of positions and may be fixed at any of such selected position.
[0017] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
there is disclosed a habitable enclosure having a frame assembly
which will overlie the space and volume occupied by the enclosure
and support a cover assembly when said enclosure is erected. At
least two devices have the means of being attached to the surface
over which the enclosure is to be erected. The devices provide a
means of and general locus for attachment of other selected members
of the frame assembly. The devices provide at least two axes about
which attached structural members of the frame assembly may be
rotated. The devices provide a means of being locked in a fixed
orientation to provide full enclosure of the space and volume
occupied by the enclosure when desired. The devices provide a means
of being unlocked to provide a variable degree of enclosure of the
space and volume occupied by the enclosure from a maximum amount to
a minimum amount near or at zero. At least three structural members
of the frame assembly that are of arbitrary arc-shape. The
structural members have a means of adjusting the height of their
arbitrary arc-shape. The structural members have a means of
adjusting the span of their arbitrary arc-shape. The structural
members have a means of being rotated about an axis collinear with
the chord of their respective arc lengths. At least four structural
members of the frame assembly which provide a means of being folded
approximately in half when desired. The structural members have a
means of being arranged in a generally linear configuration when
desired. The structural members have a means of locking the member
in the generally linear configuration when desired. The structural
members have a means of varying the overall length of the
structural member when desired. A cover assembly overlying and
attached to the frame assembly when said enclosure is erected. The
cover assembly is secured to the frame assembly. The cover assembly
is formed of any material which can be secured to the frame
assembly. When all of the above in the aggregate are combined, the
enclosure is operated to either fully enclose an objective space,
to partially enclose an objective space, or to fully uncover or
un-enclose an objective space.
[0018] In further accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, there is disclosed an enclosure formed from a frame
assembly having a first member, a second member and at least one
intermediate member. Each member has opposite sides formed of
struts. Each strut has an upper end and a lower end, each lower end
being pivotally connected to a respective subassembly, each upper
end being connected to a bow section. Means are provided to anchor
each subassembly to a surface on which the enclosure is assembled.
A rotating member has a first end pivotally connected to the
respective subassembly. Each rotating member has a plurality of
secondary pivot axes formed therein. The lower ends of the
respective struts are received in the secondary pivot axes. At
least four brace arms are provided. Each brace arm has a first end
connected to a selected frame assembly member and an opposite
second end connected to another selected assembly member. A
flexible cover is secured to the frame assembly. The frame assembly
overlies the space and volume occupied by the enclosure. The at
least one intermediate member is rotatable with respect to the
first member such that the enclosure may be partially or completely
covered.
[0019] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in
conjunction with the enclosed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a model of the invention being used at a starter's
enclosure for a golf tournament.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an operation of the invention showing sequencing
from fully stowed to fully erected and return to fully stowed.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of adaptive tent-like
enclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a nodal representation of typical supporting frame
of adaptive tent-like enclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view showing components of frame assembly
in deployed configuration.
[0025] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the compound hinge, anchor
and locking subassembly with the rotating member in a folded down
position.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the compound hinge, anchor
and locking subassembly with the rotating member in an upright
position.
[0027] FIG. 7 is an end view of the adaptive strut, bow and
connector subassembly.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the invention employing
a pavilion-like cover.
[0029] FIG. 9A is a side view showing the brace arm subassembly in
a locked position.
[0030] FIG. 9B is a side view showing the brace arm subassembly in
an unlocked position.
[0031] FIG. 9C is a side view showing the brace arm subassembly in
a folded position.
[0032] FIGS. 10A-10D are a series of perspective views showing the
stowing of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the mechanical components of
the frame assembly in stowed configuration.
[0034] FIG. 12A shows the present invention with four bows.
[0035] FIG. 12B shows the present invention with seven bows.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a two bow
configuration of the invention.
[0037] FIGS. 14A-14B are perspective views of stowing covers in
small boat applications.
DESCRIPTION
[0038] Description of the invention will be aided by first
examining some useful illustrations. FIG. 1 presents one model of
the invention which has been configured as a tent-like enclosure.
FIG. 1 shows the complete enclosure fully erected with a door panel
in the front. Windows are provided on the sides.
[0039] FIG. 2 provides a series of views of an early prototype
showing how the invention can be easily operated to change its
configuration from a fully stowed to a fully deployed
configuration, and then easily returned to the fully stowed
configuration.
[0040] The invention, an adaptive enclosure with rapid stow, deploy
and locking mechanisms, has two major assemblies, the frame
assembly and the cover assembly. The frame assembly incorporates
two each of a novel subassembly, designated the compound hinge,
anchor and locking subassembly and four each of a novel subassembly
designated the adaptive brace arm assembly.
[0041] The compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies provide
multiple hinging or pivot axes, so that when the other members of
the frame assembly are attached to it, they can be freely rotated
about the pivot axes provided.
[0042] The members of the frame assembly that are attached to the
compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies are arch-like
structures called strut and bow subassemblies. The strut components
are members that define the wall surfaces of the enclosure. The bow
components are attached to the strut components and define the
enclosing roof-like surface joining the wall surfaces.
[0043] Once the frame assembly is erected or deployed, the adaptive
brace arm subassemblies, which are interconnected between selected
strut and bow subassemblies, are locked into position to provide
both load carrying and structural positioning functions within the
overall frame assembly and to maintain the required degree of
structural rigidity.
[0044] The cover assembly is attached to the frame assembly using
means of attachment provided with the cover. Such means properly
position and secure the cover over the underlying frame assembly.
Once fully deployed, the enclosure can enclose a maximum space or
volume defined by the physical dimensions of the frame assembly of
the particular unit in use.
[0045] Accordingly, an enclosure constructed in accordance with
this invention provides a means that, as the brace arms are
unlocked, the strut and bow subassemblies are enabled to be rotated
about a pivot axis. As the strut and bow subassemblies are rotated
from their fully deployed position with the cover assembly
attached, the enclosed space begins to decrease. The compound
hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies provide a means so that,
when all strut and bow subassemblies are fully rotated about their
pivot axes with the cover assembly attached, the enclosed space
diminishes to a point where zero, or near zero, space is
enclosed.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken from slightly above and
to the front-right of one version of an enclosure constructed in
accordance with the invention and shown in the deployed
configuration. It can be constructed so that its overall dimensions
in terms of maximum height, width and length can be adapted to meet
the needs of many different and specific applications. Accordingly,
this patent application is intended to encompass all such
enclosures constructed in accordance with the invention without
limitation as to space or volume enclosed in the deployed
configuration. For purposes of this description, and ease of
understanding, the reader may assume overall representative
dimensions as follows:
[0047] Representative height--seven feet, six inches, plus or minus
six inches
[0048] Representative width--twelve feet, plus or minus six
inches
[0049] Representative length--fifteen feet, plus or minus six
inches
[0050] The enclosure may be covered with any of a wide range of
flexible fabrics and or materials depending upon the varying needs
of many different applications e.g. waterproof fabrics, clear
plastic, camouflage fabrics, insect netting, etc. The cover
assembly is secured to the frame assembly. Accordingly, this patent
application is intended to encompass all such enclosures that are
constructed in accordance with the invention without limitation as
to the kinds or types of fabric or material used to cover the
enclosure or to whether such covers fully enclose the volume whose
boundaries are defined by the structure of the frame assembly. For
example, in marine applications, the cover may only involve the
overhead area and not the sides as in a typical "Bimini-like"
marine sun-shelter.
[0051] Entry to the fully deployed full enclosure 1 is gained
through the front, 3, through the zippered door panel, 2. The
zipper has pull-tabs on both sides so that it can be operated to
zip or to unzip from either the outside or the inside of the
enclosure. When fully zipped, the door flap is closed and when
fully unzipped, the door flap can be moved aside to gain entry. The
closure of the door panel 2 may be hook and loop fasteners, snaps,
buttons or other means known to persons skilled in the art.
[0052] Windows 4 may be provided on each side of a full enclosure.
Two right side windows are shown in FIG. 3 and two like windows are
provided on the opposite side which are not visible in this
perspective view. The windows are constructed with a zipper (or
other closure means) along two of the sides so that when unzipped,
the flap created can be folded aside and secured with a securing
strap to provide visual access as well as air circulation between
the inside and outside of the enclosure. A mesh or screen-like
fabric is permanently attached to the window area to permit
circulation while preventing insects and other matter from entering
the enclosure through open window flaps.
[0053] There are a number of possible alternative entry and window
configurations and techniques that may be suitable based upon the
varying needs of many different and specific applications as well
as the varying preferences of customers. Accordingly, this patent
application is intended to encompass all such enclosures that are
constructed in accordance with the invention without limitation in
terms of entry or window configurations that might be employed.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a nodal representation of the typical supporting
frame assembly of the adaptive tent-like enclosure with rapid stow,
deploy and locking mechanisms that would underlie and support the
cover assembly of the enclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
Nodal representation means the points at which the various
structural elements of the frame underlying the cover come together
and are joined.
[0055] From FIG. 4 it can be seen that the frame, for the
configuration illustrated, consists of:
[0056] Two each of item 5, compound hinge, anchor and locking
subassemblies
[0057] Four each of item 6, adaptive brace arms
[0058] Ten each of item 7, adaptive struts
[0059] Five each of item 8, adaptive bows
[0060] Ten each of item 9, adaptive strut to bow connectors
[0061] It is to be emphasized that FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate
the "Five Bow Configuration" because of the use of five bows. Other
configurations are feasible and practical, including but not
limited to "Two Bow", "Four Bow", "Seven Bow" and "Nine Bow"
configurations. The configuration flexibility of the invention will
be discussed in more detail later in this Application.
[0062] The basic raw materials used to construct the supporting
frame consist of materials that are widely available. They
generally consist of such materials as rigid or semi-rigid tubular
material, flat bar, angle bar, standard fasteners, and
miscellaneous general purpose hardware that can be cut, rolled,
bent, molded, formed, welded etc. to conform to applicable frame
design profiles. Accordingly, this patent application is intended
to encompass all such enclosures that are constructed in accordance
with the invention herein without limitation in terms of the raw
materials used to fabricate the enclosure.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a more detailed side view of the mechanical
components of the typical five-bow configuration of the frame
assembly. The compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5,
serves as the central structural member which anchors the entire
enclosure to the surface upon which the enclosure is assemble. A
second compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5 is located
on the opposite side and mirrors the side shown. Five struts, 7,
have ends which are attached to the compound hinge, anchor and
locking subassembly 5 and five more struts 7 have ends which are
attached to the second compound hinge, anchor and locking
subassembly 5 located on the opposite side. They mirror the struts
7 on the side shown. Five bow to strut connectors 9, are connected
to the opposite ends of the struts 7 shown. Five more bow to strut
connectors 9 are connected to the opposite ends of the struts 7 on
the opposite side mirroring the strut to bow connectors 9 shown.
The five bows, 8, from which this configuration gets its name, are
connected to the strut to bow connectors 9 to complete the full
envelope of the frame assembly. Adaptive brace arms 6, connecting
the vertical and horizontal struts provide not only a means of
bracing but also provide a means of added structural integrity when
the enclosure is in the fully deployed position.
[0064] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a set of compound hinge, anchor and
locking subassemblies 5 that have been fabricated in accordance
with the invention and are shown as constructed for the five bow
configuration. The device, made up of the rotating members, 21 and
the fixed members 22 are coupled together at the primary pivot
axis, 18. Means are provided to securely attach the fixed members
22 to the base plate, 19.
[0065] Means are also provided to anchor the base plate to the
surface on which the subassembly is mounted and hence, the entire
enclosure, at the anchoring points, 26. The compound hinge, anchor
and locking subassembly 5 is designed so that it is compatible with
a wide range of available fasteners, stakes, etc., so that it can
be mounted on a wide range of surfaces including but not limited to
wood, concrete, steel, soil, etc. Anchoring via one of the fore and
aft anchoring points is normally sufficient for most
applications.
[0066] Multiple secondary pivot axes, 24, are provided and, in the
five bow configuration illustrated, four such axes are provided.
Attachment points 25 for a fixed strut are provided on the fixed
member 22. The locking pins, 20, are attached to the base plates
and engage the rotating members, 21, when the subassembly is in the
deployed configuration to lock the rotating member in place.
Release by removal of the locking pins 20 enables one to rotate the
rotating members 21, about the primary pivot axes, 18, from the
storage position shown in FIG. 6A to the vertical position shown in
FIG. 6B. In practice, the rotating arm can be positioned at any
position from fully deployed to fully stowed which may be beyond
the stowed position illustrated and is limited only by mechanical
stops in the configuration which may be adjusted as needed.
[0067] The adaptive strut, bow and connector assembly consists of
seven pieces made up of four parts: two each strut sections, 7, two
each half-bow sections 30, two each bow to strut connectors, 9, and
one each bow to bow connector 31 to form the bow 8 as shown in FIG.
7. The bow to strut connectors, 9, fit inside of and provide the
means of connecting the struts 7, to the half-bows, 30. Means is
provided so that the end of the bow to strut connector 9 inserted
into the half-bow may be firmly fixed to the half-bow 30 using a
standard fastener. Means is provided so that the end of the bow to
strut connector 9 inserted into the strut 7 may be varied in length
over a range of several inches. A push pin or button lock may be
used to secure the bow to strut connector 9 to the strut 7 over a
range of incremental lengths defined by a series of locking holes
fabricated into the bow to strut connector and strut combination.
This adaptability enables a user to vary the overall height of the
adaptive strut, bow and connector subassemblies to accommodate
tolerance and tensioning variances in various covers.
[0068] The bow to bow connector, 31, fits inside of and provides
the means of connecting the half-bows, 30. Means is provided so
that the end of the bow to bow connector 31 inserted into one of
the half-bows 30 may be firmly fixed to the half-bow using a
standard fastener. Means is provided so that the end of the bow to
bow connector 31 inserted into the other half-bow 30 may be secured
to it using a push pin or button lock. Thus, the width or span of
the arbitrary arc-shape of the bow may be adjusted.
[0069] The use of push pins or button locks enable the entire
adaptive strut, bow and connector subassemblies to be quickly
assembled and disassembled without the need of special tools. Other
connector means known to persons skilled in the art may be
used.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates one model of the invention where a
pavilion-like flexible cover 15 has been attached to the frame
assembly. FIG. 8 shows the location of the adaptive brace arms 6 in
the locked position. In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates optional cover
profiles. In FIG. 8, the central overhead area has been left
uncovered, as is the case with many gazebo structures; however, a
clear plastic cover for this area is available as an option if
desired. The front and rear panels are open in the FIG. 8, however,
privacy panels are available as an option for installation in these
areas if desired. These optional items can be secured to the frame
assembly and the illustrated cover assembly using readily available
fastening devices.
[0071] FIGS. 9A-C illustrate the more detailed adaptive brace arm
6. It consists of three main parts: the lower brace arm, 35; the
upper brace arm, 36, and the locking sleeve 37. A means of
attachment of the brace arm to other structures is provided by the
lower attach point 38, and the upper attach point 39. The locking
sleeve 37 is shown in the locked position in FIG. 9A. As shown in
FIG. 9B, slip pins 40 restrict movement of the locking sleeve 37.
The locking sleeve is shown in the unlocked position in FIG. 9B.
Means are provided to couple the lower brace arm 35 and upper brace
arm 36 by the coupling link, 42.
[0072] The lower brace arm 3 5 is made up of four parts: the lower
brace arm stub 43, the brace arm fine adjuster 44, the lower brace
arm coupler 45, and the slip pins 40. Means are provided so that
when the brace arm fine adjuster 44 is rotated about its
longitudinal axis, the length of the lower brace arm 35 is
correspondingly varied. Hence the overall length of the adapter
brace arm 6 can be increased or decreased by corresponding rotation
of the brace arm fine adjuster 44. Means are provided by the lower
brace arm 35, upper brace arm 36 and coupling link 42 so that when
the adaptive brace arm 6 is in the unlocked position with the
locking sleeve 41 in its unlocked position, the entire adaptive
brace arm 6 may be folded as shown in FIG. 9C. In some
configurations where the geometry enables it, the fine adjuster may
not be required. Accordingly, this patent application is intended
to encompass all such brace arms that are constructed in accordance
with the principles of the invention herein, including those that
may be constructed with or without the fine adjuster feature.
[0073] The strut, bow and structural member may be rotated about an
axis collinear with the chord of the respective arc lengths.
[0074] FIG. 10 again illustrates the stowing sequence of the
invention where in FIG. 10-A, the adaptive brace arms shown locked
in FIG. 8 are now in the unlocked position. FIGS. 10-B, 10-C and
10-D then demonstrate how the frame and cover assembly can be
easily folded to the stow position and the adaptive brace arm
subassemblies fold neatly out of the way.
[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates the configuration of the frame assembly
in the stowed configuration. By merely disengaging the locking
mechanism of the compound hinge, anchor and locking assemblies 5
and moving the locking sleeves 37 of the adaptive brace assemblies
6 to the unlocked position, one may grasp the frame assembly near
any convenient forward location of its members and rotate the
entire structure as illustrated by FIG. 10 to gain the structural
configuration shown in FIG. 11 with the compound hinge, anchor and
locking subassemblies 5 in the stow position, the adaptive brace
arm subassemblies 6 unlocked and folded, and the strut 7, bow 8 and
connector subassemblies, 9 in the stowed position.
[0076] By this action, the compound hinge, anchor and locking
subassemblies 5 are acted upon to result in the vertical position
of the rotating members as shown in FIG. 6B and the adaptive brace
arms are acted upon to result in the configuration shown by the
folded brace arm of FIG. 9C. The adaptive strut, connector and bow
subassemblies rotate about their respective pivot axes shown in
FIG. 6A to result in their positions as shown in FIG. 11. The
attached cover 15 folds following the envelope defined by the
stowed configuration of the frame assembly.
[0077] FIGS. 12A-B illustrates the adaptability of the design to
varying configurations. It can be seen the compound hinge, anchor
and locking assembly 5 may be configured to accommodate a wide
range of configurations from as few as the "two bow" configuration
to as many as a "nine bow" or more configuration. FIG. 12A
illustrates, the "four bow configuration, 50, and FIG. 12B shows
the "seven bow" configuration, 51. Accordingly, and as noted
earlier, while the earlier figures emphasize the "Five Bow
Configuration," many other configurations are feasible and
practical, including but not limited to what might be called the
"Two Bow," "Four Bow", "Five Bow," and so on configurations. This
invention is intended to include all configurations that make use
of the basic concepts disclosed herein without limitation to the
number of "bows" which might be incorporated in a particular
configuration.
[0078] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a Two Bow
configuration which is of particular application to sun covers and
"Bimini" covers for small pleasure boats. It can be seen that by
adding an auxiliary bow section 53 to the to the adaptive strut,
bow and connector subassemblies previously described (7, 8 and 9 of
FIG. 4), and by incorporating locking brace arm subassemblies, 6,
the resulting enclosure gains the ability to be folded, via the
rotation of the members of the compound hinge anchor and locking
subassemblies 5, completely out of the way to the level of the
attach plane 56 when desired.
[0079] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate, in general, how pleasure boat
owners deal with the need to stow sun covers and "Bimini" tops when
they do not wish them to be fully deployed. It can be seen that
because these kinds of cover structures use fixed brace arm
assemblies to support the structures, the entire assembly can be
stowed to a position no lower than that allowed by the fixed brace
arm assemblies, approximately 45 degrees above horizontal, unless
they are willing to completely detach the fixed brace arms from the
structure. This is not a viable solution in most situations.
[0080] Because of this, the adaptive brace arm assemblies 6
described in this invention may be used as replacements for the
fixed brace arm assemblies currently in use and can be configured
to permit stowing of such covers in a more lowered position.
Accordingly, this application is intended to encompass the use of
any of the subassemblies and components of this invention, whether
in a complete system as described in this invention or whether
subassemblies and parts of this invention are used to modify other
products for more useful operation.
[0081] FIG. 10 provides a sequence of illustrations of an
engineering model of the invention illustrating the operation. In
the fully deployed position, the compound hinge anchor and locking
assemblies 5 are in the deployed position with the adaptive brace
arm assemblies 6 in the locked position as shown by FIG. 8. To gain
the stow configuration of the invention, one merely disengages the
deployed locking pins 20 on each of two compound hinge, anchor and
locking assemblies 5, moves the locking sleeves 31 of the adaptive
brace arm assemblies to the unlocked position and then, by grasping
the front half-bow 30, one merely rotates the entire bow 8 through
approximately 180.degree. and the invention assumes the positions
shown by the successive views of FIG. 10. To gain the deployed
configuration from the stowed configuration, one merely reverses
the sequence
[0082] Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing
from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the
scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other
than has been specifically described herein.
* * * * *