U.S. patent application number 11/731309 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for collapsible portable shelter.
Invention is credited to Keong Woong Youn.
Application Number | 20070227571 11/731309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37955301 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070227571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Youn; Keong Woong |
October 4, 2007 |
Collapsible portable shelter
Abstract
A portable shelter includes a collapsible frame movable between
a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration. The
frame includes a plurality of poles. Each pole defines a terminal
end. A skin is configured to cover the frame to at least partially
define a space within the frame in the constructed configuration.
The skin is further configured to receive the terminal end of each
pole. A base is configured to define a floor of the shelter. At
least a portion of the base is releasably coupled to the skin.
Inventors: |
Youn; Keong Woong;
(Wildwood, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICK W. RASCHE;ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102-2740
US
|
Family ID: |
37955301 |
Appl. No.: |
11/731309 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/135 ;
135/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/135 ;
135/137 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/44 20060101
E04H015/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2006 |
CN |
200620082600.8 |
Claims
1. A portable shelter comprising: a collapsible frame movable
between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration,
said frame comprising a plurality of poles, each of said plurality
of poles defining a terminal end; a skin configured to cover said
frame to at least partially define a space within said frame in the
constructed configuration, said skin further configured to receive
said terminal end of each said pole; and a base configured to
define a floor of said shelter, at least a portion of said base
releasably coupled to said skin.
2. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of
said plurality of poles is coupled to a central hub.
3. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 2 wherein each of
said plurality of poles further comprises a first segment coupled
to said central hub and a second segment coupled to said first
segment and defining said terminal end.
4. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first
segments of said plurality of poles at least partially define a
roof support structure of said shelter.
5. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 3 wherein said
second segments of said plurality of poles at least partially
define a wall support structure of said shelter, said skin defining
an opening therethrough providing access to the space.
6. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 5 wherein said skin
defines a substantially cylindrical wall of said shelter.
7. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skin
further comprises a plurality of pockets, each of said plurality of
pockets configured to receive a corresponding said terminal
end.
8. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skin
further comprises a plurality of coupling members, each of said
plurality of coupling members configured to couple to a
corresponding said terminal end.
9. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 further comprising
a zipper configured to facilitate releasably coupling at least a
portion of said base to said skin.
10. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising a cushion removably positioned within the space and
configured to cover at least a portion of said floor.
11. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skin
further comprises a support member configured to facilitate
defining the space.
12. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 11 wherein said
support member further comprises a continuous structure.
13. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 11 wherein said
support member defines one of an elliptical cross-sectional area
and a polygonal cross-sectional area.
14. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 11 wherein said
support member is positioned within a sleeve formed by a peripheral
edge portion of said skin.
15. A portable shelter comprising: a collapsible frame movable
between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration,
said frame comprising a plurality of poles coupled to a central
hub, each of said plurality of poles defining a terminal end; a
skin configured to cover said frame to at least partially define a
space within said frame in the constructed configuration, said skin
further configured to receive said terminal end of each said pole;
a support member operatively coupled to at least one of said skin
and said frame, said support member configured to facilitate
defining the space; and a base defining a floor of said shelter, at
least a portion of said base releasably coupled to said skin.
16. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein each of
said plurality of poles further comprises a first segment coupled
to said central hub and a second segment coupled to said first
segment and defining said terminal end.
17. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 16 wherein said
first segments of said plurality of poles at least partially define
a roof support structure of said shelter and said second segments
of said plurality of poles at least partially define a wall support
structure of said shelter, said skin defining an opening
therethrough providing access to the space.
18. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein said
skin further comprises a plurality of pockets, each of said
plurality of pockets configured to receive a corresponding said
terminal end.
19. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 further
comprising a zipper configured to facilitate releasably coupling at
least a portion of said base to said skin.
20. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein said
support member defines one of an elliptical cross-sectional area
and a polygonal cross-sectional area.
21. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein said
support member is positioned within a sleeve formed by a peripheral
edge portion of said skin.
22. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein each of
said plurality of poles further comprises a first segment and a
second segment, and a coupling mechanism configured to couple said
first segment to said second segment.
23. A method for constructing a portable collapsible shelter, said
method comprising: positioning a frame movable between a collapsed
configuration and a constructed configuration within a skin, the
frame comprising a plurality of poles coupled to a central hub,
each of the plurality of poles defining a terminal end;
constructing the frame such that with the frame in a constructed
configuration, the skin substantially covers the frame to at least
partially define a space within the frame; coupling the terminal
end of each of the plurality of poles to a peripheral edge portion
of the skin; and releaseably coupling at least a portion of a base
to the skin to define a floor of the shelter.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein coupling the
terminal end of each of the plurality of poles to a peripheral edge
portion of the skin further comprises positioning the terminal end
of each of the plurality of poles within a pocket formed at the
peripheral edge portion of the skin.
25. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein the frame is
constructed one of before or after the frame is positioned within
the skin.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent
Application 200620082600.8 entitled "Pet House," filed on Mar. 30,
2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a collapsible portable
shelter and, more particularly, to a collapsible portable shelter
suitable for accommodating a pet, such as a dog or a cat.
[0003] Many pet owners desire to provide their pet with a suitable
shelter in the home or while traveling. Pet owners further desire
that the shelter be easily constructed and collapsed, as well as
easily stored and transported. Many conventional pet shelters
include multiple parts that are difficult and/or time consuming to
assemble and disassemble. Further, these conventional pet shelters
and others are also difficult to store and transport. For example,
the multiple parts are unorganized during storage and/or transport
and, thus, may be easily lost, misplaced or forgotten.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, a portable shelter is provided. The portable
shelter includes a collapsible frame movable between a collapsed
configuration and a constructed configuration. The frame includes a
plurality of poles. Each of the plurality of poles defines a
terminal end. A skin is configured to cover the frame to at least
partially define a space within the frame in the constructed
configuration. The skin is further configured to receive the
terminal end of each pole. A base is configured to define a floor
of the shelter. At least a portion of the base is releasably
coupled to the skin.
[0005] In another aspect, a portable shelter is provided. The
portable shelter includes a collapsible frame movable between a
collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration. The frame
includes a plurality of poles coupled to a central hub. Each of the
plurality of poles defines a terminal end. A skin is configured to
cover the frame to at least partially define a space within the
frame in the constructed configuration. The skin is further
configured to receive the terminal end of each pole. A support
member is operatively coupled to the skin and/or the frame. The
support member is configured to facilitate defining the space. A
base defines a floor of the shelter. At least a portion of the base
is releasably coupled to the skin.
[0006] In another aspect, a method is provided for constructing a
portable collapsible shelter. The method includes positioning a
frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed
configuration within a skin. The frame includes a plurality of
poles coupled to a central hub. Each of the plurality of poles
defines a terminal end. The frame is constructed such that with the
frame in a constructed configuration, the skin substantially covers
the frame to at least partially define a space within the frame.
The terminal end of each of the plurality of poles is coupled to a
peripheral edge portion of the skin. At least a portion of a base
is releasably coupled to the skin to define a floor of the
shelter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is perspective view of an exemplary collapsible
portable shelter in a constructed configuration;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible portable
shelter assembly including a storage case;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame for the
shelter shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary frame as shown
in FIG. 3 positioned within and partially coupled to a skin with
the shelter in a partially constructed configuration;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a front view of a base partially releasably
coupled to a skin of the shelter; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is perspective view of an exemplary collapsible
portable shelter in a constructed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the present invention provides a
collapsible portable shelter 10 suitable for accommodating a pet,
such as a dog or a cat. The present invention is described below in
reference to its application in connection with a collapsible
portable shelter for a pet. However, it should be apparent to those
skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that
the invention is likewise applicable to any collapsible portable
shelter having any suitable size, shape and/or configuration to
accommodate at least one person and/or at least one animal.
[0014] Portable shelter 10 is movable between a constructed
configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, and a collapsed
configuration in which portable shelter 10 can be stored and/or
transported in a suitable carrying case 11, as shown in FIG. 2.
Portable shelter 10 includes a collapsible frame 12 that is movable
between a constructed configuration, such as shown in FIG. 3, and a
collapsed configuration to facilitate storing and/or transporting
portable shelter 10. Collapsible frame 12 includes a plurality of
poles 14, such as four poles 14. Each pole 14 defines a first end
16 coupled to a central hub 18 and an opposing second or terminal
end 20. With frame 12 in the constructed configuration, central hub
18 is substantially aligned along a central axis 22 of portable
shelter 10, shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, each pole 14
includes a plurality of segments or portions to facilitate movement
of pole 14, as desired. In a particular embodiment, each pole 14
includes a first segment 24 coupled to central hub 18 and a second
segment 26 movably coupled, such as pivotally and/or rotationally
coupled, and/or removably coupled to first segment 24. In this
embodiment, second segment 26 defines terminal end 20. First
segment 24 is coupled to corresponding second segment 26 with a
suitable coupling mechanism including, without limitation, a
tubular joint 28, shown in FIG. 3, a hinge joint, a pivot joint or
a bracket joint (not shown). Tubular joint 28 may be fabricated
using a suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a suitable
metal, alloy, composite and/or plastic material. Alternatively,
tubular joint 28 may be fabricated using a suitable flexible
material, such as a rubber material. Further, tubular joint 28 may
include a plurality of portions fabricated using a rigid or
semi-rigid material that are movably coupled together. In an
alternative embodiment, each pole 14 is flexible such that pole 14
is bendable and/or shapeable to function as described herein.
[0015] Referring further to FIG. 4, with frame 12 in the
constructed configuration, first segments 24 of poles 14 at least
partially define a roof support structure 30 of portable shelter
10. Further, second segments 26 of poles 14 at least partially
define a wall support structure 32 of portable shelter 10. In one
embodiment, second segments 26 are substantially parallel to
central axis 22.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, portable shelter 10 also includes
a skin 40 that is configured to substantially cover frame 12 to at
least partially define a space 42 within frame 12 in the
constructed configuration. A roof portion 44 of skin 40 is
positioned about roof support structure 30 and a sidewall portion
46 of skin 40 is positioned about wall support structure 32. As
shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, an eave 45 extends radially
outwardly from roof portion 44 and about at least a portion of a
periphery of roof portion 44. In a particular embodiment,
decorative and/or ornamental elements, such as fringe, are coupled
to eave 45. In one embodiment, sidewall portion 46 is substantially
cylindrical. In an alternative embodiment, sidewall portion 46 is
substantially conical.
[0017] Skin 40 is also configured to receive terminal end 20 of
each pole 14. In one embodiment, a plurality of coupling members 48
are coupled at a peripheral edge portion 50 of skin 40. Each
coupling member 48 is configured to couple to terminal end 20 of
corresponding pole 14. In a particular embodiment, coupling member
48 includes a pin or a hook (not shown) that is configured to slide
within an opening defined by terminal end 20 to couple pole 14 to
skin 40. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a
plurality of pockets 52 are formed in or coupled to skin 40 and
configured to receive terminal end 20 of corresponding pole 14.
Skin 40 also includes a plurality of fastening elements 53, such as
a suitable VELCRO fastener, to facilitate coupling respective pole
14 to skin 40. Skin 40 defines an opening 54 within sidewall
portion 46 of skin 40 to provide access or communication with space
42 such that a pet is able to move through opening 54 into and out
of space 42.
[0018] In one embodiment, a support member 60 is operatively
coupled to frame 12 and/or skin 40. Referring further to FIG. 5,
support member 60 is coupled to skin 40 and configured to
facilitate defining space 42. Support member 60 further provides
additional structural support to maintain frame 12 in the
constructed configuration. In a particular embodiment, each pole 14
is removably coupled to support member 60. In a further embodiment,
support member 60 is formed of a unitary and/or continuous
structure to define an elliptical cross-sectional area or a
polygonal cross-sectional area. It should be apparent to those
skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that
support member 60 may be configured to have any suitable size,
shape and/or configuration to facilitate forming space 42 having a
suitable size, shape and/or foot plan, as desired. As shown in FIG.
5, support member 60 is positioned within a sleeve 62 formed by or
coupled to peripheral edge portion 50 of skin 40. In a further
embodiment, support member 60 is formed in a suitable shape by
coupling a first end of support member 60 to a generally opposing
second end after support member 60 is slidably positioned within
sleeve 62. In this embodiment, the first end is decoupled from the
second end to facilitate removing support member 60 from within
sleeve 62 to facilitate collapsing and/or storing portable shelter
10.
[0019] Portable shelter 10 includes a base 64 at least partially
releaseably coupled to skin 40 and configured to define a floor 66
of portable shelter 10. In one embodiment, a zipper 68 is
configured to facilitate releasably coupling at least a portion of
base 64 to skin 40. In a particular embodiment, only a portion of
base 64 is releasably coupled to skin 40 such that a peripheral
portion 70 of base 64 remains securely coupled to skin 40 to
prevent misplacing base 64. With frame 12 in the constructed
configuration within skin 40 to define space 42, zipper 68
facilitates coupling base 64 to skin 40 to complete construction of
portable shelter 10. In one embodiment, a cushion 72 is removably
positioned within space 42 and configured to cover at least a
portion of floor 66. Cushion 72 provides a comfortable resting area
for the pet.
[0020] In one embodiment, a method for constructing portable
shelter 10 includes removing the components of portable shelter 10
from within carrying case 11 shown in FIG. 2. Frame 12 is
positioned within skin 40, as shown in FIG. 4. Frame 12 may be
positioned within skin 40 in a collapsed configuration, a partially
constructed configuration or a fully constructed configuration, as
shown in FIG. 3, as desired. Frame 12 includes a plurality of poles
14 that are coupled to central hub 18. Each pole 14 defines a
terminal end 20.
[0021] Frame 12 is constructed such that with frame 12 in the
constructed configuration, skin 40 substantially covers frame 12 to
at least partially define space 42 within frame 12. Terminal end 20
of each pole 14 is coupled to peripheral edge portion 50 of skin
40. In a particular embodiment, terminal end 20 of each pole 14 is
positioned within a corresponding pocket 52 formed at peripheral
edge portion 50 of skin 40. At least a portion of base 64 is
releasably coupled skin 40 using a zipper 68 or any suitable
releasable coupling mechanism, such as a snap or button. With base
64 coupled to skin 40, base 64 defines floor 66 of portable shelter
10. In one embodiment, cushion 72 is removably positioned within
space 42 and configured to cover at least a portion of floor 66 to
provide a comfortable resting area for the pet. In a particular
embodiment, at least one decorative and/or ornamental element, such
as a point 74 as shown in FIG. 6, is removably coupled to portable
shelter 10, as desired.
[0022] The above-described collapsible portable shelter and method
for constructing the portable shelter facilitate efficiently
constructing the portable shelter to provide a temporary or
permanent shelter for a pet. If desired, the portable shelter is
easily collapsible for storage and/or transport. In one embodiment,
the components of the collapsed shelter are stored within a
carrying case to facilitate storing and/or transporting the
portable shelter.
[0023] Exemplary embodiments of a collapsible portable shelter and
a method for constructing the portable shelter are described above
in detail. The portable shelter and method are not limited to the
specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of
the portable shelter and/or steps of the method may be utilized
independently and separately from other components and/or steps
described herein. Further, the described portable shelter
components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in
combination with, other shelters and/or methods and are not limited
to practice with only the collapsible portable shelter and method
as described herein.
[0024] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *