U.S. patent application number 13/349480 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for method of erecting portable structure and related apparatus.
Invention is credited to Robert Stafford.
Application Number | 20120180838 13/349480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489831 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120180838 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stafford; Robert |
July 19, 2012 |
METHOD OF ERECTING PORTABLE STRUCTURE AND RELATED APPARATUS
Abstract
A method of erecting a tent includes a plurality of beam members
comprising a roof portion and a pair of leg portions. A plurality
of base members are securedly fixed to the ground surface. The beam
assembly leg portions are pivotally coupled to the base members,
pivoted to a vertical position, and secured to the base member to
prevent further pivoting of the beam assembly. Extendable purlins
couple adjacent beam assemblies to one another. A single piece
fabric panel extends between the full length of a pair of adjacent
beam assemblies. The fabric panels are tensioned by expanding the
plurality of extendable purlins to increase the distance between
the adjacent beam assemblies. Fabric panel tensioning is sequenced
from the center of the structure outward.
Inventors: |
Stafford; Robert; (Weed,
CA) |
Family ID: |
46489831 |
Appl. No.: |
13/349480 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61432527 |
Jan 13, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/157 ;
135/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/34 20130101;
E04H 15/62 20130101; E04H 2015/328 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/157 ;
135/119 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/34 20060101
E04H015/34; E04H 15/54 20060101 E04H015/54 |
Claims
1. A method of erecting a portable structure, comprising: securing
a plurality of base members to a support surface; assembling a
plurality of beam members, wherein each of said beam members has a
length and is configured to couple to a pair of said base members;
coupling said plurality of beam members to said plurality of base
members; erecting said plurality of beam members about said pairs
of said base members; coupling a plurality of transverse members
between adjacent beam members, said transverse members establishing
a plurality of spaced distances between said adjacent beam members;
coupling a fabric to a pair of adjacent beam members of said
plurality of beam members, said fabric extending from substantially
adjacent a first base member to substantially adjacent a second
base member; and deciding whether to elongate at least one of said
plurality of transverse members between said adjacent beam members
to increase the length of said at least one of said plurality of
transverse members, wherein said increased length would facilitate
tautly securing said fabric to said beam members.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising elongating at least
one of said plurality of transverse members between said adjacent
beam members to increase the length of said at least one of said
plurality of transverse members, wherein said increased length
facilitates tautly securing said fabric to said beam members.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said base members are
substantially parallel to one another.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said erecting said plurality of
beam members comprising pivoting an upper portion of said beam
assembly about said pair of base clamps.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said securing said plurality of
base members comprising coupling said base members to said support
surface by inserting stakes through said base member into said
support surface.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said stakes comprising at least
one of concrete anchors or elongate ground stakes.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said support surface is the
ground.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said support surface is a
concrete surface.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said coupling said plurality of
beam members comprising coupling a first end of said beam member to
a first base member and a second end of said beam member to a
second base member.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said pair of base members
comprising said first base member and said second base member.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said beam members comprising a
plurality of beam member portions, each beam member portion
comprising at least one of displaceable protrusions and receiving
apertures, to couple said beam member portions to one another.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said coupling said fabric to
said plurality of beam members comprising slidingly inserting said
fabric through a plurality of apertures disposed along an outer
surface of said beam members.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said plurality of apertures
comprise keder tracks.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said beam members comprising a
plurality of apertures configured to receive the fabric, said
apertures disposed about the body of the beam member and extending
longitudinally along the length of the beam members.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising pulling fabric
through the apertures along the length of said beam members.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of beam members
comprising a hollow body.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said beam members comprising an
aluminum body.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein said assembling said plurality
of beam members further comprising coupling a plurality of discrete
beam member portions to one another, wherein a first beam member
portion having a first portion with displaceable protrusions being
received by a second beam member, said second beam member having
receiving apertures to receive said displaceable protrusions.
19. The method of claim 1, further comprising fixing keders to said
fabric panels adjacent an outer periphery of said fabric panel.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein said coupling said beam members
to said base members comprising securingly inserting an elongate
member through a first aperture in a first portion of said beam
assembly and a first aperture of said base member.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein said fabric comprising one of
PVC coated canvas or PVC coated polyester.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein said elongating at least one of
said plurality of transverse members includes rotating an
adjustment portion of said at least one of said plurality of
transverse members about a longitudinal axis of said at least one
of said plurality of transverse members.
23. A method of erecting a portable structure, comprising: securing
a plurality of base members to a support surface; assembling a
plurality of beam members, wherein each of said beam members has a
length and is configured to couple to a pair of said base members;
coupling said plurality of beam members to said plurality of base
members; erecting said plurality of beam members about said pairs
of said base members; coupling a plurality of transverse members
between adjacent beam members, said transverse members establishing
a plurality of spaced distances between said adjacent beam members;
coupling a fabric to at least a pair of adjacent beam members of
said plurality of beam members; elongating at least one of said
plurality of transverse members between said adjacent beam members
to increase the length of said at least one of said plurality of
transverse members, wherein said increased length facilitates
tautly securing said fabric to said beam members; and sequencing
the elongating of said plurality of transverse members to begin at
a spaced distance that is substantially centered between the
plurality of spaced distances established between the plurality of
adjacent beam members, wherein each subsequent elongating of said
transverse members occurs at a spaced distance between beam members
that is adjacent a spaced distance having elongated transverse
members.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein said elongating at least one of
said plurality of transverse members includes rotating an
adjustment portion of said at least one of said plurality of
transverse members about a longitudinal axis of said at least one
of said plurality of transverse members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to enclosures and, more
particularly, to portable enclosure structures.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Fabric-covered portable structures are a relatively common
form of semi-permanent shelter. Such structures typically can
withstand moderate to severe weather conditions over extended
periods of time. However, fabric-covered structures are generally
relatively expensive. Specialized equipment and skilled workers are
typically required to erect and disassemble the structures. Their
components generally are relatively large and difficult to
transport.
[0005] In addition, the fabric of frame tents is typically only
loosely secured to the frame of the portable structure. The loosely
secured fabric can flap in the wind, thereby stressing the frame of
the portable structure. The flapping of the fabric also generates
unwanted noise. In some instances, the frame tent installation can
provide a long-term protective structure, such as a military
facility, inhabited and used as a working environment in a variety
of extreme weather conditions. Such long-term installations can
provide inadequate living and working conditions when excessive
noise levels exist due to loose fabric installation that responds
to high winds and other extreme weather elements. Accordingly,
there is a need in the art for an improved portable structure and
method of erecting a portable structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to certain embodiments, a method of erecting a
portable structure can comprise securing a plurality of base
members to a support surface, assembling a plurality of beam
members, wherein each of said beam members has a length and is
configured to couple to a pair of said base members, coupling said
plurality of beam members to said plurality of base members, and
erecting said plurality of beam members about said pairs of said
base members. The method of erecting a portable structure can
further comprise coupling a plurality of transverse members between
adjacent beam members, said transverse members establishing a
plurality of spaced distances between said adjacent beam members,
coupling a fabric to at least a pair of adjacent beam members of
said plurality of beam members, said fabric extending from
substantially adjacent a first base member to substantially
adjacent a second base member. The method can still further
comprise deciding whether to elongate at least one of said
plurality of transverse members between said adjacent beam members
to increase the length of said transverse member, wherein said
increased length would facilitate tautly securing said fabric to
said beam members.
[0007] In some embodiments, a method of erecting a portable
structure can comprise securing a plurality of base members to a
support surface, assembling a plurality of beam members, wherein
each of said beam members has a length and is configured to couple
to a pair of said base members, coupling said plurality of beam
members to said plurality of base members, and erecting said
plurality of beam members about said pairs of said base members.
The method of erecting a portable structure can further comprise
coupling a plurality of transverse members between adjacent beam
members, said transverse members establishing a plurality of spaced
distances between said adjacent beam members, coupling a fabric to
at least a pair of adjacent beam members of said plurality of beam
members, and elongating said plurality of transverse members in
each spaced distance to increase the lengths of said transverse
members, wherein said increased lengths facilitate tautly securing
said fabric to said beam members. The method can still further
comprise sequencing the elongating of said plurality of transverse
members to begin at a spaced distance that is substantially
centered between the plurality of spaced distances established
between the plurality of adjacent beam members, wherein each
subsequent elongating of said transverse members occurs at a spaced
distance between beam members that is adjacent a spaced distance
having elongated transverse members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In order to better understand the embodiments of the
disclosure and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some
preferred embodiments are next described, by way of non-limiting
examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout similar embodiments in the attached
drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable
structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2L are views of embodiments of a base member of the
portable structure of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a beam assembly of the
portable structure of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is cross-section view of the beam assembly of FIG.
3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an apex of the
portable structure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of an eave of the
portable structure;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a short beam of the
portable structure;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a long beam of the
portable structure;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a leg of the portable
structure;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a base insert of the
portable structure;
[0019] FIGS. 11A-11D show various features of an adjustable purlin
of the portable structure;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a bracing cable of
the portable structure;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a layout of the base members
of the portable structure;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the base member with
a registration pin extending through an opening in a base plate
thereof;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the base member and
registration pin with a stake extending through an opening in each
side of the base plate;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a layout of various components
of the portable structure;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective illustration of the assembled beam
assemblies of the portable structure;
[0026] FIG. 18A is a perspective illustration of a step in the
assembly of the portable structure showing a beam assembly fixedly
attached to a base member and adjustable purlins attached
thereto;
[0027] FIG. 18B is a front elevational view of an insert portion
and receiving portion for connecting together components of the
beam assembly;
[0028] FIG. 19A is a perspective assembly view of the base member
and a base insert of the portable structure;
[0029] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the base insert pivotally
assembled to the base member;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the base insert fixedly
assembled to the base member;
[0031] FIG. 21 is an illustration of the lifting of a first beam
assembly of the portable structure;
[0032] FIG. 22 is an illustration of the lifting of a second beam
assembly of the portable structure;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a side view of the bracing cable of the portable
structure;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of a top panel of the
portable structure;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a perspective illustration of the installation of
a top panel;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a perspective illustration of the installation of
a top panel;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of the tensioning
sequence of the top panels of the portable structure;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of an end panel of the
portable structure;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a perspective illustration of the installation of
an end panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] With reference to FIG. 1, a portable structure 10, or a
portable tent, is shown. The portable structure 10 includes a width
W and a length L, which can include any suitable length directed to
a desired application, or installation, of the portable tent
structure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable structure
10 includes a plurality of tubular beam assemblies 40 that span the
width W of the portable structure 10. The beam assemblies 40
support panels of a fabric material that extend between the beam
assemblies 40, including top panels 12 and end panels 14. The
plurality of adjacent beam assemblies are coupled to one another by
a plurality of adjustable purlins 120. In some embodiments, the
portable structure 10 can include separate wall panels (not shown)
that extend between the beam assemblies along the substantially
vertical portion of the length L portion of the tent structure
10.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2L, embodiments of a base member
20 are shown. The portable tent structure 10 can include a
plurality of base members 20. The tent structure 10 is anchored to
the ground by the plurality of base members 20. With reference to
FIGS. 2A-2D, in the illustrated embodiment, each base member 20
includes a base plate 22 and a pivot plate 26. The pivot plate 26
is coupled to the base plate 22, and extends substantially
perpendicularly and upwardly from the top surface of the base plate
22 along the lengthwise direction of the base plate. At least two
apertures, or pivot openings 28, extend through the pivot plate 26.
A pivot opening 28 is generally positioned adjacent opposing ends,
or portions, of the pivot plate 26, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2L. In
some embodiments, the pivot plate 26 is offset from the widthwise
centerline of the base plate. The pivot plate 26 can be coupled to
the base plate 22 via traditional machining or fabrication methods,
e.g. welding, standard machining, or the like.
[0042] The base plate 22 includes a top surface 30 and bottom
surface 32, where the bottom surface interfaces with the support
surface, or ground surface, that the portable tent structure 10 is
assembled and installed upon. At least two apertures, or base
openings 24, are similarly provided through the base plate 22,
generally positioned adjacent opposing ends of the base plate 22.
The opening 24 provide the access for coupling the base plate 22 to
the support surface below the base member 20. A plurality of
supports 34 are disposed on the top surface 30 of the base plate
22, and extend perpendicularly from the pivot plate 26 to an edge
of the base plate 22. A smaller registration hole 36 is provided
roughly through a center portion of the base plate 22, disposed
adjacent a side of the pivot plate 26.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 2E-2L, additional embodiments of the
base plate 20', 20'' are shown. The base plates 20', 20'' define a
larger area base plate that results in a greater contact surface
with the support, or ground, surface. The base plates 20', 20'' can
include a greater number of openings 24', 24'' and provide an
increased number of couplings to secure the base plate 20', 20'' to
the ground. The increased number of openings 24', 24'' and the
increased surface area to interface with the support, or ground,
surface advantageously provides a more secure attachment, or
installation, of the base member 20 to the ground. The larger base
plates 20', 20'' larger contact area provides increased load
bearing capacity and can support larger beam assemblies that span a
greater width, or larger beam spans. Thus, the larger base plates
provide for scalability in the size of the portable structures and
maintain functional and structural capability of various sizes of
the portable structure. In some embodiments, the base members 20
can include more than four openings 24', 24'' to secure the base
member 20 to the support surface.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3-9, a beam assembly
40 and the various components that make up the beam assembly 40 are
shown. Each beam assembly 40 includes a roof portion 42 and a leg
portion 44 that supports the roof portion 42. In the illustrated
embodiment, each roof portion 42 comprises a pair of curved eaves
60, a pair of straight short beams 70, a pair of straight long
beams 80, and a curved apex 50. The short beams 70 and long beams
80 are provided for connection between each of the eaves 60 and the
apex 50. The leg portion 44 is connected to the lower portion of
the eave 60. The leg portion 44 includes a leg 90 and a base insert
100 that is configured to pivotally couple to the base member 20,
as described in detail below. In some embodiments, the roof portion
42 can include more or less short beams, long beams, multi-piece
leg portions, or any combination thereof, to provide suitable beam
assemblies for various portable structure applications.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, a cross-section
view of the various beam assembly components is shown. The beam
assembly components listed above each include a body portion and
interconnecting end portions. The body portion, as shown in FIG. 4,
includes a generally oval shaped hollow inner diameter portion,
structural reinforcement increased wall thickness portions, and a
plurality of keder tracks 46, 48. In some embodiments, the shape of
the hollow inner portion can be any other geometric shape, e.g.
square, rectangular, polygonal, or the like. The beam assembly is
generally fabricated from metal, e.g. steel, aluminum, or the like.
In some embodiments, the beam assembly is fabricated from extruded
aluminum. Each component of the beam assemblies 40, including the
apexes 50, eaves 60, short beams 70, long beams 80, and legs 90,
defines a pair of outer or upper keder tracks 46 and a pair of
inner or lower keder tracks 48 that facilitate installation and
securement of the panel fabric material to the beam assemblies
40.
[0046] The top-most point, and generally the center point or apex,
of the roof portion 42 is established by the apex 50. The apex 50,
as illustrated in FIG. 5, includes two generally straight elongate
beam portions joined by an arcuate beam portion. The arcuate
portion can define a variety of different suitable angles, but is
generally an obtuse angle. The center of the arcuate portion
includes a bracket 56 that is configured to connect, or couple, to
the purlins 120 that span the lengthwise distance between adjacent
beam assemblies, top panel 12 sections, or the bay width A (see
FIG. 13), of the tent structure 10. The end portions of the apex 50
straight portions define inserts 52 that include a pair of
retractable buttons 54 that extend from an outer surface of each
insert 52. The inserts 52, which are representative of insert
portions comprising the end portions of the remaining beam assembly
components, are sized to be received by the hollow interior volume
of the body portions of adjoining beam assembly components. In some
embodiments, the beam components can include any number of
retractable buttons and corresponding receiving apertures, e.g.
one, two, three, four, or the like. In some embodiments, the ends
of the various beam assembly components can vary between a male
insert portion with retractable buttons or a female receiving
portion with receiving apertures for the buttons, suitable to
assemble together the various beam assembly components to form the
full beam assembly 40.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 6, an eave 60 is shown. The eave 60
includes two generally straight elongate beam portions, an upper
end and a lower end, joined by an arcuate beam portion. The arcuate
portion can define a variety of different suitable angles, but is
generally an obtuse angle and generally a smaller angle than the
apex 50. In some embodiments, the eave 60 arcuate portion angle can
be the same or greater than the apex 50 arcuate portion angle. The
upper end straight portion of each eave 60 defines an insert 62. A
pair of retractable buttons 64 extends from an outer surface of
each insert 62. The opposing lower end of each eave 60 includes a
bracket 56, as described in detail above, and a pair of openings
66. The opening 66 is configured to receive the retractable buttons
of the leg 90. The lower end of each eave 60 can further include a
flared portion of the keder tracks 46, 48 that provide an entry
location for the keder into the keder tracks 46, 48.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the short beam 70 and the
long beam 80 are shown. Both the short beam 70 and the long beam 80
include an elongate body portion. The long beam 80 generally
includes a body that is longer than the body of the short beam 70.
The short beam 70 includes an insert 74 at a first end that
includes a pair of retractable buttons 76 that extend from an outer
surface of the insert 74. A pair of openings 72 are disposed at a
second end thereof. The short beam further includes a bracket 56,
as described above, adjacent the insert 74 at the first end of the
short beam 70. The long beam 80, by contrast, includes a pair of
openings 84 at a first end portion and a pair of openings 82 at a
second end portion of the elongate body portion. The openings 72,
82, 84 are configured to receive the retractable buttons of the
adjoining components of the beam assembly 40. The long beam 80
further includes a bracket 56 adjacent the pair of openings 82 at
the second end portion of the long beam 80.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the leg 90 is
shown. Similar to the components described above, the leg 90
includes an elongate body portion and an upper end portion insert
92 that includes a pair of retractable buttons 94 that extend from
an outer surface of the insert 92. The leg 90 includes a flared
portion 98 of the keder tracks 46, 48 to provide ready access to
insert the keders 170 into the vertical portion of the beam
assembly for loading the top panels 12.
[0050] With reference now to FIG. 10, a base insert 100 configured
to couple to the lower end of leg 90 is shown. The base insert 100
includes an insert portion 102 and a pivot plate 104 at an end of
the insert portion 102. The insert portion 102 includes a pair of
retractable buttons 106 that extend from an outer surface of the
insert portion 102. The insert portion 102 is sized to be received
by the hollow interior volume of the leg 90. The pivot plate 104
extends generally perpendicularly to the insert portion 102 and has
rounded corners 108 at a lower end thereof. An opening 110 is
provided through opposing sides of the pivot plate 104.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 11A-11D, the adjustable purlin 120
is shown. The adjacent beam assemblies that extend generally
parallel to one another are coupled together by a plurality of
transverse connector members, or the adjustable purlins 120. The
adjustable purlins 120 are configured to have a variable length.
The purlins 120 include a drop-in end 124, an extending end 122, an
elongate body member 126, and an extension assembly 128. The
drop-in end 124 and extending end 122 are configured to removably
couple to the brackets 56 positioned along the length of the beam
assembly 40. The drop-in end 124 and the extending end 122 can be
threadingly engaged in the end portions of the elongate member
portion 126. In some embodiments, the drop-in end 124 can be
replaced with a fixed end 125, as shown in FIG. 11B, that can be
fastened to the beam assembly 40 or the brackets 56 rather than
dropped into the brackets 56.
[0052] The extension assembly 128 functions to extend or contract
the longitudinal length of the adjustable purlin 120. The extension
assembly includes a rotating body 130, a hexagonal portion 132, a
first threaded portion 134, and a second threaded portion 136. The
hexagonal portion 132 defines at least a portion of the outer
surface of the rotating body 130. The rotating body 130 includes a
threaded inner diameter that extends all of the way through the
inner portion, or center, of the body 130. The first threaded
portion 134 is fixedly attached to the extending end 122. The
second threaded portion 136 is fixedly attached to the body member
126. The diameters of the threaded portions 134, 136 are generally
the same size. The internally threaded rotating body 130 receives
the first threaded portion 134 in a first end and the second
threaded portion in a second end of the rotating body 130. The
distance between the extending end 122 and the body member 126 can
be varied by rotating the rotating body 130 about the first and
second threaded portions 132, 134. The rotating body 130 can be
rotated by using a conventional tool such as a wrench, or can be
rotated by hand.
[0053] FIG. 11B illustrates the extension assembly 128 in a fully
compressed configuration. The extension assembly 128 compresses
when the body 132 rotates by turning hexagonal portion 132 to draw
the first threaded portion 134 and the second threaded portion 136
into the inner threaded portion of the body 130. FIG. 11C
illustrates the extension assembly 128 in an expanded configuration
after the body 130 is rotated in an opposite direction to rotate
the first and second threaded portions 134, 136 out of the inner
threaded portion of the body 130.
[0054] The adjustable purlin 120 can provide for a wide range of
variable extension lengths, according to the suitable application
of the purlin. In one embodiment, the adjustable purlin 120 can
vary in length between approximately 0.5 and 5 inches, or more
particularly between approximately 1 and 2 inches, or even more
particularly between approximately 1 and 1.5 inches. For example,
the rotating body can be lengthened to be capable to receive a
longer threaded portion 134, 136, thereby allowing greater
extension and compression of the extension assembly 128. In some
embodiments, the adjustable purlin 120 can vary the extension
length via multiple extension assemblies 128. In the assembled
state, the adjustable purlins can maintain any given length
established by the extension assembly 128 without changing length,
or reciprocating between lengths anywhere from a fully extended and
fully contracted position due to environmental loads on the
portable structure 10. Thus, the adjustable purlin 120 is always in
a fixed, or locked, configuration, regardless of the established
length determined by the extension assembly 128.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 12, the bracing cable 140 for the
portable tent structure 10 is shown. The bracing cable 140 includes
a turnbuckle 142, a cable 144, an eyelet 146, and a clevis 146. The
bracing cables 140 provide structural support to the vertically
oriented beam assemblies 40 of the portable structure 10, and
secure the beam assemblies 40 during construction of the portable
structure 10. The bracing cable 140 couples to the facing surfaces
of adjacent first and second beam assemblies in a zig-zag fashion
as the cable extends back and forth from a first beam assembly to a
second beam. The bracing cable 140 extends in the zig-zag manner
from the lower portion of the first leg 90, up to the apex 50, and
back down to the lower portion of the adjacent second leg 90.
[0056] With reference now to FIG. 13, a layout of the base members
20 is shown. The layout of the base members 20 can be determined
prior to assembling the portable structure 10 based upon the number
and configuration of the beam assemblies 40. One base member 20 is
provided for each side of each beam assembly 40. In some
embodiments, portable structures that exceed 20 feet in width can
include a base member 20 provided at each end of the portable
structure 10, halfway between the base members 20 of the end beam
assemblies 40.
[0057] The location of one of the corner base members 20 preferably
is determined first. A registration pin 36 (see FIGS. 2A-2L) is
inserted into the ground to mark the desired location of the first
comer base member 20. By measuring distances from the first
registration pin 36, the locations of the base members 20 of a
first side or first end of the portable structure 10 are
established and also marked with registration pins 36. The spacing
between the base members 20 determines the width of the individual
bays, that are determined by the spaced width between adjacent beam
assemblies and the width of the top panels 12. The locations of the
remaining base members 20 are determined and marked with
registration pins 36 by measuring from the registration pins 36 of
the first side or end. In some embodiments, the spacing between
base members along the length of the portable tent structure 10 can
vary, e.g. narrower bays in the center and wider bays near the ends
of the portable structure, vice versa, or the like, or any
combination thereof.
[0058] After the locations of the base members 20 have been
properly marked, the base members 20 are placed over the
registration pins 36 so that the registration pins 36 extend
through the registration holes 34 in the base plates 23, as
illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0059] The base members 20 are secured to the ground to provide a
rigid, fixed connection for the beam assemblies 40. The base
members 20 can be secured to the ground with anchors, or stakes, 44
that extend into the ground through the openings 30 in the base
plates 24, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The base members 20 can be
secured to any form of underlying support, or ground, surface. The
base members 20 can be secured to a support surface comprising
dirt, asphalt, concrete, grass, vegetation, or the like. The type
of stakes used can vary according to the particular type of
underlying support surface, e.g. strength, shape, length, diameter,
sharpness, or the like. For example, the stakes can comprise
concrete anchors when assembled on a concrete support surface, or
elongate stakes when assembled on a non-concrete support surface.
As described above, the base member 20 can vary in surface area
size. A high load environment and application can implement the
larger surface diameter base member of FIGS. 21-2L, and be coupled
to the ground surface by four or more stakes. The registration pins
36 can be removed after the base members 20 are securedly fixed in
a suitable position for installation of the portable structure
10.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the beam assemblies 40
are shown. The beam assemblies 40 can be assembled in place, flat
on the ground prior to erecting each beam assembly 40 to a vertical
position. The various components of the beam assemblies 40 are laid
out on the ground and arranged in relation to the base members 20
for assembly. For example, the components of each beam assembly 40
can be spaced apart between the corresponding base members 20 to
which the beam assembly 40 will be attached. The arrangement shown
in FIG. 16 is one embodiment, advantageous because it requires the
least ground surface area. Generally, the beam assemblies are
assembled by inserting the smaller diameter, or cross-section,
portion of one component into the larger inner diameter, or inner
cross-section, portion of the adjoining component. The two joined
components are secured to one another by retractable buttons of the
smaller cross-section insert portion extending through openings
extending through the wall thickness of the larger inner diameter
portion of the adjoining component.
[0061] The roof portion 42 is preferably assembled beginning at one
of the eaves 60. The insert 62 of the eave 60 fits into a first end
of the short beam 70. The assembly preferably is carried out by two
persons. One person holds the eave 60 and retracts the retractable
buttons 64 extending from the insert 62 while the other person
slides the first end of the short beam 70 over the insert 62. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, a pair of openings 72 are provided near the
first end of the short beam 70. When the insert 62 of the eave 60
is fully inserted into the hollow interior diameter of the short
beam 70, the buttons 64 are aligned with the openings 72 and engage
the openings 72 to lock the short beam 70 to the eave 60.
[0062] The insert 74 of the short beam 70 fits into a first end of
the long beam 80. The pair of openings 82 are provided in the first
end of the long beam 80, as illustrated in FIG. 8. When the end of
the long beam 80 is slid over the insert 74, the retractable
buttons 76 are aligned with the openings 82 and engage the openings
82 to lock the long beam 80 to the short beam 70.
[0063] Referring again to FIG. 5, an insert 52 is also provided at
each end of the apex 50. Each insert 52 includes the pair of
retractable buttons 54 that extend from an outer surface of the
insert 52. The insert 52 fits into a second end of the long beam
80. The pair of openings 84 are provided in the second end of the
long beam 80, as illustrated in FIG. 8. When the second end of the
long beam 80 is slid over the insert 52, the buttons 54 are aligned
with the openings 84 and engage the openings 84 to lock the long
beam 80 to the apex 50. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the
short beam and long beam can vary, e.g. short beam connected to the
apex 50 and the long beam connected to the eave 60, or the
like.
[0064] The other side of the roof portion 42, extending from the
opposite eave 60 to the apex 50, is assembled in a similar fashion.
After the roof portion 42 is assembled the leg portions 44 are
assembled to the roof portion 42 to complete assembly of the beam
assembly 40. The leg 90 is connected to each of the eaves 60 by
sliding the insert 92 of the upper end of the leg 90 into the lower
end of the eave 60 so that the buttons 94 are aligned with the
openings 66. The retractable buttons 94 engage the openings 66 to
lock the leg 90 to the eave 60.
[0065] With reference to FIG. 19A, the base member 20, base insert
100, and lower end of leg 90 are shown. The base inserts 100 are
connected to the lower end of the legs 90. The pair of openings 96
provided at a lower end of each of the legs 90 are configured to
receive the retractable buttons 106 of the base insert 100. The
insert portion 102 of the base insert 100 is slid into the lower
end of the leg 90 so that the retractable buttons 106 of the base
inserts 100 are aligned with the openings 94 and engage the
openings 96 to lock the base inserts 100 to the legs 90.
[0066] The beam assemblies can be assembled in any number of
sequences, beginning with any component, the apex 50, eave 60,
short beam 70, long beam 80, leg 90, or the base insert 100. Of
particular importance is assembling all of the components of the
beam assembly 40 before erecting any portion of the beam assembly
40 into a vertical position. Additionally, all, or a portion of
all, of the beam assemblies can be assembled and laid out on the
support, or ground, surface prior to proceeding to erect any of the
beam assemblies. In some embodiments, the beam assemblies 40 can be
assembled and erected one at a time, rather than assembling a
portion or all of the beam assemblies 40 at one time. Upon assembly
of the beam assemblies 40, the connection between the beam assembly
and the base inserts 20 can be completed and the beam assemblies 40
rotated to a vertical position.
[0067] After each of the beam assemblies 40 has been assembled, an
assembly cable (not shown) can be attached in a widthwise direction
between the eaves 60 of each beam assembly 40. The assembly cables
help to hold the beam assemblies 40 together during construction of
the portable structure 10, and can later be removed if desired.
Each of the eaves 60 can includes a bracket (not shown) for
attachment of an end of one of the assembly cables.
[0068] With reference to FIG. 18A and 20, an assembled beam
assembly 40 with the extension end 122 of the adjustable purlins
120 attached is shown. Before the beam assemblies 40 are rotated
into a vertical position, one end of the adjustable purlins that
will couple the adjacent beam assemblies 40 together are attached
to the first of the two beam assemblies being erected. In one
embodiment, a plurality of adjustable purlins 120 are first
attached by the extension end 122 to the several brackets 56 of the
first beam assembly that are positioned at the apex 50, short beams
70, long beams 80, and the eaves 60 at a side of the first beam
assembly 40 that is opposite the second beam assembly 40. Thus, the
adjustable purlins 120 coupled to the first beam assembly 40 will
subsequently couple to the second beam assembly 40 via drop-in end
124 upon the second beam assembly 40 being erected into the
substantially vertical position. The adjustable purlins can be
extended or contracted to any suitable length prior to erecting the
beam assemblies. In some embodiments, the fully contracted
adjustable purlin allows some slack in the fabric when the fabric
is coupled to the beam assemblies.
[0069] With reference now to FIG. 19B, the beam assemblies 40,
while still generally lying flat on the ground, desirably are
positioned so that the pivot plates 104 of the base inserts 100 are
located at the interior sides of the pivot plates 26 of the base
members 20. The lower opening 110 in the pivot plate 104 of each
base insert 100 is aligned with the opening 28 closest to the leg
90 in the pivot plate 26 of each base member 20. The beam
assemblies are then connected to the base members 20 by passing a
bolt 156 through a shackle, or clevis, 158 and the aligned openings
28, 110. This allows the beam assemblies 40 to be pivotally coupled
to, and rotate relative to, the base members 20.
[0070] With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the method of erecting
the first and second beam assemblies 40 of the tent structure 10 is
shown. The first beam assembly 40 is rotated upwardly from the
ground. Preferably the first beam assembly is lifted with a
plurality of persons lifting at each side of the apex 50 and
pulling on lifting ropes to raise the beam assembly, or pushing and
controlling the beam assembly 40 via the remaining adjustable
purlins 120. As the beam assembly is rotated upwardly, the pivot
plates 104 of the base inserts 100 rotate on the base plates 22 of
the base members 20. The rounded comers 122 of the pivot plates 104
facilitate rotation of the base inserts 100 on the base plates
22.
[0071] When the first beam assembly 40 is substantially vertical,
the second openings 110 in the pivot plates 104 of the base inserts
100 are aligned with the second openings 28 in the pivot plates 26
of the base members 20. The supports 34 on the top surface 30 of
the base plates 22 provide a support saddle that positions the
pivot plates 104 of the beam assemblies. The supports 34 reduce
interference in aligning the fastener elements to couple the pivot
plate 104 to the base member 20. The supports 34 provide for a
quicker installation and reduced alignment issues, allowing a
second bolt 162 to readily pass through the two plates 104, 26. The
first beam assembly 40 is then secured to the base members 20 by
passing the second bolt 162 through a second shackle, or clevis,
160 and the aligned second openings 28, 110, as illustrated in FIG.
2. Fastening the second bolt and clevis through the opening 28,110
prevents further rotation of the beam assembly 40 with respect to
the base members 20.
[0072] The second beam assembly 40 is raised in a similar fashion.
An adjustable purlin 120 is first attached by the purlin extension
end 122 before raising the second beam assembly to the several
brackets 56 of the apex 50, short beams 70, long beams 80, and
eaves 60 of the second beam assembly 40 at a side of the beam
assembly 40 that is opposite the first beam assembly 40. The second
beam assembly 40 is then rotated upwardly from the ground, pivoting
about the base members 20, as illustrated in FIG. 21. Preferably
the beam assembly is lifted with a plurality of persons lifting at
each side of the apex 50 and pulling on lifting ropes to raise the
beam assembly, or pushing and controlling the beam assembly 40 via
the remaining adjustable purlins 120. The second beam assembly 40
is rotated upwardly about the base members 20 pivotally coupled to
the base inserts 100 until the second beam assembly 40 is
vertical.
[0073] With continued reference to FIG. 22, when the second beam
assembly 40 is vertical, the second openings 110 in the pivot
plates 104 of the base inserts 100 are aligned with the second
openings 28 in the pivot plates 26 of the base members 20 with the
alignment provided by the supports 34. The beam assembly is then
secured to the base members 20 by passing the second bolt 162
through the second clevis 160 and the aligned second openings 28,
110.
[0074] The drop-in ends 124 of the adjustable purlins 120 are
attached to the raised and vertical second beam assembly 40 by
inserting the drop-in ends 124 into the plurality of brackets 56 at
the apex 50 of the second beam assembly 40. A purlin lift tool 174
can be used to lift the adjustable purlin 120 into the bracket 56
at the apex 50 of the second beam assembly. The remaining
adjustable purlin drop-in ends 124 are then connected to the
plurality of brackets 56 located between adjacent corresponding
short beams 70, long beams 80, and eaves 60 of the roof portions 42
of the first and second beam assemblies 40, as illustrated in FIG.
21. In some embodiments, either of the adjustable purlin ends 122,
124 can be attached to the first beam assembly 40 before being
erected into the vertical position, then the opposing end of the
purlin 120 can be connected to the second beam assembly after the
second beam is erected into a vertical position.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, a pair of bracing cables
140 is shown. The pair of bracing cables 140 preferably is next
attached to the bracket 56 at the apex 50 of the roof portions 42
of each of the first and second beam assemblies 40, as illustrated
in FIG. 22. The bracing cables 140 are next attached to the
shackles, or devises, 158, 160 at the base members 20 coupled to
the first and second beam assemblies 40. The bracing cables 140 are
lightly tensioned by adjusting a turnbuckle 142 at an end of each
bracing cable 140. Any vertical misalignment of the roof portions
42 can be corrected by adjusting the turnbuckles 142.
[0076] The next to last beam assembly 40 preferably is raised
without first connecting an adjustable purlin 120 to the apex 50
thereof. The beam assembly 40 is rotated upwardly from the ground,
preferably with one person lifting at each side of the apex 50.
When the beam assembly 40 is vertical, the second openings 110 in
the pivot plates 104 of the base inserts 100 are aligned with the
second openings 28 in the pivot plates 26 of the base members 20.
The beam assembly 40 is then secured to the base members 20 by
passing the second bolt 162 through the second shackle, or clevis,
160 and the aligned second openings 28, 110. The drop-in end 124 of
the adjustable purlin 120 is then connected to the bracket 56 at
the apex 50 of the next to last beam assembly 40 using the purlin
lift tool 174. The remaining adjustable purlins 120 are connected
between adjacent short beams 70, long beams 80, and eaves 60 of the
roof portions 42 of the two adjacent beam assemblies 40.
[0077] The last, or end, beam assembly 40 preferably is raised in
the same direction as the other beam assemblies were raised. In
some embodiments, the end beam assembly 40 can be raised in the
opposite direction of the previous beam assemblies 40. An
adjustable purlin 120 is first pivotally attached to the bracket 56
at the apex 50 of the end beam assembly 40 before raising the end
beam assembly 40. The end beam assembly 40 is then rotated upwardly
from the ground, preferably with one person lifting at each side of
the apex 50 and one or more persons pushing and controlling the
roof portion 42 with the remaining adjustable purlins 120. When the
roof portion 42 is vertical, the second openings 110 in the pivot
plates 104 of the base inserts 100 are aligned with the second
openings 28 in the pivot plates 26 of the base members 20. The beam
assembly 40 is then secured to the base members 20 by passing a
bolt 162 of a second clevis 160 through the aligned second openings
28, 110. The drop-in end 124 of the adjustable purlin 120 is then
connected to the bracket 56 at the apex 50 of the next to last beam
assembly 40 using the purlin lift tool 174. The remaining six
adjustable purlins 120 are connected between adjacent short beams
70, long beams 80, and eaves 60 of the roof portions 42 of the
third and fourth beam assemblies 40.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 24 and 28, the top panel 12 and the
end panel 14, or fabric, are shown. With the beam assemblies 40
erected vertically and secured to the base members 20, the top
panels 12 and the end panels 14 of the portable structure 10 are
installed. The top panel 12 is generally rectangular in shape. The
long end of the rectangular top panel 12 is substantially long
enough to extend the full length of the beam assemblies 40, from
one base insert 100, along a first leg portion 44, along the roof
portion 42, and along a second leg portion 44 to the second base
insert 100. Each of the panels 12, 14 of the portable structure 10,
includes a keder 170 that extends along a perimeter thereof. The
keders 170 preferably comprise cords that are sewn along the
periphery of the panels 12, 14 and fit into the keder tracks 46, 48
to secure the panels 12, 14 to the beam assemblies 40.
[0079] The top panels 12 preferably are installed with the beam
assemblies spaced apart a spaced distance that is less than the
width of the top panel 12. To facilitate installation of the top
panels 12, the adjustable purlins 120, which are adjustable in
length, as described in detail above, can adjusted to a length that
is smaller than the width of the top panel 12 if not previously
adjusted to such length. During installation of the top panels 12,
the reduced length of the adjustable purlins 120 decreases the
distance between adjacent beam assemblies 40. An amount of slack is
thereby created in the top panels 12. This serves to facilitate
installation of the top panels 12 between the roof portions 42 of
the beam assemblies 40.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the installation of the
top panel 12 is shown. After the length of the purlins 120 are
reduced, each of the top panels 12 preferably are laid out onto a
drop cloth 172 and arranged for installation between adjacent beam
assemblies 40, or roof portions 42 and leg portions 44 of the
portable structure 10. The keders 170 of the top panel 12 are fed
into the upper keder tracks 46 of the beam assemblies 40 starting
at keder track flared portions 98 of the legs 90. The wider flared
portions 98 (see FIG. 9) of the keder track 48 are provided at a
lower portion of each of the legs 90 and at an upper portion of
each of the eaves 60 for insertion of the keders 170. Thus, the
fabric extending across the spaced distance between adjacent beam
assemblies 40 and spanning all three sides of the structure can be
a single piece of fabric. A single piece of fabric advantageously
reduces the number of steps required to install the fabric material
on all suitable sides of the portable structure 10. In some
embodiments, the spaced distance can be covered by a plurality of
fabric panels, e.g. a pair of leg portion panels and the roof
portion panel. In some embodiments, the keders 170 are fed into the
upper keder tracks 46 at the flared portions 68 of the eaves 60.
The wider flared portions 68 (see FIG. 6) of the keder track 48 is
provided at an upper portion of each of the eaves 60 for insertion
of the keders 170.
[0081] While two people feed the keders 170 into the keder tracks
48 at one side of the portable structure 10, two other people pull
the keders 170 through the keder tracks 48 from the other side of
the portable structure 10 using ropes 178 attached to the top panel
12, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. The keders 170 of the top
panel 12 preferably are pulled through the keder tracks 48 evenly
with concerted 8 to 12 inch pulls on the ropes 178. The panels 12
can be inserted adjacent a lower portion of the legs 90. As such,
the panel 12 is centered, the ends of the panel 12 are positioned
adjacent the lower ends of the legs 90 at both ends of the first
and second beam assemblies 40. In some embodiments, the panels 12
are inserted adjacent the eaves 60, where, accordingly, the panel
12 is centered, the ends of the panel 12 are then fed through the
keder tracks 48 at the lower portions of the eaves 60 past the
adjustable purlins 120.
[0082] Desirably, the radius of curvature of the eaves 60 and
apexes 50 is great enough to allow the top panels 12 and end panels
14 to slide through the keder tracks 48 of the eaves 60 and apexes
50 with relative ease. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the
eaves 60 and apexes 50 is at least approximately 2 feet.
[0083] The panel 12 installation is repeated for each of the
portable structure 10 individual bays, or spaced distance, between
adjacent beam assemblies 40. The adjustable purlins 120 remain in a
shortened, or compressed length, configuration until all of the
panels 12 are installed to the beam assemblies 40. The panels 12
can be tensioned by extended purlins to remove any slack that
exists between the adjacent beam assemblies and establish a taut,
and highly tensioned fabric panel that can withstand significant
wind generated loads and generate minimal noise due to fabric
flapping about in high winds. In some embodiments, for example,
short term installation of the portable structures, the adjustable
purlins are not extended to tension the fabric.
[0084] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 29, the installation
of the end keder 14 is shown. The end panels 14 are installed in
the end beam assemblies 40. Each end panel 14 preferably is laid
out onto a drop cloth 172 to prevent soiling of the end panel 14,
and arranged for installation at an end of one of end beam
assemblies 40. The keder 170 of the end panel 14 is fed into one of
the lower keder tracks 48 of the beam assembly 40 starting at one
of the eaves 60. A wider flared portion of the keder track 48 is
provided at an upper portion of the eave 60 for insertion of the
keder 170. An attachment ring (not shown) desirably is provided at
a curved eave portion of the end panel 14 for attachment of a rope
178. While a first person feeds the keder 170 into the keder track
48 at one side of the beam assembly 40, a second person pulls the
keder 170 through the keder track 48 from the other side of the
beam assembly 40 using the rope 178, as illustrated in FIG. 29. The
end panel 14 is then centered and the ends of the panel 14 are fed
through the keder tracks 48 at the lower portions of the eaves 60.
In some embodiments, the end panel 14 can include a tension web 182
that can be coupled to webbing 176 to be pulled and tension the end
panel 14, as shown in FIG. 28. In some embodiments, the end keder
14 can include an elongate tension member 182, or wire, that can be
coupled to webbing 176 and be pulled to tension the end panel
14.
[0085] The fabric panels 12 can be tensioned after all, or a
portion of, the panels 12 are installed onto adjacent beam
assemblies 40. In some embodiments, particularly where the portable
structure is only temporarily assembled for a short amount of time,
the fabric panels are installed in a loose configuration, and the
purlins 120 are not extended, or elongated, after the purlins 120
are installed on the portable structure 10. As will be appreciated
by one of skill in the art, in some embodiments only a portion of
the purlins 120 are extended. To tension the fabric to a taut
surface, the adjustable purlins can be adjusted from the
compressed, or fully compressed, position to an expanded length
position as illustrated in FIG. 27. The expanded length increases
the spaced distance between the adjoining beam assemblies 40 to
which the purlins 120 are attached via the brackets 56 and the
purlin ends 122, 124.
[0086] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27, the sequence of
extending the adjustable purlins 120 is shown. The sequence of
extending the adjustable purlins 120 can provide a substantially
vertical final position for the beam assemblies 40. The centermost
bay section (I), or top panel 12, of the portable tent structure 10
is preferably tensioned first. The tensioning of the purlins 120 is
shown schematically by the lengthwise directed arrows. The center
purlin of the bay section, that couples to the adjacent apexes 50,
can be tensioned first by rotating the rotating body 130 such that
the threaded portions 134, 136 rotate out of the rotating body 130
(see FIG. 11). The rotating body 130 can be rotated by using a
standard tool to grasp the hexagonal portion 132 of the body 130
or, in some embodiments, by hand pressure alone.
[0087] As the threaded portions 134, 136 exit the rotating body
130, the length of the adjustable purlin 120 increases. The
increased length of the purlin 120 increases the spaced distance
between the beam assemblies and tensions the top panel 12 that is
fixedly attached to the adjacent beam assemblies via the keder 170
that is securedly encompassed by the keder tracks 46.
[0088] After the center purlin 120 is tensioned to remove the
fabric panel 12 slack between the beam assemblies at the apex 50
region, the adjacent purlins are extended to tension the remaining
portions of the center (I) fabric panel 12. The next adjacent
purlins, moving outward toward the legs 90 from the apex 50 on both
sides of the apex 50, are sequentially extended and tensioned in
the same bay section of the center panel 12. Thus, the top panel 12
is tensioned from the widthwise center location of the beam
assembly outward toward the legs 90. For example, after purlin 120
coupled to adjacent apexes 50 are tensioned, the purlins 120 that
are coupled to the short beams 70 are tensioned. After the short
beam 70 purlins 120 are tensioned, the purlins 120 that are coupled
to the long beams 80 are tensioned. Finally, the purlins 120 that
are coupled to the adjacent eaves 60 are tensioned. In some
embodiments, the order of sequencing the purlins within each bay
can vary, e.g. apex 50 first, eaves 60 second, or the like, or any
combination thereof.
[0089] With continued reference to FIG. 27, the adjustable purlins
120 in adjacent bays can be extended after fabric installed in the
center bay (I) is tensioned. In a similar sequential manner of
elongating the adjustable purlins 120, the fabric is tensioned in
adjacent bays (IIa) and (IIb) after the center bay (I) is
tensioned. The tensioning sequence can incrementally move
outwardly, away from the center (I) fabric 12, until the end bay
sections (IVa) and (IVb) of the portable tent structure 10 are
tensioned last. For example, the tensioning sequence can be bay
(I), bays (IIa) and (IIb), bays (IIIa) and (IIIb), and then end
bays (Iva) and (IVb). In this manner, the center beam assemblies
can be positioned in the most vertical position relative to the
support, or ground, surface. The adjacent beam assemblies 40 can be
angled slightly outwardly, about the base members 20, toward the
outer ends of the tent structure 10 in a cumulative manner. Thus,
the end beam assemblies 40 can have the greatest angle directed
away from the lengthwise center of the tent structure 10. The angle
of each beam assembly is generally fixed after the attached
adjustable purlins 120 are extended, as the portable structure 10
bay portions that have already been tensioned will generally not
move under assorted environmental or assembly loads applied to the
structure. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, in
some embodiments the adjustable purlins 120 in one or more of the
bays (I, IIa, IIb, etc.) are not extended or tensioned.
[0090] Any lighting, decorations, or other fixtures that are to be
hung from the roof portions 42 of the portable structure 10 can be
installed next. The lighting and decorations preferably are
attached to the brackets 56 at the apexes 50, long beams 80, short
beams 70, and eaves 60 of the roof portions 42.
[0091] Because the portable structure 10 of the illustrated
embodiment is anchored to the ground at the base members 20 during
construction thereof, the risk of damage to the portable structure
10 or injury to persons nearby during construction of the portable
structure 10 is reduced. The tensioning of the top panels 12 and
end panels 14 via the variable length adjustable purlins 120
improves the overall appearance of the portable structure 10 and
reduces noise and frame stresses caused by the flapping of the
panels 12, 14 in the wind.
[0092] The portable structure 10 is easily erected by unskilled
workers with minimal specialized equipment. In addition, the tent
structure 10 comprises a number of relatively small frame
components that can easily be transported from site to site. For a
5,000 square foot portable structure of the illustrated embodiment,
the disassembled shipping volume is approximately 480 cubic feet.
In contrast, a typical 5,000 square foot fabric-covered structure
would have a shipping volume of approximately 1280 cubic feet. The
portable structure of the illustrated embodiment is thus
well-suited for long-term installations in demanding environmental
conditions.
[0093] Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof Thus, it is intended that the scope of the
present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be
determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
* * * * *