U.S. patent application number 11/070422 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for shelter having a tarpaulin supported by a cable assembly that is selectively tightened.
This patent application is currently assigned to OPAC, LLC. Invention is credited to Goldwitz, Brian L..
Application Number | 20050194029 11/070422 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34769797 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050194029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldwitz, Brian L. |
September 8, 2005 |
Shelter having a tarpaulin supported by a cable assembly that is
selectively tightened
Abstract
A roof assembly for a shelter having an eave assembly and a
cable assembly with a first cable portion extending between corners
of the eave assembly horizontally and a second cable portion
extending from each corner to an apex. A center post has a lower
end coupled to the first cable portion and an upper end coupled to
the second cable portion. When the cable assembly is tightened, the
center post supports a tarpaulin. A mechanism, integral to the eave
assembly, includes a lever rotatably mounted to a first elongated
tube of the roof assembly, the first tube defining an elongated
slot and receives a second tube. An arm extends from the lever and
through the elongated slot to engage the second tube such that when
the lever moves, the eave assembly expands to tension the cable
assembly.
Inventors: |
Goldwitz, Brian L.; (Orange,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS & ANGELL, LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
OPAC, LLC
|
Family ID: |
34769797 |
Appl. No.: |
11/070422 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 2015/326 20130101;
E04H 15/322 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/098 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/00; E04H
015/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 5, 2004 |
CN |
200420020871.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tightening mechanism for a shelter having a roof assembly at
least partially supported by cable, the tightening mechanism
comprising: a lever rotatably mounted to a first elongated tube of
the roof assembly, the first tube defining an elongated slot and an
interior for receiving a second tube; and an arm extending from the
lever and through the elongated slot to engage the second tube such
that when the lever moves, the arm moves between first and second
positions, wherein at the first position, the second tube is urged
out of the first elongated tube so that a size of the roof assembly
is increased and, at the second position, the second tube is urged
into the first elongated tube so that the size of the roof assembly
is reduced.
2. A tightening mechanism as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a second lever rotatably mounted to a third tube of the eave
assembly, the third tube defining an elongated slot and an interior
for receiving an adjacent tube; and a second arm extending from the
second lever and through the elongated slot of the third tube to
engage the adjacent tube such that the second lever moves the arm
between first and second positions, wherein at the first position,
the size of the eave assembly is further increased, at the second
position, the size of the eave assembly is further reduced.
3. A tightening mechanism as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a corner tube, the corner tube forming a shoulder for connecting to
the second tube at one end and a spring loaded button for engaging
a corner connector at another end.
4. A tightening mechanism as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of turnbuckles coupled to the cable for further
tightening the cable.
5. A tightening mechanism as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a center post supported by the cable.
6. A tightening mechanism as recited in claim 5, wherein the center
post telescopes.
7. A tightening mechanism as recited in claim 5, wherein the arm is
pivotally mounted to the lever.
8. A roof assembly for a shelter comprising: a) an eave assembly
for coupling to a plurality of supporting legs; b) a cable assembly
including i) a first cable portion extending between opposing
corners of the eave assembly in a substantially horizontal manner
and ii) a second cable portion extending from each corner to an
apex, the apex being above the eave assembly; c) a center post
having a lower end coupled to the first cable portion and an upper
end coupled to the second cable portion; and d) means for
selectively increasing tension in the cable assembly.
9. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the roof assembly
is pyramidal shaped.
10. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the means is a
tightening mechanism for selectively expanding a size of the eave
assembly, the tightening mechanism including: a lever rotatably
mounted to a first elongated tube of the roof assembly, the first
tube defining an elongated slot and an interior for receiving a
second tube; and an arm extending from the lever and through the
elongated slot to engage the second tube such that when the lever
moves, the arm moves between expanded and reduced positions.
11. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the means is a
telescoping feature of the center post.
12. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the means is a
plurality of turnbuckles connected between each corner and the
cable assembly.
13. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the lower end of
the center post is selected from a group of configurations
consisting of a circular disk defining two channels, a tube
defining four holes, four tubes extending from a central body, and
four tubes extending generally perpendicularly to the central post
for receiving the first cable portion.
14. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, further comprising a
tarpaulin secured to the shelter and substantially covering the
eave assembly, cable assembly and center post.
15. A roof assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the eave
assembly is substantially square.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent
Application No. 200420020871.1, filed Mar. 5, 2004, which is
incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/793,369 filed Mar. 4, 2005,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject disclosure relates generally to shelters, and
more particularly to an improved shelter having a covering
supported by a cord structure that can be tightened.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Over the years, many tents and other shelters for providing
protection from the elements have been introduced. Such structures
are commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, picnics,
parties, military operations and other like outdoor activities. A
common structure includes a plurality of tubular portions
interconnected to form a supporting frame such as that shown in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/282,283 filed on Oct. 28, 2002
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. After
constructing the supporting frame, a tarpaulin or cover is sashed
thereto to provide the desired protection.
[0006] However, there are problems associated with shelters that
have been introduced heretofore. The supporting frame tends to be
difficult to assemble as assembling the roof eaves is a
challenging, multiple person task that requires multiple step
ladders. Similarly, disassembly is equally as difficult. Despite
such shortcomings, the attempts at overcoming these difficulties by
forming collapsible or pop-up canopies still have shortcomings. For
example, the collapsible shelters do not provide the strength and
rigidity required for withstanding harsh outdoor winter
conditions.
[0007] There is a need, therefore, for a shelter with a roof
supporting structure that is superior to those known in the prior
art. In particular, a shelter that can be easily assembled, yet
still effectively supports a cover is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
tightening mechanism for a canopy having an eave assembly and a
roof at least partially supported on the eave assembly by cable,
the tightening mechanism including a lever rotatably mounted to a
first elongated tube of the eave assembly, the first tube defining
an elongated slot and an interior for receiving a second tube and
an arm extending from the lever and through the elongated slot to
engage the second tube such that the lever moves the arm between
first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the
second tube is urged out of the first elongated tube so that the
cable is taut and, at the second position, the second tube is urged
into the first elongated tube so that a size of the eave assembly
is reduced to create slack in the cable.
[0009] Another embodiment is directed to a tightening mechanism for
a shelter having a roof assembly at least partially supported by
cable. The tightening mechanism includes a lever rotatably mounted
to a first elongated tube of the roof assembly, the first tube
defining an elongated slot and an interior for receiving a second
tube and an arm extending from the lever and through the elongated
slot to engage the second tube such that when the lever moves, the
arm moves between first and second positions. Wherein at the first
position, the second tube is urged out of the first elongated tube
so that a size of the roof assembly is increased and, at the second
position, the second tube is urged into the first elongated tube so
that the size of the roof assembly is reduced.
[0010] In another embodiment, a roof assembly for a shelter having
an eave assembly and a cable assembly with a first cable portion
extending between corners of the eave assembly horizontally and a
second cable portion extending from each corner to an apex. A
center post has a lower end coupled to the first cable portion and
an upper end coupled to the second cable portion. When the cable
assembly is tightened, the center post supports a tarpaulin. A
mechanism, integral to the eave assembly, includes a lever
rotatably mounted to a first elongated tube of the roof assembly,
the first tube defining an elongated slot and receives a second
tube. An arm extends from the lever and through the elongated slot
to engage the second tube such that when the lever moves, the eave
assembly expands to tension the cable assembly.
[0011] It is an object of the subject disclosure to provide an
inexpensive and efficient method for effectively assembling a
shelter with a canopy securely and aesthetically secured to a
frame.
[0012] It is another object of the subject disclosure to provide a
shelter which, upon tensioning a roof supporting strucutre, results
in easy assemble and ample strength to support the cover.
[0013] It is another object of the subject disclosure to provide a
shelter which does not pucker or hang loosely in the corners.
[0014] It is another object of the subject disclosure to provide a
shelter which has inherent flexibility in the roof to reduce the
risk of blowing over.
[0015] It should be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without
limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device and a
method for applications now known and later developed. These and
other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become
more readily apparent from the following description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the following
drawings.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tarpaulin covering a roof
assembly of a shelter constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the subject disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the roof assembly of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a tightening mechanism of the
eave assembly of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a localized perspective view of the assembled
tightening mechanism for the roof assembly of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanism
of FIG. 3 in a disassembled position.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanism
of FIG. 3 in an assembled position.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the connection of the eave
assembly of FIG. 2 at the corner connectors.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a localized view of a turnbuckle mechanism of the
cable assembly of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a localized, exploded view of the center post of
the cable assembly of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 10 a perspective view of another center post of a
shelter constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the subject disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another center post
of a shelter constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the subject disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 12 a perspective view of yet still another center post
of a shelter constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the subject disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of still another center post
of a shelter constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the subject disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with shelters and shelter roofs. The
advantages, and other features of the system disclosed herein, will
become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the
art from the following detailed description of certain preferred
embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth
representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein
like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a roof assembly 100 of a shelter is
shown wrapped by a tarpaulin 20 in accordance with the subject
disclosure. The roof assembly 100 with tarpaulin 20 forms a
pyramidal or pavilion shape. The roof assembly 100 is supported
above the ground or other surface by four legs (not shown). It is
envisioned that more or less legs may be utilized depending upon
the size of the shelter. The legs engage corner connectors 102 by
locking into a hole formed therein or other well know means to
those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. In a preferred
embodiment, the legs, corner connectors 102 and like components are
PVC pipe, aluminum tube, combinations thereof or other similar
materials as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, the roof assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is
shown without the tarpaulin 20 attached. The roof assembly 100 is a
substantially pyramidal shaped. Eave assemblies 104A-D extend
between each corner connector 102 to substantially form a square.
In the preferred embodiment, the eave assemblies 104A-C are
identical but eave assembly 104D includes a tightening mechanism
130 as described hereinbelow. In brief overview, during assembly,
the tightening mechanism 130 moves along directional arrow 118 and,
thereby, the eave assembly 104D expands along directional arrow
119.
[0033] A cable assembly 106 extends between the corner connectors
102 to support a center post 110 in an upright position. The cable
assembly 106 includes one or more cables, cords, elastics, ropes,
other similar structures or combinations thereof that extend across
and above the eave assemblies 104 to help establish the pyramidal
shape. Preferably, two cables 184 extend diagonally across the
substantially square shape formed by the eave assemblies 104 in a
substantially horizontal manner. Additional cable 185 extends
diagonally upward from each corner connector 102 to the center post
110. The center post 110 forms a central apex 22 in the tarpaulin
20. Upon assembly, the tightening mechanism 130 expands the length
of the eave assembly 104D and, thereby, the size of the roof
assembly 100 to increase tension in the cable assembly 106 so that
the tarp 20 is effectively supported.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the tightening
mechanism 130 is shown. The tightening mechanism 130 includes a
first tube 132 that functions as part of the eave assembly 104D by
interconnecting therewith. A hinge 134, a sleeve 136 and pin 138
pivotally mount a lever 140 on the first tube 132. A grip 142
mounts on the lever 140 to provide a secure surface for a user. The
first tube 132 also defines an axially elongated slot 144 into
which an arm 146 extends. At one end 148, the arm 146 passes
through the slot 144. At the other end 150, a pair of nuts 154
secure the end 150 to an axle 156 rotatably disposed within the
lever 140. As a result, the arm 146 moves axially within the slot
144 when the lever 140 rotates.
[0035] A second tube 158 is radially smaller than the first tube
132 so that the second tube 158 can slideably extend within the
first tube 132. The second tube 158 defines a hole 160 that aligns
with the slot 144 for capturing the end 148 of the arm 146. Thus,
as the arm 146 moves, the position of the second tube 158 moves.
The second tube 158 couples to a third tube 160. The third tube 160
forms a shoulder 162 for coupling to the second tube 158 and spring
loaded buttons 164 for coupling to the corner connector 102 as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lever 140 is shown
upright prior to expanding the eave assembly 104D, e.g., the
disassembled position. In other words, the second tube 158 has been
moved along arrow 166 within the first tube 132 by rotating the
lever 140 along arrow 168. As a result, the overall size of the
roof assembly 100 is reduced to create slack in the cable assembly
106.
[0037] Turning to FIG. 6, the lever 140 is shown adjacent to the
eave assembly 104D after expanding the eave assembly 104D, e.g.,
the assembled position. In other words, the second tube 158 has
been moved along arrow 170 by rotating the lever 140 along arrow
172. As a result, the overall size of the roof assembly 100 is
increased to create tension in the cable assembly 106.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 8, a plurality of turnbuckle
mechanisms 180 are included in the cable assembly 106 to further
increase the tension therein. It is envisioned that each turnbuckle
mechanism 180 may be the only cable assembly tightening mechanism
and, alternatively, that the tightening mechanism 130 may be the
only one. The turnbuckle mechanism 180 consists of a turnbuckle 182
for each cable 184, 185 that extends to the respective corner
connector 102. Each turnbuckle 182 has opposing hooks 186 for
coupling to the corner connector 102 and cable 184. The turnbuckles
182 operate to selectively increase tension in the cable assembly
106. In alternative embodiments, other devices such as would be
known to those of ordinary skill in the art are utilized instead of
turnbuckles to accomplish the same desired additional
tensioning.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 9, is a localized, exploded view of
the center post 110 of the cable assembly 106. The center post 1 10
has a tube 121 that defines four holes 122 at the upper end 124.
Each hole 122 receives the cable 185 to facilitate proper
positioning of the center post 110 when the cable assembly 106 is
taut. The lower end 126 of the center post 120 (see FIG. 2) also
defines through bores for receiving the cable 184 to facilitate
proper positioning of the center post 110.
[0040] Preferably, the tarpaulin 20 has a reinforced portion 24 to
provide enhanced durability at the central apex 22. The center post
110 also includes a dome shaped end connector 194 for engaging the
reinforced portion 24. In one embodiment, the reinforced portion 24
and dome shaped end connector 194 securely couple together by hook
and loop fabric. In another embodiment, the center post 110
telescopes to further tension the cable assembly 106 and vary a
height of the central apex 22.
[0041] Upon tensioning the cable assembly 106 with the tightening
mechanism 130 and turnbuckle mechanisms 180, the center post 110 is
rigidly set in an upright position. The tarpaulin 20 can then be
secured to the roof assembly 100 by cords (not shown), as shown in
the patent applications incorporated herein above or other means
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, a very
easy to assemble, lightweight and sturdy roof assembly 100 is
provided.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, another center post 210 for use in a
cable assembly 106 is shown. For simplicity, minimal numbering is
utilized on FIG. 10 and, whenever possible, the following
description is directed only to the differences of the center post
210. The lower end 226 of the center post 210 consists of four
tubular extensions 228. Each tubular extension 228 rests
substantially horizontally when assembled. The additional length of
the tubular extensions 228, relative to the lower end 126 of the
previously described center post 110 of FIG. 2, allows the center
post 210 to more widely distribute loading on the cable 184. As a
result, less tension will be required to effectively position the
center post 210.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 11, still another center post 310 for use in
a cable assembly 106 is shown. Similar to FIG. 10, minimal
numbering is utilized on FIG. 11 and, whenever possible, the
following description is directed only to the differences of the
center post 310. The lower end 326 of the center post 310 consists
of a circular portion having two channels 328 for retaining the
cable 184. The lower end 326 rests substantially horizontally when
assembled and allows the center post 310 to more widely distribute
loading and effectively remain upright. As a result, less tension
will be required to effectively position the center post 310.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 12, still another center post 410 for use in
a cable assembly 106 is shown. Similar to above, minimal numbering
is utilized and the following description is directed only to the
differences of the center post 410. The lower end 426 of the center
post 410 consists of a circular portion having two centered
channels (not shown) for retaining the cable 184. Referring to FIG.
13, yet another center post 510 for use in a cable assembly 106 is
shown. Similar to above, minimal numbering is utilized and the
following description is directed only to the differences of the
center post 510. The lower end 526 of the center post 510 consists
of four tubular portions 530 extending from a central body portion
532 for retaining the cable 184.
[0045] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to
the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims. For example without
limitation, the subject roof assembly, in whole or in part, may be
utilized with a pop up type canopy having scissor linkages.
* * * * *